The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal
Vidit Agarwal
Welcome to "The High Flyers Podcast," where host Vidit Agarwal dives into the mechanics of success with a stellar line-up of guests. Each episode is a journey through the minds of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders from various industries, unraveling their unique paths to success. Vidit, with his insightful and probing questions, ensures that every conversation is rich with information that is both practical and inspirational. This podcast is perfect for anyone curious about the secrets behind thriving careers and businesses. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply a lifelong learner, "The High Flyers Podcast" offers valuable lessons from those who have soared to great heights in their fields. Explore episodes featuring discussions on breakthrough strategies, resilience, and the future of industry, providing listeners with the tools to elevate their own aspirations.
Episodes
#166 Alasdair MacLeod: Boarding school childhood, Newspaper publisher turned soil carbon entrepreneur, working with Rupert Murdoch and building Macdoch
In this revealing conversation, Alasdair MacLeod shares his unique life journey, beginning with his boarding school days and leading up to his significant role in addressing climate change through agriculture. MacLeod reflects on his pivotal experiences, such as his long tenure at News Corp under Rupert Murdoch, where he witnessed the seismic shifts in the media landscape and the advent of the internet. The discussion also covers his transition to regenerative agriculture, focusing on his innovative work in soil carbon and sustainable farming practices. Through his story, we gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of changing industries and leveraging business practices for environmental impact.
#165 Jillian Broadbent: Charting new paths as Board Director in Public & Private sector at Macquarie Bank, Qantas, Woolworths, CEFC & more!
In this revealing interview, Jillian Broadbent shares her path from starting at the Reserve Bank at 19 to becoming a significant figure on various boards, such as Macquarie Bank and Qantas. Broadbent discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, her strategic moves, and the impact of her work, especially in clean energy and finance. The conversation covers her early influences, professional milestones, and her philosophy of not carrying emotional baggage, providing listeners with a unique view into the life of a powerful influencer in business and finance.
#164 Connor Archbold: Living in 28 homes, Unpacking the magic and learnings building 'Tracksuit', New York, NZ & Family!
Connor Archbold shares his fascinating journey, delving into his upbringing in multiple homes and the pivotal experiences that shaped his career trajectory. He discusses founding Tracksuit, a company providing real-time brand health tracking, which now serves over 1300 brands and has raised significant Series A funding. The episode covers the cultural and operational challenges Connor faced while expanding internationally, particularly into the U.S. market. The discussion also touches on personal aspects such as his family, the impact of moving back to New Zealand during COVID, and his philosophical approach to life and business.
#163 Grant Dooley: Joining Navy at 16, Diplomat in China + Indonesia (and painful learnings); Inside the $2B fund, Breakthrough Victoria!
In this engaging conversation, Grant Dooley shares his journey from enlisting in the Navy at 16 to becoming a pivotal figure in international funds management. The episode is structured around Dooley’s career transitions, starting with his naval experiences and early exposure to international cultures. It covers his challenging yet formative years in diplomacy, particularly in China and Indonesia, highlighting key incidents that shaped his professional and personal life, including the traumatic events during his tenure in Indonesia like the embassy bombing. The latter part of the episode shifts focus to his current role as the CEO of Breakthrough Victoria, discussing the strategic innovations and investments aimed at transforming Victoria into a global leader in innovation.
#162 Adam Jacobs: How he built 'The Iconic' and now 'Hatch', Learnings from selling kitchen knives, personal identity and dad's influence!
In this enlightening conversation, host Vidit Agarwal delves into Adam Jacobs' inspiring entrepreneurial journey, his foundational experiences, and the influences that shaped his path. Born and raised in Sydney, Adam shares insights from his multicultural upbringing, his early ventures into the business world, including a unique stint selling kitchen knives, and his academic foray into astrophysics. He discusses his decision to co-found Australia's largest online fashion retailer, 'The Iconic', and later 'Hatch', a venture aimed at redefining job market engagement. Adam reflects on the importance of starting in sales, the impact of rapid corporate growth on his personal development, and his philosophical approach to life and business. The conversation also covers Adam's family dynamics, cultural background, and pivotal life moments that have contributed to his calm, problem-solving demeanor.
#161 Holly Ransom: Inspiring journey from Perth to working w Obama, Branson, Gladwell + world events, her grandma and more!
In a deep dive into Holly Ransom's life and career, this episode revisits her significant interactions and the profound lessons derived from them. Holly discusses her early life in Perth, the influence of sports and her education on her leadership style, and her pivotal experiences working with global leaders and celebrities. The episode illuminates Holly's views on nerves being a form of selfishness, her strategic approaches to significant interviews, and the importance of continual learning and reframing one's perspective. Holly’s emphasis on leadership being accessible to everyone and the need for diverse voices at decision-making tables resonates throughout the discussion.