Today's guest is the effervescent Kristi Woolrych, the kind of leader who leaves an imprint on everyone she meets. You'll find yourself saying "I want to work for her" as you hear how she graciously steers such a successful team. Ben and Kristi chat about her transition from CMO in finance, to quick service restaurants, how she keeps her team reaching for more and the inherent creativity in unleashing your free spirit.As Chief Marketing Officer at KFC South Pacific, Kristi was previously responsible for driving sales growth through food innovation and retail communications whilst also driving long term brand equity and to lead the marketing team in their goals. After we finished recording she took on a new challenge, stepping up into the General Manager role she's now excelling in.

Catalyst Conversations is back with a fresh new season of insightful conversations.  In this episode, Ben Bars is joined by Leigh Barnes, Chief Customer Officer at Intrepid Travel for a thought provoking chat about Purpose in business.  Intrepid Travel is the worlds largest adventure travel company with a very big mission - to be the best travel company for the world. It's that nuance that matters to Leigh, and Intrepid's devoted customers; for the world, not in the world. One simple word for a powerful positive impact.  This is a not to be missed conversation, from B Corp certification to First Nation Storytellers and growing seaweed to capture carbon emissions, Leigh's infectious passion will get you thinking about your own Purpose and how your brand shows up in, and for the world. | Sound production with thanks to Beach Shack Podcasts.

 This week Ben Bars sits down with Isa Notermans for a refreshingly authentic and open conversation that leaves nothing unsaid. Isa is the Global Head of People and Culture at the fast growing scale-up Linktree, and has driven culture change across brands including Google and Spotify. With a scope that covers everything about the human experience at work, Isa’s ‘why’ is to help create pathways to enable her people to thrive and become the very best version of themselves.

The backdrop of Regional Australia is the perfect foundation for a strong organisational culture - from the deep sense of community investment to that quintessential roll up your sleeves, take no s*#$ attitude. But how do you maintain that intimate, community spirit while taking your organisation to a national stage? MD at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Marnie Baker joins Ben Bars for this community-minded Catalyst Conversation.  Marnie discusses what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the organisation in her 32 years working there, extending community beyond your backyard and the crucial importance of taking risks. Conversation highlights - Bringing country experience to the corporate world- Leading with authenticity and integrity- The power of community connection in a regional organisation- Playing diverse roles while staying true to yourself- Embracing and exploring change within a consistent 32-year career- Encouraging risk-appetite and unlocking innovation- Activating Purpose to drive the right outcomes- Extending ‘community’ beyond your backyard- The gendered imbalance of ASX CEOs- Post-COVID perspective on Diversity & Inclusion- Marnie’s advice for her younger selfLearn more at weareunity.com

This Catalyst Conversation welcomes CEO of Clubs NSW and Executive Director of clubs Australia, Josh Landis as our guest with host Ben Bars. They discuss using Purpose as a beacon in difficult times and the healthy friction between change and tradition.Conversation highlights The evolving Purpose of Australian clubsHow clubs have kept themselves purpose-driven throughout lockdownDiversifying what clubs mean and how they can service their communitiesRaising money for the community, while keeping the community and it’s members safeKeeping community investment Purpose-drivenThe future of clubs in Australia (from club to hub)Building a career that’s guided by passionAdvice for Josh’s younger self

‘Looking forward’ is the name of the game in this episode of Catalyst Conversations. Our guest is Futurist Anders Sorman-Nilsson who joins Ben Bars to discuss the changes ahead. From breaking down the most pressing global burning platforms and charting the great COVID accelerator to predicting the next global renaissance, there’s something for everyone to ponder.SHOW NOTES- The role of a Futurist in a future-focussed world- The unassailable power of planning and proactivity- Designing tangible solutions for a hypothetical future - Key learnings from the futurism frontier - Culture as the the foundation of change and transformation- Innovating towards a brighter future- The ‘3 waves of change’- The burning platform for change: Climate- The catalyst for global renaissance: AI- Using automation and tech to unlock jobs vs making them redundant- Entrepreneurial bias and the case for universal basic income- How much has COVID accelerated the digital future?- At the core of future thinking: Sustainability- The organisations leading the charge into the future- Why the next generation is better equipped to drive a better future- Drawing a line from Diversity to innovation

In an increasingly digital and distanced world, connecting with your customers (and your people) presents an ongoing and evolving set of challenges. One organisation ahead of the curve is digital gift card service Prezzee,  who’ve taken what was once considered a last minute gift alternative and reinvented it as a thoughtful and personalised gesture. In this week’s Catalyst Conversations, Prezzee CEO Tony Karp joins Ben Bars to discuss finding power in Purpose and guidance from values, protecting ‘connections’ in the digital space and the difference between customer service and customer obsession. Conversation highlights  What are we gifting each other all around the (COVID) world?The driving force of choice and empowermentWhat the hospitality industry can teach you about good retailCreating advocacy through customer experienceCreating two customer experiences with one productBuilding a customer-centric cultureBuilding chemistry through a camera lensThe experience of launching in two markets during lockdownManaging your people’s (and your own) wellbeing Shifting from startup to scaleupThe extraordinary power of well-defined valuesCreating a clear vision of what comes nextConnecting people with a personal touchWhat happens to unused gift cards?Advice for Tony’s younger selfKeen for more?Hear Tony wax lyrical about the power of defining the right fundamental values for your organisation – then see for yourself. Our Prezzee Uncovered case study covers our co-developed process to design the right data-driven values to support the organisation’s culture and strategy, and unlock advocacy from its people.Listen to the full discussion, rate, review and subscribe to our podcast and catch more insightful Catalyst Conversations here

How does a 212 year old institution become so comfortable with change while staying true to who they are? One key is designing the right culture to enable growth, innovation and reinvention. The other is having the right people – those who build up your organisation’s culture and make good on its Purpose.Nicole Sheffield, Executive General Manager Community & Consumer at Australia Post is our guest on this week’s Catalyst Conversations talking sustainable change, equity and inclusion and a whole host of thoughtful insights. Conversation highlights Bringing Auspost into the digital ageThe consumer trends of a country facing COVID-19E-commerce acceleration in a locked-down worldGuiding principle: Always make the customers’ lives betterGuiding principle: Be comfortable with changeGuiding principle: ‘Always have one nostril above water’Aligning your people to your principles‘Pushing the envelope’ in a 212 year old institution,The difference between ‘customer responsive’ and ‘customer obsessed’Effective transformation, enabled through cultureDesigning culture to solve problems and unlock opportunitiesGrowing up as a first generation AustralianMaking more space for women in leadership rolesThe tangible value of diversityAdvice for Nicole’s younger selfwww.weareunity.com/blog/catalyst-conversations-nicole-sheffield

Adapting a Global brand to suit a diverse collection of markets is a fascinating challenge. For a powerhouse business like KFC, the key to success has always been to build a brand that feels universal – in its offerings, in its consistency but most of all in its purpose.This week, Richard Wallis details his 25 year journey from delivery driver to KFC South Pacific’s managing director and shares some of the lessons he learnt along the way about people, purpose and the pursuit of great customer experiences.Conversation highlights Richard’s 25 year journey from delivery driver to general managerExperiencing a consistent global organisation from across the globeRichards ‘best’ mistakes (and learning from failure)Balancing your gut with the expertise of your teamControlling a franchisee brand that sits in the hands of manyBuilding trusted relationshipsUnifying your people (and franchisees) around a common purpose Turning a Kentucky born business into a universal brand (that resonates with everyday Aussies)Establishing KFC within Aussie culture and cricketThe risks and opportunities of empowering your people to become social media brand advocatesWhat KFC employment is unlocking for the next generation Inspiring contribution and people-driven innovationAdvice for Richards younger self

When radical change lies ahead, how do you draw upon Purpose to help you answer the question; ‘What’s next?’ When Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim hung up his speedos in 2007 and retired from professional swimming, he did exactly that, channelling his passions into a purpose-led entrepreneurial career. This week, Michael joins Ben Bars to discuss the lessons he took from the pool to the boardroom, the changes in store for the next generation of athletes and innovators and ‘what’s next?’ for his career. Conversation highlights (Show notes)The impacts of the last year on Michael, his family and his home in BaliThe logistics (and the importance) of the impending OlympicsResponding to change and uncertainty as an athleteTransitioning from sportsman to managing a businessThe unseen teamwork behind sports and businessFinding your purpose beyond retirement from sport Marketing: From face of the product to brains behind the productMichael’s biggest learning from the business worldInnovation through product vs innovation through processMichael’s leadership style (through his team’s eyes)‘Mastering’ Sleep, nutrition, exercise and mindfulnessThe societal impacts on the next generation of athletesThe impact of globalisation on competitiveness and personal growthThe future of Health and WellnessWhat advice would Michael give his 1990 self?What’s one thing Michael would like to learn in 2021? Keen for more?More and more organisations are recognising the importance of a consciously designed purpose. But simply having a purpose is not enough. For organisations looking to form a meaningful connection with their people and their audience, living your Purpose is key.Find out more about the We Are Unity approach to purpose on our blog, or start a conversation with us at [email protected] Join The Community - our email monthly update on the world of People & Culture including our thought leadership, case studies, research reports and the latest episode of Catalyst Conversations. Please rate review and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue to reach as many people as possible with our inspiring guests. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareunity