
How a CEO is Building a $20M Brand With Trust & Candor | Ep. 45 Rebecca Williams The Honest CEO Show
In this episode of the Honest CEO Show, Caroline Kennedy interviews Rebecca Williams, CEO of Seed & Sprout, discussing her journey from the automotive industry to leading a purpose-driven brand. Beck shares insights on navigating transformation, balancing founder vision with leadership, fostering a culture of trust, and the importance of radical candor in the workplace. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches to business growth, creating a flexible work environment, and the future of Seed & Sprout as they aim for sustainable growth in a problem-rich environment.
Oct 27, 2025
46 min

In this episode of "The Honest CEO Show," host Caroline Kennedy sits down with Alisa Fraser, one half of the dynamic duo behind the brand al.ive. From their early days captivating audiences on reality TV to building a multi-million dollar business in the competitive skincare industry, Alisa shares her journey of reinvention, resilience, and the power of intuition. Discover how the sisters turned challenges into opportunities and learn the secrets behind their conscious luxury brand. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, family bonds, and the relentless pursuit of passion.
Sep 16, 2025
34 min

In this episode of the Honest CEO Show, Caroline Kennedy interviews Rachel Donath, a visionary designer and entrepreneur, who shares her journey of building a brand rooted in creativity and integrity. Rachel discusses her early influences, the importance of home design, and the challenges of balancing passion with commercial viability. She reflects on her leadership experiences, the lessons learned along the way, and her aspirations for the future of her brand. The conversation emphasises the significance of trusting one's instincts, the power of home, and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth.
Jun 9, 2025
41 min

In this episode of the Honest CEO Show, Caroline Kennedy interviews Louisa Williams, founder of Kooshy Kids, a brand revolutionising family travel. Louisa shares her journey from working in HR to launching a successful business that addresses the challenges of traveling with children.
The conversation explores the importance of resilience, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and the realities of running a product-based company. Louisa discusses her strategies for balancing work and family life, navigating cash flow challenges, and the significance of knowing your numbers.
She also reflects on personal sacrifices made along the way and her aspirations for the future of Kooshy Kids, including opening a physical store and expanding into the US market.
May 31, 2025
37 min

In this episode of the Honest CEO Show, Caroline Kennedy interviews Dean Leibbrandt, co-founder of Nakie, an Australian startup that transforms ocean plastic into adventure gear. Dean shares his journey from a corporate background to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for sustainability and environmental impact.
The conversation delves into the challenges of creating a sustainable product, balancing corporate jobs with a growing business, and the broader impact of their initiatives, including planting trees and creating jobs in impoverished communities. Dean emphasises the importance of profitability in scaling their mission and reflects on the challenges faced along the way, including navigating international sales and customer experience.
In this conversation, Dean Leibbrandt shares the journey of building Nakie from a side hustle to a thriving business. He discusses the challenges of balancing full-time jobs with entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that signaled growth, and the innovative marketing strategies that propelled the brand forward. Dean emphasizes the importance of self-belief, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices in achieving long-term success. He also reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, focusing on kindness and making a positive impact in the community.
May 11, 2025
36 min

We welcome Angela Shaw, a versatile executive whose journey from law to human resources leadership offers valuable perspectives for professionals across industries. With her impressive background in legal practice and commercial strategy, Angela has masterfully navigated corporate policy frameworks and leadership development throughout her career. After leading the HR function at ARB Corporation—a global powerhouse with approximately $700 million in annual revenue—she's now shaping the people strategy at the iconic Bakers Delight.
In this compelling episode, Angela shares her experiences managing unprecedented HR challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers candid reflections on her transition from legal practice to human resources leadership. She delves into the nuanced art of influence in leadership roles, the power of authentic leadership, and strategies for navigating difficult conversations with grace and effectiveness. Angela provides practical insights on measuring HR's tangible impact on business growth and explores how emerging AI technologies are transforming leadership practices. Tune in to learn from a strategic thinker who's successfully bridging people and business imperatives at some of Australia's most recognised companies.
Apr 13, 2025
40 min

Join us for an exciting conversation with Steve Pastor, the innovative CEO and Founder of Kings of Neon, Australia's standout neon sign business that has illuminated its way to an impressive $10 million valuation. Steve's remarkable journey and business acumen recently earned him recognition in the prestigious Smart Company Smart 50 Awards.
In this illuminating conversation, Steve shares the radiant path of Kings of Neon, from challenging early beginnings to global expansion. Steve reveals the strategies behind building powerful relationships with major brands and reflects on his Shark Tank experience with refreshing honesty. Discover his unique approach to distinctive branding in a crowded marketplace, leadership philosophies that drive his team dynamics, and the singular focus that continues to fuel his success. Join us for a bright glimpse into Steve's vision for the future of Kings of Neon and gain practical wisdom from an entrepreneur who's truly lighting up the business world.
Apr 4, 2025
48 min

We're bringing you an inspiring conversation with Drew Mansur, the innovative co-founder of TileCloud, Australia's premier online tile destination that has grown into a remarkable $30+ million enterprise. Drew's passion for renovation, coupled with his frustration with the traditional tile-buying experience, sparked the creation of TileCloud.
Drew reveals his creative foundations and early career experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, along with the pivotal frustrations that inspired TileCloud's creation. He candidly discusses the startup challenges they weathered in the early days, shares valuable insights on successfully scaling an e-commerce business in a traditional industry, and offers practical wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn about his vision for TileCloud's legacy and how he's transformed the way Australians approach home renovations.
Mar 31, 2025
47 min

Dive into an engaging conversation with Daniella Burns, the dynamic Product Director at Nintex, a global powerhouse valued at $750 million. Her strategic mindset and passion for innovation offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking to elevate their leadership impact.
In this episode, Daniella shares her passion for impactful work and delves into the strategies for building strategic thinking capabilities within teams. She emphasises the crucial interplay between strategy and execution, and the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. Discover her perspectives on data-driven decision-making, influencing teams through uncertainty, and the importance of cultivating soft skills. Learn how she integrates innovation into daily work and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Mar 24, 2025
54 min

We welcome Maria Mavrikos, the pioneering founder and managing director of Structural Challenge, who built a formidable $40+ million enterprise in the traditionally male-dominated steel industry. Her groundbreaking journey demonstrates how vision and determination can transform both businesses and industries.
In this episode, Maria recounts her early experiences and the significant hurdles she overcame, particularly as a woman in the steel industry. She reveals her strategies for innovating within the sector and shares the inspiring story behind "Steel Chicks," her social enterprise dedicated to coaching and empowering women. Gain valuable insights into her key leadership lessons and her enduring commitment to leaving a legacy that opens doors for future businesses and women in the industry.
Mar 17, 2025
37 min
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