Journey and Beyond

Welcome to Journey & Beyond! In today’s episode, I’m honored to sit down with Professor Luca, an internationally recognized neuroscientist and the head of the Clinical Brain Network Team at QMR Burghoffer.Professor Coci’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After completing his PhD in Neuroscience in Switzerland, he continued his research in Melbourne and Brisbane before establishing his own independent lab. His groundbreaking work focuses on the complexities of the human brain, mental illness, and the future of mental health treatments.In this conversation, we explore not only the science but also Luca’s passion for reshaping the way society perceives depression, OCD, and mental illness as a whole. His work blends cutting-edge research with a deep commitment to improving lives.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges neuroscience, hope, and the possibility of a brighter future for mental health.

In this conversation, we sit down with Michelle Lupton -Head of Neurogenetics and Dementia at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and dive into how genetics and scientific research are transforming our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. We look at the powerful role genetics plays—not only in identifying risk factors but also in guiding research that could unlock new approaches to treatment and prevention. Alongside the science, we reflect on the human side of dementia, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and finding meaning in everyday experiences, even as memory and cognition change.Michelle shares her insights on groundbreaking genetic studies, explaining how they shed light on the complex biological processes behind Alzheimer’s. Her perspective highlights not just the challenges but also the progress being made, giving us reasons to remain hopeful about the future of treatment and care.

We take a deep dive into the remarkable journey of Cam, whose path has taken him from global stages like the United Nations to the halls of Oxford University, and ultimately to becoming the founder of Resonate—a pioneering company that is transforming the way depression is understood and treated.Cam's story is not just about impressive credentials, but about the lived experiences that shaped his vision for mental health innovation. At the UN, he witnessed firsthand how international communities confront complex global issues, often under immense pressure and in culturally diverse settings. Those experiences gave him a unique perspective on resilience, human connection, and the importance of creating systems that prioritize mental well-being.In our conversation, we explore not only the milestones of Cam's career but also the lessons he has drawn from navigating global challenges, diverse cultures, and shifting perspectives on mental health.

Our guest is Nimrod Klayman, Head of Entrepreneurship at The University of Queensland, where he leads the renowned UQ Ventures ecosystem. From iLab - one of Australia’s most experienced accelerators to Idea Hub and beyond, Nimrod’s programs have launched hundreds of student-led startups. Since 2016 he’s shaped Idea Hub’s growth, equipping students, alumni and staff with the skills to think creatively and build game-changing ventures. Nimrod brings 20-plus years of leadership across telecommunications, manufacturing, tech and FMCG industries in Israel, Argentina and Australia. A serial founder, he has started 11 companies on three continents — and still counts mentoring as his favorite startup. He champions diversity as the driving force behind UQ’s women-focused accelerator, empowering more female founders to scale breakthrough ideas. In this conversation, he unpacks the anatomy of a resilient startup ecosystem and what he looks for in the next billion-dollar idea. We delve into his unique blend of business savvy and psychology, and how it shapes founder mindsets in high-pressure moments. Plug in for a fast-paced masterclass in innovation, mentorship and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities that scare you.

In this episode of Journey and Beyond, we sit down with Mara — a Harvard PhD turned life science investor—who shares her incredible journey from academia to entrepreneurship. She opens up about the turning points that led her to leave the lab and build a career identifying transformative biotech innovations. Mara breaks down complex scientific and investment ideas into powerful, relatable insights. We explore the importance of taking risks, trusting your instincts, and backing yourself even when the path is uncertain. From navigating failure to building resilience, her story is as inspiring as it is informative. Whether you're a founder, scientist, or just a curious mind, this episode allows you to discover how passion, purpose, and perseverance can fuel real impact. Tune in and let Mara’s story ignite your own journey.

In this episode of Journey and Beyond, I chat with Iain, co-founder of Zellis and Zellis Auto, about his journey in identifying market gaps and building successful e-commerce platforms. We dive into how he navigates emotional management in business, the balance between innovation and practicality, and his strategies for scaling online businesses. Iain also shares valuable advice for new entrepreneurs on managing risk, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying adaptable in the ever-changing e-commerce landscape.

In this episode of Journey and Beyond, Shafali sat down with Ian Burgess, CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), to explore his remarkable career across the healthcare and MedTech industries. We dive into his leadership experiences in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, his insights on navigating entrepreneurship in medical technology, and the future opportunities for innovation in healthcare. Ian shares valuable lessons on adaptability, strategy, and staying ahead of emerging trends, making this an inspiring conversation for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

In this episode of Joury and Beyond, I sit down with Tim Davies, founder and CEO of ZELLIS. Tim shares his journey from launching the company nearly a decade ago to scaling it without borrowing funds. We discuss the evolution of eCommerce, maintaining a strong company culture across different countries, and his insights on balancing customer experience with conversion rates. Plus, hear Tim's take on future disruptors in the online retail space and valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs.Listen now and get inspired by Tim’s entrepreneurial wisdom!

In this episode of Journey & Beyond: Untold Stories, host Shafali sits down with Dr. Aida, a pioneering Research Scientist at CSIRO, to discuss her groundbreaking work in the field of AI and healthcare. Dr. Aida shares her inspiring journey from medical imaging research to leading AI projects that are transforming medical devices and decision-making tools.Highlights of the episode include:Dr. Aida’s motivation for moving into the AI space and the pivotal moments that influenced her career shift.Insights into her award-winning research on explainable AI, which won the Best Paper Award at Medinfo 2023.Challenges she’s faced in her career and the strategies she used to overcome them.Tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance while leading high-stakes projects.Her proudest achievements, including the Early-Career Advance Queensland Research Fellowship and a nomination for the Global Australian Talent Award.What’s next for her in the world of responsible AI in healthcare.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that delves into innovation, resilience, and the future of AI in healthcare.#AI #Healthcare #Innovation #WomenInAI #CSIRO #MedTech #ResponsibleAI #Podcast #InspiringStories

In this episode of Journey & Beyond, we sit down with Sherman Black, a seasoned CEO with over 20 years of experience leading and transforming global technology companies. Sherman has been at the helm of businesses that range from startups to billion-dollar enterprises, including leading a $4 billion division of Seagate and his role as CEO of Qumu.With a rich background in guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and challenges, Sherman shares his insights into what it takes to scale a company to the billion-dollar mark, navigate industry shifts, and build strong leadership teams. We dive deep into his experiences of running multimillion and multibillion-dollar businesses, how he approaches decision-making, and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.Throughout our conversation, Sherman reflects on the importance of adaptability and innovation in today’s fast-changing tech world. He talks about the challenges of leading companies through different stages of growth, including navigating market competition, fostering innovation, and maintaining a strong company culture.Sherman also highlights his time at Seagate, where he led a $4 billion business unit and helped steer the company through significant industry changes. Additionally, we discuss his role as CEO of Qumu, a leading provider of video content management solutions, and how he successfully positioned the company for growth in a highly competitive market.Beyond his corporate achievements, Sherman offers personal insights into leadership, mentorship, and the value of staying grounded, no matter the size of the company. His passion for empowering the next generation of leaders shines through as he discusses the lessons he’s paying forward to those stepping into leadership roles today.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a current business leader, or simply someone interested in hearing about what it takes to run and transform global companies, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice from one of the most experienced leaders in the tech world.Tune in to hear Sherman Black’s incredible journey and gain wisdom from his vast experience at the top of global technology companies.Listen now to learn:How to lead companies through growth and transformationThe challenges of scaling multimillion-dollar businesses to billion-dollar enterprisesThe leadership mindset required for running global companiesLessons from Sherman’s time at Seagate and QumuHow to stay grounded while leading large organizationsThe future of leadership in the tech world

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sonu Bhaskar, MD PhD FANA—a physician-scientist, board director, and neurologist with a focus on vascular neurology and global health. Dr. Bhaskar has led groundbreaking initiatives like the NSW Brain Clot Bank and the Pandemic Health System Resilience Program (REPROGRAM), shaping policies and improving healthcare systems worldwide.We dive deep into his remarkable journey, insights into stroke medicine, global health, and the role of AI and big data in healthcare. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!

Join us as we dive into the world of AI and energy efficiency with Abhishek Sastri, CEO and co-founder of FLUIX AI. In this episode, Abhishek shares how his company is transforming data centers by reducing HVAC energy consumption by up to 65% using AI-driven solutions. We discuss his entrepreneurial journey, insights into leadership, navigating the fundraising process, and the importance of mentors. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a young leader at the forefront of innovation in data center cooling.

In this episode of Journey & Beyond: Untold Stories, I sit down with Ben Stern, the brilliant founder of Nohbo and Tenkara AI, to discuss his incredible entrepreneurial journey. Ben started Nohbo in high school, disrupting the single-use plastics industry with eco-friendly pod solutions, eventually securing a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.Now, Ben has transitioned into the world of AI with his latest venture, Tenkara AI, where he's focused on building frictionless supply chains. We dive into:The transition from consumer goods to AIHow AI is revolutionizing supply chainsHis experience working with Mark CubanBalancing business growth with making a meaningful impactAdvice for aspiring founders on raising capital, working with investors, and making key decisionsPlus, we wrap up with a fun rapid-fire round where Ben shares his favorite books, productivity hacks, and the best moments from his startup journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and innovators alike!