The Business Of

We’re living longer, but not all those years are healthy ones. In Australia, there’s now roughly a 12-year gap between how long we live and how long we live in good health – meaning many of us can expect a decade or more of life with health problems. So, how can we shrink that gap? UNSW Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey is one of the world’s leading experts on cognitive ageing and dementia prevention. She explains why brain health is key to ageing well, and how demographic shifts are transforming workplaces and opening new markets in the ‘brain economy’. +++ The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios. This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan. The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here. Listen to our episode with Aware Super’s Katrina McPhee here. Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @UNSW Business School and subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn. Or listen to new episodes of The Business Of and subscribe to our UNSW Business School and AGSM channels on YouTube. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pet ownership is booming – and so is the business behind it.   From birthday parties for pets to organic food and premium grooming, consumers are spending big to keep their animals healthy and happy. So why are people so invested in their pets?   AGSM @ UNSW Business School MBA alumna Anneke van den Broek is the CEO and founder of premium pet-care brand Rufus & Coco. She explains our changing relationship with our pets and how it’s reshaping the multi-billion-dollar industry.   +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.     This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.    The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn. Or listen to more episodes of The Business Of and subscribe to our UNSW Business School and AGSM channels on YouTube.  We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you paid a different price for the same product – not because of demand, but because of your data. Prices change, whether it’s annual sales or seasonal variability. But what happens when AI sets the price – not just for the market, but for you? “The scope and the scale and the pervasiveness down to the individual with personalised pricing is pretty unprecedented.”  UNSW Associate Professor Sam Kirshner explores the trade-off between personalisation and privacy, and the importance of responsible AI use as companies employ new personalised pricing models.  +++ The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios. This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan. The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here. Listen to our episode on how AI is reshaping the way we work with Professor Frederik Anseel here. Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn. Or listen to new episodes of The Business Of and subscribe to our UNSW Business School and AGSM channels on YouTube. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of people lack access to reliable healthcare. Can technology help bridge global healthcare gaps? Dr Jackie Rabec (AGSM MBA 2020) is co-founder of MedTech company ThinkMD.ai, which builds tools that put a doctor’s expertise into the hands of frontline healthcare workers. She explains how the company is bridging health divides in low-income countries where doctors are scarce, and what technology could mean for healthcare all around the world. +++ The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios. This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan. The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here. Listen to our episode with Australian med tech entrepreneur Hayley Saddington here. Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn. Or listen to new episodes of The Business Of and subscribe to our UNSW Business School and AGSM channels on YouTube. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout has gone from a buzzword to a business risk.   According to the latest Women’s Agenda Ambitions Report, 72% of women say they’ve experienced burnout in the past year. It’s no longer just a personal struggle—it’s a workplace crisis. So what’s driving this rising tide of exhaustion?   Angela Priestley, co-founder of independent news platform Women’s Agenda, shares the findings of their 2025 report, exposing the pressures pushing employees to breaking point and what leaders can do to stop it.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  You can read the full 2025 Women’s Ambition Report here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That satisfying ding when you scan your rewards card. The little thrill of watching points accumulate. The smug satisfaction of using miles for a "free" flight. Sound familiar?  We're all players in the massive loyalty program game—whether we're collecting coffee stamps, airline miles, or cashback percentages. But here's the million-point question: Who's really winning?  Is that loyalty card in your wallet a golden ticket to genuine value, or are you just a willing participant in the most sophisticated customer retention scheme ever devised?  Steve Hui, founder of iFLYflat, explains the psychology behind those irresistible point systems, the real mathematics of "free" rewards, and the critical difference between programs that genuinely reward customers versus those that incentivise loyalty more than deliver true benefit.   +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loneliness is quietly affecting workplace productivity more than many organisations realise.  Despite being more digitally connected than ever before, many employees today report feeling isolated, unsupported, and burned out. This isn't just impacting individuals – it's costing businesses financially, and damaging workplace culture and team cohesion.  From performative perks to genuine peer connection, clinical psychologist Dr Zac Seidler unpacks how tech and hybrid work blur boundaries, why men are especially lonely, and what’s missing in our approach to employee wellbeing.  +++  Please note, this episode contains references to suicide and stillbirth. Please take care while listening.  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Listen to our episode on creating healthier workplaces with psychosocial safety expert Carlo Caponecchia here.   Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You don’t become a globally renowned designer by accident. But if you ask Sibella Court, one of Australia’s most sought-after stylists, she never had a master plan to make it big.  From global brand campaigns to bestselling books and hit TV shows, Sibella built a design empire balancing great instincts, good relationships, and sound commercial judgement.    Her approach to business is somewhat unconventional, but it is a masterclass in backing yourself, building a brand organically, and knowing when it’s time to move on.  ++++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Listen to our episode about blending creativity and commerciality with Alexandra Smart here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could collaborative consumption be the cure for our throwaway culture? Robert Chan, the managing director of car-sharing platform Turo, believes we're on the brink of an ownership revolution.  “The average power drill is only on for 13 minutes of its life. You don't want (to buy) the power drill; you want (to fix) the hole in the wall. How do we get the benefit without having all the stuff is really what the sharing economy is trying to do.”  From rideshares to designer handbags, power tools to luxury getaways, the sharing economy is rewriting the rules of how we consume. But as Robert explains, behind the success stories lie a complex web of challenges that can make or break these platforms.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Listen to our episode with Roby Sharon-Zipser about how he started hipages, a digital marketplace that connects tradespeople to homeowners, here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The social impacts of Australia’s housing crisis are well documented, and we’re starting to feel its effect on business.   “We know in Sydney, for example, the housing crisis costs the economy $10 billion a year. So it is not just a social crisis, it's a productivity and economic crisis as well.”    Professor Philip Oldfield, Head of School at UNSW Built Environment, explains how a lack of affordable housing near major employment hubs is impacting the people who work there, and how businesses can build better workplaces.   +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is revolutionising the way we work – automating everything from email creation and data analysis, through to medical diagnostics. But does faster really mean better?   As businesses chase efficiency, are we measuring productivity in the right way – or just the easiest way?  The Dean of UNSW’s Business School, Professor Frederik Anseel, says true productivity isn’t about hours worked; it’s about impact. With technology handling more and more of the routine, the real value may lie in creativity, problem-solving, and big ideas.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Listen to our episode on ‘The Business Of AI’ with Founder and CEO of Ethical AI Advisory, Catriona Wallace here.   Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every second, 12 tonnes of plastic are manufactured globally, and millions of tonnes end up as waste.    For entrepreneur James Lancaster, this stark reality drove him to create Renew IT, a company dedicated to sustainability, in a bid to tackle the problem head on.   What started as a recycling business that generated value from discarded electronics became a passion. After a decade of recycling old office printers and monitors, Renew IT partnered with UNSW to develop world-first technology that turns e-waste plastic into 3D printer filament.   James believes the solution to our global waste issue lies in innovative technologies.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  For more information on Renew IT check out their website.   Listen to our episode with Lottie Dalziel on how she created her sustainable startup, Banish, here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global cricket market is booming. It’s projected to be worth 6.1 billion dollars this year.  And while traditional revenue streams such as broadcast rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales still drive the cricket business, it’s the shortened T20 format that’s drawing in new revenue and new fans.  Former cricket star turned commentator Lisa Sthalekar explains the lucrative business behind one of Australia’s favourite sports and what it can teach you about your company.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  You can listen to our episode with Drew Arthurson from the Sydney Swans here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Do you have cash?" It's a question that's becoming increasingly rare in 2025. Nowadays, many of us prefer the convenience of digital wallets over physical cards, not to mention banknotes and coins.  According to Richard Holden, an economist and UNSW Scientia Professor, we're moving towards a "functionally cashless" society, with the costs associated with carrying cash on the rise.  But what does this shift mean for businesses? And how can we ensure a smooth transition that doesn't leave anyone behind?  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Interested in reading more insights from Scientia Professor Richard Holden? Check out his website.  And if you’d like to hear our episode with Hayden Smith from Pearler, you can find that here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcasting has completely reshaped the audio landscape, pulling audiences away from other media and into a space where brands, businesses, and creators can connect directly with engaged listeners.  Today, companies are leveraging podcasts as a powerful marketing tool—leveraging the medium’s popularity as an accessible platform for authentic storytelling.   James Cridland is the editor of Podnews, a world-leading podcast industry newsletter and he’s been tracking the rise of on-demand audio since the early 2000s. His advice for standing out in an increasingly crowded space? Focus on the fundamentals.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Interested in reading more podcast insights from James? Subscribe to Podnews.   Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018, Lottie Dalziel scribbled down a New Year's resolution: Do better for the planet. Unlike most of us, she actually followed through.  Frustrated by the lack of practical and authentic eco-friendly products on the market, Lottie decided she’d take matters into her own hands. While most startups take years to refine their product, test the market, and strategise their launch, Lottie built Banish – a marketplace and education platform focused on environmental responsibility – in just two weeks.  Her secret? A low risk, cost-effective approach and a willingness to let her customers feedback shape the start-up... This is how she turned a gap in the market into an expanding business.   +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  For more information on Banish check out their website or grab a copy of Lottie’s new book ‘365+ Ways to Save the Planet and your Money at the Same TIme’.   If you want to hear Lottie speak further on sustainability, subscribe to Banish’s podcasts; ‘How To Save Our Planet’ and ‘Sustainability Further’.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple doesn’t sell computers. It sells creativity.   Or maybe it’s more accurate to say people don’t buy computers, they buy the story a company tells about them – that they’re creative, clever, responsible, or anything else that might matter.   Shane Currey, the founder of PRIME Collective Australia, learned this while working in the luxury brand space – without a powerful story behind a brand name, a laptop is just a laptop.  So how do you tell stories people want to believe?  And what about the stories you tell about the people within the business? Shane says the right narrative can be a ‘weapon of mass alignment,’ and he can help you point your people in the same direction.   +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, with insights from Professor Barney Tan.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Game days start hours before the opening siren for Sydney Swans’ COO Drew Arthurson. His game prep usually includes hosting corporate events. And sometimes making coffee for the players.   Everyone in the organisation has their own game-day rituals, but when you break it down, it’s the art and science of how individuals do their best work.  Elite performance is what everyone at the Sydney Swans strives for, regardless of their role. Drew explains the key leadership principles underpinning that shared goal.  +++  The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios.   This episode is hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke.  The transcript and show notes can be found on our website here.  If you're interested in hearing more about the business of sport, we know you’ll enjoy our episode with Darren Werner, the Head of Marketing at Kayo Sports. Listen here.   Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn.   We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.