The Catalyst Project

When did being an adult become all work, responsibilities and remembering to put the bins out?

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, Shanelle Franklin sits down with Yasmine to unpack the ideas behind her brilliantly titled book, Because Adulthood Shouldn't Be This Boring. They explore happiness, finding joy in everyday life, making time for the things that matter and why adulthood doesn't have to mean putting fun on the back burner.

You'll learn: how to make more room for joy, why happiness deserves to be a priority, how to reconnect with the things that energise you, and why a fulfilling life is about more than simply ticking off your to-do list.

If you've been feeling stuck in the routine of work, responsibilities and repeat, this conversation is your reminder to make some room for the good stuff.

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AI isn't replacing leaders, but leaders who embrace AI will have a significant advantage. Are you ready?

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, Tim Wilson shares how organisations can move beyond the AI hype and start adopting artificial intelligence in practical, responsible and impactful ways. Drawing on more than 30 years of executive leadership and transformation experience, Tim explores what it takes to build AI capability, manage risk, lead cultural change and prepare teams for the future of work.

You'll learn:

• How to adopt AI responsibly in your organisation
• Why leaders need to experiment with AI now, not later
• The biggest risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence
• How to build AI capability across your workforce
• Why governance and guardrails matter for successful AI adoption
• Practical leadership strategies for navigating digital transformation

Whether you're a CEO, executive, people leader or simply curious about how AI is reshaping the workplace, this episode will give you practical insights to help your organisation embrace change with confidence.

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Why do so many Australians avoid talking about money and how much could it be costing their future?

In this episode, financial strategist and Rise High Group Founder Marissa Schulz shares practical advice on financial literacy, wealth creation, superannuation, retirement planning and why women need to take control of their financial future.

You'll learn:

• How to build long-term wealth
• Common super mistakes
• Retirement planning tips
• Why financial literacy creates freedom.

If you're looking to build confidence with money and create lasting financial security, this episode is for you.

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Thinking about your next career chapter after executive leadership?

In this episode, former healthcare CEO Helen Chalmers explains how executives can transition into board and governance roles, build a board portfolio and continue creating meaningful impact after operational leadership.

You'll learn:

• How to secure board positions
• Governance skills that matter
• Transitioning from CEO to Non-Executive Director
• Building influence later in your career.

Whether you're an executive or aspiring board member, this episode is packed with practical career advice.

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Everyone talks about startup success—few talk about what it actually takes to get there.

Founder Freddy Bartlett shares the realities of entrepreneurship, building a business from nothing, overcoming setbacks and making difficult decisions that drive long-term success.

You'll learn:

• Startup lessons
• Entrepreneur mindset
• Scaling a business
• Leading through uncertainty

If you're building a business or dreaming of starting one, this episode is full of practical insights.

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What would you discover about yourself if you pushed beyond every limit?

Eddie Frenchman shares the mindset behind running across Australia to raise $1 million for childhood cancer and why resilience is built through consistent action rather than talent.

You'll learn:

• Mental toughness

• Building discipline
• Overcoming discomfort
• Creating lasting resilience

If you want to develop grit and perform at a higher level, don't miss this conversation.

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Click here to make a donation and support the cause: https://fundraise.redkite.org.au/fundraisers/Frenchmanontherun/fundraise

Is AI changing recruitment faster than businesses can keep up?

EGM Co-Founder Mark Johnson explores the future of work, AI in recruitment, hiring trends, flexible work, generational expectations and what employers need to do to attract top talent.

You'll learn:

• AI in hiring • Recruitment trends
• Flexible work strategies
• Hiring the best people.

Whether you're hiring or job hunting, this episode will help you stay ahead of the market.

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What does it take to lead in one of Australia's most challenging industries?

Amanda Brady shares how she's built a successful legal career while championing diversity and leadership for women in construction.

You'll learn:

• Leadership under pressure
• Women in construction
• Legal leadership
• Influencing change

If you're looking to lead with confidence and create meaningful impact, this episode is for you.

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Numbers don't build businesses. Great leaders do. Finance executive Steve McGrath shares how successful CFOs make better decisions, lead high-performing teams and turn financial data into business growth.

You'll learn:

• Finance leadership
• Strategic decision-making
• CFO mindset
• Building resilient businesses.

Perfect for leaders wanting to make smarter commercial decisions.

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How do you lead through one of Australia's biggest industry transformations?

Jessica Morris shares how SA Power Networks is navigating the energy transition through innovation, customer strategy and long-term thinking.

You'll learn:

• Energy transition
• Customer experience
• Business strategy
• Leading change.

If you're interested in leadership, sustainability or innovation, you'll love this episode.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

Could AI one day understand your thoughts?

Neuroscientist and innovator Ben Schulz explores brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, neuroscience and the future of human-machine interaction.

You'll learn:

• AI innovation
• Brain-computer interfaces
• Future technology
• Neuroscience breakthroughs.

A fascinating episode for anyone curious about where technology is heading.

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What separates great board directors from everyone else?

Governance leader Levi Mitchell shares how professionals can prepare for board roles, build credibility and create long-term influence through effective governance.

You'll learn:

• Becoming a board director
• Governance skills
• Board leadership
• Strategic careers.

If board leadership is on your career roadmap, this episode is essential listening.

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Can you become a better leader by learning how to follow?

Dr Ruth Sims challenges conventional leadership thinking by explaining why followership is one of the most overlooked skills in business today.

You'll learn:

• Followership
• Leadership development
• Team performance
• Workplace culture

A fresh perspective for leaders, managers and emerging professionals alike.

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Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.

CEO Maria Palumbo shares practical lessons on leadership, resilience, self-belief and creating high-performing teams built on trust.

You'll learn:

• Leadership confidence
• Building resilience
• Authentic leadership
• Performing under pressure

If you're ready to become a stronger leader, this episode is a great place to start.

Follow The Catalyst Project for more conversations with Australia's leading business minds.

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, we sit down with Clair Scapinello. For a candid conversation about the good and bad traits we pick up from the leaders around us.

Claire shares the leadership lessons that have shaped her, what to carry forward, what to leave behind, and how those experiences have influenced her own leadership style.

Hosted by Mark Johnson and Yasmine Johnson, this episode is all about reflection, growth, and the powerful impact of leading (and learning) by example.

In this episode of The Catalyst Project, we’re joined by Kate Russell for an honest and insightful conversation about one of the most misunderstood qualities in leadership: vulnerability.

Kate brings a powerful mix of wisdom and lived experience, challenging the way we think about showing up as leaders especially when it matters most.

We got chatting with Michelle Tuckey, internationally recognised workplace psychology expert and leading researcher at the University of South Australia. Michelle is passionate about creating healthier, more respectful workplaces and her research is driving real change.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into her insights on leadership, systems thinking, and psychological safety in today’s workplace. Michelle blends deep scientific insight with practical strategies that organisations can use to prevent bullying and harassment and build safer, stronger teams.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Edginton, founder of The CEO Advantage.

Paul discusses how his early career influences and career path led to the birth of The CEO Advantage, and shares insights on navigating leadership challenges and effective workplace communication.

We explore the key traits of a successful CEO, the critical role of mentorship, and strategies for fostering gender diversity in leadership. Paul also reflects on finding work–life balance and the often-overlooked role of joy in strong, resilient leadership.

In this episode, we dive into the early experiences that shape leadership with Paul Unerkov. Paul shares insights into how his formative years influenced his leadership style, from family values to work ethic, respect, and courtesy.

Research shows that factors like family dynamics, education, and early professional experiences significantly shape an individual’s leadership journey and Paul’s story is no exception.

Join Paula and Mark as they explore how these early influences played a pivotal role in Paul’s career and leadership development.

We got chatting with Shantell Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Tiimely, about the importance of knowing where you get your energy from—and giving yourself permission to recharge without guilt.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺? Whether it’s reading a book, practicing yoga, walking the dog, or savouring 30 minutes of quiet with your morning coffee, it’s important to embrace those moments, even if your routine slips now and then.

In this episode, Shantelle shares insights on maintaining balance, sustaining energy, and why it’s okay to give yourself some grace when life gets hectic. It’s a refreshing reminder that taking care of yourself is key to showing up as your best self.

We got chatting with Merrily Hunter, Founder and CEO of MAC Trade Services, about how she built a 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. Let me say that again: a thriving business, built from scratch, with no external investment.

Today, MAC is the largest energy services and e-electrification business in South Australia, with 53 staff and a network of over 1,000 tradespeople nationwide. Working with government and businesses, they’re making a real impact on the transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

In our conversation with Merrily, we covered everything from leadership to high performance and balance. In this episode, we take a closer look at overcoming unconscious bias and hiring for cultural fit, a crucial factor in building a strong, resilient team.

In our very first episode, we got chatting with RAA's Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Home and Energy, Ben Owen. Ben sat down with Paula and Yasmine to share his journey, insights, and the importance of 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 when looking to progress your career.