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PODCAST

Books To The Boardroom

Sumith Dissanayake

Are you interested in how Australia’s best leaders grew into the professionals they are today? The journey from University (Books) to Leadership positions (Boardroom) can take many different forms. Listen in as we interview CEO’s, CFO’s, and Executives, on how they ascended to leadership positions, made critical career choices, and overcame adversity throughout their career. The Books To The Boardroom podcast is co-hosted by Sumith Dissanayake, a CFO turned Business Owner based in Brisbane,

business careers

All Episodes

29:15

An Unconventional Path to CFO: Scott Drummond's Story

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/10/22

Most CFOs don't start their careers directing Shakespeare. Scott Drummond did. Now CFO at REIQ, Scott sits down with Sumith to unpack his unusual journey from theatre to finance. He reckons the skills that made him a good director – proper listening, bringing out the best in teams, seeing the big picture – are exactly what CFOs need today. They also dig into what finance transformation actually looks like in a membership organisation, how to manage AI without the panic, and why Scott se...

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31:45

Rebecca He: The Modern CFO's Journey – AI,...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/09/13

In this episode, host Sumith talks with Rebecca He, founder of RHCFO Consulting in Brisbane. Rebecca shares her unique journey from door-to-door sales in Shanghai at age 14 to becoming a transformational CFO with 25 years of experience across ASX-listed companies and startups. Rebecca's early sales background gives her a distinct advantage – understanding that business is about human connections, not just numbers. This has made her exceptionally effective at collaborating with sales team...

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34:03

Journey from BP to CFO with Andrew Edwards

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/07/05

In this episode, Books to the Boardroom had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Edwards, CFO at Perfection Fresh Australia, who shared his remarkable journey from aspiring tradesman to finance leader. Andrew's career path took him through BP's global operations, where he developed the communication skills and inquisitive mindset that became his defining strengths. We explored how Andrew navigated becoming a management accountant by 24, his philosophy of "don't avoid the risk, manage the risk...

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27:51

From Submariner to CFO: A Journey of Leadership and...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/06/29

"Understanding the problem puts you 50% of the way to addressing it." In this episode of Books of the Boardroom, Season Three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Simon Turner, CFO and ELT member with nearly three decades of experience in finance. Simon shares insights from his unique career path, from serving on nuclear missile submarines in the Royal Navy to becoming a CFO. They discuss leadership, the importance of addressing problems head-on, the evolution of data analytics, ...

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29:41

Navigating Finance and Entrepreneurship: Insights...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/06/23

In this episode of 'Books of the Boardroom' podcast, Sumith chats with Andre Luchesi, Group CFO at Westpork and DBC in Western Australia. Andre's got a really interesting story - from corporate life to running his own ice cream business in Brazil and back to the CFO world. Andre talks about how economic cycles really work, why understanding the big picture macro stuff matters so much for CFOs, and how scooping ice cream taught him more about business empathy than any boardroom ever could. The...

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31:29

Strategic Financial Leadership: Winston Abeyeratne on...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/06/08

In this episode of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Winston Abeyeratne, CFO at Conference Group in South Australia. Winston shares his immigration journey, starting 12 years ago, and his career transition from audit trainee at KPMG in Sri Lanka to various roles in the finance sector in Australia. He discusses the importance of backing statements with numbers, the challenges of working with high-net-worth individuals, and provides advice for new migrants and aspiring CFOs o...

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31:16

CFO Conversations: Ben Edmonds on People, Strategy,...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/06/01

Navigating the People-Centric Transformation in Finance In this episode of the Books to the Boardroom, season three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith is joined by Ben Edmonds, CFO at Alberts in Sydney. The conversation covers Ben's career journey from an early interest in tourism management to becoming a CFO, highlighting the influence of his father and his practical experiences in various financial roles. Ben emphasises the transformative nature of the CFO role, the importance o...

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31:21

From Backpacking to Boardrooms: A CFO's Journey with...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/05/15

Leadership Insights: Navigating the Modern CFO Role with Christina Temme In this episode of the Books to the Boardroom CFO Catalyst podcast, we speak with Christina Temme, CFO at AC3 in Sydney. Christina shares her extensive experience in finance, legal, and compliance, discussing the evolving scope of the CFO role and the importance of logic, decision-making, and embracing change. She highlights her journey through a solo backpacking adventure, her passion for mathematics, and her stra...

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28:15

Navigating the Modern CFO Role with David Hill

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/05/07

In this episode of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes David Hill, CFO of Mosh. They delve into the unchanging fundamentals of business and the evolving tools and skills required for successful financial leadership. David shares his unique journey from childhood entertainer to top finance executive, discussing the importance of critical thought, communication, and problem-solving in the CFO role. They also explore the democratisation of finance, the impact of AI and digital transfo...

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26:31

Navigating Change: Luke Howes on Recruitment and...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/04/29

Adapting to Change: Lifelong Learning and Technological Advancement with Luke Howes In this episode of the Books of the Boardroom podcast, season three of CFO Catalyst, the host interviews Luke Howes, CFO at Six Degrees Executive. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity in both personal and professional development. Luke shares insights into the values-led and relationship-driven approach of Six Degrees Executive, as well as the significance of serving all stakeho...

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29:24

Navigating Finance Transformation: Insights from...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/04/18

In this episode of the Books to the Boardroom Podcast, Season Three CFO Catalyst, I welcomed Scott Walkinshaw, CFO of New North Feed, Western Australia's largest vehicle equipment, transport, and crane company. Scott shared how businesses face tremendous pressure today - squeezed between clients demanding more for less and staff wanting flexible arrangements. Technology is the key to doing more without adding overhead. Scott had a fascinating journey, including meeting the Queen at 19 as an a...

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29:15

Manuel Nesta -Transformative Leadership: From...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/04/12

Join host Sumith and guest Manuel Nesta, a senior finance professional based in Perth, Australia. Manuel shares insights from his career journey and current role as CFO at Acquire, a software company specialising in natural resources and ESG compliance. Key points: The evolution of finance from transaction processing to strategic advisoryDigital transformation and automation in finance departmentsHow AI is revolutionizing financial processes and decision-makingThe growing importance of ESG re...

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29:55

The Gordon Ramsay of Finance: Martin Gyde on...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/04/05

In the latest episode of the Boardroom Podcast's CFO Catalyst series, host Sumith welcomes Martin Gyde, an experienced CFO from New Zealand who calls himself "the Gordon Ramsay of Finance." Martin shares his journey from aspiring policeman to senior financial professional, influenced by his father, a former retail CEO. With his competitive nature shaped by a background in high-level rugby and tennis, Martin brings a refreshingly direct approach to financial leadership. After 25 years in...

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30:05

CFO Catalyst: From Big Four to AI Innovation with...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/03/21

Navigating the Finance Role in the Era of AI: Insights from Jarrod Magee, CFO of Sapia.ai In this episode of "Books of the Boardroom Podcast" (Season 3: CFO Catalyst), host Smith dives deep with Jarrod Magee, CFO of Sapia.ai, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance function. Jarrod shares his journey from Deloitte consultant to C-suite executive, revealing the challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped his career. Get an insider's look at Sapia.ai’s cutting-edge re...

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26:13

Fresh Insights from Madhu Nair | EY Australia

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/03/15

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Auditing with EY's Madhu Nair In this episode of the Books of the Boardroom podcast, host Sumith talks with Madhu Nair, Partner at EY Australia, who brings nearly three decades of experience in the accounting profession. Madhu takes us on his professional journey from handwritten ledgers in India to becoming a Partner at one of the Big Four firms. He shares how his accountant father inspired his career choice and reflects on the satisfaction he's found sta...

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29:12

Ilona Abram - Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/03/08

From Dreams of Acting to Leading Finance - The Journey of Ilona Abram In this episode of Books in the Boardroom podcast, Ilona Abram shares her unconventional journey from aspiring actress to Group CFO at Aquatic Achievers Group. Hosted by Sumith, Ilona delves into her diverse career path, including her roles in HR, IT, and risk procurement beyond traditional finance. The discussion covers her experiences with significant business growth, mergers, and acquisitions, as well as her ...

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27:11

Navigating CFO Challenges: Insights from Rowan...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2025/03/02

In this episode of the Books in the Boardroom podcast, we kick off Season 3, CFO Catalyst, by diving into the world of Chief Financial Officers. Host Sumith explores financial leadership with Rowan Darling, CFO at Clemenger BBDO. They discuss Rowan's transition from audit to commercial operations, the impact of AI in finance, and balancing short-term results with long-term investments. Rowan shares insights on talent development, emphasizing that willingness to learn often outweighs technical...

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30:02

In Conversation with Patrick Kerlin, CFO of One Door...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2024/07/01

Patrick Kerlin, CFO of One Door Mental Health, discusses the organisation's work and his journey to joining them, highlighting the importance of a purpose-driven approach and empowering teams to make decisions. He emphasises that finance should serve as a support function and underscores the value of listening to the team. Reflecting on his early career, Patrick shares his experience of standing up for honesty and integrity, a principle he deems crucial in the finance profession. We explore t...

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33:34

In Conversation with Tracey-Lee Napier, CEO and...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2024/06/28

In this enlightening episode of Books to the Boardroom, we sit down with Tracey-Lee Napier, CEO and Company Director of Holistic Lifestyle Services. Tracey-Lee shares her remarkable journey in the disability sector, providing insights into the valuable services her company offers and the importance of building a robust team culture.Tracey-Lee emphasises the significance of recognising the value of each team member and fostering a culture of effective communication and problem-solving. Her pas...

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36:58

In conversation with Gabriel (GG) Guedes, COO & CFO...

Books To The Boardroom ·

2024/06/03

In this exciting episode of Books to the Boardroom, we sit down with Gabriel (GG) Guedes, the dynamic COO & CFO of Lyka, a trailblazing company delivering human-grade meals on subscription to dogs across Australia. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Gabriel's journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. With a background in engineering and a master’s degree from Italy, he transitioned into the world of management consulting before embracing his entrepreneurial spirit at Lyka.Gabriel shares his ...

en-au

127 results

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