In this episode of Vistage LIVE, host Stephanie Christopher is joined by Ron Gauci—new Vistage Chair, seasoned CEO, and transformation expert whose leadership career spans Telstra, IBM, Microsoft, Melbourne Storm, Federation Square and more.

Ron shares hard-won insights from leading organisations through adversity, uncovering potential, and achieving sustainable turnarounds—not just in crisis, but in complacency.

Key Highlights:

• Three-Phase Turnaround Approach:
  Ron’s model of 30 days observation, 30 days planning, 30 days execution allows him to tailor unique strategies for each organisation.

• Creating Momentum:
  In the absence of urgency, Ron isn’t afraid to "manufacture a crisis" to overcome complacency and mobilise teams.

• The Power of Culture and Mindset:
  Execution starts with clarity—clear roles, accountability, and defining what success looks like. Ron draws from elite sport to foster a high-performance, “never-settle” mindset.

• Tough Conversations, Delivered Well:
  Authentic leadership means honesty with care—Ron is known for difficult conversations that earn trust, even from those he’s had to let go.

• Stories of Impact:
  From revitalising Melbourne’s Fed Square to rebuilding the Melbourne Storm after its salary cap crisis, Ron’s legacy is one of transformation and empowerment.

Now stepping into his role as a Vistage Chair, Ron is seeking growth-focused business leaders ready to stretch themselves—and support others—in a confidential, high-calibre peer group.

What does it take to build a profitable business without compromising your values?

In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Stephanie sits down with Vanessa Cullen — founder of Forward Thinking Design and a true pioneer of sustainable, values-led leadership. With over 20 years’ experience across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Vanessa shares how she’s turned ethics into enterprise, designing both spaces and strategies that create meaningful impact.

We explore what it really means to be a social enterprise, how circular economy thinking is reshaping the future, and why being values-aligned from day one was the most strategic decision she ever made. Vanessa also opens up about her early challenges, the role of peer support in her journey, and the quiet power of doing business differently.

Key Takeaways

1. A Social Enterprise Built on Values, Not Buzzwords
2. Social Enterprise vs. B Corp vs. NFP — Know the Difference
3. Circular Economy Is More Than Recycling
4. Purpose and Profit Can Coexist
5. A Business Leader Forged by Ethics, Resilience and Lived Experience
6. The Power of Peer Support
7. Advocacy and Giving Back Are Core to Her Mission
8. Leadership That Minimises Waste and Maximises Meaning

In this episode of Vistage LIVE, Vistage Australia and New Zealand MD Stephanie Christopher interviews Rob Ristagno, President, International at Vistage. Rob shares his insights on the evolving landscape of leadership and the challenges CEOs face in a rapidly changing business environment. He emphasises the importance of adaptability, strategic decision-making, and leveraging community-based learning for growth and resilience. Rob also discusses how Vistage is supporting CEOs with resources that foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable success.

Key takeaways include:

• Embracing change as a constant and leading with flexibility.

• Building stronger networks through peer learning and global connections.

• Developing leadership skills that prioritise long-term strategy over short-term gains.

• Understanding how Vistage's unique ecosystem empowers leaders to navigate complexity with confidence.