エピソード

  • Why Great Cities Aren't Measured By Their Skyscrapers | Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi

    Why Great Cities Aren't Measured By Their Skyscrapers | Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi
    2026/09/02
    "To assess a city, look at the street level, not the skyline."In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi, an urban planner and academic whose life spans Sri Lanka and Australia, for a thoughtful conversation on what actually makes a city great, and why the answer has almost nothing to do with height, density or spectacle.Dr Sarath shares his early childhood and influences growing up in Sri Lanka, his education and early career in land economics and town planning, and the formative years he spent working alongside informal settlements, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of poverty on how communities live and grow. He reflects on what he learned from international experience, particularly in Australia, and how those lessons have shaped his thinking on empowering local authorities and genuinely engaging communities in the decisions that shape their own neighbourhoods.The conversation explores the real challenges facing Sri Lankan urban development, the role of mentorship in shaping his career, and his belief that a great city is ultimately one where people want to come and belong. Dr Sarath also shares his vision for the future of smart cities and sustainable urban environments, his hopes for Colombo and Sri Lanka more broadly, and the unique assets he believes Sri Lanka holds that the rest of the world often overlooks.This episode is a compelling reminder that the health of a city, much like the health of a life, is measured not by what impresses from a distance, but by what actually happens on the ground, every single day.What we cover:Dr Sarath's early childhood and influences in Sri LankaWhat success means in the context of urban planningEducation and early career in land economics and town planningExperiences with informal settlements and community lifeThe impact of poverty on city developmentLessons learned from international experience, including AustraliaChallenges in Sri Lankan urban developmentThe importance of local authority empowermentThe role of community and mentorship in planningWhat makes a city great and why street level matters mostThe future of smart cities and sustainable developmentA vision for Colombo and Sri Lanka's urban futureOvercoming obstacles and implementing real changeThe unique assets and qualities of Sri LankaCore traits of a successful life and leadershipChapters:00:00 Introduction and Dr Sarath's background00:28 What success means to Dr Sarath00:36 Early childhood and influences in Sri Lanka00:41 Education and initial career in land economics and town planning01:10 Experiences with informal settlements and community life01:37 The impact of poverty and community stories01:41 Understanding town planning and its purpose01:49 Learning from international experiences and Australia02:17 Challenges in Sri Lankan urban development02:35 The importance of local authority empowerment02:42 The role of community and mentorship in planning03:11 What makes a city great and the importance of street level03:40 The future of smart cities and sustainable development03:47 Vision for Colombo and Sri Lanka's urban future04:10 Overcoming obstacles and implementing change04:39 The assets and unique qualities of Sri Lanka05:09 Core traits of a successful life and leadership05:33 Closing thoughts and message to listeners#QuestForSuccess #SarathMataraarachchi #UrbanPlanning #SriLanka #Australia #CityDevelopment #SustainableCities #Community #PlaceBasedPlanning #UrbanJustice #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #SmartCities #ColomboFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    1 時間 20 分
  • Why Compassion Beats Passion - Scott Chapman AM

    Why Compassion Beats Passion - Scott Chapman AM
    2026/08/26

    He turned a $2 million fundraising auxiliary into a $62 million healthcare provider, without being a doctor or a pilot.

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Scott Chapman AM, former CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Victorian Section), for an honest conversation on leadership, impact, and what it actually takes to lead one of Australia's most trusted organisations through crisis after crisis.

    Scott shares his early life and influences, his unexpected path from teaching into leadership, and the moment he joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service in a role far removed from medicine or aviation. He walks us through how he built genuine conviction around fundraising, the discipline required to grow an organisation responsibly, and the leadership principles that carried him through some of the most difficult periods imaginable, including devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The conversation explores the hardest part of leading a resource-limited organisation: deciding what not to do. Scott reflects on impact-driven leadership, the long-term thinking required even when it demands short-term sacrifice, and why authenticity and trust are the real foundations of any lasting relationship, with donors, staff, or communities. He also opens up about legacy, recognition, retirement, and what success actually means to him after a career spent in service of others.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that some of the most important leadership lessons come not from titles or credentials, but from a genuine commitment to impact.

    What we cover:
    Scott Chapman's early life and influences
    Defining success and career beginnings
    The unexpected path from teaching to leadership
    Joining the Royal Flying Doctor Service
    Building conviction in fundraising
    Leading through bushfires and COVID-19
    Deciding what not to do with limited resources
    Legacy and long-term impact in nonprofit work
    Recognition, retirement, and evaluating new opportunities
    Final reflections on success and leadership

    Some of our favourite quotes:
    "Impact-driven leadership is about action and results."
    "Curiosity fuels innovation and cross-pollination."
    "Authenticity and trust build strong relationships."

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
    02:46 Defining Success and Early Influences
    04:43 Career Path from Teaching to Leadership
    08:52 Joining the Royal Flying Doctors Service
    12:49 Building Conviction in Fundraising
    18:06 Leading Through Crises: Bushfires and COVID-19
    26:28 Deciding What Not to Do
    40:43 Legacy and Impact
    45:16 Recognition and Retirement
    47:18 Evaluating Opportunities
    51:35 Defining Success and Legacy
    54:36 Final Reflections and Key Traits

    #QuestForSuccess #ScottChapman #RoyalFlyingDoctorService #Leadership #CrisisManagement #Nonprofit #Fundraising #Legacy #ImpactDrivenLeadership #LongTermThinking #Authenticity #AustralianCharity #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

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    1 時間
  • Why This Olympian Chose Purpose Over Prize Money | Rhydian Cowley

    Why This Olympian Chose Purpose Over Prize Money | Rhydian Cowley
    2026/08/19
    He collapsed with heatstroke at the World Championships. A year later, he won an Olympic bronze medal.In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Rhydian Cowley, a three-time Australian Olympic race walker, for an honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and building a life around a sport most people barely understand.Rhydian shares his journey from his early upbringing and the influence of his parents, through years of steady, largely unrewarded training, to the mental breakthrough that finally unlocked his potential. He walks us through his experience across three Olympic Games, including his performance at Rio 2016, the lessons learned from setbacks, and the moment everything clicked at Tokyo. He also opens up about the pressure of competing in an entirely new Olympic event, the mixed relay at Paris 2024, and what it actually felt like to win bronze alongside teammate Jemima Montag.The conversation goes well beyond the track. Rhydian talks candidly about balancing elite sport with a full-time career, the mental strategies that kept him grounded through pressure and setbacks, and why he believes success is a mindset that changes with circumstances rather than a fixed destination. He also shares how he's used his platform for climate advocacy, winning the BBC Green Sport Athlete of the Year award, and his ongoing work in conservation with Bush Heritage Australia.This episode is a powerful reminder that consistency, not flashiness, is what actually carries people through the long game, whether that's an Olympic career or anything else worth building.What we cover:Rhydian Cowley's early upbringing and his parents' influenceWhat success means to Rhydian and how that definition has evolvedBalancing elite sport with study and a professional careerThe road to Rio 2016 and lessons from his first OlympicsThe differences between the 20K and 50K race walk eventsBreaking through at Tokyo after years of plateauingWinning Olympic bronze in the mixed relay at Paris 2024Mental strategies for handling pressure and staying groundedTransitioning into a mentoring role for younger athletesUsing his platform for climate advocacy and sustainabilityHis work at Bush Heritage AustraliaMissing the Commonwealth Games and reframing setbacksKnowing when to retire and what comes next"Success is a mindset that changes with circumstances." "Consistency in training is more valuable than flashiness." "Supporting teammates can be a huge motivator." Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest, Rhydian Cowley00:29 What success means to Rhydian03:15 Early upbringing and how his parents shaped him05:14 When he realised race walking was his sport07:45 Balancing elite sport with study and work14:02 First Olympic qualifier and the road to Rio 201617:54 Learning from the Rio Olympics experience19:35 Differences between the 20K and 50K race walk events21:18 Mindset when results don't go your way22:58 Breaking through in Tokyo and realising untapped capacity24:59 What race walking training looks like26:04 How his approach changed over time as a veteran athlete28:43 Paris 2024 mixed relay bronze with Jemima33:05 Pressure of competing in a new Olympic event34:22 How winning an Olympic medal felt36:11 Transitioning into a mentoring role for younger athletes38:10 Mental strategies for handling pressure and staying grounded40:39 The team behind an individual sport42:21 Family and friends supporting races in person44:12 How long race walkers can stay competitive45:08 Winning the BBC Green Sport Athlete of the Year award50:07 Work at Bush Heritage Australia and conservation efforts53:45 A normal week balancing training, work, and life55:31 Missing the Commonwealth Games and reframing setbacks59:53 Advice for young athletes aspiring to become Olympians61:32 Knowing when to retire64:30 What's next in his athletic and personal life65:50 Final question: does he feel successful?66:30 Host reflection on Rhydian's core traits68:35 Closing remarks and farewell#QuestForSuccess #RhydianCowley #Olympian #RaceWalking #MentalResilience #SportsPsychology #ClimateAdvocacy #Mindfulness #Leadership #Sustainability #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #TeamAustralia #Paris2024Follow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    1 時間 11 分
  • The Accidental Cricketer - The Untold Story of Dimuth Karunaratne

    The Accidental Cricketer - The Untold Story of Dimuth Karunaratne
    2026/08/12

    He never wanted to play cricket. He became Sri Lanka's most successful Test opener.

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dimuth Karunaratne, former Sri Lanka Test captain and one of the country's most respected cricketers, for an honest conversation on humble beginnings, resilience, and what it actually takes to lead a national team.

    Dimuth shares how cricket wasn't even his plan, starting the sport almost by chance before moving to St. Joseph's College and slowly earning his place through hard work, rejection, and persistence. He opens up about his mother's advice during the hardest years, the breakthrough innings that changed everything, and the pressure of proving himself at every level, from school cricket to Sri Lanka's youth teams to the international stage.

    The conversation explores what it took to become an opener, the mindset that carried him through setbacks, injuries and being overlooked, and the lessons he picked up from senior players who shaped his hunger for the game. Dimuth also reflects on his path to the Sri Lanka captaincy, what leadership actually looked like under pressure, and how he knew it was time to retire.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that the biggest careers are rarely planned. They're built one decision, one setback, and one opportunity at a time.

    What we cover:
     Dimuth's early life and family influence
    Starting cricket almost by chance
    The importance of environment and a positive mindset
    The breakthrough innings that changed everything
    Rejection, hard work, and his mother's advice
    Learning from senior players and building hunger
    His first Sri Lanka call-up and overcoming injury
    Proving himself on tour in Australia
    Becoming Sri Lanka's Test captain
    Leadership lessons from captaincy
    Knowing when to retire
    Life after cricket and coaching aspirations

    "Surround yourself with positive people." Dimuth Karunaratne
    "Trust your journey and keep targets in mind." Dimuth Karunaratne
    "Live in the moment and enjoy the game." Dimuth Karunaratne

    Chapters:
    0:00 Welcome and introducing Dimuth Karunaratne
    0:58 What success means to Dimuth
    1:59 Early life and family background
    3:11 Starting cricket by chance
    5:02 Moving to St. Joseph's and growing as a player
    8:36 The breakthrough innings that changed everything
    11:28 Pressure, expectations, and earning his place
    13:05 Path from school cricket to Sri Lanka youth teams
    15:46 Becoming an opener
    19:08 Early dreams and chasing the Sri Lanka jersey
    23:05 Hard work, rejection, and his mother's advice
    26:08 Learning from senior players and building hunger
    32:27 Why environment matters
    35:24 First Sri Lanka call-up and the England tour injury
    39:43 Debut ODI and first test opportunities
    41:46 Proving himself in Australia
    44:37 Learning from overseas experiences
    50:38 Favourite batting partners
    51:44 Becoming Sri Lanka captain
    59:34 Captaining through performance and leadership
    61:58 Retirement and knowing when to stop
    66:42 Life after cricket
    68:13 The biggest lesson from his career
    70:18 Looking back on success
    74:13 Closing thoughts

    #QuestForSuccess #DimuthKarunaratne #Cricket #SriLanka #TestCricket #Leadership #Resilience #Captaincy #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #SuccessMindset #SportsPodcast #Inspiration #CricketLegend #SriLankaCricket

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

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    1 時間 17 分
  • What It Really Takes to Build a Business Across Continents | Ben Evans

    What It Really Takes to Build a Business Across Continents | Ben Evans
    2026/08/05

    "Purpose is about building better lives." That philosophy has guided Ben Evans from his early years in Tasmania all the way to becoming CEO of COVA Group.

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Ben Evans for a conversation on leadership, purpose, and what it actually takes to build a business that spans continents.

    Ben shares his journey from an engineer working in the trades to leading COVA Group through some of the most turbulent periods in recent business history, including the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19. He reflects on how his early years in Tasmania shaped his values, how his personal definition of success has evolved over time, and the pivotal decision to expand the business into Asia, a move that reshaped the company and taught him hard lessons about managing multicultural teams and building a truly global culture.

    The conversation explores what it takes to lead through crisis, why communication becomes even more critical during turbulent times, and how Ben has balanced honouring the legacy of a long-standing business while still pushing for innovation. He also shares his perspective on the qualities that make a high-performance team, the role of authenticity and relationships in doing business across cultures, and where he sees engineering and digital transformation heading in the years ahead.

    This episode is a genuine look at what leadership actually requires when the stakes are high, the markets are unfamiliar, and the pressure to hold onto what matters most has never been greater.

    What we cover:
    Ben Evans' early years and influences growing up in Tasmania
    How his personal definition of success has shifted over time
    The transition from trades and engineering into leadership
    Leadership lessons from the GFC and COVID-19
    The decision to expand into Asia and what it taught him
    Managing multicultural teams and building a global culture
    Balancing legacy and innovation in a long-standing business
    The role of purpose in guiding major business decisions
    Lessons learned from major projects and negotiations
    What it takes to build a high-performance team
    The future of engineering and digital transformation


    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Ben Evans' background
    02:34 What does success mean to Ben Evans?
    04:18 The shift in Ben Evans' personal definition of success
    07:59 Early years and influences from Tasmania
    12:04 Transition from trades to engineering and leadership
    16:50 Deciding to expand into Asia
    22:20 Leadership lessons from navigating turbulent times
    35:42 The journey of Asia expansion and key lessons learned
    50:40 Building a global culture and managing cross-cultural teams
    01:08:12 The future of engineering and digital transformation
    01:20:53 Reflections on success and legacy

    Connect with Ben Evans:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benevanscova/

    #QuestForSuccess #BenEvans #Leadership #Engineering #BusinessGrowth #AsiaExpansion #Purpose #Success #Mentorship #Innovation #Culture #PersonalDevelopment #COVAGroup #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

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    1 時間 25 分
  • From Paralympian to PhD: Hannah Macdougall's Journey of Resilience

    From Paralympian to PhD: Hannah Macdougall's Journey of Resilience
    2026/07/29
    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dr Hannah Macdougall, a dual Paralympian turned researcher, for a deeply thoughtful conversation on mindset, resilience, and what it really takes to build a well life, not just a well-performing one.Hannah shares her journey from her early influences and family, through to her Paralympic debut at the Athens 2004 Games, and the years of training, setbacks, and self-discovery that followed. She opens up about the neuroscience behind obsessive versus harmonious passion, the role gratitude and self-talk played in her own resilience, and how she navigated grief, perfectionism, and the pressure of elite competition.The conversation moves beyond sport into Hannah's PhD research on athlete well-being, her work bringing mindfulness and mental health support into Melbourne Football Club, and her advocacy for inclusive language and systemic change in how we talk about and support athletes. She also shares practical, evidence-based tools for resilience and self-compassion that apply far beyond the world of elite sport.This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't only measured in medals. It's measured in how well you know yourself, how you treat yourself when things go wrong, and how deliberately you choose to keep growing.What we cover:The neuroscience of obsessive versus harmonious passionEarly influences and overcoming challenges as a young athleteThe journey to the Paralympics and the Athens 2004 experienceRedefining success in sport and in lifeThe role of gratitude and self-talk in resilienceTransitioning out of elite sport and into new chaptersNavigating grief and holding onto joyEarly awareness of being different and self-acceptanceTraining the brain to focus on the positiveManaging perfectionism and the drive for excellenceHandling setbacks and being benchedInclusive language and systemic change in sport"Success in sport and life requires both.""You need to temper your drive with harmony.""Bring kindness into your self-talk."Resources mentioned:The Resilience Project by Hugh van CuylenburgMelbourne Football Club: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/Dr Rory Darkins' work on breath and well-being: https://rorydarkins.comLee Rath's Pain Play Lab: https://painplaylab.comConnect with Dr Hannah Macdougall:LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/hannahmacdougallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanmacdougall06/Website: https://hannahmacdougall.com.au/Chapters:00:00 The brain science behind passion and mindset00:28 Hannah's early influences and overcoming challenges01:36 Her journey to the Paralympics and Olympic debut02:19 Redefining success in sport and life03:05 The influence of gratitude and self-talk04:22 Transitioning out of elite sport and new passions06:36 The impact of grief and resilience12:46 Early awareness of being different and acceptance15:40 Training the brain to focus on the positive22:06 Setting goals as a young athlete24:47 The experience of competing in Athens 200430:56 The drive for excellence and managing perfectionism39:45 The realities of training and sport life42:31 Handling setbacks and being benched47:45 The importance of grief, joy, and living in the moment01:01:15 Practical advice for inclusion and systemic change01:02:27 Supporting athletes' mental health at Melbourne Football Club01:07:34 Reflections on success and future plans#QuestForSuccess #HannahMacdougall #Paralympian #AthleteWellbeing #Resilience #MentalHealth #Mindset #Inclusion #SportsScience #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Wellbeing #Inspiration #DisabilityInclusion #WomenInSportFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    1 時間 12 分
  • When Everyone Runs One Way, You Should Stop and Think - George Armoyan Jr

    When Everyone Runs One Way, You Should Stop and Think - George Armoyan Jr
    2026/07/22
    "When everyone runs one way, you should stop and think." That's the investing philosophy that has shaped one of Canada's most successful family businesses.In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with George Armoyan Jr., the next generation of the Armoyan family's real estate and investment empire, for an honest conversation about legacy, value investing, and the pressure of building on a name that already carries weight.George shares what it was actually like growing up inside a family business led by his father, one of Canada's most respected activist investors, and the deliberate choice not to walk straight into the top job. Instead, he earned his place from the ground up, learning the discipline of value investing along the way: buying distressed assets at a discount, always with a margin of safety, and making the real money on the buying side of a deal rather than the sell.The conversation dives deep into the family's approach to real estate development, including the major Montreal office-to-residential conversion project, the lessons learned navigating project turnarounds, and how the family sources deals that others walk away from. George also opens up about activist investing and corporate restructuring, the risk appetite required to invest in sectors like oil and gas during major market shifts, and what it genuinely feels like to share a name that opens doors while inviting constant scrutiny.This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn't something you're simply handed. It's something you have to build, earn, and continue, one deliberate decision at a time.What we cover:Family legacy and the pressure of successionValue investing and buying distressed assets at a discountThe Montreal office-to-residential conversion projectActivist investing and corporate restructuringRisk management and contingency planning in real estateLeadership and earning respect inside a family businessStrategic deal sourcing and reading market shiftsInvesting in oil and gas during volatile marketsBalancing family dynamics with professional relationshipsBuilding a legacy through continuous innovationChapters:00:00 Introduction and background of George Armoyan02:04 Defining success: Family legacy and future growth04:23 Overview of the family's real estate and investment history12:20 Early life and lessons from growing up in a family business19:32 Transition into the family business and earning respect24:26 Key principles of value investing and deal sourcing29:33 The Montreal office-to-residential conversion project36:24 Lessons learned from project management and turnaround strategies39:16 First deal that truly felt earned and recognized42:08 Balancing family dynamics and professional relationships44:02 Market insights and deal sourcing methodology45:58 Investing in oil and gas during market shifts47:26 Risk appetite and discomfort in investment decisions49:01 The impact of sharing a name and legacy49:58 Activist investing and corporate restructuring56:42 Future vision and long-term legacy building01:02:19 Personal interests and life outside of work01:03:41 Reflections on success and ongoing pursuit of excellenceConnect with George Armoyan Jr.:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-armoyan-656b62268/#QuestForSuccess #GeorgeArmoyan #ValueInvesting #RealEstate #FamilyBusiness #ActivistInvesting #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WealthBuilding #RealEstateDevelopment #InvestingTips #FamilyLegacy #SuccessMindset #BusinessPodcast #InspirationFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    1 時間 8 分
  • He Backed More Than 250 Startups Then Walked Away | Michael Batko

    He Backed More Than 250 Startups Then Walked Away | Michael Batko
    2026/07/15

    He backed more than 250 startups worth $4.5 billion. Then he walked away.

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Michael Batko, the former CEO of Startmate and co-founder of Hourglass AI, for a deeply honest conversation about building ecosystems, backing founders, knowing when to leave, and redefining success on your own terms.

    Michael shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Poland and Austria to becoming one of the most influential figures in the Australian and New Zealand startup ecosystem. After studying in Vienna, Stockholm and London, and working at American Express, PwC and KPMG, he realised he "wasn't built for bureaucracy" and moved to Australia to start building. His first startup job came from a mate's Facebook post about a pet-sitting marketplace. Within a few years, he had joined Startmate as Head of Operations and was soon appointed CEO.

    Over eight years, Michael transformed Startmate from a scrappy accelerator into the engine room of the ANZ startup ecosystem, backing 228 companies with first cheques, making over 300 investments now worth $4.5 billion, and helping bring over 1,000 women and 2,000 students into startups. In December 2025, he made what he calls "the hardest decision" of his career and stepped down.

    The conversation explores his philosophy on backing founders ("back the hungry, not the proven"), his belief that luck is like a lightning bolt and you increase your odds by expanding your "surface area," the loneliness of leadership, his decision to leave Startmate at the top, and what he's building next with Hourglass AI, a company founded on the conviction that the businesses who win the next decade will be the ones with working AI systems in production now, not the ones reading about it.

    Michael also opens up about fatherhood, selling two businesses through LinkedIn posts (one in 10 days) and why he believes "being CEO" was never the goal, "building something epic" was.

    This is a conversation about what it means to dedicate yourself to other people's success, and what happens when you finally turn the lens back on yourself.

    What we cover:
    From Poland and Austria to the Australian startup ecosystem
    The corporate career that taught him what he didn't want
    First startup job at Mad Paws and scaling Expert360
    Joining Startmate and "literally re-founding" it
    Backing over 250 companies and the philosophy behind first cheques
    The Heaps Normal investment and standing up to consensus
    Leading through loneliness and the weight of being CEO
    Why he stepped down at the top
    Hourglass AI and the execution gap in artificial intelligence
    Selling businesses through a single LinkedIn post
    Fatherhood and redefining success
    The "surface area of luck" framework
    Advice for founders and the future of the ANZ ecosystem

    Connect with Michael Batko:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/batkomichael/
    Hourglass AI: https://thehourglass.ai/
    Website: https://batko.ai
    Substack: https://batko.substack.com

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

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    1 時間 10 分