What makes a great leader? For nearly a quarter of a century, Leadership Matters has been asking that question. Now, we’re pulling back the curtain on this sell-out live event. Join Prime Ministers, CEOs, and industry pioneers as they reveal their personal struggles and leadership triumphs.
Whether you’re a boss, not for profit, or employee – this podcast is for anyone who wants to level up their leadership. Listen to exclusive Q&As with Australia’s change-makers anytime, anywhere, with Leadership Matters, the podcast.
Why Perth is Australia’s geostrategic ground zero for Indo-Pacific security
What if Australia’s greatest national security threat isn't a foreign invasion, but economic coercion through the disruption of sea trade routes?
Defence Minister Richard Marles makes the case for why Australia must shift its perspective—literally—to secure its economic lifeline.
By rotating a map of Australia 30 degrees, Marles reveals how WA’s northwest coastline has become the nation’s true front door to the world, placing Perth at the geostrategic centre of the Indo-Pacific.
The Deputy Prime Minister breaks down Australia’s defence strategy, highlighting major investments in northern airbases, growing military alliances with the USA and UK, and the expansion of the Henderson Defence Precinct.
From nuclear-powered submarine sustainment under AUKUS to continuous naval shipbuilding, WA is being transformed into Australia’s most critical defence frontier.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
1 Oct 2026
Mending fences; How Woodside boss guides gas giant through global volatility.
While working on a cattle farm as a teenager, Liz Westcott witnessed true leadership when floods destroyed fences across the district, lessons she’s applied in her journey from engineer to boss of Woodside.
In this episode of Leadership Matters, the gas giant CEO tells The West Australian’s Chief Reporter Ben Harvey why great leadership means creating conditions for others to succeed.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
21 Aug 2026
Leadership doesn’t mean outsourcing to a comms team
As Australia’s first Indigenous State Treasurer, Ben Wyatt AO delivered one of the State’s biggest economic turnarounds—shifting WA from deep deficit to surplus in two years. After a 16-year career in Parliament, Ben transitioned to the corporate sector in 2021 and now sits on the boards of Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy, and the West Coast Eagles.
In episode six of Leadership Matters, Ben reveals if leaders don't explain why their organisations matter, then they shouldn’t be surprised when others claim they don’t. Plus, the three questions every business leader should be asking to keep their organisation relevant to the communities, states and nations that benefit from the products they produce.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
21 Jul 2026
Why Canberra won’t ever let me forget I ran a fish and chip shop
Pauline Hanson remains one of the most polarising figures in Australian political history. In episode five of Leadership Matters, the One Nation leader reflects on her journey from a Queensland fish-and-chip shop to becoming a parliamentary survivor who continues to reshape the national debate.
In this candid Q&A with The West Australian’s Editor-in-Chief Chris Dore, Hanson tackles the headline-grabbing controversies surrounding her political career, while answering the ultimate question: is she ready to take on the top job?
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
26 Jun 2026
Lessons every LEADER can learn from our elite sports stars!
The countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is officially on.
This week on Leadership Matters, four of WA’s elite athletes take you behind the scenes on the Road to Glasgow, revealing what it takes to be a champion and thrive under pressure.
They discuss why the Commonwealth Games remain more relevant than ever to an athlete's journey—and how their pursuit of gold is only made possible by the world-class coaches, mentors, and leaders at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS).
Join world-champion swimmer Shayna Jack OAM, Paralympic star Rhiannon Clarke, and elite tandem paracycling duo Kane Perris and Luke Zaccaria in their exclusive conversation with Channel 7 Sports Reporter Adrian Barich.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Jun 2026
How a career in broadcast laid the groundwork for political leadership
Born into a Greek migrant family with deep small-business roots, Western Australia’s Liberal Leader Basil Zempilas has hard work ethic built into his DNA. It’s a vital trait for what is arguably the toughest job in politics: Leader of the Opposition.
In episode three of Leadership Matters, Basil outlines his strategy for a revitalised party and how he plans to navigate a rapidly shifting political landscape to The West Australian’s State Political Editor Jessica Page.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
5 Jun 2026
Why leaders need to resist sugar rush: Chevron boss lays out strategy for success
In episode two of Leadership Matters, Managing Director and President of Chevron Australia, Balaji Krishnamurthy outlines the antidote to short-term thinking, telling The West Australian’s Chief Reporter Ben Harvey, why leaders today must have the conviction and courage to resist the lure of instant gratification to deliver enduring success.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
23 Apr 2026
From dirt tracks to the engine room: Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Chief returns to his roots
As a kid growing up riding his BMX in Western Australia’s mineral rich Pilbara region, Matthew Holcz never imagined one day he’d rise through the ranks to lead the mining goliath’s most important division.
In this first episode of Leadership Matters, the Chief Executive Iron Ore tells The West Australian’s Editor Sarah-Jane Tasker how his personal journey shaped him to become the leader he is today.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
17 Apr 2026
Leadership Matters
After more than 20 years of live and exclusive audience events, host Charlotte Goodlet introduces Leadership Matters, the podcast.
Led by The West Australian’s team of journalists, in candid conversations, our guests reveal their personal struggles and triumphs.
Go behind the headlines and tv soundbites with Prime Ministers, CEOs, and industry heavyweights.
Recorded live in front of a thousand people, you’ll get rare access to those who move the needle.
We don’t just talk leadership - we interrogate it, celebrate it and learn from it.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Contact Leadership Matters
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Leadership Matters?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
