Change Happens

If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 of this episode with renowned social demographer Bernard Salt, where he lays the groundwork for understanding the dynamics at play in our society.  From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.

In this bonus deep dive, we’ll further explore the Aged Care sector with Tim Hicks, Executive General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at aged care provider, Bolton Clarke. 

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY

Guests: Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Welcome to Season Six of Change Happens. This season, we're going to explore the forces shaping the future of work. From emerging trends to technological developments, we'll uncover what's changing and how we're adapting. 

Bernard Salt AM is a leading demographer and futurist who has spent decades analysing the forces shaping society. In this episode, he unpacks the profound demographic and societal shifts post-COVID, introducing the concept of 'peak humanity' and what it means for Australia's future. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advocating for the smart integration of technology and the critical role of social skills in navigating change.

In this episode, Bernard shares:

• Why Australia is uniquely positioned to thrive in the era of 'peak humanity'
• The evolving needs of millennials and baby boomers in the housing market
• The role of technology and automation in solving labour shortages
• The impact of an aging population on healthcare and social services
• Why he remains optimistic about Australia's resilience and adaptability

Host: Jenelle McMaster, Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY

Guests: Bernard Salt AM, author, demographer, futurist

and Tim Hicks, EGM of Policy and Advocacy at Bolton Clarke.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

A quarter of the way into this century, it’s the perfect time to step back, reflect, and consider what has changed—and what’s about to—across workplaces, industries, and our lives.  

This season, Jenelle McMaster—Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY—explores the forces shaping the future of work.

From emerging trends to technological advancements, we’ll uncover what’s changing, how we’re adapting, and the real-world impact of these shifts—plus what they mean for the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Season 6 of Change Happens returns on February 27.

"The moment of discovery, that sense of awe and wonderment, is something I wish every scientist could experience."

In this captivating episode, Professor Andrew Wilks takes us on a journey from the council estates of Liverpool to the forefront of molecular cancer biology. A scientist-turned-entrepreneur, Andrew’s career spans the discovery of JAK proteins, founding 12 biotech companies, and achieving the rare trifecta: discovering a protein, developing a therapeutic molecule, and creating a medicine that changes lives.

Andrew’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and unwavering determination to make a difference in cancer research and beyond.

In this episode, Andrew shares:

• The exhilaration of finding something no one else ever has.
• Managing the emotional highs and lows of scientific breakthroughs.
• Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way.
• Nurturing young scientists to experience their own "numinous" moments.

Host: Jenelle McMaster Deputy CEO Oceania and Markets Leader at EY.

Guest: Prof Andrew Wilks Molecular biologist and cancer cell biologist

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

"Light gives safety, light gives hope, and I can see why children see the magic in it."

Alice Min Soo Chun is a humanitarian entrepreneur whose journey began with a simple yet profound idea: light can change lives. From creating origami-inspired solar lights to distributing them in disaster-stricken areas and war zones, Alice’s work has impacted vulnerable communities worldwide. Her innovations were featured on Netflix's Gutsy by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, showcasing her relentless drive to make a difference.

In this episode, Alice shares:

• The impact of light in preventing violence and providing hope in war zones and disaster areas
• Bringing solar lights to Haiti after the earthquake, and the ripple effects it had globally
• How small steps and a relentless drive to serve have led to global recognition
• The power of beauty, wonder, and awe in igniting hope

Alice’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and creating change through hope.

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This podcast discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault and suicide. 

If you'd prefer to skip these sections, they occur at the following times.

Sexual assault/Human trafficking: 10:30 min -12.00 mins 

Injuries endured by children in wartime: 15.40 min and 22:30 mins

Suicide: 23 mins

If you need support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

Host: Jenelle McMaster Deputy CEO Oceania and Markets Leader at EY.

Guest: Alice Chun Founder and CEO SOLIGHT DESIGN Inc.

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

"The music industry was the canary in the coal mine for digital disruption. What happened to us is now happening to every other industry."

Dan Rosen’s career has been a balancing act between law, music, and leadership. He started out living a "double life" as a lawyer by day and a musician by night. This unique combination of skills eventually led him to the top of the music industry, first as CEO of ARIA and now as President of Warner Music Australasia.

Dan shares insights from his journey of leading the industry through massive digital disruption, including:

• The seismic changes in the music industry, from Napster to streaming
• Balancing data with gut instinct when making decisions
• How Australia can compete in a global music marketplace
• His personal connection to leadership, shaped by family and resilience.

Host: Jenelle McMaster Deputy CEO Oceania and Markets Leader at EY.

Guest: Dan Rosen President, Australasia at Warner Music Group

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

“We’ve all got a role to play, it's incrementally happening every single day, it’s being normalised. We have to draw the line and say, enough.”

Sometimes, professional experience in one field leads to using those skills to make a difference.

This has been the case for Robert Pradolin, who has taken his more than 40 years of experience in the property industry and is using it to galvanise corporate Australia to get involved in solving the growing homelessness crisis.

Robert shares his advice for persevering during tough times:

·         the myths surrounding homelessness

·         the economic cost to future generations

·         the unintended human consequences 

·         and those moments that still get him emotional.

This podcast discusses sensitive issues related to mental health and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. 

If you need support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
This mention occurs between 16.00- 16:35 minutes if you'd prefer to skip this section.

Host: Jenelle McMaster Deputy CEO Oceania and Markets Leader at EY.

Guest: Robert Pradolin Co-founder and Director at Housing all Australians

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

“You think ‘Oh, I worked so hard for something I thought was going to change everything and it didn’t”

Even Olympic gold loses its shine.

What happens when everything you set out to achieve ends up feeling like a fleeting moment?

Leisel Jones is an Australian icon and regarded as one of the world's greatest ever female swimmers.

Now a published author, media personality, and celebrated radio host, Leisel talks about her journey as a young girl in the public eye

>winning gold but losing her spark

>making the decision to retire

>feeling lost and grappling with identity

>thriving on negative feedback

>and the lessons she has learned on finding fulfillment, purpose, success, and what winning really means.

Host: Jenelle McMaster Deputy CEO Oceania and Markets Leader at EY.

Guest: Leisel Jones OAM, Swimming legend, speaker, activist and best-selling author

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

On today’s episode we explore what happens when change doesn’t happen.

Professor Dr Megan Davis is a professor of constitutional law known for her work in creating the Uluru Statement from the Heart and advocating for the 2023 Voice referendum. 

As an international human rights lawyer, Scientia Professor, and academic, Megan discusses the lessons she learned about engaging with the heart, and not just the head.

·         How she finds the motivation to keep going after such a huge set-back

·         The complexity of poverty and how vulnerability never leaves you

·         Why she finds it difficult to call herself a leader

·         And the importance of being the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to a UN body

Host: Jenelle McMaster Deputy CEO Oceania and Markets Leader at EY.

Guest: Professor Dr Megan Davis  Pro Vice-Chancellor Society, Scientia Professor UNSW

Listen now: Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.