Success and More Interesting Stuff

$12,000 acquisition, billion dollar market cap: The Jamie Pherous journey

Jamie Pherous embodies the importance of drive, resilience and talent. Having graduated at 20, following the status quo was never an option. 

After working across brokerage and accountancy, the prescribed pathways never aligned with Jamie's entrepreneurial tendencies, and, when the opportunity to transition into the travel industry arose, Jamie welcomed it with open arms. 

From there he has not looked back. His acquisition of a significant stake in what soon became ASX-listed company Corporate Travel Management is a testament to his drive. As Founder and CEO, he has shaped their culture and success from the ground up, building a team ready to take on the world. 

"To compete across the whole globe consistently…that is the test of a truly global company. That is what we aspire to be.”

In this episode of the Success and More Interesting Things podcast, we discuss Jamie's relentless ability to learn and adapt; the manner in which Corporate Travel Management has grown; and finally the importance of resilience when facing unflinching (and sometimes personal) attacks. Despite operating in much-maligned travel industry, Jamie is filled with optimism for the future. 

Paradice’s key to unlocking small caps

David Paradice loves businesses. From chatting to the owner of a bike shop in Byron Bay to discussing the KPIs of his local IGA, Paradice truly believes that everyone has an area of expertise and is always looking to learn. 

An Australian Fund Manager Hall of Fame inductee, he launched Paradice Investment Management aged 40, having earned his stripes spearheading the small-cap divisions at ING Group and Mercantile Mutual. A suite of achievements soon followed. 

With a laser-like focus on returns and an unrelenting commitment to self-improvement, Paradice grew a multi-dimensional and thriving investment firm that shows no signs of slowing. 

Passion is at the core of every action he takes, and, despite stepping down from managing the funds directly, he is as committed as ever. When reflecting on his success, Paradice highlighted a key framework for identifying winners:

“Multiple expansion and earnings growth - if you achieve that combination, which you do in smalls, you get massive leverage on your investment ... this creates huge wins and massive value"

In this episode of the Success and More Interesting Things podcast, I talk to Paradice about his legendary intensity when it comes to getting the job done, the crucial lessons learnt through his journey in funds management, and even how he once enjoyed a laugh with the Queen of England. 

Just keep swimming: The Hackett Mentality

Grant Hackett is one of the most recognisable figures in Australia. Having experienced the highest of highs through Olympic success, the thirst for a challenge never wavered. After retiring from swimming for the second time, Grant went back to business school and spent a couple of years in banking. When the opportunity to join the team at Generation Development Group arose however, the allure of the opportunity was undeniable.

Having recently taken over as CEO, Grant notes that there are clear similarities between his intensity in the pool and the demands of running a publicly listed company. The importance of building a winning culture is paramount and that requires trust and belief in the people around you

"The standards you walk by are the standards you accept" - Grant Hackett

In this episode of the Success and More Interesting Things podcast, Matthew Kidman talks to Grant about how he has dealt with change and transition; the parallels between business and sports; and ultimately the importance of resilience and internal drive when it comes to achieving multi-disciplinary success. 

Introducing Success and More Interesting Stuff

A short preview of our upcoming podcast miniseries, brought to you by Livewire Markets.