Creating Synergy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

What if the next big medical breakthrough was already sitting in a lab, waiting to be discovered?

In this episode of Creating Synergy, we sit down with Justin Coombs, Chief Operating Officer at AusHealth, to dive into the groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of medicine. From life-saving cancer treatments to antibiotic innovations and even the surprising role of platypus venom in diabetes research, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about where healthcare is headed.


Why This Episode Will Change How You See Healthcare:

▶︎ CAR T Therapy & Cancer Breakthroughs – The game-changing therapy that’s curing leukemia and could replace chemotherapy.
 ▶︎  Bacteriophages: The Future of Antibiotics? – The virus that kills bacteria without harming humans.
▶︎ Platypus Venom & Diabetes Treatment – A strange discovery that could change diabetes management forever.
 ▶︎  The Challenges of Innovation – Why Australia struggles with translating research into real-world solutions—and what needs to change.


This episode isn’t just for scientists or healthcare professionals—it’s for anyone who wants to understand how biotech is shaping the future of human health and why the most important medical advancements might be closer than we think.

🎧 Don’t miss this one—listen now!


TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Why Biotech Matters to Everyone

02:07 - Biotech vs. Traditional Cancer Treatments

06:12 - The Accidental Discovery That Changed Agriculture

10:27 - From Scientist to Entrepreneur

18:15 - The Life-Saving Power of CAR-T Therapy

27:49 - Fighting Sepsis with a Revolutionary Blood Protein

41:42 - Platypus Venom and Weight Loss

47:29 - Bacteriophage Therapy: A Comeback Story

1:06:04 - AI in Healthcare: Smarter Hospitals

1:10:52 - The Future of Personalized Cancer Treatment

Where to find JUSTIN COOMBS

• Linkedin

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

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#Biotech #FutureOfMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #CancerBreakthroughs #CAR-T #CreatingSynergy #Podcast

In this compelling episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast, we sit down with Pauly Vandenbergh, Indigenous and Multicultural Engagement Manager at AFL and Co-founder of Munda Wines to explore the transformative concept of the "Third Space." 

Pauly shares powerful insights about bridging the cultural divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, fostering mutual understanding, and the role of education in creating meaningful change. 

This is more than a conversation; it’s a step towards a more inclusive future. 

📌 Topics covered: 

• The importance of cultural immersion and awareness 
• Lessons from the failed referendum and its impact 
• How to co-exist while honoring Australia's rich Indigenous heritage 

🎧 TUNE IN NOW to hear Pauly’s incredible journey and vision for a better Australia. 

TIMESTAMP:

00:00 - Living in Two Worlds & The Third Space

05:59 - The Impact of the Referendum Failure

11:05 - Changing the Date of Australia Day

14:48 - Systemic Issues & Indigenous Incarceration Rates

19:42 - Breaking the Cycle Through Education

26:12 - Indigenous Representation in Media & Society

33:06 - The Difference Between New Zealand & Australia in Embracing Indigenous Culture

45:19 - The Lack of Empathy & Truth-Telling in Australia

55:07 - How Non-Indigenous People Can Support Change

1:12:26 - The Power of Sport & Role Models for Indigenous Youth

1:12:51 - Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race

Where to find PAULY VANDENBERGH

• Linkedin
• WEBSITE

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#CreatingSynergyPodcast #Leadership #CulturalAwareness #Inclusion 

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast!

This week, we’re thrilled to have Martin Westwell, the Chief Executive of the Department for Education, join us for a deep dive into the future of education, leadership, and the powerful intersection of neuroscience and technology.

In this episode, Martin shares his wealth of knowledge and insights on topics that are not only relevant but crucial for anyone looking to make a difference in the world of education, business, or leadership. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode offers something valuable for everyone.

Key Highlights

• The role of education in shaping society and individual lives.
• How neuroscience and technology are influencing modern learning practices.
• The evolving nature of leadership in a rapidly changing world.The importance of human connections and relationships in business and education.
• Practical strategies for leaders and educators to make a meaningful impact.

Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading minds in education today. Click below to listen to the full episode and discover how you can apply these insights to your own journey.

 And as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of the Creating Synergy Podcast.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:03:14 - The Power of Education to Change Lives
00:04:18 - Changing the World One Kid at a Time
00:08:07 - The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication
00:15:08 - Innovations in Antibiotics and Their Impact
00:17:45 - The Science of Learning and Cognitive Development
00:21:16 - The Influence of Technology on Learning and Behavior
00:35:10 - The Role of Leadership in Modern Organizations
00:40:12 - The Human Element in Leadership and Business
00:45:54 - The Challenges of Remote Work and Maintaining Relationships
00:53:36 - The Need for Adaptability in Leadership During Times of Change


Where to find Martin Westwell

• Linkedin

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Thinking, Fast and Slow By: Daniel Kahneman

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.

Adam Vonthethoff is the current Chief Operating Officer at Adelaide Oval and works to implement the company strategies, supporting management and staffing teams, external stakeholder engagement, and looking for new business development opportunities and has been working at  Oval for the past 10 or so years. 

Adam has spent all of his 25-year career in hospitality, having worked in hotels and casinos before moving to the Stadium. 

His career kicked off when he was 17  years working at the Lakes Resort in various departments, then as Food and Beverage Manager for roughly three years each at some of the big names, being Hotel Adelaide, Stamford Grand, SKYCITY Casino, Outrigger – Fiji and the CROWN Perth. 

Adam is a born and bred Adelaide man, a father, a huge port Adelaide power fan, lover of golf and is proud of his MBA and AICD qualifications. 

In this episode, we deep dive into Adam's career journey to his current position as COO, the perks and challenges of his work, how the oval managed the ongoing covid situation, specifically focusing on communication, on the staff and customer experience and all the plans and challenges for the future.

Where to find Adam Vonthethoff 

• LinkedIn  

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast. 

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn. 

Books and Podcast mentioned on this episode: 

• PODCAST - Undisruptable by Ian Whitworth
• 12 Rules for Life - Antidote to Chaos - By Jordan B. Peterson

Vincent Tarzia is the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services of South Australia, appointed in July 2020. He was elected to the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Hartley in 2014 and 2018. 

Since entering politics, Vincent has been the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Start-ups, and Shadow Cabinet Parliamentary Secretary. 

In May 2018, he was elected as the 35th Speaker of the House of Assembly, the youngest Speaker in South Australia's history, serving until he was appointed Minister. 

Vincent is passionate about his local area, the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, where he has lived his whole life. He attended St Joseph's School Payneham and then Rostrevor College, where he was Head Prefect and Dux of the College. He has been active in many local community and sporting groups, including Neighbourhood Watch, the Campbelltown Rotary Club, Norwood Football Club and Payneham RSL. 

He went to Adelaide University and completed a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Law, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Before politics, Vincent worked in the financial, legal and commercial sectors and served as a Councillor for the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters in 2010. 

Vincent has a genuine interest in his local community and is passionate about making South Australia more lively and prosperous. He wants real action to relieve the cost of living pressures, create more local jobs, deliver better frontline services and provide opportunities to get ahead. 

In this episode, we deep dive into Vincent's journey and passion for the community, why he entered this world of Politics, his main driver and purpose, how he manages his work-life balance, what his day as a politician looks like, and all the challenges he has faced since entering politics. 

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find Vincent Tarzia 

• LinkedIn  
• Website https://www.vincenttarzia.com.au/ 
• Phone: (08) 8365 1341 
• Email: hartley@parliament.sa.gov.au 

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast. 

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn. 

Books mentioned on this episode: 

• Think and Grow Rich - The Original Classic - By Napoleon Hill 
• Determination, Dedication and Duty by Anthony L Wege

Rebecca currently holds the position of CEO of Civil Contractors Federation SA and an Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd. Rebecca had worked in the civil, commercial building and construction industries for over 22 years, project managing in various roles before she fulfilled her entrepreneurship streak by starting her own consultancy company an operated it for 10 plus years.

Rebecca's early projects played an integral part in the Olympic Dam Expansion Project, Southern Expressway Project (when it was one way), and the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, all of which fostered her love of the infrastructure industry.

Rebecca is a single mother of  Shelby, 8, Harrison 10 and Busta, the dog; in her day was an ultramarathon runner where she could run 100kms in 19hours, and she loved to jump out of planes and climb rock faces too.

She was a latchkey kid who grew up in an ex Housing Trust home in Christie Downs. Her continued work with apprenticeships and building trade pathways supports her love of talking to young people, parents, the community and schools about the amazing career and life-changing opportunities Construction can provide.  Her life, her family and her career are a testament to it.

In this episode, we deep dive into Rebecca's life from her childhood where she faced some really confronting challenges, to living a life battling an autoimmune disease, to starting her own businesses, to having only 10 days off after giving birth to her children, to becoming the CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation SA.

This episode is an impactful one with essential dialogue. Rebecca's message on how she faced and overcame many adversities is an inspiration to us all.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.

Where to find  Rebecca Pickering

• LinkedIn 

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

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Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned on this episode:

• Can't Hurt Me - Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds - By David Goggins
• HBR's 10 Must Reads on Strategy - Harvard Business Review Must Reads - By Harvard Business Review
• Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - By Susan Cain
• The Art of War - By Sun Tzu, Lionel Giles
• Mindset - The New Psychology of Success - By: Carol S. Dweck PhD
• Matthew Reilly

 Special Episode

in the last Australian HR Institute (AHRI) SA State Conference, we had the opportunity to interview some of the attendees discussing all things the Future of Work.

Listen to Daniel Franco interviewing 13 wonderful attendees of the event and was able to pick their brains on their thoughts about the future of work. Their responses were far and wide with some really great perspectives with the common theme that the future work will be all about the people. 

Michelle Holland,  Executive  Director of Synergy IQ also gives us a quick recap of the day. 

• 1:40 min - Michelle Holland recap of the day 
• 12:41 min - Melissa Ciplys, Head of People and Culture at Shoal Group
• 16:05 min - Vy Collins, Senior Director People and Culture at Renewal SA
• 18:20 min - Natalie Morris, Director at People and Performance
• 20:15 min - Hayley Lokan, Organisational Psychologist and Director at ISC Consulting Group
• 22:22 min - Sally Woolford, Business Director at MWAH
• 24:41 min - Lesley Marchioro, General Manager of People and Culture at Sage
• 27:27 min - Govert Mellink, Consulting Partner at PwC Australia.
• 31:25 min - Michelle Holland, Executive Director at Synergy IQ
• 36:56 min - Chris Wood, General Manager People, Performance & Culture at Adelaide Football Club
• 40:45 min - Susan Sadler, Director and Founder at Red Wagon Workplace Solutions and President of SA AHRI
• 45:36 min - Andrea Sumner, Employee Relations & Negotiation Specialist at Red Wagon Workplace Solutions
• 49:13 min - Fiona McAllister, Associate Senior Consultant at SynErgy IQ
• 52:23 min - Lauren Lang, Senior Manager, People Consulting at PwC Australia
• 56:18 min - Philip Mayes, Managing Director and Founder at Mighty Kingdom

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.

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Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.   

Andy Keough grew up in Sydney, and always had a dream to serve his country. After finishing high school, he decided to join the Royal Australian Navy where he served for  two decades and built and illustrious career, which included the commanding of two Collins Class submarines and an exchange with the US Navy Submarine Force in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In 2006, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross Award (CSC) for leadership in a recent deployment. 

In 2007, Andy decided to try his hand at corporate life, where today he finds himself as the Managing Director of the defence and security company Saab Australia. He was previously Chief Executive of Defence SA and held many senior management roles in ASC.  

Further to his Directorship duties at SAAB Australia, Andy is an Adjunct Professor with the University of South Australia,  Chair of the Australian Industry Group (AiG) Defence Council, Co-Chair of the University of Adelaide Defence Advisory Board,  Board member of the Training & Skills Commission  and Board member of  SACE 

In this episode, Andy was kind enough to share his journey and experiences of his career, from joining the Navy, to the experience Being a submarine commander, to the transition to corporate life. We discuss the culture of the navy, his thoughts on leadership, and how important it is to  have the ability to self-reflect. 

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.   

Where to find  Andy Keough

• LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.  

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Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.   

Books mentioned on this episode:  

• Troublemakers - Silicon Valley's Coming of Age - By Leslie Berlin
• Good to Great - Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't - By Jim Collins

Erin Faehrmann is the Chief Executive of Youth Opportunities and a leading speaker on personal leadership and coaching to help our inner superhero shine. Her experience spans from the utilities  & public industries to the youth, education and the not-for-profit sectors.  

As a kid from humble beginnings, Erin has a passion for working with young people facing complex challenges. She is known for her refreshing approach to encouraging purposeful play in our organisations and our lives to boost happiness and connection.

In this episode,  Erin shares her career journey until she became CEO at Youth Opportunities. Daniel and Erin discuss how young people face more complex challenges in today's world than we ever did, that prevention is best when it comes to wellbeing & mental health, and how important it is to learn to lead OURSELVES well.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.   

Where to find Erin Faehrmann

• LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.  

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.  

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.   

Books mentioned on this episode:  

• Atomic Habits - An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones -  By James Clear
• The Laws of Human Nature - By Robert Greene
• Burnout - The secret to solving the stress cycle - By: Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski
• Becoming Better Grownups - Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering How to Fly - By Brad Montague
• Limitless - Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life - By Jim Kwik

Videos mentioned on this episode:

• Brené Brown on Empathy
• Privilege/Class/Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race

Susan Stewart, also known as Sue is an out of the box thinker, a strategy, business transformation and change management specialist having championed major projects in multinational professional services, government and private organisations, including global design firms Aurecon, Woods Bagot, Hood Sweeny and Unispace, Ernst & Young and also Chaired the Change Connect Group for 7 years.

Sue is an accomplished and confident leader, driving the implementation of a range of projects across America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, which have included: global strategic planning, new international market expansion, mergers and acquisitions, cultural transformation, knowledge management strategy, business development strategy, technology system implementations and organisational restructures. 

As a young honours graduate, Sue’s “It’s A Wonderful Life Moment” came when she bogged a tractor in a wheat field and realised that the world would be a better place if she no longer worked in research. Luckily a Big Four firm adopted her and for the next decade she absorbed best practice in strategy, organisational development, change, communication and knowledge and immersed herself in the explosion of mobility and digital. And along the way, she completed a Post Grad in Communications, Master of Arts and has scribbled her thoughts in papers and presented her experiences at national and international conferences. 

Although well-credentialed, Sue is most proud of her family, her ability to make the most out of left-overs, her innate and irrelevant knowledge of film and her love of making Spotify playlists. 

Talking about the playlist, in this episode,  Sue shared her journey and experiences through a  playlist of four iconic pieces of music,  which we deep dive into during the podcast and all things about Strategy, Culture and Change management.

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and check us out on synergyiq.com.au.   

Where to find Susan Stewart

• LinkedIn

Join the conversation on Synergy IQ LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram (@synergyiq) and please support other leaders by liking, subscribing and sharing this podcast.  

Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us.  

Say hello to our host Daniel on LinkedIn.   

Books mentioned on this episode:  

• Change by Design, Revised and Updated  - How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation - By: Tim Brown
• The Tipping Point - How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference - By: Malcolm Gladwell