Stories of the choices that change everything
The Decision Clinic is a storytelling podcast about the decisions and moments that shape a life, a career, or a cause.
Hosted by Catalyze CEO Paul Gordon, each episode features a guest unpacking a pivotal decision or challenge that led them to where they are today. From not-for-profit leaders and youth advocates breaking down barriers, to company builders, Olympians, and founders, the stories cut across industries, backgrounds, and stages of life. Through candid reflection, we explore hindsight, foresight, and everything in between — the trade-offs, turning points, doubts, and lessons that rarely make it into polished success stories.
This is a podcast about how real people navigate uncertainty and make decisions that matter.
Episode 14 – Sophia Symeou
The Accidental Entrepreneur Sophia Symeou
In this thoughtful episode of The Decision Clinic, Sophia Symeou describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur and shares her journey of helping people navigate complexity. From a young age, Sophia knew she wanted to make a meaningful impact, a journey that led to establishing neighbourhood dispute resolution centres, to working in state government, and ultimately to founding Bill Fairies — a hugely successful business that enables people to purchase gift vouchers to pay more than 21,000 different bills. Check it out: www.billfairies.com.au.
Episode 13 – Tony Nash
Booktopia Founder Tony Nash on the trap of ego in Leadership and Stepping Back
Tony Nash, former CEO and founder of Booktopia, shares lessons from building and scaling the only business to appear on the AFR Fast 100 eight times. In this episode, he reflects on the mindset needed to navigate rapid growth and business challenges and the importance of being grounded, present, and adaptable in the midst of chaos. His wisdom includes the powerful reminder to learn to be better, not bitter from our experiences. It’s a rich and candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and the decisions that shape us.
Episode 12 – Princess Delaney
UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador
Paul Gordon talks with UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador Princess Delaney about youth voices in politics, breaking through bureaucracy, and why young people’s ideas deserve a seat at the decision-making table. Princess shares how her journey through Youth Parliament sparked her desire to study politics and international relations — and how that passion now fuels her mission to bridge the gap between grassroots ideas and institutional change
Episode 11 – Madeleine Jaine Lobsey
Neurodivergent Minds at Work Madeleine Jaine Lobsey
In our latest episode, we’re thrilled to have Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, founder of Wondiverse, join Paul Gordon for an incredible conversation about neurodiversity and creating spaces where all neurotypes can thrive. From a young age, Madeleine “played business” and called her venture Wondiverse—a dream that grew into a mission for inclusion and collaboration. Together they delve into diagnosis, masking and insights into neurodivergent advocacy, creativity and collaboration. It’s Insightful and inspiring!
Episode 10 – Ross Hastings
Elevating Strategy – How to Bring Creativity into your Decision Making Process with Ross Hastings
Ross Hastings, founder of Ne-Lo—a marketing transformation consultancy—joins Paul for lively conversation on the intersection of marketing and decision-making. They explore building alignment and breaking down silos to foster true collaboration. Leveraging data to inform smarter decisions and shaping brand perception and its powerful influence on target market behaviour. Tune in for actionable insights on how leaders can transform their marketing from the inside out.
Episode 9 – Will Cosby
Deep dive into data-driven decisions and de-mystifying AI with Will Cosby
In this episode Will and Paul have a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving relationship between AI and decision-making. Will shares insights from his unique career path, moving from exploring the mysteries of the universe to diving deep into data-driven decisions and de-mystifying AI. They also explore how uncertainty is a barrier to decision making, how not knowing enough about the problem and deferring a decision can often lead to better outcomes.
Episode 8 – Nick Timmings
Nick Timmings and his Journey to Becoming an Olympian
From his early days in athletics to racing down the Skeleton track at breakneck speeds, Nick shares with Paul his incredible journey to becoming an Olympian. He dives into the world of split-second decisions that can make or break a race, offering insights and lessons that extend beyond the track. Tune in to hear Nick’s inspiring story, his approach to high-stakes decision-making, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Episode 7 – Salem and Melissa Domiat
Health, Wellness and Longevity with Salem and Melissa Domiati
Longevity seekers, Salem and Melissa Domiati are passionate about health, wellness and in particular, longevity. In this episode, they explore living life to the fullest as you grow into the later years. Have you ever thought of the age you want to be on your final birthday? Are you setting yourself up now so that your future self is mentally strong with a great memory and will die healthy? Learn more on this episode of The Decision Clinic.
Episode 6 – Judi Thomson
Starting your first Company with Judi Thomson
Judi Wineland started her first safari company with a $300 investment over 40 years ago and never looked back. In this episode Judi talks about how passion drove her decision making to ultimately become one of the world’s best safari outfitters (rated by Travel and Leisure magazine).
Episode 5 – Emilya Colliver
Tackling the interconnection between two separate solutions with Emilya Colliver
Episode 4 – Damian Kernahan
Deciding to put customer understanding ahead of strategy
Customers are affected by every decision an organisation makes. Whether it be an investment on new products, services, infrastructure or technology, ultimately if the investment decision isn’t at the heart of the customers’ needs then their experience will be impacted. In this episode, Paul sits down with Damian Kernahan who faces a unique and very relatable problem – bringing customer experience to the forefront of an organisations strategic decisions. Damian co-founded Proto in 2008 to help large organisations truly understand their customers, so they can deliver outstanding service solutions and experiences.
Episode 3 – Julia Cookson
Sharpening the focus on sexual exploitation
Paul sits down with Julia Cookson, Chair of Project Respect an organisation whose primary mission is to support women in the sex industry, including women who have experienced trafficking and advocate for the structural change needed to end all forms of sexual exploitation.
Episode 2 – Rob Caslick
At a not-for-profit crossroads
Rob Caslick is the founder of Two Good Co – a business supporting, empowering, and employing women with lived experience of homelessness, domestic violence and complex trauma. As the business grows, so does the responsibility to stabilise revenue and maintain a viable business for staff and stakeholders. In this podcast Paul works through Rob’s decision ailment and strategically uncovers the root cause to help Rob pinpoint what he truly values.
Episode 1 – Dr Susan McGinty
Breakthrough and create real impact
Paul Gordon sits down with Dr Susan McGinty, an award-winning scientist and highly regarded leader and leadership coach, with 25 years’ experience in STEM, Defence and National Security. Susan is on a mission to transform the profile of leadership for women in STEM- and security-related organisations.
