From escaping civil war in Sri Lanka at just six years old, to building one of the most successful automation start-ups in Australia and New Zealand, Nishan Wijemanne has lived a business journey defined by resilience, reinvention and relentless curiosity.

In this episode, we trace Nishan’s extraordinary path — from his early years in Christchurch, to his foundational training at Dematic, one of the world’s largest logistics automation companies, and then to founding Cohesio Group. Cohesio quickly became a market leader, securing major clients such as The Reject Shop, Kmart and Wesfarmers’ Officeworks, and forging a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese robotics giant Geek+, before being acquired by German technology conglomerate Körber in 2019.

Nishan then teamed up again with long-time collaborator Rizan Mawzoon to launch Shiperoo in 2023 — a next-generation fulfilment and returns platform using robotics, automation and a modern tech stack to give retail brands an Amazon-level customer experience without becoming Amazon themselves. Today, Shiperoo is backed by Australia Post, and supported by industry leaders including John King, Paul Greenberg and Gary Starr.

We unpack the lessons Nishan learned building and selling Cohesio, the turning point that made him realise the returns economy was the next frontier of ecommerce logistics, and his views on the future of AI, automation and robotics in global supply chains.

Whether you’re in retail, ecommerce, logistics, robotics or leadership — or you simply enjoy stories of grit and ambition — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, James H Stewart, or the production team behind What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!). This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute business, financial, investment or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making decisions based on the content of this episode. All business examples, company references and personal experiences are presented in good faith and are based on publicly available information or the guest’s personal account. No responsibility is taken for any errors, omissions or changes in factual circumstances after the date of recording.

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In this episode, James sits down with Bruce Carter AO, one of Australia’s most respected commercial advisors and arguably South Australia’s “Mr Fix-It”. Over more than three decades, Bruce has become the person governments, boards and business leaders call when the stakes are high and commercial pragmatism is in demand.

Bruce built his career in corporate restructuring and insolvency as a young partner at EY before founding Ferrier Hodgson’s Adelaide office. From there he became pivotal in some of South Australia’s biggest corporate challenges — Harris Scarfe’s collapse, the Elders refinancing, and government advisory roles on the Port Pirie smelter, Whyalla steelworks, the Olympic Dam expansion, and more. In 2021 he was appointed to the Board of Crown Resorts as it faced an existential reputational crisis and three Government Royal Commissions.

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Bruce talks through:

• His early life, influences and pathway to becoming a restructuring and insolvency professional
• Two decades as an Australian Rules football umpire — and how quick decisions under pressure shaped his business instincts
• The collapse of Harris Scarfe — including the discovery of two sets of books, unreliable records, and the race to rebuild the business
• Elders’ turbulent GFC period — eight banks, competing agendas, and a 2.5-year workout that pushed the business to the edge
• His mid-career pivot and personal tragedy — the sudden loss of his wife Briony, and how it changed his life and direction
• Whyalla’s collapse, the economic shockwaves, and the complexity of saving a regional community’s largest employer
• Crown Resorts in 2021 — what it was like inside Australia’s most scrutinised boardroom during three simultaneous Royal Commissions and 110 board meetings in a single year
• His principles for dealing with extreme complexity and stakeholder chaos
• How he approaches modern governance — integrity, transparency, humility, and never losing touch with the real business

Bruce’s reflections are candid, thoughtful and packed with lessons for leaders, directors and anyone navigating high-pressure decisions.

This is a rare window into the mindset of someone who has helped steer companies, governments and communities through their most pivotal moments.

The views expressed in this episode are personal opinions only and do not represent the views of any organisation, board, government body or company with which Bruce Carter AO or James H. Stewart is or has been associated. Nothing in this episode constitutes financial, legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice before making any decisions based on the topics discussed.

Contact James

Website: jameshstewart.com

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9/

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When Iain Nairn walks into a room, he brings over 40 years of global retail experience — and a lifetime of lessons in leadership, resilience, and reinvention.

From his early days with Laura Ashley in the UK to record-breaking years at Country Road Group, a short but powerful stint at David Jones, and a complete digital reinvention of Hudson’s Bay in Canada, Iain has led through every challenge retail can throw at you — turnarounds, acquisitions, cultural clashes, and even a global pandemic.

But its not all beer and skittles. In this conversation, we unpack:

• The challenges of managing the multi platform, multi geographic model of Laura Ashley
• The success of Witchery and Country Rd when they were powerhouses of Australian retail
• The challenges of business model transformation under pressure
• The transformation of David Jones under new ownership — and why he chose to leave at the height of its success
• The reinvention of Hudson’s Bay, one of the world’s oldest retailers, into a modern digital marketplace.
• What leadership really looks like when pressure is relentless, the future is uncertain, and you still have to inspire people to perform.

It’s a powerful look inside the mind of a CEO who’s led billion-dollar brands, faced boardroom politics head-on, and still believes retail is a human story — not just a balance sheet.

For more insights, episode notes, and behind-the-scenes content, visit jameshstewart.com

or connect on LinkedIn.

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not represent the views of any organisation, employer, or affiliate.

All information is provided for general discussion and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.

Listeners should seek independent guidance before making any business, financial, or investment decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a kitchen table in Brisbane to a global online fashion movement — this is the story of Black Milk Clothing.

In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), host James H. Stewart sits down with Jackie Kruger, CEO of Black Milk Clothing, the cult Australian label known for its bold designs, product range diversity, and fiercely loyal community of Sharkies.

Jackie shares how she stepped into the CEO role following the tragic passing of founder James “jL” Lillis, and what it takes to balance creativity, commercial discipline, and community trust in a brand built on authenticity. Together, they unpack:

• How Black Milk grew from James Lillis’s home sewing machine to an international e-commerce force
• The emotional and operational realities of leading through grief and transition
• How community and connection fuel long-term brand loyalty
• The leadership, culture and resilience lessons that apply to founders, executives and team leaders alike

This conversation is a powerful look at creativity, courage, and the soul of a brand — and what it takes to carry that forward.

🎧 Listen now on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with James:

🌐 Website: https://jameshstewart.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, producers, or any affiliated organisations. The content is provided for general information and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, financial, or business advice. Listeners should conduct their own research or seek independent professional guidance before acting on any information discussed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John King's global experience in retail and wholesale brands is unique. He led three major retailers—Matalan, House of Fraser, and Myer—through wildly different market cycles, against major headwinds and each with their own unique set of challenges. After an early career with Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer in the UK, he spent 13 years in the wholesale sector, witnessed the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in NYC, guided House of Fraser through the GFC and then Myer through Covid.

If you are a retail nut, this episode is a not to be missed conversation where James and John discuss the levers that actually move the needle in legacy retail: footprint and lease strategy, loyalty economics, online performance, and what it takes to lead through a crisis, stabilise balance sheets and set a retail business up for success.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the views of any associated companies, organisations, or affiliates.

This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, financial, or legal advice.

All rights reserved © What I Learned in Business (that didn’t kill me!)

Connect with James

• Website: jameshstewart.com
• LinkedIn: James H. Stewart GAICD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to transform a national treasure into a modern global brand?

In this episode, James H. Stewart sits down with Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO of Jim Thompson — Thailand’s most iconic names in silk design, craftsmanship, and culture.

Frank shares his journey from leading global retail giants in Asia like Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein to reimagining Jim Thompson for a new era. Under his leadership, the brand has evolved far beyond silk — opening the spectacular Heritage Quarter in Bangkok, expanding into fashion, homeware, and hospitality, and even featuring in The White Lotus (Season 3).

Together, James and Frank explore:

• How to lead transformation without losing authenticity or heritage
• The lessons learned from global brand leadership across Asia
• Why culture, design, and storytelling matter more than ever
• The enduring mystery — and legacy — of Jim Thompson, the man who built it all

This is a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and respect for legacy — and a rare glimpse into what it takes to carry a 75-year-old brand into the future of global lifestyle retail.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit jameshstewart.com for updates, speaking events, and more episodes of What I Learned in Business (that didn’t kill me!).

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the views of any associated companies, organisations, or affiliates.

This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, financial, or legal advice.

All rights reserved © What I Learned in Business (that didn’t kill me!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Private-equity veteran Patrick Elliott (Founding Partner, Next Capital; ex-Macquarie PE; former Chair of JB Hi-Fi) joins James H Stewart to unpack career pivots, equity investing and what they teach us about risk, governance, and value creation.

Patrick traces his path from restructuring at Ferrier Hodgson to Private equity investing at Macquarie, then the leap to found Next Capital. We dig into the JB Hi-Fi MBI-to-IPO journey, the lessons from the collapse of Topshop Australia and how to approach turnarounds when the exit options are limited.

Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, you’ll get a playbook in patient investing, strategic pivots, and why great businesses are built around great people.

Practical, candid, and loaded with real examples.

Key Takeaways:

• How to know when it’s time to change direction
• The mindset required to transition from advisor to investor
• Lessons from private equity and rethinking growth after crisis

About Patrick Elliott:

Patrick Elliott is Co-Founder of Next Capital and former executive at Macquarie Bank. A graduate of IMD (Switzerland), he has led investments across retail, consumer, and industrial sectors — combining analytical precision with entrepreneurial instinct.

Connect with Patrick:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-elliott-374a3214b

https://nextcapital.com.au

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.

What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) — hosted by James H. Stewart, exploring the stories behind resilience, reinvention, and leadership.

Connect with James:

🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn

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In this episode, James H Stewart sits down with Di Gillett — a fashion-design student, turned retailer, turned headhunter, turned podcaster — whose life and career are a study in resilience and reinvention.

Di began her career in fashion and retail with Myer and Country Road, before spending more than 30 years in executive search, working with industry icon Andrew Banks at Talent 2 and later founding her own firm, Agora Partners. Today, she hosts the acclaimed Power of Women Podcast, and with almost 100 episodes, is approaching the top 1% of podcasters globally.

In a deeply honest conversation, Di shares the moments that shaped her — from surviving sudden alopecia to navigating the loss of her sister-in-law, elite cyclist Amy Gillett, whose death inspired a national road-safety movement.

Together, James and Di explore how adversity reshapes ambition, and why confidence and visibility matter more than ever for women in business.

Key Takeaways:

• How to transform adversity into purpose
• Why visibility and connection matter for women in business
• The importance of authenticity in leadership and storytelling

About Di Gillett:

Di Gillett is a business founder, podcast host, and advocate for women’s empowerment. With a background in retail and recruitment — including work with Andrew Banks and Talent2 — Di brings a grounded perspective on leadership, courage, and finding voice through adversity.

Connect with Di:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women

https://powerofwomen.com.au/

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.

What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!) — hosted by James H. Stewart, celebrating real stories of resilience, leadership, and growth.

Connect with James:

🌐 JamesHStewart.com | LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.