The Giants Next Door Podcast
A limited-series podcast by Asialink Business, where we speak with the leaders shaping Australia’s future through deeper engagement with Asia.
Overview
Welcome to The Giants Next Door, where we speak with the leaders shaping Australia’s future through deeper engagement with Asia.
Here, we talk with some of the country’s key business figures about their relationship with Asia — and hearing their insights and reflections on what it takes to lead, build, and succeed in the region.
If these conversations sparked something in you, be sure to follow the show on Spotify or YouTube and share it with others who are thinking seriously about Australia’s future in Asia.
Episode #1 - Engineering Regional Impact with Louise Adams, CEO of Aurecon
We sit down with Louise Adams, CEO of Aurecon, to explore her remarkable journey through engineering and leadership across Southeast Asia. From managing infrastructure projects in Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia to shaping Aurecon’s global strategy, Louise brings a wealth of experience and insight.
As Australia’s Business Champion to Vietnam and an advisor to the ASEAN-Australia Centre, Louise shares her perspective on fostering long-term regional partnerships, navigating cross-cultural collaboration, and leading with purpose in both field and boardroom settings.
Episode #2 - Connecting Global Strategy with Sanjeev Gandhi, CEO of Orica
We speak with Sanjeev Gandhi, Managing Director and CEO of Orica, to explore his decades-long leadership journey across Asia. From India and Japan to Singapore and Hong Kong, Sanjeev has led teams in complex, high-stakes industries while navigating the region’s cultural and commercial diversity.
Before moving to Australia in 2020, he built a career at the intersection of global markets and local realities—shaping strategies that bridged national priorities with international opportunity.
Episode #3 - Delivering Health Solutions Across Asia with Glenn Keys AO, Founder and Chair of Aspen Medical
In this episode of The Giants Next Door, Leigh Howard sits down with Glenn Keys, Executive Chairman and founder of Aspen Medical, to explore his journey from military engineering to global healthcare leadership. After beginning his career as an officer in the Australian Army, Glenn transitioned into the health sector, building one of Australia’s most successful international healthcare companies.
Under his leadership, Aspen Medical has delivered critical health projects across Asia — from crisis response to long-term capacity building. Glenn brings a unique blend of operational discipline, entrepreneurial vision, and a deep commitment to social impact. He shares insights on how Australian expertise can contribute to stronger, more resilient partnerships with Asia, and what it takes to lead with purpose in complex regional environments.
Episode #4 - Connecting Policy and Commerce with David Olsson, National President of the Australia China Business Council
Leigh Howard speaks with David Olsson AM, National President and Chairman of the Australia China Business Council, to explore his decades-long career at the forefront of Australia’s engagement with Asia.
As International Director of King & Wood Mallesons, David has built a dynamic network across Greater China — advising on cross-border investment, navigating legal and policy frameworks, and shaping commercial diplomacy between Australia and the region.
He shares his perspective on the evolving Australia-China relationship, the role of legal expertise in international strategy, and how business leaders can foster deeper and more intricate relationships across Asia.
Episode #5 - Leading with Purpose and Inclusion with Christine Holgate, Group Executive Chair of Team Global Express
Leigh Howard sits down with Christine Holgate, Group Executive Chair of Team Global Express, to explore her leadership journey across some of Australia’s most recognised companies and international markets.
From her early career in the UK to executive roles across Asia-Pacific, Christine has consistently championed women in leadership and built bridges across borders. Her experience navigating global partnerships and complex commercial environments offers valuable insight into how diversity and inclusion can strengthen Australia’s regional engagement.
She shares her perspective on what we can learn from our neighbours to foster inclusive leadership, drive economic collaboration, and build resilient, future-focused organisations.
Episode #6 - From Melbourne to Malaysia and Back with Leigh Howard, CEO of Asialink Business
In this episode of The Giants Next Door, we turn the tables as Leigh Howard, CEO of Asialink Business and the usual host of this podcast, steps into the guest seat to reflect on his career across Australia and Asia. From leading top-tier businesses in Malaysia to serving as a government official and most recently heading Asialink Business in Melbourne, Leigh has helped Australian companies expand, adapt, and succeed in diverse markets.
With both strategic vision and in-market experience, Leigh shares reflections on building trust, understanding Asia's nuanced markets, and uncovering what it takes to reach new heights with The Giants Next Door.