Business
In Episode 28, “Nothing will work unless you do“, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Group Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd, Alison Watkins. Originating from the idyllic countryside of Tasmania, Alison, who once thought she would spend the rest of her life in Tasmania has become one of Australia’s most recognised business leaders.Soon after leaving Tasmania, she joined Management Consulting firm McKinsey & Company. It is here where the foundations of success were laid for Alison, and she was able to observe the key traits in what makes a successful leader. She reflects on her time at McKinsey and tells us that sometimes just doing your job isn’t enough and going that extra mile is what separates the good from the great.Alison shares with us an opportunity she was given at ANZ, and how taking that opportunity opened the doors to her executive career. She discusses some of the challenges she encountered as Chief Executive at GrainCorp and the roadblocks she faced at the hands of the Government. Furthermore, she talks of the future of Coca-Cola Amatil and its role as a socially responsible company.Greg and Alison also discuss the importance of risk-taking, the impact of social media, what she feels defines diversity, and whether or not it works, the effect the political landscape of Australia has on the economy and the significance on being willing and wanting to change.