The Turnaround

"When Alan Bond won the America's Cup in 1983, Australia celebrated and welcomed him as a hero. By 1991, the nation's most famous entrepreneur had become a villain."It's the perfect opening chapter for Wexted's History of Insolvency — our new series examining the defining business collapses and financial failures that shaped the modern corporate landscape. Acclaimed author and journalist Paul Barry wrote the definitive account of how Australia made Bond a hero and why he fell from grace. Paul joins Wexted to share his insights into the financial excesses of the 1980s, and the story of "a boy who longed to see his name in lights, who was desperate to be accepted by the establishment, who wanted to be Sir Alan."

In this episode of The Turnaround, Hamilton Locke’s Sophie Ulhorn and Andrew Vincent, together with Wexted's Joe Hayes and Chris Sequeira, reflect on how personal brand and firm reputation intersect in professional services. From stepping into a new role and working under someone else’s brand, to harnessing the advantages of boutique firms, they explore culture, trust, and the art of building long-term client relationships. Along the way, they share candid lessons on investing in yourself, learning from mistakes, and why you’re only as good as your last job.

In this episode of The Turnaround, Wexted’s Joe Hayes sits down with Tim L’Estrange, one of Australia’s most respected arbitrators and mediators, for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving nature of The Social License. From the accelerating influence of AI to the shifting expectations of consumers and stakeholders, Tim shares insights on how businesses must adapt — or risk falling behind. The duo unpack the continued power of mediation, for dispute and insolvency, and why, sometimes, all you need is an orange.

Watch The Turnaround highlights as Joe Hayes and ARITA CEO John Winter discuss accomplishments, tensions and the power of ethical advocacy. The duo dive into insolvency policy, the need for root and branch reform and how to better protect businesses and directors, while still maintaining public trust.

This week Wexted's new leaders Chris Sequeira, Rebecca Wilson, and Chris Johnson dive into the NFP sector; reviewing healthcare, charities, 2025 outlooks, regional challenges and the impact of decreased government funding.

In this episode of the Turnaround Podcast, we speak to Former Investment Banker and Social Commentator Andrew Low about his new book “We should be so Lucky”. Andrew promotes the proposition that the Australian Way and our success is not a matter of luck, but derives from a blend of political, social and economic institutions and values unique to our way of life.

We are now seven years into the Safe Harbour Law. It started with a whimper, but where are we right now? In this extended episode, join Wexted's Joe Hayes and Andrew McCabe, together with Corrs' Michael Catchpoole, as they discuss the good, the bad and the nail-biting aspects of Safe Harbour.

In this extended Wexted exclusive, Australian Rugby legend Phil Kearns talks to Joe Hayes about Australia's successful Rugby World Cup bid and the impact RWC 2027 is set to have on the sport and the Australian economy.