FLY with Richard De Crespigny

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Qantas Group Chair John Mullen reflects on a life shaped by adversity, responsibility and long-term thinking. From childhood trauma and early lessons in survival, to leading some of the world’s largest logistics and aviation organisations, John shares how resilience is built long before a crisis arrives.
We explore the collapse of Ansett and the brutal lessons of cash flow and timing, the realities of board accountability and leadership under pressure, and what it takes to restore trust in an airline that holds a unique place in Australia’s national identity. John speaks candidly about Qantas’ recent challenges, rebuilding employee and customer confidence, and the delicate balance between shareholder value and broader stakeholder responsibility.
LINKS
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial
SUPPORT
Child abuse: Bravehearts
Surviving abuse: Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN)
Mental health: Beyond Blue
CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by one of Australia’s most experienced public relations professionals, John Connolly. With more than 30 years' experience working with some of the world’s largest companies and organisations, he's helped CEOs, boards, and companies navigate various challenging events, including mergers, hostile takeovers, and environmental disasters. In this episode, John and Richard discuss leadership during crises, lessons from global incidents, and what true resilience looks like in both corporate and national contexts.
LINKS
More on John Connolly
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Fly, Richard is joined by University of Sydney Associate Professor Sandra Peter and Professor Kai Riemer, Co-Directors of Sydney Executive Plus, to discuss their 2026 Skills Horizon report. They explore the future of leadership, the engagement of younger generations in the workforce, the growing role of automation and AI across a number of industries, and much more.
It’s a fascinating look into the future from two research leaders in the field, and essential listening for anyone currently in or looking for a leadership role.
LINKS
Download the 2026 Skills Horizon report
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Bailey was just like any other Year 12 student in 2015, until a persistent toothache lead to a devastating diagnosis. What doctors initially thought was Jake's wisdom teeth was actually an aggressive form of cancer invading his jaw and spreading throughout his body. Initially given just two weeks to live, an aggressive treatment plan and Jake's positive attitude saw him soon in remission and on a path to understand the psychology of resilience.
LINKS
Get a copy of Jake's book 'The Comeback Code'
Follow Jake on Instagram
Watch Jake's viral school speech
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Current data shows that as many as 11% of Australians will suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder at some time in their life. That figure balloons to 18% for former Australian Defence Force members. But dealing with the effects of PTSD can often feel isolating and overwhelming, and many don't seek help as a result.
This week, I speak with retired senior Austrailan Army officer Major General Tim McOwan, AO, DSC, CSM about the realities of life in the military for our elite soldiers, the ongoing trauma that many face as a result, and the stigma of dealing with that trauma.
SUPPORT
For support with PTSD, anxiety and depression, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue
ADF members and veterans can access support through the Department of Veterans' Affairs or through Open Arms on 1800 011 046
Further support for veterans can be found via Mates4Mates
LINKS
Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.