Nick Simpson’s business story starts in a citrus orchard and weaves through everything from beef filtration to landscape gardening, injury recovery and now pet nutrition.

In this episode, Marissa Hankinson speaks to the founder of Port Lincoln Pet Treats about growing up in a Riverland repatriation scheme, launching his first business after school, and the messy, nonlinear path to building something that sticks.

Nick opens up about the back injury that changed his career trajectory, the collapse of a key supplier that could have ended everything, and the road trip that sparked a new joint venture. The result? A fast-growing brand that now exports premium seafood-based treats to Asia and beyond.

A frank and uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention and building businesses without buzzwords.

Produced by Wavebreaker Productions.

#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #NickSimpson #PortLincolnPetTreats #StartupJourney #SouthAustralianBusiness #FounderStory #ResilientLeadership #RegionalInnovation #WavebreakerProductions #BootstrappedBusiness

What do hairdressing, fast food and corporate boardrooms have in common? For Roland Roccioletti — everything.

In this episode, Roland speaks with Marissa Hankinson about the unconventional path that led him to become a trusted advisor and boardroom leader across industries as diverse as defence, dairy, digital, and racing. From his early trade apprenticeship to international roles in packaging and economic development, Roland’s journey is one of reinvention, curiosity and continuous learning.

Now the founder of Future Proof Advisory and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Roland shares lessons on risk, legacy and why future-proofing isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a mindset.

Produced by Wavebreaker Productions.

#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #RolandRocculetti #FutureProofAdvisory #LeadershipJourney #BusinessReinvention #BoardroomStrategy #GovernanceMatters #WavebreakerProductions #FromTradesToTransformation #AustralianLeadership

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson is joined by Lynda Schenk — a seasoned brand strategist and executive who opens up about the reality behind high performance: the burnout, the boundaries, and the brave decisions it takes to make a career sustainable.

Lynda shares insights from years of leading brands and businesses, including what she’s learned about navigating pressure, creating intentional space, and rethinking what success should really look like.

Whether you're a marketer, a founder, or a leader trying to find balance, this episode delivers sharp insight, empathy, and straight-talking perspective.

▶️ Full episode:

The Glass Ceiling | Wavebreaker

https://theglassceiling.podbean.com/

#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #LyndaSchenk #BrandLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #ExecutiveWellbeing #MarketingLeadership #WomenInBusiness #SustainableSuccess #LeadershipBoundaries #WavebreakerProductions

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson speaks with Rebekah Tucker — a globally experienced business leader with a sharp strategic mind and a grounded leadership style.

Rebekah shares insights from her international career, including the importance of cultural intelligence, purpose-driven decision-making, and how to stay connected to what really matters as a leader. From corporate growth to personal evolution, this conversation offers practical takeaways and authentic stories for anyone navigating leadership and business at scale.

#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #RebekahTucker #LeadershipWithPurpose #GlobalBusiness #BusinessLeadership #CulturalIntelligence #WomenInBusiness #StrategicLeadership #CareerGrowth #WavebreakerProductions

Produced by Wavebreaker Productions

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson speaks with Oliver Ciancio — a mergers and acquisitions specialist helping businesses navigate complex deals, strategic growth, and high-stakes decisions.

Oliver shares what really goes on behind closed boardroom doors — from preparing a business for sale to acquiring companies for growth. Whether it’s a family-run business or a major corporate entity, Oliver brings clarity to the high-pressure world of M&A, shedding light on the processes, the pitfalls, and the power of a well-executed deal.

This is a must-listen for business owners, investors, and professionals curious about what it takes to scale, sell, or strategically acquire in today’s market.

#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #OliverCiancio #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessGrowth #BusinessSale #CorporateAdvisory #ExitStrategy #BusinessValuation #StrategicPlanning #ScaleYourBusiness #WavebreakerProductions

Produced by www.wavebreakerproductions.com

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, Marissa Hankinson speaks with George Belperio, the founder of Fasta Pasta one of South Australia’s most recognisable hospitality success stories.

George shares how he turned one humble pasta restaurant into a multi-location operation across the state. From the early days of hands-on hustle to navigating the challenges of growth in a dynamic industry, this episode explores what it takes to build a business with staying power.

A must-listen for founders, food entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the journey from local beginnings to household name.
Produced by Wavebreaker Productions

#TheGlassCeilingPodcast #GeorgeBelpario #FastaPasta #SouthAustralianBusiness #HospitalityLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurJourney #AdelaideBusiness #LocalSuccessStory #WavebreakerProductions #ItalianFood

In this episode of The Glass Ceiling, host Marissa Hankinson sits down with Cassie Day, a seasoned entrepreneur, business leader, and dedicated carer. Cassie shares her journey of building a purpose-driven business while juggling the demands of family life, being a carer, and maintaining her own wellbeing.

Through candid reflections, she discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the realities of balancing professional ambition with personal responsibilities, and the strategies that have helped her navigate it all. From overcoming setbacks to fostering resilience, Cassie offers invaluable insights for business leaders, working parents, and carers striving to create success on their own terms.

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about leadership, perseverance, and the importance of self-care in the fast-paced world of business.

Produced by Wavebreaker Productions

#Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BusinessLeadership #StartupSuccess #FemaleFounder #WorkLifeBalance #CaregiverLife #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceWellbeing #TheGlassCeiling #WavebreakerProductions

Join Marissa and Drew Knowles as they explore the intersection of human behavior, AI, and personal growth. From understanding the impact of technology on human behavior to leveraging AI for augmentation, not replacement, this conversation delves into the future of work and life.