The Downer Difference

In this episode, we speak with Sam Astwood-Maddren, National Defence Manager, about how data-driven decision making, strong teamwork and a calm, solutions-focused mindset can transform performance on some of New Zealand’s most complex contracts. Sam shares how having the right data enables better decisions, improved KPIs and a culture of continuous uplift. She reflects on the power of having a great team and how tapping into the broader Downer enterprise skill set allows teams to mobilise quickly, collaborate and deliver the best outcomes for customers. We explore the importance of constantly checking in, recognising great work more often, and embracing the idea of ‘progress not perfection’ to drive sustained improvement.  Sam also discusses her leadership approach on the New Zealand Defence Force contract, where her humility, steady presence and people-first mindset helped strengthen customer relationships and enhance operational results. Grounded in real experience and genuine care for her people, this conversation highlights what The Downer Difference looks like in action: empowered teams, strong networks and leaders who show up with calm confidence to make things better for those they serve.

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Welling, Executive General Manager, Health & Education, to explore the leadership habits that drive operational excellence.We discuss what it means to show up as a leader, how strong team dynamics accelerate performance, and why raising organisational ambition is essential for solving complex problems. Peter shares practical insights on understanding your audience, aligning value, and working better together by recognising the impact you and your team have on the people you lead. This conversation shines a light on the power of recognition, purposeful collaboration, and the mindset required to lift performance across an organisation.

In this episode, we speak with Deniz Molokov, Acting Chief Information Officer at Downer, about the evolving cyber-risk landscape and how organisations like Downer are stepping up. We dive into what it takes to build and coach high-performing cyber teams beyond traditional IT borders, how knowledge transfer and culture shape resilience, and what leaders should keep front of mind as the threat environment shifts. From growth mindset within the organisation to maintaining relevance in a digital age, this conversation encourages leaders to keep challenging themselves to protect value, customers and teams.

A year after our first conversation with Peter, we reconnect to explore how leadership and growth have evolved at Downer. This episode unpacks what it means to lead authentically, create real customer value, and sustain growth in the right way. We discuss the cultural shifts needed to stay relevant, the challenges of transformation, and how leaders can keep challenging themselves, and their teams to grow with purpose and impact.

In this episode of The Downer Difference, we sit down with Michael Franks, Defence Sector Leader and recipient of the Downer Culture Champion Award. A proud Air Force veteran and golf enthusiast, Michael brings a unique perspective shaped by his military engineering background and his current role on the Downer Defence team, contributing to major projects like the Woomera redevelopment, Riverina, and Williamstown.Michael shares powerful insights into what it takes to lead high-performing teams in complex, high-stakes environments. From making the tough calls to putting safety and accountability at the centre of everything we do, to building trust across business units - this episode is packed with lessons for leaders working in defence, infrastructure, and beyond.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:✔️ The role of culture in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects✔️ Translating customer needs into actionable delivery strategies✔️ The value of cross-business collaboration and communication✔️ Making courageous decisions to uphold safety and excellence✔️ Why accountability and trust are essential for high performance✔️ Lessons from military leadership applied in a corporate settingThis is a must-listen for project leaders, defence professionals, and anyone interested in driving a high-performance culture through clarity, courage, and collaboration.Recommended book: The Happiest Refugee by Anh DoRecommended song: Triple G📺 Watch on YouTube

In this episode of The Downer Difference, we speak with Jarred Rowland, Senior Project Manager at Downer Rail & Transit Systems, about his journey from the tools to becoming a senior leader, and how frontline experience has shaped his approach to safety, leadership, and culture change. Jarred shares a compelling case study from a high-risk project site where injury rates were too high, and how decisive leadership turned things around.By empowering teams, redesigning communication systems, and creating safe pathways to speak up, Jarred and his team have shifted from reactive safety practices to a proactive, prevention-first mindset. This is a powerful conversation about accountability, transparency, and making safety everyone’s responsibility.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:✔️ How to empower teams to speak up and work to a shared standard✔️ Creating safety rituals and reporting tools that actually work✔️ Transitioning from reacting to incidents to proactively preventing them✔️ Using feedback loops and town halls to drive culture change✔️ Motivating teams through structure, recognition, and follow-through✔️ What “The Downer Way” means in practice from culture to deliveryThis episode is a must-listen for operational leaders, frontline managers, and anyone passionate about building a strong safety culture and empowering teams from the ground up.Recommended book: Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson📺 Watch on YouTube: [YouTube Link]

In this episode of The Downer Difference, we explore what makes good companies great and the hidden truths about the CIO role. Joining us is Nicola Dorling, Group CIO, Downer Digital, who shares her insights on business transformation, enabling delivery, and excellence as a pursuit. From her earlier role as a CFO to CIO at Downer, this is an entertaining and engaging conversation for those interested in developing high performing teams.  🎙️ In this episode, we explore:✔️ How company’s reach high performance and avoid complacency ✔️ The intersect between passion, profit and proficiency ✔️ Change mindset and curiosity to tip a company from good to great✔️ Excellence as a pursuit✔️ Machine learning and AI applied to project delivery✔️ Pushing yourself personally and professionally ✔️ Data as a key to competitive advantage in business ✔️ Ensuring everyone is laser focused on their role to enable high performance and deliver successfully This is a must-listen for senior leaders, contract managers and anyone passionate about digital transformation for competitive advantage.  Recommended books: Good to Great, Jim CollinsRecommended music artist: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye 📺 Watch on YouTube

With oversight of more than 3 million tonnes of asphalt produced annually and responsibility for the procurement, supply, and production of over 300 million litres of bitumen products, George is a recognised expert in road construction and surfacing solutions. His deep industry knowledge and passion for sustainable infrastructure make this a must-listen conversation.We explore what it takes to turn a great idea into a sustainable business, especially in traditional industries. From innovation and recycling to product adoption and building something that leaves a lasting legacy, George shares how Downer creates value through capability, culture, and care for the future.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:✔️ How to turn opportunities into successful, scalable products✔️ The future of asphalt and the role of recycling in sustainable infrastructure✔️ The importance of culture and shared language in a diverse organisation✔️ Leaving a legacy through innovation and safetyThis episode is essential listening for innovators, engineers, and leaders looking to transform legacy industries and create real, lasting impact.Recommended book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight📺 Watch on YouTube