Family business succession rarely goes according to plan, but few stories are as dramatic as that of AME Systems. In this episode, Nick Carthew, AME Systems Managing Director, opens up about taking over a company torn apart by family conflict, being given just six months to prove himself and then facing unimaginable challenges that tested everything he'd built.

Carthew discusses the falling out that nearly destroyed the business, the difficulties involved in such a rapid transformation and why the board initially had little faith in him. He shares candid insights on leading through loss, the power of company culture during crisis and why his employees took pay cuts and renegotiated mortgages to save the business.

Packed with raw lessons on succession planning and loyalty that survives anything, this conversation reveals what it really takes to carry a legacy forward.

Listen now to hear one of the most honest CEO stories you'll ever encounter.

Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com

Follow us:

LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global

Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal

X: @ceomagazinegl

Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal

Follow Nick Carthew and AME Systems:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-carthew-4314ba32

Website: https://amesystems.com.au

What if the key to exceptional leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about how you view the people around you? In this episode, Stefan Vermeulen, Managing Director of Nespresso Oceania, reveals his transformative leadership philosophy and the five-part framework that has guided his 15-year journey with one of the world’s most iconic brands.

Vermeulen discusses his “5Cs” leadership model, why vulnerability is actually a sign of strength and how building your own personal board of advisors can accelerate your growth. He also shares insights on leading through legacy, balancing global brand consistency with local innovation and how assuming good intentions changed how he approaches every leadership challenge.

Packed with practical frameworks and real-world examples from sustainability initiatives to team dynamics, this conversation offers a masterclass in authentic leadership for today’s complex business environment.

Listen now to discover the mindset shifts that separate good leaders from truly great ones.

Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com

Follow us:

LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global

Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal

X: @ceomagazinegl

Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal

Follow Stefan Vermeulen and Nespresso:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-vermeulen-a1b2736

Website: https://www.nespresso.com/

When Craig Kearney became CEO of Vitaco in 2018, he faced a counterintuitive challenge: the company had too many brands. While conventional wisdom says more products equal more revenue, Kearney discovered the opposite was true.

In this episode, Kearney reveals how he cut Vitaco’s brand portfolio and watched revenue double. He shares the ruthless decision-making process behind discarding profitable products to focus resources on fewer, stronger brands.

This is the portfolio management masterclass that shows how less really can be more in business.

Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com

Follow us:

LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global

Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal

X: @ceomagazinegl

Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal

Follow Craig Kearney and Vitaco:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-kearney-8508a23

Website: https://vitacohealth.com/