Bite BIG - Boss Women Leading Big Brands

BITE BIG is a business podcast that gets under the skin and inside the minds of great Australian brand bosses. Hosted by agency Founder and Brand Strategist Amber Bonney, this is a podcast designed and produced by women, for women. From start-ups to educators, independent hustlers to ASX listed chiefs - the BITE BIG podcast explores the personal mantras and motivations of top marketing gurus sinking their teeth into the daily challenges of brand leadership. Each episode Amber bites big with her co-host to get under the skin of what motivates them - unpack their personal mantra and discover how they keep their cool, dodge bullets, jump through hoops, lead fiercely, fight the good fight and of course, show up as boss women!Host: Amber BonnerProducer: Niki BeestonPost Production: Francine ToscanoDesign Lead: Stephanie EhrlichCreative Director: Amber BonneyThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn

Coming to you from Tokyo Japan, Amber Bonney will be co-hosting Bite Big's first episode with boss woman and innovative powerhouse Ally Doubé, Head of Marketing for Uber & Uber Eats Japan.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, 'bite big and chew like hell', in this episode we will delve into what Ally's own personal mantra is, and what it means, “Cut through the bullshit, make really cool shit, live for the real shit and help people find “it”!” We discuss how she coined it, how it helps set her focus and energy, and how it helped define her true north star.These boss women delve deep into what elements have impacted their careers and have helped define who they are today, the importance of having balance and discipline in their lives and what expectations they and others place on them, as Ally says "The person who puts the most pressure on me is myself". They discuss how important it is to help raise others up, to help others find their own personal mantra's that will help guide and live their lives by and how one can only really grow through imperfection.Tune in as Ally shares with us what her version of 'biting big' is, her belief in "faking it until you make it" and what her biggest boss move is to date!This episode is dedicated to two great boss women in Ally's life, her mother, Janet, who she lost to breast cancer when Ally was just 28 years old, and Natalyia Senytsya who is the founder of Angels Care a Ukrainian charity that provides support for families experiencing the loss of a baby. A donation of $500 has been made to both Angels Care and National Breast Cancer Foundation on behalf of Ally.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Ally Doubé you can connect and follow these boss women via the socials links below! Ally's LinkedinThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn National Breast Cancer FoundationAngels Care

In Episode 2, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Fatuma Ndenzako a new generation boss woman and co-founder of Melbourne-born brand Collective Closets, a slow fashion label that celebrates African/Australian heritage.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, 'bite big and chew like hell', in this episode, Amber gets under the skin of Fatuma's personal mantra, 'Always be kind, life is too short to not be kind to others'. We look at how Fatuma's own mantra came to be through her family and community, how it has filtered through her life from when she was growing up, to how it has impacted her work decisions.We get under the hood and discuss the impact that previous generations can have on an individuals own outlook, and how Fatuma's, 'Give Back' philosophy intertwines with her mantra and her business, and how this ultimately helps to empower others. We talk about the business of kindness and how this has influenced Fatuma's ethical fashion business in terms of sustainability and the support of women both here and in Kenya.Don't miss this exciting episode to give you a very different perspective on what the fashion industry is doing and how it is changing for the better both here and abroad thanks to people like Fatuma.This episode is dedicated to a charity close to Fatuma's heart, Sisters Inside - a charity supporting criminalised women, girls, children, and families both inside prison and out. As Fatuma states 'we all make mistakes it doesn't have to shape the rest of your life'.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Fatuma Ndenzako you can connect and follow these boss women via the socials links below!Fatuma's InstagramCollective Closets InstagramCollective Closets LinkedinFatuma's author recommendation James BowenThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Sisters Inside

In Episode 3, Amber Bonney Bites Big with co-host Nataliya Senytsya who is the founding partner of Angel's Care, as a not-for-profit Ukrainian bereavement organisation, Angel's Care focusses on building skills for healthcare professionals and providing continuous support for families who have lost an infant.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell”, we delve into Nataylia's personal mantra, "You have a lot of light in you. Don't be afraid to shine" and discuss where this came from, and how it shows up in both her personal and business life.In this candid interview, Nataylia opens up about grief and loss, and how her own experience led to her reframing vulnerability as a positive to allow for the good to re-enter, ultimately leading to the creation of Angel's Care - as Nataylia describes it, a safe space for people to share their pain together.On behalf of Nataylia, Bite Big has donated $500 to her chosen charities, Angel's Care and Sands, a like-minded organisation based in Australia, offering support for parents experiencing bereavement due to the loss of a child.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney, her business The Edison Agency, or co-host Nataliya Senytsya, you can connect and follow these boss women via the socials links below! Nataliya's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Angels CareSands Australia

In Episode 4, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Carolyn Bendall - the powerhouse Chief Marketing Officer of Swinburne University, and recent appointee to the MCC committee.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we talk about Carolyn's extensive years of experience and how her Mantra, "Be visible, be brave, be kind", was built on lessons learnt from early in her career, and has evolved into something that is true and authentic to her own being.With a bucket list of achievements, such as 16 Cannes Lion awards for creative excellence, and a 3-time Australian CMO top 50, we dig deep with Carolyn into the importance of having visible female leaders for younger generations to see and learn from, and how when Carolyn first started out, jobs for women came with a gender lens over it and how she intuitively knew it just wasn't right and women should be able to do anything.As a big advocate for inclusion and diversity of all kinds, we discuss Carolyn's impact and contribution to a more inclusive world, how she consciously builds her teams so as celebrate the importance of diversity, and how she is bringing modern thinking to a historical institution.Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity The Man Cave, a mental health and emotional intelligence charity that empowers boys to become great men.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonneyher business The Edison Agency or co-host Carolyn Bendallyou can connect and follow these boss women via the socials links below!Carolyn LinkedInSwinburne University of TechnologyANZ ‘GAYTm' CampaignCarolyn's Book Recommendation ‘Personal History by Katherine Graham'Carolyn's Podcast Recommendation ‘Chat 10 Looks 3'The Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Man Cave

In Episode 5, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Leah Morris - a change maker, Senior Copywriter and founding Editor of Mavens, an independent publication designed to champion gender equality in our communications industry.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we unpack Leah's personal mantra, '"If it feels good do it!" and discuss how growing up in regional Victoria has shaped her attitudes and values in business today as well as the significant influence her late father had on how she sees the world.We get under the hood of Leah's 2020 "lock-down" side hustle that ignited the launch of Mavens and how her commitment to helping women become more visible in our industry and shaping a better future for the next generation of creatives.Raw, vulnerable and heart warming, Leah's story will inspire you to follow in her footsteps and contribute to creating your own kind of impact through education, advocacy and bravery!On behalf of Leah Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Ready Set an independent Melbourne community organisation empowering people experiencing hardship to enter into the workforce through clothing and job preparation coaching.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Leah Morris you can connect and follow these boss women via the socials links below!Leah's LinkedInMavens LinkedInMavens InstagramLeah's book reco "Mad Women by Jane Maas"Leah's book reco 'Invisible to Invaluable: the Power of Midlife Women' by Jane Evans and Carol RusselThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Ready Set InstagramReady Set LinkedIn

In Episode 6, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Kate Dillon - a fearless omni talented founder and creative director of Melbourne-based fashion accessories brand She Lion Group.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we talk about Kate's innate personal drive and how that underpins her mantra "Anything is possible with guts, determination and persistence."As a mother and lawyer-turned-entrepreneur - Kate's career trajectory is nothing short of exceptional. As a dual qualified lawyer in both Australian and New York, not only is she a successful award-winning ethical business owner, but Kate also holds the role of Director of Employee Strategy & Experience at Gilbert & Tobin Lawyers.As a trained transformation and innovation coach Kate is no stranger to change and in this episode she openly shares both her academic frameworks and lived experiences in overcoming adversity, taking back control, feeling the feelings and being your own boss (figuratively speaking)!Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Fitted for Work an not-for-profit community-led organisation who help women experiencing disadvantage to become work ready and gain secure and meaningful employment.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Kate Dillon you can connect and follow these boss women via the socials links below!Kate's LinkedInKate's InstagramShe LionShe Lion's InstagramAFR Article "Actually, I Can" Support Local Video - She LionThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Fitted for WorkFitted for Work Instagram

For the first episode of Season 2, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Michelle Redfern - the unofficially anointed "voice for change" advocate and CEO of Advancing Women in Sport, Podcaster, Ambassador and AFR Top 100 Most Influential Women. Quite the list!Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we talk about Michelle's mantra 'Get Shit Done' and how this has influenced her approach to business. We find out why Michelle has been so aptly described as a 'Powerful voice for Change' and one of Amber's Top 20 most inspiring Australian women. In Amber's words "Michelle Redfern is an action-led human. No mincing of words, bravery in spades, an exception strategic leader and one of the most passionate advocates for women in business and sports I know".Michelle discusses growing up in a patriarchal society where women are taught not to play big, not to be big and not to get shit done, and how this has actually helped fuel Michelle to be the fiery character she is today!Being the self driven woman she is and not wanting to have any regrets, Michelle gets candid about her journey of self discovery and reflection, and how important it is to tune into your body and mind, and the importance of having a 'squad' that allows you to 'think out load' and discuss the issues, big or small, in your life.Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Our Watch an a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Michelle Redfern you can connect and follow these boss women via their socials links below!Links:Michelle's LinkedInMichelle's WebsiteMichelle's InstagramMichelle's New BookThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Our WatchMedia/Book References"No Ceiling, No Walls' by Susan L ColantuonoCreditsMain Host: Amber BonneyProducer: Niki BeestonPost Production : 17th Street Audio

In Episode 2 of Season 2, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Lisa Cox - one of Australia's leading authors, TEDx speakers and inclusive communications consultant & disability advocates.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we talk about how Lisa's early career has influenced her efforts in championing inclusion for people with disabilities, particularly in media, since a brain haemorrhage triggered a series of events that left her with both visual and invisible disabilities herself.Amber and Lisa discuss how her two mantra's, "Worse things happen", and "Start with the small changes to create a tidal wave" have helped give her perspective on a daily basis, whilst the change we need won't happen overnight, the small changes combined by herself and others can create a huge ripple affect and the need to celebrate these small wins.Lisa shares insight on how she shifted from survival after her series of events left with overwhelming challenges and pivoted into an advocacy role using disadvantage for change, changing her own inner stereotypes of disability to helping change industry and the way disability was being represented. Listen to one of Australia's most inspirational marketing services professionals who has broken the mould of what our industry looks like, and has demonstrated through data-led evidence how embracing diversity makes good business sense.Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Youngcare a not-for-profit that is revolutionising the way young people with high care disability live to give them freedom, dignity and choice.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Lisa Cox you can connect and follow these boss women via their socials links below!Links:Lisa's LinkedInLisa's InstagramLisa's WebsiteLisa's TedXTalkUnstereotype AllianceThe Valuable 500Diversity AustraliaThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Amber's InstagramYoungcareCreditsMain Host: Amber BonneyProducer: Niki BeestonSound Engineer: Jack Gooden, Gasworks BrisbanePost Production : 17th Street Audio

TRIGGER WARNINGThis episode contains depictions of self-harm and suicide that you may find disturbing. If you want to avoid this content, please skip forward to 10.17 sec. If you are experiencing a personal crisis there is a 24hour crisis support and suicide prevention service through Lifeline Australian on 13 11 14.In Episode 9, Amber Bonney Bites Big with co-host Suji Sanjeevan an exceptional Australian business owner whose intellect, tenacity and resilience has seen her graduate with a medical degree from Kings College London, shape medical policy and research governance in Australia and co-found two successful businesses & appeared on Shark Tank!Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we get real and raw about what it was like for Suji growing up in London with family pressures to study medicine, experiencing failure for the first time and her career "rebirth". With exceptional humility, Suji shares how her experience of the all-too-familiar 'glass ceiling' - how being a migrant, a woman and a mother was inhibiting her career options and the actions she took to break that class and become her own "boss woman".Amber gets under the skin of Suji's mantra, "It's not successful people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are successful", and how being thankful show's up for her in a practical way everyday. Suji speaks from the heart and with gratitude about her success, reflecting on how her failures have helped her achieve all that she is today, including her experience with Channel 10's Shark Tank Australia, the lead-up to her appearance & how she has used it to further benefit her business.Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Bridging Lanka a charity that is bridging the ethnic, religious and geographic divides for peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Suji Sanjeevan you can connect and follow these boss women via their socials links below!Links:Suji Sanjeevan LinkedInLight & GloBrandscentShark Tank Australia Episode with BrandscentBrene Brown TED TalkJames Clear - Atomic HabitsThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Bridging LankaIf you need crisis support, contact LifelineCreditsHost: Amber BonneyProducer: Niki BeestonSound Edit: Fran Toscano, 17th Street Audio

In Episode 9, Amber Bonney Bites Big with superstar guest co-host Leisa Bacon who has been described as a brand & experience evangelist, she's one of Australia's most credentialed marketers and creative thinkers and holds the role of Director of Audiences for the iconic ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we discuss Leisa's 25+ years of marketing experience and how her two Mantra's, "Just Do It" & "Be Kind", has shaped her career and personal life, especially during the difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic where here value's- based decision making and ingenuity has been well documented as a best-in-class example of how to lead, pivot and innovate during challenging times.Being named the number 1 CMO in the top CMO50 Awards in 2020 and being in the top 5 for the 3 years previous, Leisa is a formidable force that consistently shows up for her team as well as herself, and in this episode we find out exactly how and what leadership strategies Leisa uses to get the best out of her teams.Leisa shares how she likes to flip challenges into opportunities by using the enterprise design thinking process, a methodology Amber practices in her own business. Leisa specifically discusses the media landscape and the advancement of AI and the challenges it brings with misinformation. How staying relevant to current and future generations requires harnessing diversity across a range of dimensions to produce better content and creative across a multitude of platforms.Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity CanToo an independent health promotion charity committed to funding Cancer research.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Leisa Bacon, you can connect and follow these boss women via their socials links below!Links:Leisa's LinkedInABC, ABC iView or ABC ListenReferences:Brene Brown – Daring GreatlyByron Sharp – How Brands Grow: What Marketers Don't KnowThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn CanTooCreditsMain Host: Amber BonneyProducer: Niki BeestonPost Production : Francine Toscano, 17th Street Audio

In Episode 11, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Denni Francisco - proud Wiradjuri woman, a pioneer in the Australian fashion industry and a strong advocate for First Nations people.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we talk about how Denni's own Mantra centralised around the notion of "Together we create". Denni's mantra has been the guiding foundation of both her business's where she sees collective togetherness as being at the heart of her values, actions and impact.We talk about the powerhouse that is Ngali, Denni's high-end fashion label which saw her secure her first standalone show as a First Nations designer in 2023! Denni's shares her experience of this journey from the daunting task of preparing for the show to the sense of relief when it was over, only allowing herself to reflect and acknowledge the magnitude of what she had achieved in the weeks and months that followed.As a First Nations woman, Denni discusses her childhood and the profound influence of her grandmother in shaping the woman she is today and her perspective of the world. Denni delves into how she feels she has a responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities she has had, to understand her privilege, and to help generate opportunities and to shine a light on First Nations creativity.Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Dot Com Mob a charity that aims to improve the lives of people living in remote Australian Indigenous communities by providing access to technology centre, Youth IT training & digital inclusion projects.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Denni Francisco you can connect and follow these boss women via their socials links below!Links:Denni LinkedInNgali WebsiteNgali InstagramThe Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn Dot Com MobCreditsMain Host: Amber BonneyProducer: Niki BeestonPost Production : Fran Toscano, 17th Street Audio,

In Episode 12, Amber Bonney Bites Big with guest co-host Jo Stanley - a super star radio and TV presenter who has grown up telling stories and connecting with Australian audiences on award winning commercial TV and radio show.Inspired by Amber's own Mantra, "bite big and chew like hell", in this episode we talk about Jo's belief in the power of words, ideas and metaphors and one of her favourite mantras, 'Freedom lies in being bold'. Now as the co-founder and CEO of start up digital radio platform Broad Radio, Jo's talks about her commitment to changing the inequalities of women in radio, disrupting the status quo and helping the most invisible women to be seen and heard.In this conversation we look back over Jo's eclectic entertainment background, get curious about why radio is her first love and where her true passion lies. Jo shares the journey of writing the 'Play Like a Girl' book series, losing a high profile job and why never wasting a minute is an important part of her gratitude for life. We get under the skin of how the Broad Radio concept came to be after a trip to Berlin left her inspired to create something different. Jo truly is a woman who has bitten big and now chewing like hell!Bite Big has donated $500 to the chosen charity Fitted For Work a charity helps women, non-binary, and gender-diverse jobseekers to become job-ready, find meaningful employment, and thrive in their working lives.If you would like to know more about our host Amber Bonney her business The Edison Agency or co-host Jo Stanley you can connect and follow these boss women via their socials links below!Links:Jo Stanley LinkedInJo Stanley InstagramJo Stanley FacebookBroad Radio WebBroad Radio InstagramBroad Radio FacebookPlay Like a Girl Book SeriesElizabeth Gilbert - Big MagicGlennon Doyle - UntamedFitted For WorkAmber's InstagramAmber's LinkedIn The Edison Agency's LinkedInThe Edison Agency's InstagramCreditsMain Host: Amber BonneyProducer: Niki BeestonPost Production : Fran Toscano, 17th Street Audio,

In Episode 13 of BITE BIG, I sat down with Mim Haysom, Executive General Manager of Brand and Customer Experience at Suncorp Group, to dig into exactly that.Mim's career is one that most would consider enviable. From GM at M&C Saatchi to holding one of the most influential brand roles in Australia, overseeing AAMI, GIO, and Shannons, to name a few, her resume is heavy with achievements. But what really stood out in our conversation wasn't her accolades. It was her authenticity, self-awareness, and a mantra that reminds us what really matters: Life is short, so love what you do.

In Episode 14, we crank the volume way up. Amber is joined by speaker, author, and rebel leader Lucy Bloom, a woman who doesn't just challenge the rules of leadership, she rewrites them in hot pink.From running a top creative agency to leading game-changing charities and launching global firsts like Beer + Bubs (childbirth education for dads at the pub), Lucy's career is a wild masterclass in passion, resilience and reinvention. With four books under her belt and a speaking career that lights up global stages, she brings truth bombs, belly laughs, and brilliant advice in equal measure.

In Episode 15 of BITE BIG, Amber is joined by Donna de Zwart, CEO of Fitted for Work, a social enterprise that's helped over 46,000 women reclaim their independence through employment.With a career spanning education, consulting and social enterprise, Donna's mantra is clear and quietly radical: “Look for the beauty.” Born from personal hardship, it's a daily practice that shapes everything from the way her team answers the phone to how they prepare clients for job interviews.

Episode 16 of BITE BIG features the brilliant Professor Jenni Romaniuk, Associate Director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute and leading voice in marketing effectiveness, brand salience and distinctive brand assets.Jenni's mantra, “Progress is more important than perfection”is the lens through which she approaches her life's work: from developing world-first theories in mental availability to helping brands avoid the costly trap of vanity metrics. Her insights are as grounded as they are game-changing.

In Episode 17 of BITE BIG, we go behind the scenes of one of Australia's most successful luxury skincare brands, Rationale, with its trailblazing CEO, Shamini Rajarethnam. From navigating global expansion and regional relocation, to staying ruthlessly focused in a fragmented market, Shamini shares the story of building an enduring brand without compromising on values.With a mantra passed down from her father, "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care", Shamini's leadership style is deeply human, deeply strategic, and unapologetically clear on what matters most: purpose, people, and integrity.

In Episode 18 of BITE BIG, I sat down with Astrud Burgess, Group Chief Marketing Officer at ANZ, to unpack the mindset, mantra and marketing savvy behind her powerhouse leadership.Astrud's journey from the retail floor to the C-suite is anything but typical. Starting as a graduate at ANZ, her path has spanned continents, industries, and disciplines, from media and telco in London to transforming customer experience, brand, and data strategy back home. Now, as Group CMO, Astrud is proving that creative instinct and commercial impact are not mutually exclusive.Her mantra? “Optimise for joy.” A deceptively simple philosophy that drives how she leads, how she works, and how she stays sane in a high-pressure world.