John Mullen on Rebuilding Qantas and Leading Through Adversity

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.

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