🎙️ How Brian started out being paid by coins in jam jars

🎙️ Working with an Amish community

🎙️ How 13 people totally transformed the planning system in Tasmania

🎙️ The importance of certainty

🎙️ Grey areas in government......and much more.

Liz Mackevicius is proud to sponsor this conversation - not just because Brian’s story is compelling, but because it speaks to something deeper many of us feel: The desire to lead meaningful change without losing ourselves in the noise. That’s exactly what Liz supports - a coaching and community space for people in planning, policy, and the built environment who want to lead with more clarity, courage, and purpose. Liz shares practical, thought-provoking tools in my newsletter to help you do just that—because real momentum isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.

🎧 While you’re listening to Brian’s episode, subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lizmack.com.au/newsletter-subscribe/

Jane shared insights from a remarkable career so far, from working on iconic projects like Darling Harbour, to shaping policies at the City of Melbourne, and then influencing planning across Victoria in a senior State Government executive role.

We explored how universities once directly informed council policy, the value of great design, and why collaboration is at the heart of a civil society.

It’s a thoughtful, honest and inspiring episode.

#urbanplanning #placemaking #design #leadership #planning #architecture #citybuilding #podcast #publicservice

Supported by CoFutures ⁠CoFutures | Transforming Urban Planning⁠ and

Liz Mack - Insta: @lizmack.com.au ⁠Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitating - Liz Mackevicius⁠

Produced by Soren Risby

In this wide-ranging and captivating conversation, I sit down with Sam to explore a life shaped by cities, culture, and unexpected career turns.

We delve into her formative years in inner Melbourne, the vibrant neighbourhood life of Chicago, and what it was like working alongside Aldermen in one of America’s most political cities.

Sam shares stories of raising twins in the US, the DIY spirit that defines American communities, and how a chance encounter with Julia Gillard sparked a bold pivot into public office—culminating in her election as a local councillor.

From street-level activism to international experience, this episode is a celebration of community, place, and the power of saying yes to unexpected paths. 🌏✨

✨ This episode is supported by Liz from Sentier, a coach and former planner who helps people like Sam - planners, consultants, and city-shapers - shift from reactivity into Purposeful Momentum.

If you’re working in the built environment and want to lead with more clarity and less chaos, you’ll want to keep an eye on what Liz is launching soon.

📬 Sign up to be the first to hear about it: ⁠www.sentier.com.au/newsletter⁠

Thank you also for the support from our friends at @CoFutures

Produced by Soren Risby

This episode blends expert insights with unforgettable anecdotes, offering a unique look at urban planning and Mike’s fascinating career moments. Whether you're an urban planning enthusiast or just curious about creative minds shaping our cities, this discussion is both insightful and entertaining.

Subscribe now and tune in for a mix of urban design wisdom and humor!