Episode Summary
On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Adam Schwab joins Nick Stehr to talk about his journey from law to business, founder mode vs manager mode, how much luck is needed to succeed, how Luxury Escapes filled a void in the travel market, innovating business during challenging times, recruiting and retaining quality people, and Adam’s ideal dinner party guests.
Adam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, the Non-Executive Director at Lux Everyday, Co-Founder of the Digicit Melbourne Chapter, Non-Executive Director of Myeloma Australia, and Venture Partner at Aura Group, as well as Investment Committee Member of Save The Children Australia, Mentor at Startmate, and the Co-Host of The Contrarians Podcast. He also Co-Founded MyTable (acquired by Menulog and later sold to JustEat) and Living Corporate Apartments.
In 2010, Adam released his Amazon Bestseller, Pigs at The Trough: Lessons from Australia’s Decade of Corporate Greed. Since 2014, he has been on the BRW Young Rich list, and in 2015, CEO Magazine named him the Australian Young Executive of the Year.
In his spare time, Adam runs Melbourne Marathons barefoot to raise funds for the Myeloma Foundation of Australia.
Timestamp Segments
- [00:43] Adam’s background.
- [03:27] How Adam finds the time.
- [07:18] Getting into business.
- [11:30] Founder Mode.
- [14:44] The luck factor.
- [19:42] Finding the travel niche.
- [22:43] Defining luck.
- [26:06] Scaling a business during challenging times.
- [32:05] Recruiting and retaining quality people.
- [40:59] How challenges have changed over time.
- [46:57] What’s driving Adam?
- [48:59] Who would Adam invite to a dinner party?
- [49:45] The Contrarians Podcast.
Notable Quotes
- “Luck is the biggest thing.”
- “Luck is […] being at the right place at the right time.”
- “If it’s not working for the employer, it’s probably not working for the employee.”
Relevant Links
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!