Spirit of Australia, Raining cats and dogs and Breeeath

Welcome to your next edition of Flat White, your caffeine-fuelled update on all things Aussie Corporate. This week, we're diving into scandalous behaviour from big corporates as well as our usual staple features. There are no more public holidays now leading up to Christmas, so hoping you all get a clear run at the end of year break!

In other news, TAC x HH Jackets are go! If you are one of those supporting our merch run, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are going to be organising production this week so you should hear from us soon. Looking forward to seeing these jackets in the wild!

Every morning at 8AM, we’ll send you an email with everything you need to know across Australian business, global and company news in a 2-minute read.

💡 Brain’s Trust

1. Spirit of Australia

A mere fortnight ago we mentioned how Qantas might have enjoyed some reprieve as Coles and Woolworths were thrust into the wrongdoing spotlight. However just like an NRL player post season, they’re back in the spotlight, and not necessarily for the right reasons.

First, the airline was slapped with a $100 million fine by the ACCC for selling tickets on more than 8,000 cancelled flights. Between 2021 and 2023, Qantas knowingly sold tickets for flights that had already been scrapped, misleading over 86,000 customers and delaying refunds for up to two months. To make matters worse, scammers are now exploiting the situation, sending fraudulent text messages to customers under the guise of helping them secure refunds.

Adding to the public's frustration is the revelation that former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will continue to enjoy the perks of first-class flights for free until 2046. While customers are still trying to get that $100 credit back for a cancelled flight due to 'engineering issues', the former CEO will be entitled to long-haul and short-haul flights, amounting to millions in travel benefits over the next two decades.

In a slightly more lighthearted issue, on a recent Sydney to Tokyo flight, Qantas passengers were in for an uncomfortable surprise when an R-rated movie featuring graphic nudity was played on all screens due to a technical glitch. No one could turn off the film until the crew finally intervened and swapped it for a more family-friendly option. There’s nothing quite like watching some R-rated content with your parents on either side of you.

2. When it rains it pours

Hurricane Milton hit Florida on October 9, 2024, with devastating impacts, just two weeks after Hurricane Helene drenched the state. Milton, a Category 3 storm at landfall, brought winds up to 190 km/hr, severe flooding and storm surges. Major cities like St. Petersburg and Tampa were among the hardest hit, with over 3 million people losing power and widespread infrastructure damage reported. Despite evacuation orders, at least 16 fatalities occurred. Florida, still recovering from Helene, faces weeks of rebuilding as many areas remain uninhabitable.

Hurricane Helene, which struck just two weeks prior, had already caused massive destruction, dumping the equivalent of 619 days of Niagara Falls’ water flow onto the state. Milton’s arrival compounded the recovery efforts, leaving roads and airports closed, and thousands displaced from their homes. Experts have estimated the cost of the storm damage at US$50 billion.

And because it’s America, a natural disaster has turned political with the United States continuing to appear anything but United. Far-right congresswoman, Majorie Taylor Green, has blamed the Democrats saying 'they control the weather’, while Donald Trump has falsely claimed that the Biden-Harris administration has diverted hurricane response funds to care for migrants, drawing pushback even from some Republican officials.

Like what you’re reading? Pick & Scroll does it every day.

 🗞️ Workplace Watch

1. Up to 70% of Australian companies are cutting costs through salary reductions and layoffs, with one-third of contractors losing their job in the past 6-8 months. LINK

2. Australia ranks as the most "burnt out" nation in the world, with 1 in 2 people affected by burnout, and the relentless pursuit of wellness is leaving Australians feeling more stressed than ever. LINK

3. Insignia Financial has become the first in the financial services sector to implement a 4-day work week as part of a union agreement that safeguards jobs from AI, work-from-home rights and includes a $1,200 payment along with a 9.5% wage increase over 3 years. LINK

4. A study of 26,000 workers found that after 2 hours of desk work, mental wellbeing declines and stress can increase by 18% after 4 hours. LINK

5. Middle manager jobs are disappearing as companies, including Amazon, cut layers of bureaucracy to reduce costs in a trend dubbed the "great unbossing." LINK

 🗞️ On Your Minds

🇦🇺 TOP AUSTRALIAN NEWS RECAP

1. Sydney lacks enough 3-bedroom apartments, causing Baby Boomers to compete with young families for the limited stock, pushing prices up faster than for smaller properties. LINK

2. Australia's universities are facing financial challenges as 6 institutions remain in the global top 100, with the University of Melbourne ranked as the best at 39th. LINK

3. Supermarket milk prices fall to lowest level in 14 years as major retailers Coles and Woolworths reduce prices. LINK

4. Apartment prices are expected to rise by 23% by 2026 due to lower interest rates, strong demand and a supply shortage. LINK

5. Chemist Warehouse is tackling its credit card transaction costs by implementing a new NAB-backed QR code payment system. LINK

🌏 TOP GLOBAL NEWS RECAP

1. LVMH signed a 10-year deal to sponsor Formula One, replacing Rolex as the official timekeeper. LINK

2. A World War II bomb exploded at a Japanese airport, causing a large crater on runway. LINK

3. A life expectancy study found that human lifespan may have reached its peak, with little room for further increases despite advances in technology and healthcare. LINK

4. Plastic surgeons report a resurgence of the 'ballet body' trend, characterised by slimness, driven by the popularity of weight-loss drugs and a shift away from recent curves to a more slender ideal. LINK

5. Hurricane Milton marched across Florida on Thursday, whipping up deadly tornadoes, destroying homes and knocking out power for nearly 2 million people. LINK

🙊 Community Bantz - AusCorp Subreddit highlight

This Reddit post feature is just a reminder that we aren’t out here saving lives… We all know that dads are always right, so take that advice and remember: no one’s going to thank you for skipping lunch to send “one more email”.

We only get one lunch break a day, so let’s not let that go to waste!

🩺 Health Check - health tip/reminder

Breath in, Stress out

In the fast-paced corporate world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings, deadlines and endless emails. But luckily for us, something as simple as breathing could be your secret weapon.

Why is it interesting?

Breathwork (i.e. intentional breathing exercises) has gained popularity for its ability to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. By taking control of your breathing, you activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Not only can this lead to an immediate sense of calm, but regular practice has been shown to improve focus, mental clarity and even sleep.

How can you start?

The great thing about breathwork is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or a huge time commitment. You can practice it anywhere. Whether at your desk, in a meeting or during a quick break.

Box Breathing (also known as Four-Square Breathing) is a good beginner technique and a favourite among high performers, from CEOs to Special Forces. Here’s how you do it:

1. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4.

2. Hold your breath for a count of 4.

3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4.

4. Hold for a count of 4.

5. Repeat this for 3-5 cycles, or as long as you need to feel calm and centered.

The beauty of Box Breathing is its simplicity and versatility. You can do it in the middle of a stressful meeting, or right before a big presentation, and no one will even notice. With regular practice, it can become your go-to tool to manage stress in any situation.

Want more?

If you’re keen to explore breathwork further, there are plenty of resources out there, from guided apps (e.g. headspace) to Youtube videos to actual paid courses or classes.

👴🏻 Old is Cool - meme throwback (24 October 2023)

💻 Made in Australia - showcasing Aussie start-ups

Brighte is Making Solar Affordable for Aussies

Brighte is a Sydney-based fintech start-up that offers financing solutions for sustainable home improvements, including solar panels and battery storage. The company’s goal is to make clean energy accessible to everyday Australians by providing easy payment plans for homeowners.

Recently, Brighte raised AU$100 million in 2020 to fuel its rapid expansion, allowing more homeowners to make the switch to solar without large upfront costs. Investors like Grok Ventures, Qualitas, and ForPurposeCo are backing the company’s mission.

What is it?

Brighte offers "Buy Now, Pay Later" financing for home energy solutions, letting homeowners pay for solar installations, batteries, and other green improvements over time. It’s a game changer for those who want to lower their energy bills and carbon footprint without the financial strain of a big upfront investment.

By simplifying the path to solar, Brighte is not only making clean energy more affordable but also contributing to Australia’s renewable energy transition. Operating across Australia and New Zealand, the start-up has already helped over 150,000 Australian households transition to clean energy solutions, including solar installations.

If you know (or are creating) a great Aussie product, we'd love to hear from you!

👍 The Nook - AusCorp recommendations

📺 The Newsreader (TV Show, ABC iView | IMDb 7.7/10) - "A brilliantly acted drama set in an '80s Australian newsroom. Complex and captivating characters make this a must-watch."

📺 Love Me (TV Show, Binge | IMDb 7.5/10) - "A touching Australian drama about love, family, and emotional journeys across different generations."

🎧 The Sure Thing (Podcast, ABC) - "An Australian true-crime podcast about two mates who went from gambling to an international crime syndicate. It’s a wild and unbelievable ride."

🎧 Hack (Podcast, Triple J) - "Keeping you up-to-date with the latest Australian current affairs, culture, and societal issues. Essential listening for the Aussie millennial."

☕️ Top Paddock (Café, Melbourne) - "Known for its top-notch coffee and beautiful presentation of dishes like blueberry hotcakes."

☕️ 🍽 Paramount Coffee Project (Café, Sydney) - "Trendy café serving fantastic specialty coffee and innovative breakfast dishes."

🍽 D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar (Restaurant, Sydney) - "Authentic Italian pizza with simple, fresh ingredients, and a laid-back vibe."

🍩 Nodo (Cafe, Brisbane) - "Famous for its gluten-free doughnuts and healthy, delicious brunch options.”

🚗 Under the Hood - what we're working on

AusCorp Jobs Update

We’ve hit over 180+ job listings and have also started listing in-house roles.

Our vision is to become the number 1 legal jobs board in Australia, so if you share this ambition, hit us up for a chat!

WFH Survey Refresh

We will shortly be launching our 2024 WFH Survey to provide an updated helicopter view of what companies in AusCorp are doing this day and age. We’re continuing to clean the data and will provide an update as soon as this is finalised.

If you want to make sure your company makes the list, please submit your answers HERE.

New IG Broadcast Channel - The Boardroom

We have activated a new IG feature on our page which allows the community into our Boardroom broadcast channel.

It’s still early days, but we’re looking use this to provide a more direct and transparent way to communicate with you. It will be primarily for the latest breaking news / goss as well as any big announcements that you might miss with IG stories (because they appear on your feed hours later or disappear after 24 hours).

If you missed our announcement on socials and want to join, here’s the LINK.

Merch, merch, merch

Excited to announce that our pre-sale for our Helly Hansen collab is now locked in and we have enough commitments to hit GO on production.

For any last minute orders, please send us an email ASAP at [email protected]

Excited to see this one hit the streets!

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Pick & Scroll is our go-to daily morning news source for your top picks across Australian business, global and company news.

✍️ Feedback Loop - share your thoughts

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