15 Minutes with the Boss · The Australian Financial Review

Janine Allis: Health hacks, why imposter syndrome is BS, and saying “yes” to everything

·20 min·1 clip
Janine Allis saw an 88-year-old surfer and decided she wanted to be her, sparking a life-changing moment.
This episode features an interview with Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice and chairman of Retail Zoo, conducted by Sally Patton, editor of the Australian Financial Review's Boss. They discuss Allis's business philosophy and personal health routines. The conversation covers her views on imposter syndrome and her motivation for maintaining an active lifestyle. Allis describes a pivotal moment seeing an 88-year-old woman with a surfboard at Fairhaven Beach in Victoria, which shaped her vision for her own future. She states she started Boost Juice in 2000 when she was 32 years old. Her company, Retail Zoo, now oversees approximately 850 Boost Juice stores across 13 countries and about 60 Betty's Burgers locations. Allis also serves on the board of the online retailer Kogan. She is a previous winner of the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year award. Allis has appeared on television shows including Shark Tank, Australian Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice, and Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars. She attributes her busy schedule to a personal policy of saying "yes" to opportunities. Allis argues that saying "yes" makes life more interesting, while saying "no" represents playing it safe. A central and surprising claim is Allis's blunt dismissal of imposter syndrome, which she labels as "bullshit." Her primary health motivation is caring for her future self, whom she refers to as "future Ginny." The image of the older surfer became a concrete goal for her personal fitness and longevity. Her business philosophy extends from a simple juice bar to a multinational portfolio of food brands. The tone is direct and conversational, driven by a rapid-fire interview style. The episode is educational, focusing on extracting actionable advice and personal insights from the guest. Listeners interested in entrepreneurship, personal development, and no-nonsense business advice would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a deep, critical analysis of business trends or imposter syndrome might find the discussion too brief and anecdotal.
Listen to the show on