In this episode of Build Your Own Business, I sit down with Lisa Middleton - advanced sports dietitian, long-time client, and someone I’ve known for over 15 years.
Lisa’s career is a little different to many of the business owners we’ve had on the show. She’s worked with elite athletes, AFL and basketball clubs, netball teams, the VIS, and corporate groups - all while flexing her work around her family and life. What stands out about Lisa’s journey is the way she’s built a career with intention. She’s chosen work that fits, not just chased every opportunity that came her way.
We talk about the early days - from her first job in a deli, to hustling for clients out of a tiny gym office when no one would hire her, to landing roles at Essendon, Collingwood and Melbourne. We get into how much of her career came down to creating opportunities, not waiting for them. And why relationships, referrals, and reputation matter more than formal job ads.
Lisa also shares the balance she’s found over 25 years in sports nutrition: working at the highest level while making space for family, writing a book, and picking projects that bring her energy. We cover the reality of self-employment, contract roles, and how building a personal brand gave her options at every stage.
What I loved most was Lisa’s honesty about the choices she’s made - turning down work to spend time with her kids, finding flexibility in her business, and knowing when to say yes and when to step back.
“You can’t just sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. If you want to build a career, you have to create your own opportunities - talk to people, get out there, and make it happen.”
This episode is packed with insights for anyone thinking about how to build a career that works around your life, not the other way around.
LinkedIn
In this episode of the Build Your Own Business podcast, I sit down with David Murdoch the Wealth Activist and founder of Paxton Bridge.
David’s been in the game for 15 years, guiding family groups, business owners and executives through the messy, often emotional world of money. But what makes his approach different is that it’s not about “wealth management” – it’s about Wealth Activism. It’s a mindset shift: from simply parking money in the bank, to actually activating resources so they create experiences, build legacy, and bring families closer together.
We dive into some big topics - like why business owners often stumble into success but then freeze when it comes to what’s next. How intergenerational wealth isn’t just about passing down money, but values and education. Why the greatest asset isn’t dollars in the account, but the time you choose to spend with family. And how succession planning, estate planning and even the conversations around money are often left until it’s too late.
David also shares his personal journey - from paper rounds and early corporate life at UBS, to taking the leap into his own business. He reflects on the grind, the shiny-object distractions, and the lessons from building a business that’s as much about relationships as it is about numbers.
For me, the conversation hit home when we talked about the balance between saving for tomorrow and actually enjoying life today. As David put it, wealth isn’t about locking it away – it’s about using it with intention.
“Wealth activism is about choices. It’s about using the resources you’ve worked so hard to create in a way that brings you joy, gives back to others, and creates memories that outlast the dollars. Money in the bank is nice - but money that creates experiences with the people you love? That’s real wealth.”
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered what happens after the success – when the question shifts from “how do I earn more” to “what do I do with what I’ve got?”
In this episode of the BYOB Podcast, I sat down with a relatively new client and someone I’ve really enjoyed getting to know, Schalk Kock. Schalk is the founder of Innovatec, a management and technology consulting firm, and his story is a great reminder that building a business doesn’t always follow a straight line – sometimes it takes you halfway around the world.
Originally from South Africa, Schalk’s career has seen him work across major consulting firms, start his own business, spend time in the banking sector, and eventually immigrate to Australia, where he’s now launched Innovatec. What I love about Schalk’s story is the mix of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and his constant hunger for new challenges.
We talked about everything from his early days working in his father’s pharmaceutical store, to how he discovered a passion for technology and data, and why moving countries taught him just as much about business as any project ever could.
Schalk also shared some brilliant insights on why data is at the heart of nearly every business challenge today, and how Innovatec is helping clients tackle strategy, transformation, data governance and regulatory compliance in a practical, down-to-earth way.
But what really stuck with me was his answer to the question I always love to ask – what advice would you give your younger self? His response was simple but powerful:“Be more bold. Go for the opportunities in front of you. You’re not always going to succeed, but that’s how you learn – and that’s how you grow.”
Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business, leading teams, or just curious about the journey behind Innovatec, you’ll enjoy this one.
In this episode of the BYOB podcast, I sat down with long-time friend, marketing specialist and our Queensland Social Star City Leader, Dyon Swanborough. We talked through his 20-plus years in marketing, his deep love of tech and sound, and his practical, no-fluff approach to helping clients move people through the messy middle of the marketing funnel.
Dyon has a gift for translating complexity into simple, actionable systems. Whether it’s choosing the right software, designing a customer journey that actually converts, or automating the warm-up phase between interest and sales, he has a way of making it all feel human. I brought him on because I know firsthand how valuable his insights are — not just to our business, but to anyone trying to grow a brand in today’s market.
We swapped stories about our early days in business, the importance of curiosity, and how Dyon’s first brush with marketing came via a fax machine and a Peter Sun book. It lit a spark that turned into a lifelong pursuit of understanding what makes people tick — and how to serve them better. Over the years, he’s soaked up learnings from seminars, books, and decades of hands-on experience, refining his craft at the intersection of marketing and technology.
Our conversation also touched on the power of automation when done well, and how tools like the Social Star Hub (based on Go High Level) can dramatically reduce the manual effort in nurturing leads, without compromising personalisation. Dyon’s perspective on software is refreshing — he doesn’t get swept up in hype, but instead focuses on how tools can genuinely help businesses offer more value and guide clients with less friction.
One of the most powerful moments in our chat came when I asked Dyon what advice he would give someone just starting out. His answer was simple, sharp and so true:
“Have you got something that will feed a starving crowd? Because if no one wants it, it doesn’t matter how much you love it or how good you think it is. You need to validate it. Talk to people. Charge something for it. See if they’ll actually pay.”
It’s advice a lot of people skip over — jumping straight into branding or tech before truly testing the offer. But as Dyon points out, the best marketing starts with a hungry market and a clear value proposition.
If you're in the early stages of business or struggling to bridge that tricky gap between awareness and sales, I reckon you'll get a lot from this episode. Dyon’s experience, pragmatism and straight-talking style bring a lot of clarity to the chaos of modern marketing.
In this episode of the Build Your Own Business podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the effervescent and insightful Michelle Letho - someone who first stood out to me at a networking event for her warmth, curiosity and a knack for making meaningful connections.
Michelle isn’t your typical corporate escapee. She’s had a fascinating career across major companies like Mars and Simplot, but what really piqued my interest was her recent pivot into the tech space - joining a startup called Willyama Together, an Indigenous-owned Atlassian Solutions Partner. It’s a business with a purpose, helping organisations implement their Reconciliation Action Plans through tech services. But more than the role itself, Michelle’s approach to work and life is what makes her remarkable.
We dug deep into her background, from pumping petrol at 14 in her family’s small-town garage to studying economics by correspondence because her school didn’t offer it. That drive, that desire for independence, and the grounding influence of her beloved grandmother Rita really shaped her outlook on life.
Michelle talks about the power of curiosity, the importance of listening (really listening), and how networking isn’t just about collecting business cards - it’s about connecting with people, being helpful without expectation, and playing the long game. She shares brilliant insights into how to approach networking with generosity and purpose, and why it helped her land her current role without even applying for a single job online.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a meaningful professional network or make a career shift later in life. Michelle’s wisdom is real, practical, and generously given.
Hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.
In this episode of the BYOB Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Carol Cooke AM - a Paralympic gold medallist, author, keynote speaker, and all-around powerhouse - for a truly inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it means to turn adversity into opportunity.
Carol shares her remarkable journey from being a competitive swimmer in Canada to becoming a decorated Australian Paralympian in cycling. But her story isn’t just about sport - it’s about strength in the face of life’s toughest curveballs. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 36, Carol was told she’d never compete again. Instead, she defied expectations, rebuilt her life, and ended up representing Australia at three Paralympic Games, taking home multiple gold medals. Talk about a comeback.
We talk about how it feels to have your entire identity shaken - and how Carol found new purpose by focusing on what she could do, rather than what she couldn’t. Her mindset is a masterclass in resilience. Carol speaks about embracing possibility, not limitation, and how that simple shift helped her rewrite her story.
Carol also takes us through her work outside of sport, including the 1,000+ kilometre charity ride she started to support others living with MS and her passion for public speaking. She’s a firm believer that we all have untapped strength within us - sometimes, we just need the right challenge to reveal it.
I reflect on how Carol’s story reinforces a powerful truth: success isn’t just about the wins - it’s about showing up, again and again, especially when things don’t go to plan. Her outlook is both grounding and uplifting, reminding us that no matter what life throws our way, we always have a choice in how we respond.
Carol also shares the process behind writing her books and how storytelling has become another way for her to connect, empower, and inspire others. We also touch on how sport and business both demand discipline, structure, and a deep understanding of your “why”.
Whether you’re chasing a dream, navigating a setback, or just in need of a mindset reset, this episode is a must-listen. Carol’s energy, humour, and unstoppable spirit will leave you rethinking what’s possible.
In this episode of the BYOB Podcast, I sit down with my good mate, business coach, and author Darren Bourke for an insightful and lively chat about what it really takes to build a successful business. Darren has spent years helping SME owners find their footing, and today, he’s spilling the secrets on how to run a business without it running you. From his early days crunching numbers at Deloitte to carving out his own path in business coaching, Darren shares how he made the leap from corporate stability to entrepreneurial freedom—and why he’d never go back.
Darren and I swap stories about the rollercoaster of business ownership, touching on the highs, the lows, and the absolute necessity of having a coach or mentor in your corner. We dive into the psychology of leadership, revealing why so many business owners find themselves stressed out, time-poor, and on the verge of burnout. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to be that way. Darren breaks down his three-pronged approach—consultant, coach, and mentor—and how this tailored strategy helps business owners regain control, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the businesses they’ve built.
The conversation turns to one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: time versus money. Everyone wants more of both, but Darren explains why it’s about striking the right balance rather than chasing one at the expense of the other. I reflect on my own business journey, agreeing that finding a structure that works for you is the key to longevity and success. We also tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of business—the human element. Numbers might drive decisions, but people drive businesses, and knowing how to manage and lead effectively can make all the difference.
Darren shares his journey writing his book—a process he likens to running a business itself. It’s full of unexpected twists, requires discipline, and in the end, is all about delivering value. We also touch on Darren’s love for learning, from screenwriting courses to new business ventures, proving that curiosity and adaptability are two of the greatest assets any entrepreneur can have.
Darren also imparts some gold for anyone thinking of making the leap into business. He stresses the importance of learning your craft, embracing structure, and being brutally honest about what you’re good at (and what you’re not).
If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is packed with actionable insights, a few laughs, and plenty of motivation to get out there and build something great.
In this episode ofBuild Your Own Business (BYOB), I reconnect with my longtime friend and former colleague James McCracken, an expert mortgage broker coach. James shares his journey from corporate roles at Sensis and Hewlett-Packard to becoming a dedicated business coach helping mortgage brokers grow and scale their businesses.
James and I talk about his transition into entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting his own business, and the key lessons he has learned along the way. He explains the importance of coaching not just for operational success but for personal and professional transformation. Through group-based coaching and one-on-one consulting, James helps mortgage brokers elevate their businesses by fostering the right mindset, strategic decision-making, and leadership skills.
A significant theme in our conversation is the evolution of James’ career. He delves into his early entrepreneurial ventures, including selling cupcakes as a child, his experiences working abroad in Canada and Turkey, and his passion for personal development. James highlights how his corporate experience in sales and training shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasising the value of continuous learning and adaptability.
We also explore business development, the power of networking, and how embracing an abundance mindset has transformed James’ approach to entrepreneurship. His perspective on scaling a business while maintaining consistency offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow their own venture. One of the most insightful pieces of advice James shares is:"Creating a mindset of abundance is essential. The people who have an abundance orientation tend to see and create more opportunities, and that optimism helps them embrace challenges with confidence."
James also gives us a glimpse into his latest initiatives, including his upcoming business summit in Thailand, where he merges business coaching with unique networking experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner navigating growth challenges, or someone interested in personal development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.
In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), Andrew Ford sits down with Iyari Cevallos, the Co-Founder of Nucleo Group, to explore her remarkable journey from receptionist to entrepreneur. Iyari’s story is one of adaptability, determination, and innovation, as she navigated a dynamic career path while raising six children and building a consultancy that transforms organisations through leadership development and cultural alignment.
Nucleo Group specialises in helping leadership teams galvanise their efforts and align their strategies with organisational goals. Iyari explains how her business focuses on addressing challenges at the highest levels of organisations, often working with C-suite executives and boards. What sets Nucleo Group apart is its commitment to creating lasting change—not just through leadership workshops but by following up with ongoing coaching and support.
Throughout the episode, Iyari shares how her multicultural upbringing between Mexico and Australia has influenced her personal brand and professional approach. She also discusses the significance of her name, its roots in the indigenous Huichol language, and how her heritage inspired the branding of Nucleo Group. For Iyari, staying connected to her cultural identity is a way to honour her past while building a meaningful future.
The conversation also highlights the challenges of building a business with her life partner. Iyari shares how she and her partner have managed to create a balance between their professional and personal lives by embracing clear communication, shared responsibilities, and a mutual commitment to their vision.
A key theme in this episode is how Iyari balances her career ambitions with her family life. As a mother of six, she talks about the importance of planning, focus, and letting go of guilt. For her, being present in each moment—whether it’s work or family time—is critical to achieving harmony. She credits her ability to prioritise and maintain a "whole of life" perspective as essential to her success, both personally and professionally.
Iyari’s advice on maintaining balance is particularly impactful: “Get really clear about what’s important to you, so that you can protect what matters and flex on what doesn’t.” This philosophy underpins her ability to successfully navigate the complexities of a thriving career and a large family, making her journey relatable and inspiring for listeners.
Finally, Iyari gives listeners a sneak peek into her upcoming podcast, Empower Tech. This new venture aims to demystify the role of technology in our personal and professional lives. Through insightful conversations with diverse guests, the podcast will explore topics such as responsible AI use, technology’s impact on children, and the importance of inclusivity in tech development. Iyari’s goal is to empower her audience with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the fast-evolving tech landscape.
This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to balance a fulfilling career with their personal priorities. Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in creating meaningful change, Iyari’s story will resonate deeply.
In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I sit down with Chris Ashmore, podcasting expert and founder of Chris Ashmore Media, to uncover his inspiring journey from journalism to entrepreneurship. Chris has a rich and varied background, which includes time in Japan as a legal recruiter, a long-standing role in audio production, and now running his own business dedicated to helping others tell their stories through podcasting.
Chris’s journey began in regional Victoria, where his love for storytelling emerged during his school years, editing the school magazine and dreaming of a career in journalism. That passion took him through university and into his first professional role at Business Essentials, where he learned the art of high-quality audio production. But Chris’s story didn’t follow a straight line. A stint in Japan not only honed his skills in sales and relationship-building as a legal recruiter but also taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability—traits that continue to serve him as a business owner.
When Chris returned to Australia, he rejoined Business Essentials at a pivotal moment when podcasting was starting to gain traction. It wasn’t long before Chris saw an opportunity to go out on his own, founding Chris Ashmore Media to focus on producing high-quality podcasts for professionals, associations, and businesses. He shares how he made the leap from employee to entrepreneur by slowly building his client base and reducing his hours at his day job, ensuring a smooth transition. For Chris, success in podcasting isn’t just about technical quality—it’s about consistency, creating meaningful connections with your audience, and delivering content that reflects your brand’s values.
Toward the end of our conversation, Chris offers advice for anyone considering starting their own business. His message is clear: “You’ve got to love what you do. Whether you’re making socks or selling soap, passion is the cornerstone. Without it, you won’t have the energy to navigate the inevitable challenges of running your own business.”
Join me for this fascinating discussion as Chris Ashmore reflects on his career, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why podcasting has become such a powerful tool for businesses today.
Resources
Website: https://chrisashmore.media/
In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I sit down with Dr. Jon Ford, Managing Director of Advanced Health Care, to explore his remarkable journey from being a hands-on physiotherapist to founding and leading a thriving healthcare group focused on chronic pain management. As Jon opens up about his path, we uncover how his early experiences, combined with his dedication to evidence-based practice, shaped him into the successful business leader he is today.
Jon’s story starts in a small family business, where he learned the value of hard work and service. His early days involved everything from wrapping carbon paper to working odd jobs, all while developing a growing interest in sports medicine and physiotherapy. But it was a winding road. Despite starting out as a general physiotherapist, he eventually specialised in chronic pain management—a decision shaped both by his personal experience with back pain and by his work with patients who weren’t responding to traditional treatments.
When he launched Advance Health Care, Jon saw an opportunity to do things differently. He describes how his years in the field exposed him to the limits of conventional treatments, especially in addressing the needs of patients dealing with complex pain conditions. Fueled by this experience, he turned to research, partnering with La Trobe University to develop and refine a more personalised treatment approach. The result was the STOPS protocol, a method proven to be more effective than standard guidelines in addressing chronic pain. This accomplishment laid the foundation for the unique, patient-centered model that Advanced Health Care embodies today.
Jon’s transition from clinician to business owner didn’t come without its challenges. He shares the growing pains that came with rapid expansion, including the need to recruit the right people and maintain a cohesive culture. As the team grew, he realized the importance of aligning every staff member with the organisation’s values. For Jon, creating an environment where every practitioner shares a commitment to integrity and patient care is essential—and he’s learned that keeping that alignment requires ongoing mentorship and hands-on leadership.
Toward the end of our conversation, Jon shares his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His message is clear: don’t shy away from opportunities when they arise. He emphasises the value of finding mentors and building a network of support, stressing that these connections have been key to his own success. Jon’s journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with hard work, and he leaves us with a piece of advice that’s as relevant in business as it is in life: “Take opportunities as they come and align them with your values. If you stay true to that, the success will follow.”
Join me for this inspiring episode as we dive into Jon Ford’s unique journey, his dedication to patient-centered care, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Resources:
In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I have a fantastic conversation with Dr. Maja Green, CEO and Director of Medical Affairs at Solaris Research Institute. Maja is a pioneer in the fields of pain and spine research, and today, she shares her journey from the medical world to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
We dive into Maja's background, exploring her early experiences in the healthcare industry and how those experiences shaped her approach to business. From working directly with patients to leading clinical trials, Maja’s story is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. She talks about how the foundation she built through her medical career eventually led to the creation of Solaris Research Institute, where she now focuses on advancing medical research and developing cutting-edge solutions for clinical trials.
One of the key themes we discuss is how Maja's expertise in healthcare has directly influenced her approach to business leadership. She provides a unique perspective on how understanding the patient experience and collaborating with healthcare professionals can create business models that are both empathetic and efficient. Maja also highlights how the power of data and technology is transforming the way research is conducted, especially with their platform, Lupiter Health Connect, which accelerates clinical trials by rapidly and efficiently recruiting diverse patient populations.
Throughout our chat, Maja shares her thoughts on the importance of adaptability in business, especially in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of healthcare. She encourages entrepreneurs to remain open to new technologies and methodologies, and not to shy away from innovation. Maja also opens up about some of the challenges she faced while transitioning from clinical practice to the entrepreneurial world, offering invaluable advice to anyone looking to take a similar path.
Towards the end of our conversation, Maja leaves us with a powerful piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Get out there and network. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and share your vision. Building relationships is key – you never know where your next opportunity will come from."
Join me as we unpack Maja's inspiring journey, the hurdles she’s overcome, and her vision for the future of healthcare. This episode is filled with insights that will resonate with both seasoned entrepreneurs and those just starting out.
In this episode, I sit down with John Perry, a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind multiple successful ventures. John shares his wealth of experience, diving deep into the challenges and rewards of building businesses from the ground up. With over 40 years in various industries, John offers invaluable insights into the nuances of entrepreneurship, capital raising, and the importance of resilience.
John begins by discussing his current role with Being Investable, where he focuses on helping entrepreneurs become more attractive to investors by overcoming internal barriers and refining their business models. He emphasizes that while having a great idea is important, investors ultimately invest in people. John’s approach is deeply rooted in systems thinking, a perspective he honed during his early career in advertising and later at Rank Xerox, where he learned the critical importance of structured processes in achieving business success.
Throughout our conversation, John reflects on his journey, from his first job selling sweets to running a successful educational software company, and later ventures in aquaculture and the automotive industry. He candidly discusses the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including the steep learning curves and the hard-earned lessons from each venture.
One key takeaway from John’s journey is the significance of timing and environment in the success of a business. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully assess the external factors that can impact their ventures, from political climates to market demand, and stresses that success often depends on these broader systems aligning in your favor.
"Entrepreneurship is a hundred times harder than the hardest thing you’ve ever done," John advises. "But if you can do it for yourself, because you love to see the outcome happen, even if it doesn’t, you’ll have learned something invaluable about yourself."
Join me as we explore John Perry's entrepreneurial journey, his approach to overcoming challenges, and his passion for helping others navigate the complex world of business. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspirational stories that will resonate with both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Baxter, a highly experienced marketing expert and business leader. We dive into his extensive career, from his early days in marketing to leading some of Australia's most prominent agencies, and his transition into advisory roles where he now guides and mentors the next generation of business leaders. Andrew shares the story of his career, beginning with his formative experiences at Young & Rubicam, where he gained a deep understanding of the marketing landscape. He reflects on his leadership roles as Executive Chairman of Publicis Communications and CEO of Publicis Australia, as well asCEO of Ogilvy Australia, discussing the challenges of leading large agencies through the rapidly changing world of advertising. Andrew also offers insights into how he maintained a focus on creativity and client satisfaction amidst these challenges. Throughout our conversation, Andrew emphasises the importance of adaptability and innovation in staying competitive in a constantly evolving industry. He also shares his thoughts on mentorship, expressing how guiding others has become a fulfilling aspect of his professional life. "One piece of advice I'd give to anyone starting a business is to write down your plans. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but having a clear, written plan keeps you focused on your goals and helps you stay on track," says Andrew. He explains how this simple practice has helped him and can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to build a successful business. Join me as we explore Andrew Baxter's remarkable journey, his leadership in top marketing agencies, and his current role in helping businesses navigate the complexities of the modern marketing environment. This episode is packed with practical advice for both seasoned professionals and those just starting in the marketing industry. 'Ageism in Advertising' Article Andrew Baxter's LinkedIn Andrew Baxter's Website The 24 Hour Business Plan Website
BYOB Episode 6 with Sevan Tuna
In this episode, I sit down with Sevan Tuna, the managing partner at Alexander Spencer, to discuss his journey in building a successful accounting practice and diversifying into various business ventures. Sevan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and business management.
Sevan shares his background, detailing his journey from his first paying job to his current position at Alexander Spencer. He recounts the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Starting in the accounting field, Sevan worked tirelessly to gain experience and build his expertise. His hard work and dedication eventually led him to become a partner at Alexander Spencer, where he now plays a crucial role in the firm's growth and diversification efforts.
Throughout our conversation, Sevan emphasises the importance of hard work, especially in the initial stages of any business venture. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks, particularly when they have fewer responsibilities, and to view failures as opportunities to learn and grow. His story includes personal anecdotes, such as the journey of an acquaintance who transitioned from a different career path to owning a successful Jim’s Mowing franchise, highlighting that entrepreneurship can take many forms and doesn't always have to involve large-scale businesses.
"Surrounding yourself with really smart people at the start is really important. People are willing to give their time for free, and you can learn a lot from them," says Sevan. He discusses the value of mentorship and forming advisory boards, stressing that building a supportive network is crucial for personal and professional growth. His insights provide practical advice for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the business world.
Join me as we delve into Sevan's remarkable journey, his struggles and triumphs, and his dedication to fostering creativity and innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike.
Alexander Spencer Website: https://www.alexanderspencer.com.auSevan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sevantuna/
Welcome to episode 5 of the Build Your Own Business podcast! In this episode, I reconnect with Gareth Benson, a commercial IP lawyer by trade and a highly creative entrepreneur. Gareth applies his creativity to a myriad of projects and ventures, showcasing his passion for empowering others with innovative ideas.
Gareth has recently released the second edition of his book, Ideaology, which guides readers on how to create profitable intellectual property. During our conversation, he delves into his journey to his current position, sharing the challenges he faced in finding his purpose and passion.
Gareth's story is truly inspiring and offers valuable insights for anyone embarking on a new venture. He emphasizes the importance of helping others and the impact it has on personal and professional growth.
In his parting wisdom, Gareth reminds us, "The goal is ourselves - we can be rich in who we surround ourselves with, what we do, and how we spend our time."
Join us as we explore Gareth's remarkable journey, his struggles and triumphs, and his dedication to fostering creativity and innovation.
Tune in to gain practical advice, hear engaging stories, and get inspired to take the next step in your own entrepreneurial journey.
Welcome to episode 4 of the Build Your Own Business podcast! In this episode, I have a chat with Michael Kenihan, an experienced physiotherapist and businessman who has been a leader in the healthcare industry for three decades. I’ve known Michael since the start of Social Star and we’ve worked together on a variety of interesting projects. Most recently we worked with him to write and publish a book ‘The Health Practitioner’s Journey’, on how to build a successful career in healthcare as a practitioner.
In our conversation, Michael shares his journey from working in sports medicine to his time in the corporate world when the clinic he was managing was acquired by Lifecare, a publicly listed company. Drawing from this wealth of experience, Michael eventually ventured out to start his own healthcare consulting company, and today, he is involved in numerous projects within the industry including a stem cell research facility and a rehabilitation application.
Michael's story is a testament to the power of leveraging diverse experiences to create new opportunities.
He emphasises the importance of understanding and navigating the risks involved in entrepreneurship and has some sage advice to young people starting out as budding entrepreneurs. "It's okay to consider the risks of doing something new, but it's important you don't let a desire to mitigate all the risks stop you from taking the step. Risks are inherently 'risky,' but there's risk in everything, and if you want to move forward, you have to take these steps."
Join us as we delve into Michael's inspiring journey, from sports medicine to corporate healthcare, and finally to successful entrepreneurship. His insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the healthcare industry.
Tune in to gain practical advice, hear engaging stories, and get inspired to take the next step in your own entrepreneurial journey! 📚 The Health Practitioner’s Journey - https://amzn.asia/d/0heO9ha6 🌐 Michael’s website - https://www.michaelkenihan.com.au/ 🔗 Michael’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkenihan/
I'm excited to welcome Samuel Power on the podcast today. I met Samuel through his father in law - Michael Kenihan who is a long term client and friend of mine. Samuel is a mortgage broker with extensive experience and knowledge in the industry of financial services. When I did a workshop with him earlier this year I found his knowledge and understanding far exceeds the ordinary for mortgage brokers.
We’ll take a walk down memory lane with Samuel; from his first paying job to moving to Melbourne from Sydney and the ins and outs of starting his own business recently.
Samuel works closely with his clients to guide them through the journey of either buying a first home, investment properties or more complex matters like SMSF loans and more. His exceptional understanding and value in education means he is able to empower his clients to understand the process they’re going through and take charge of their journey.
Samuel took on the challenges of starting your own business with confidence and it is well paying off due to his perseverance and level headed approach.
This is another great chat with a fellow entrepreneur. Samuel’s parting advice to listeners looking to go into starting their own business ‘plan plan and plan again’ he believes there’s no harm in getting bogged down in the details to make sure you get it right, starting a business is a big venture and you want to feel prepared!
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I'm delighted to have Sarah Hobday-North with me on the podcast. Sarah, an architect and entrepreneur, is the founder of Architect GP, a venture aimed at making architecture advice widely accessible.
We'll dive deep into Sarah's journey from being raised by architect parents to forging her own path in the industry. Despite growing up in an architectural environment, Sarah initially veered away from following her parents' footsteps. However, her innate love for architecture eventually led her back to her roots, with a clear vision of making architectural guidance accessible to all.
Architect GP was born out of this vision, with the aim of simplifying the process of consulting an architect, similar to visiting a GP for health concerns. Andrew met Sarah when she was starting this business and helped her to build the necessary assets to reach her target audience.
Through dedication and persistence, Sarah has managed to expand her network of like-minded architects who share her vision. Together, they strive to make architectural advice readily available and understandable to everyone.
Another great conversation to learn more about the intricacies and driving force behind starting a business. Sarah’s parting advice ‘you’re closer than you think to the next thing that works’.
In today's conversation, I sat down with Mitchell Bacha, a friend and client I’ve worked with to build his personal brand. Mitchell started his business, SUMParts Consulting after returning to Australia from spending over a decade in Asia as the CEO of luxury fashion brands, Valentino and Celine.
Mitchell's career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a humble Christmas casual at HUGO BOSS in Sydney, he embarked on a path that led him to becoming a well-known fashion figure in Asia. After over a decade of honing his expertise overseas, Mitchell has returned to Australia to embark on a new career sharing his knowledge with local businesses.
SUMParts embodies Mitchell's philosophy that the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts. Drawing from his experiences overseeing all elements of the Luxury and Retail businesses, Mitchell emphasises the importance of synergies — how different elements can work together productively to create a powerful business and brand.
In this episode, we delve deep into Mitchell's journey, from his early days in retail to his pivotal roles at global fashion giants. We explore how his time abroad provided invaluable insights into all aspects of running a business, which he now channels into his consulting endeavours.
Join us as we uncover the intricacies of the luxury brand industry and learn firsthand from Mitchell's wealth of experience.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there's something for everyone in this captivating conversation.
