What does it really take to make government listen?
In this episode, we sit down with Simone Douglas — publican, business advocate, and founder of the Business Owners Collective — to unpack how small business owners can influence government decisions, shape better policy, and drive change that matters.
From rallying hundreds of hospitality operators during COVID to getting real reform on the political radar, Simone shows how small business can have a powerful voice — when it’s used strategically and collectively.
🔍 What You’ll Learn
How to get government’s attention — and why facts matter more than frustration.
The importance of building a “tribe” — why collective voices carry weight.
How to engage media effectively — developing relationships that amplify your story.
Turning emotion into influence — staying calm, credible, and solution-focused.
Inside story: How Simone’s $33 chicken parmi went viral and changed public perception.
Real-world advocacy tips — how to meet with ministers, frame your argument, and offer workable solutions.
🗣️ Key Quotes
“You can make change happen — but you do have to get the attention of the people in power.” – Simone Douglas
“If you’re emotional, it’s very difficult to be heard. The people you’re speaking to will react to your emotion, not your argument.” – Simone Douglas
“Go to government with solutions, not complaints.” – Ron Tomlian
“You’re never powerless. Politicians work for us — whether they realise it or not.” – Simone Douglas
If you found this episode useful, hit Subscribe for more conversations that help business owners rethink how they operate, connect, and grow.
Most networking advice focuses on how to start a conversation. But what do you do after that?
In this episode, Brenton and Ron reveal the only two networking tactics you’ll ever need — and neither involves collecting business cards or giving your elevator pitch.
The secret?
👉 Find alignment
👉 Do things together
These two principles are at the heart of every strong business relationship. Whether you're nurturing your current network or expanding into new circles, this episode breaks down how to make your networking activities feel more natural, valuable, and effective.
You’ll learn:
How to spot when someone is truly aligned with your goals and values
Why doing things with others (even menial tasks) builds connection
Conversation starters that are actually interesting
How introverts can network on their own terms
A practical, no-fluff approach to turning events into opportunities
This episode is about how to network in a way that is sure to build strong connections.
🔗 Subscribe to Business Builders for more real-world insights on building relationships and growing a business that matters.
In this candid conversation, Cameron Johnston shares the raw reality of building a business up from four people to a diversified group that includes more than 100 staff across five businesses and the challenges he's faced along the way.
From failing his first attempt at payroll to driving trucks with critical payloads across Australia during a crisis, Cameron has learned the hard way what it means to carry the weight of leadership and the necessity of delegation. We talk about the moments that defined his journey, from facing near-collapse, letting go of control, hiring a CEO, and the power of surrounding yourself with good people.
Whether you're scaling a business, managing a team, or simply feeling stuck — Cameron’s story will inspire you to keep moving, even when standing still feels like the easy option.
What You'll Learn:
About Cameron Johnston:
Cameron is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of the Rowlands Group, a collective of businesses with a focus on design, manufacturing, urban infrastructure and asset management. With over 25 years of experience, Cameron brings honesty, humility, and humour to the often-over-glamorised world of business leadership.
He’s also a host of Business Builders and a firm believer in giving back by sharing the lessons he learned the hard way.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by networking—or not sure where to start—this episode breaks it down into two simple but powerful steps: nurture your network and fill your network. That’s it.
Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian walk through how to structure your networking activities using a framework inspired by Dunbar’s Number. From your tight-knit inner circle to your wider connections, you’ll learn how to identify who’s in your network, who’s missing, and how to maintain meaningful contact with the people who matter most.
👥 What You’ll Learn:
🔑 Key Idea:
I wish someone had taught me this Mini-Networking Masterclass when I started out....
Networking is the most powerful tool for career growth, business success, and new opportunities, yet most people do it wrong. If you’ve ever left a networking event feeling like a used car salesman or wondering if all this effort is actually getting you anywhere, you’re not alone.
In this 25-minute masterclass, we’ll break down:
✅ The #1 mistake most people make in networking (and how to avoid it)
✅ The Networking Framework that actually works (Dunbar’s Number)
✅ How to build relationships that bring real value (without being salesy)
✅ Why most professionals network without a clear purpose—and how to fix it
✅ The “Give, Give, Give, Ask” principle that will transform your approach
🚀 Key Takeaways:
👉 If you found this episode valuable, hit subscribe and drop a comment with your biggest networking challenge!
#Networking #BusinessGrowth #Masterclass #CareerSuccess
In this episode of Business Builders, we sit down with Australian film director Matthew Holmes to uncover the remarkable similarities between filmmaking and building a successful business. From overcoming setbacks like floods on set to navigating an evolving film industry, Matthew shares his incredible journey of risk-taking, resilience, and never giving up on his dreams.Discover how this director made four successful films, including The Legend of Ben Hall and the upcoming Fear Below, by thinking outside the box and creating opportunities where none seemed possible. His advice isn’t just for filmmakers—it’s for anyone chasing success in business, startups, or creative industries.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ Why resilience and risk-taking are crucial for success in both business and filmmaking 2️⃣ How Matthew Holmes built a successful career in a highly competitive film industry 3️⃣ The secrets to motivating and managing large teams through collaboration 4️⃣ The importance of thinking outside the box to overcome resource constraints 5️⃣ How to pitch your ideas effectively and attract investors to support your vision 6️⃣ The seismic shifts in the film industry and what they mean for creators and businesses today.Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into planning your networking strategy based on your network map.✨ Key Takeaways and Practical Advice: • Resilience and Risk-Taking Are Essential for Success• Think Outside the Box to Create Opportunities• Success Requires Persistence and Vision• Collaboration Is Key to Building Great Projects• You Don’t Need Everything to Be Perfect to Start• Master the Art of Pitching• Industry Is Changing—Adapt or Get Left Behind• Creative Leadership Requires Motivation and Vision• Attracting Investors Requires More Than a Good Idea📙 Here's what's in this video - enjoy!00:00 - Introduction Introduction and episode overview00:25 - Matthew Holmes’ story: From passion projects to feature films01:23 - Shocking film industry statistics and the odds of success03:51 - The entrepreneurial mindset: What keeps Matthew motivated07:53 - Navigating changes in the film industry business model13:46 - How to lead and motivate teams in high-pressure environments14:52 - Taking big financial risks and finding innovative ways to finish projects18:13 - Balancing passion and financial reality in business21:52 - Mastering the art of the elevator pitch23:02 - The impact of AI on the film industry and creative work27:55 - Final advice: Never give up, and attract opportunities by taking action🎙️ Follow us for more Business Builders goodness• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessBuildersNetwork• Podcast - https://businessbuilders.buzzsprout.com• LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/10370740👥 Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn• Brenton Gowland - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentongowland• Ron Tomlian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontomlianbusinessmentor🌟 Partner Highlights:Adapt_CO: Helping companies transform through marketing. https://adaptco.com.au/📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!Thank you for tuning in—remember to KEEP ON BUILDING! 💪
Welcome to 2025! In this episode we discuss the essential process of mapping your network. Learn why mapping your network is like building a treasure map to uncover meaningful connections and opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen existing relationships or strategically grow your network, this episode provides actionable insights to get started.
We’ll cover:
Why mapping your network is a vital first step in understanding and managing your connections. How to use Dunbar’s number to categorise your network into core, close, active, and extended circles. Tools and techniques for visually mapping your network using spreadsheets, CRM systems, or tactile methods like whiteboards. The importance of distinguishing between personal and business categories to build a comprehensive map. Tips on reflecting and taking your time to determine where connections fit in your network.Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into planning your networking strategy based on your network map.
Key Takeaways:
Mapping your network is crucial to understanding your current position and identifying opportunities for growth. Use Dunbar’s number to categorise your network into manageable groups. Choose a mapping method that works best for you, whether digital or tactile. Reflect on your connections to determine their relevance to your goals. Your network map becomes the foundation for strategic networking planning.Action Item: Start mapping your network today! Set up your categories and circles, and begin placing your connections in the appropriate spots. Take your time and reflect on each connection's relevance to your goals.
In this episode, we discuss why New Year’s resolutions often fail and propose an alternative approach for setting and achieving goals: vision boards. Backed by neuroscience, vision boards provide a visual, engaging, and effective way to focus on your goals and manifest your dreams. Tune in as Brenton and Ron explore the benefits of visualisation, the science behind it, and practical steps to create your own vision board for 2025.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why New Year’s resolutions fail and how vision boards can help.
• The neuroscience behind visualisation and the reticular activating system.
• How vision boards support goal setting and manifestation.
• Step-by-step guide to creating a vision board that works for you.
• Tools and methods for creating both physical and digital vision boards.
• Tips for involving family or teams to align goals and foster collaboration.
• The importance of reviewing and updating your vision board regularly.
Key Highlights:
• Neuroscience Benefits: Discover how vision boards engage the reticular activating system to filter information and keep your goals in focus.
• Practical Steps: Learn how to define timeframes, categories, and goals before curating images and ideas for your board.
• Digital vs. Physical: Explore tools like Canva, Miro, and PowerPoint for digital boards or enjoy the tactile experience of crafting physical boards with magazines.
• Family & Team Involvement: Get tips on using vision boards as a collaborative tool to align personal, family, or team goals.
• Daily Habit Formation: Understand how consistent exposure to your vision board reinforces your goals.
Tools Mentioned:
• Canva (it has a free tool for creating vision boards)
• Miro (storyboarding software with collaborative features)
• Pinterest and Microsoft PowerPoint
Challenge for Listeners:
Join Brenton and Ron in replacing New Year’s resolutions with a vision board this year. Dedicate just 2-3 hours during the holiday break to create a board that inspires you daily. Share your vision board journey with us, and let’s make 2025 your best year yet!
Join the Conversation:
Subscribe to the Business Builders Podcast and follow us for more actionable insights to help you network with purpose and grow your career.
Follow us for more Business Builders Goodness:
YouTube - youtube.com/@BusinessBuildersNetwork
LinkedIn Group - Business Builders Network
Website - businessbuilders.au
Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING!
Are you tired of feeling awkward or unmotivated when it comes to networking? In this episode, we tackle common excuses that hold people back from building meaningful professional relationships. From understanding why networking is essential to uncovering your unique purpose and the value you can offer, we lay out a roadmap to help you turn networking into a powerful career tool.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why networking is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• How to define your unique purpose for networking.
• The importance of mutual benefit in building lasting relationships.
• Practical tips to overcome excuses like “I’m too busy” or “I’m an introvert.”
• How to craft a purpose statement to guide your networking efforts.
Key Takeaways:
• Networking isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about building relationships.
• Your network evolves as your career and life goals change.
• Discover the power of giving first in your professional relationships.
• How to align your networking purpose with short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
Action Steps for Listeners:
1. Write down your purpose for networking.
2. Identify 3–5 people who could help you achieve your goals.
3. Find one way to provide value to each of those people.
Next Episode Teaser:
In our next episode, we’ll dive into how to map your network and create an actionable plan to grow it strategically.
Join the Conversation:
Subscribe to the Business Builders Podcast and follow us for more actionable insights to help you network with purpose and grow your career.
Follow us for more Business Builders Goodness:
YouTube - youtube.com/@BusinessBuildersNetwork
LinkedIn Group - Business Builders Network
Website - businessbuilders.au
Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING!
Tired of outdated advice holding you back from networking success? In this episode, we BUST the 13 biggest myths about Business Networking and uncover the truth about what it really takes to build meaningful business relationships. Networking isn’t about handing out business cards or self-promotion—it’s about creating authentic, mutually beneficial connections.
Join us as we bust misconceptions, share proven strategies, and provide a clear, actionable approach to building an effective network. From understanding the true purpose of networking to leveraging concepts like Dunbar’s Number, we’ll help you organise your network and strengthen your relationships. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to build a network that truly works.
Ready to rethink networking and take your skills to the next level? Hit play now and start building a network that truly works for you!
Follow us for more Business Builders Goodness:
YouTube - youtube.com/@BusinessBuildersNetwork
LinkedIn Group - Business Builders Network
Website - businessbuilders.au
Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING!
In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian wrap up their communication series by spotlighting the silent yet powerful language of visual branding. Imagine walking down a supermarket aisle, scanning for the perfect snack, only to be drawn to a particular package—not because of words, but because of color, design, and imagery. This split-second attraction exemplifies how brands communicate before a single word is spoken. Brenton and Ron unpack the science and strategy behind visual cues, showing how thoughtful choices in color, imagery, and typography can set a brand apart and instantly convey its essence.
Key Highlights:
1.The Story of Color: Brenton shares his own temptation in the chocolate aisle, captivated by Cadbury’s iconic purple—a color so intrinsic to the brand that it’s legally protected. This story highlights the power of color in brand recognition and loyalty.
2.Brand Examples:
•Apple – Minimalism and creativity at its core, designed to let the user take center stage.
•Microsoft – Professionalism and efficiency, communicated through its distinct “business blue.”
•Tiffany & Co. – Sophistication embodied in “Tiffany Blue,” synonymous with timeless luxury.
•Nike – A masterclass in empowerment with its iconic “swoosh,” a symbol of achievement and motivation.
•Disney – Evoking wonder and magic, bringing childhood dreams to life.
3.The Framework for Visual Strategy:
•Define Your Visual Message: Understand what emotions or associations your brand should evoke.
•Audit and Adjust: Examine current visuals, assess their alignment with brand goals, and make intentional adjustments.
•Test & Gather Feedback: Seek out honest reactions from unbiased sources to ensure your visuals hit the mark.
•Iterate Consistently: As brands evolve, so should their visual expressions. The ongoing refinement ensures continued relevance.
4.Consistency in Branding: Ron emphasizes that consistency builds trust. Whether it’s a logo, color scheme, or typography, using these elements reliably across all platforms tells customers they can count on you.
5.Challenge for Listeners: Brenton and Ron encourage listeners to choose one visual element—logo, color, or imagery—and assess if it truly reflects their brand’s values and vision. A small tweak can align visual branding with business intentions, giving customers an authentic experience of the brand’s promise.
With vivid stories and actionable steps, this episode provides a roadmap for business owners to harness the hidden language of visuals, ensuring that every color, font, and image conveys their brand’s true message—without uttering a word.
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!
From business reports to text messages, we've all experienced the remorse of SEND REGRET. By following this 5-step writing framework, we can leave regret behind and improve our writing skills for both our business and personal communications.
Key Takeaways:
So join us as we talk about improving our written communication skills to make sure we AVOID those dreaded "Why did I send that?" moments and communicate with confidence and clarity.
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!
This episode explores the art of public speaking and presentation mastery. It addresses common fears, shares practical strategies, and provides insights into effective preparation, delivery, and audience engagement. Whether you’re a natural speaker or find the idea of presenting daunting, you’ll gain valuable tips on improving your presentation skills and communicating your message with confidence.
Key Topics Covered:
1. The Fear of Public Speaking:
2. The Importance of Preparation:
3. Delivering with Confidence:
4. Engaging Your Audience:
5. Handling Questions and Answers:
6. Key Takeaways and Practical Advice:
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!
In this episode, we explore the crucial role of nonverbal communication in professional settings, examining how body language, facial expressions, and even silence can shape relationships and decision-making in business. Whether you’re in a high-stakes meeting or a casual conversation, understanding these unspoken signals helps you truly grasp what’s being communicated and ensures you respond effectively.
Key Topics:
Takeaway Message:
Mastering nonverbal communication can enhance your professional relationships and decision-making, making it an essential skill for business success.
Next Episode Preview:
In the next episode, we’ll explore the art of active listening and how it can further improve your interactions and business outcomes.
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!
In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton and Ron discuss the essential skill of having difficult conversations. They share practical strategies to approach these challenging discussions with confidence and effectiveness, ensuring better outcomes in both business and personal interactions.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Importance of Difficult Conversations:
2. Preparation:
3. Arranging the Conversation:
4. Conducting the Conversation:
5. Follow-Up:
6. Real-Life Examples:
7. Resources for Further Learning:
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>> Connect with our hosts on Linkedin
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!
The recent CrowdStrike outage drew millions of businesses into a crisis, forcing many companies to enact their crisis plans. This event underscores how swiftly situations can arise that demand strong leadership in the face of a crisis. Today, we’re joined by PR expert Mark Williams from Hughes PR to discuss how we can prepare our businesses to handle these unexpected challenges and protect their reputations.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Understanding Public Relations:
2. Building a Strong PR Strategy:
3. Crisis Management:
4. Media Relations:
5. The Role of Social Media in PR:
6. Measuring PR Success:
Guest Bio:
Mark Williams is a seasoned Public Relations professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them to build their brands and manage public perception. Mark is known for his strategic approach and his ability to turn potential PR disasters into opportunities for growth.
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Ever feel like understanding what your team is truly thinking is a mystery? In today’s episode, Brenton and Ron uncover the power of asking the right questions to gain deeper insights. Learn how these essential types of questions can help you make better business decisions and foster a more open, communicative workplace.
Episode Highlights:
Resources Discussed in the episode:
Conclusion: By mastering the art of asking smarter questions, leaders can gain deeper insights, foster a culture of open communication, and make more informed decisions. Join us next time as we continue our series on effective communication.
Call to Action:
Subscribe & Follow:
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!
In this episode, Brenton and Ron continue their series on effective communication by focusing on the fundamental skill of listening. They discuss the significant role listening plays in building strong relationships, making informed decisions, and leading effectively. This episode is full of great examples and straightforward advice that demonstrate why listening is our most important communication tool in both work and life.
Key Topics:
Quotes to Remember:
Resources Mentioned:
Conclusion:
In this episode, Brenton and Ron emphasize that effective communication starts with good listening. They provide listeners with actionable advice on how to improve their listening skills to become better leaders and communicators. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or anyone looking to improve their communication skills, this episode offers valuable insights into the art of listening.
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In this episode, we're kicking off a new series on Effective Communication by challenging you to benchmark your current skills! Think of it as setting the baseline in a fitness test, where understanding your starting point is the first step towards improvement. In this series, we'll explore why sharpening these skills is beneficial and essential for any business leader. Effective communication can be the bridge between confusion and clarity, the answer to misalignment within teams, and the tool for forging stronger connections.
Whether you're a seasoned CEO or a budding entrepreneur, enhancing your ability to communicate can transform the way you lead and grow your business. Throughout this series, we will focus on becoming not just good, but great communicators.
Episode Highlights:
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With the soaring cost of living and global uncertainties, prioritising our mental health has never been more crucial. In this episode, we're talking with Tim Bishop about the unique pressures in the construction industry and how businesses like his are focusing on developing their staff's mental fitness. A vocal advocate for mental health in the workplace, Tim shares his journey of overcoming a dark period in his work life. He offers insights on building resilience, supporting well-being, and navigating the complexities of our times with strength and clarity. Join us as we discuss strategies for building and maintaining the mental fitness of both ourselves and our staff.
Episode Summary :
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Business Builders Podcast. Until next time, KEEP ON BUILDING !!