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Most business owners assume they’ll sell when they’re ready. But the harsh truth? Most businesses aren’t even close to being sale-ready. In this episode, Soonah and Karen break down the brutal reasons why deals fall over - and what you can do about it now.
Topics we’re not sugar-coating:
🔷 Owner-dependency is a death sentence
🔷 Your financials? They might be killing the deal
🔷 Operations held together by memory, not systems
🔷 “I just want out” is not a strategy
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re joined by Judith O’Callaghan from Global ERP Advisory to unpack the real story behind successful business transformations.
From cross-stitching quirks to cutting through ERP chaos, Judith shares how “Phase 0” sets the foundation for everything that follows. Whether you're a CFO, advisor, or transformation lead, this episode is a must-listen.
Topics include:
• Why “Phase 0” is the secret to ERP success
• The industries that truly benefit from SAP
• How strategy + structure = transformation done right
Tune in for insights, laughs, and the blueprint behind lasting business change.
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This week on Margin Maximizers, Soonah and Karen dive into why collaboration isn’t just helpful - it’s essential when you're trying to turn numbers into real business impact.
If you’re a CFO, accountant, or advisor focused on more than just the P&L, this one’s for you.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
1️⃣ Why Collaboration Beats Isolation
How siloed teams can drive sales - but kill margins.
2️⃣ What We See Behind the Numbers
Revenue doesn’t equal profitability. We share real stories of businesses growing broke.
3️⃣ What We Offer to Coaches and Accountants
We don't replace you - we partner with you. Think: better reporting, margin tracking, cash flow mapping, and process alignment.
📲 Tune in now on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
Let’s move beyond the numbers and build businesses that actually make money - together.
#MarginMaximizers #CFOs #Accountants #FinancialStrategy #BusinessProfitability #SmartGrowth #CollaborativeAdvisors #CashFlowMatters #BehindTheNumbers
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Karen and Soonah unpack what really happens when business owners resist structure, dodge accountability, and stay loyal to the wrong people. From chaos disguised as “freedom” to teams hiding behind broken systems, this episode reveals how leadership blind spots drain culture - and margin.
Hard truths, sharp insights, and a clear path to taking back control (without control-freaking).
Because your culture is what you tolerate - and your margin proves it.
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In this raw and revealing first episode, Karen and Soonah dive into the uncomfortable truth many SME owners face: sometimes you are the bottleneck. From resisting change to clinging to control, we explore how fear, pride, and exhaustion can stall growth. You’ll hear the tell-tale signs of self-sabotage, real-world pushbacks, and a practical checklist to help you get out of your own way.
Because to scale your business, you have to scale yourself first.
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Karen and Soonah break down the 8 key financial numbers every business owner must track to maximise profits and performance. Learn how focusing on the right data - like Gross Profit Margin, Customer Lifetime Value, and Break-Even Point - can transform your business without the overwhelm.
Plus, discover two bonus cash flow metrics you can’t afford to ignore. If you're ready to do less but achieve more, this episode is a must-listen!
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In this powerhouse episode, Soonah and Karen dive into what truly sets Margin Maximizers apart. They unpack how to build a standout presence in the finance industry through strategic clarity, scalable systems, and real-world leadership.
Karen shares her gift for creating structure, driving accountability, and bridging vision with execution, while Soonah brings bold, commercial thinking and a gift for translating complex finance into actionable strategy. They also explore big data, succession planning, and how to turn stress into strategy when the pressure’s on.
Whether you're leading a team or growing your own firm, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.
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Welcome to the first episode of 2025 on the Margin Maximizers Podcast! Join Matt and financial gurus Soonah Walkom and Karen Hildenbrand-Allery as they set the stage for a year of innovation and strategic growth. This episode is dedicated to unveiling the ambitious vision of Margin Maximizers for the new year and beyond.
Soonah and Karen will share insights into the anticipated expansions, new services, and markets that Margin Maximizers aims to explore.
This episode also explores how Margin Maximizers plans to align with emerging financial trends such as AI, automation, and regulatory changes, enhancing service offerings and ensuring enhanced compliance support. Listen as we discuss how Margin Maximizers intends to enhance client value through innovative financial management tools and educational resources.
Engage with us as we discuss the crucial role of our listener community in shaping our services and the interactive opportunities we plan to offer this year.
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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Join us for a special edition of the Margin Maximizers Podcast as we wrap up our inaugural year and look ahead to an exciting 2025. Matt and financial experts Soonah Walkom and Karen Hildenbrand-Allery take a moment to reflect on the milestones and achievements of the past year. Discover the standout moments, listener impacts, and the key lessons learned from our journey through 2024.
In this festive episode, we dive into how the podcast has influenced businesses, shaped financial strategies, and fostered a community of proactive leaders.
Listen as Soonah and Karen share their highlights and discuss the evolving landscape of finance management.
We also give a sneak peek into what's coming next for Margin Maximizers in 2025, including new topics, guest teasers, and strategic expansions. And, of course, no holiday special would be complete without some heartfelt New Year's advice and well-wishes from our hosts.
Tune in for a blend of reflection, anticipation, and festive cheer as we gear up to make 2025 even more impactful. Happy holidays, and here’s to continuing to maximize your margins!
Subscribe now to join our community of forward-thinking business leaders and prepare for another year of powerful insights!
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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In a first for Karen and Soonah, we have a guest in the studio with us. Rob Macdonald fell into sales and never looked back. With his wife Amanda, Rob started Mac Team Consulting, which helps businesses and people achieve their goals and objectives or challenges
them to create goals they never imagined possible. They help businesses grow through people development rather than Products. Rob is a qualified behaviour trainer, and it will be interesting to see what he thinks of our hosts after this episode. All jokes aside, this episode is a great exploration of Sales, building culture and much more.
To learn more about Mac Team Consulting, click on the link below:
https://www.macteamconsulting.com.au/
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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In this enlightening episode of Margin Maximizers, hosts Soonah and Karen dive into some of the most pressing questions posed by business leaders today. From managing rising operating expenses, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating cybersecurity risks, and integrating sustainable practices without sacrificing profitability, our experts share actionable strategies and insights.
Tune in to discover how businesses can navigate these complex challenges and stay ahead in today’s dynamic market. Whether you're looking to streamline costs, fortify your cybersecurity, or conduct a comprehensive payroll audit, this episode provides guidance to enhance your operational efficiency and safeguard your profit margins. Don't miss these invaluable lessons tailored specifically for leaders striving for excellence in their industries.
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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In this episode, Karen and Soonah delve into the transformative impact of virtual efficiencies and artificial intelligence (AI) on today's business landscape, particularly in B2C industries focused on Gross Margin. It underscores how technologies once considered futuristic are now indispensable for maintaining competitiveness and driving growth.
This episode will provide valuable insights into the necessity and benefits of integrating advanced technologies in modern business practices, emphasising that embracing these changes is beneficial and essential for future success.
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This episode of Margin Maximizers dives into the critical role of financial forecasting in shaping the future success of businesses. It gives listeners an in-depth look at how effective forecasting can significantly enhance strategic business planning.
Episode Summary:
The episode opens with a discussion on the pivotal role of financial forecasting in business success, highlighting its importance regardless of a company's size.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide, equipping listeners with the necessary knowledge and tools to implement effective financial forecasting in their own businesses.
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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In this detailed episode of the Margin Maximizers podcast, Karen and Soonah discuss the intricacies of managing an effective operational Profit and loss (P&L) statement. They begin by highlighting the critical role of revenue as the foundation of the P&L and the importance of accurate revenue recognition, especially for businesses with complex supply chains.
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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Soonah and Karen work without a net for the first time as they welcome their first guest onto the show. Rod Peters from Eventum Optimum brings his expertise to Margin Maximizers, and this episode shouldn't be missed.
A little about Rod - Rod commenced work as an accountant in public practice before moving to ASIC as a financial investigator for 7 years. He worked with both the ASX and Sydney Futures Exchange in compliance roles before moving into corporate banking with JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch and HSBC Bank. His last corporate role was Head of Compliance and Company Secretary at HSBC Bank Australia Limited.
A little about Eventum Optimum - Eventum Optimum is the Latin phrase for “The Best Result”. And this is exactly where our core purpose as an advisory firm is focused on delivering – the best result for our clients.
Our focus is on the delivery of comprehensive services primarily in the areas of asset and risk protection, pre-insolvency, corporate advisory and the provision of equity and debt funding solutions.
https://www.eventumoptimum.com.au/
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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For the ninth episode of Margin Maximizers, we try something slightly different with a CLIP SHOW—a little "best of" that takes you behind why Karen and Soonah started Margin Maximizers.
We discuss:
At the end of the episode, we have a sneak peek of what's up next—spoiler alert—it's a guest!
If you think your business could use the help of the Margin Maximizers team, reach out to the email address below
Karen Hildenbrand-Allery
cfo@marginmaximizers.com.au
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