In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Westerman, founder of Personr, to unpack how his own experience with identity theft inspired a mission to fight financial crime.
From building anti–money laundering (AML) compliance technology to helping businesses meet new Tranche 2 obligations, Personr is on the front lines of protecting trust in the digital economy.
We explored the hard realities of selling compliance tech, the challenges of scaling in a regulated space, and the human side of building software that truly makes a difference.
Problem:
Financial crime is one of the biggest threats to modern business, with identity theft and money laundering costing billions each year. As regulations tighten and Tranche 2 compliance takes effect, many organisations are struggling to stay ahead and protect their customers.
Solution:
Personr provides advanced AML and identity verification tools powered by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) so that businesses can streamline compliance, detect fraud early, and keep financial systems safe. With intuitive workflows and automation, Personr turns what used to be a manual burden into a seamless, scalable process for fighting financial crime.
One big piece of advice:
Get comfortable with discomfort. Founding a startup takes persistence and belief. Embrace your narrative it is the ultimate chess play and will help you win customers, team members and investors.
Show & tell:
- Personr - https://www.personr.co/
- Comet Browser - https://www.perplexity.ai/comet
- Fund WA - https://www.fundwa.com.au/
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Co-founders Tori and Calum are on a mission to make early literacy magical with their read-along app for kids aged 2–8. From partnering with publishers like Fremantle Press to building a healthy alternative to screen-time, Joey Books is reshaping how children discover the joy of reading.
This episode dives into the turning points, challenges, and small wins that brought Joey to life—and what’s next in their vision to transform digital publishing for kids, parents, and educators.
Problem:
Parents want safe, engaging ways for kids to learn that don’t feel like more scrolling. Screen-time is often passive, unwholesome, and unhelpful for literacy.
Solution:
A refined set of wholesome stories from trusted publishing houses with both local and international reputations, narrated by professional voice actors and designed for children to read along.
One big piece of advice:
Make sure you are really passionate about what you are doing. Do you enjoy it? If you’re only in it for the money—don’t start the company. It’s going to take a long time, and persistence is only possible if you truly love the journey.
Bullets:
(00:00 – 02:24) – Intro to Joey Books
(02:25 – 03:22) – Fremantle Press supports Joey Books
(03:23 – 04:07) – How Joey Books works
(04:08 – 04:45) – Cam's experience with Joey Books
(04:46 – 07:18) – What business Tory & Callum would start today
(07:19 – 08:30) – Is technology the answer to custom education?
(08:31 – 09:34) – The turning point for Joey Books
(09:35 – 10:40) – What makes Joey Books different
(10:41 – 12:52) – A healthy option for screen-time
(12:53 – 14:08) – Dopamine tactics
(14:09 – 15:28) – Reaching their first customers
(15:29 – 17:15) – Building user feedback into development
(17:16 – 19:23) – Partnering with publishers
(19:24 – 20:30) – Disruption in digital publishing
(20:31 – 22:29) – About the voice actors behind Joey Books
(22:30 – 23:34) – The ideal customer for Joey Books
(23:35 – 24:31) – Text tracking and narration
(24:32 – 27:06) – The benefits of reading for children
(27:07 – 28:49) – How schools and libraries can use Joey
(28:50 – 31:38) – Callum's view on Vibe Coding
(31:39 – 32:38) – Finding fulfillment in product development
(32:39 – 33:42) – What looks like for Joey Books
(33:43 – 34:07) – Joey's vision
(34:08 – 35:41) – On pricing the app
(35:42 – 36:19) – How the app supports publishers
(36:20 – 38:09) – One big piece of advice
(38:10 – 38:52) – The MVP dilemma
(38:53 – 41:24) – Life hacks and healthy habits
(41:25 – 43:30) – Entrepreneurship runs in the family
(43:31 – 45:37) – Are we still ambitious?
(45:38 – 46:38) – Australia is home to great entrepreneurs
(46:39 – 47:05) – Commit to lifelong learning
(47:06 – 48:38) – On using the app and Bookweek
(48:39 – 49:25) – Closing remarks
Show & Tell:
Joey Books – https://www.readwithjoey.com/
Fremantle Press – https://www.fremantlepress.com.au/
Cursor – https://cursor.so/
Audible – https://www.audible.com/
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Corporate cards don’t have to be hard.
Born out of the frustration of expense tracking with his own business Oliver decided to take on a challenge impacting every business owner from a new angle, the credit card.
Oliver is rethinking how business owners manage spend and unlock growth. As founder and CEO of Archa, he’s building a powerful alternative to traditional banking and solving a frustrating problem for business owners along the way.
In this episode of Weird Growth, Cam Sinclair sits down with Oliver to explore the world of fintech, funding, and building products that go from “nice-to-have” to “can’t-live-without.”
Problem:
Startups and small businesses struggle with outdated banking systems, corporate card approvals, and clunky expense management.
Solution:
Instant card creation. Smarter spend controls. A fintech product built for high-growth businesses, not red tape.
One big piece of advice:
“Sometimes there’s a fear that you can’t find the solution. There’s almost always a solution. If it’s not working, stop and change. Figure out how to fail fast and change what you’re doing.”
Bullets:
(00:00 – 00:59) – Intro to Weird Growth
(01:00 – 02:39) – Oliver’s journey: From law to fintech
(02:40 – 06:28) – Why Archa started with consumers, then pivoted
(06:29 – 10:45) – What’s broken with traditional banks?
(10:46 – 13:52) – Cold outreach, early partnerships, and finding first users
(13:53 – 17:08) – When they knew they had product-market fit
(17:09 – 21:53) – Maximising spend with credit cards
(21:54 – 24:40) – Mastercard, Visa, and the future of payments
(24:41 – 26:56) – Why fintech in Australia is booming
(26:57 – 30:27) – How Archa improves productivity for business owners
(30:28 – 34:22) – Card creation and spend tracking
(34:23 – 36:43) – Oliver’s one big piece of advice, fail fast and change
(36:44 – 38:02) – Inbox zero, stress hacks, and the importance of rest
Show & Tell:
Archa – https://archa.com.au
Inbox Zero method (great article by our favourite tool for this, Superhuman) – https://blog.superhuman.com/inbox-zero-method/
FinTech Australia – https://www.fintechaustralia.org.au
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You've heard startup stories, but few come as inspiring as Dominic Pym’s. From building some of Australia’s most iconic fintech companies to investing in the future of startups, Dom shares lessons every founder should hear. Recorded live at West Tech Fest, this episode of Weird Growth dives into the moments that defined Dom’s journey—and what drives his mission to support the next generation of founders.
Problem: Fixing online payments in Australia. Creating a banking experience that’s the opposite of boring. Supporting the infrastructure for tomorrow’s startups.
Solution: Simple online payments. Easy-to-love banking. An unapologetically different venture fund.
One big piece of advice: If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again…I’m still here, I’m still persisting and I’m still making new startups.
Bullets: (00:00 – 00:30) - Introduction (00:31 – 01:47) - Welcome Dom (01:48 – 03:55) - Dom’s background and philosophy (03:56 – 04:41) - The business Dom would start today (04:42 – 07:30) - Building Australia’s first online payments provider – Pin Payments (07:31 – 08:57) - What was the catalyst for Pin Payments’ growth? (08:58 – 09:55) - Who were Pin Payments’ first customers? (09:56 – 11:25) - When the momentum started to shift for Pin Payments (11:26 – 12:14) - When Checkout acquired Pin Payments (12:15 – 13:20) - Building the all-star team behind Up Bank (13:21 – 14:13) - Ripe conditions for Up Bank to disrupt (14:14 – 16:39) - What ingredients helped Up Bank cut through and grow (16:40 – 19:15) - The inflection points for Dom’s companies – Pin Payments, Up Bank, and Euphemia (19:16 – 25:04) - The story behind Up’s unique brand (25:05 – 26:29) - Up’s partnership with TikTok (26:30 – 27:49) - How Euphemia came about (27:50 – 31:28) - The four areas of Euphemia’s investment thesis (31:29 – 32:31) - The triple bubble fintech fund – primary, secondary, and public companies (32:32 – 34:31) - The one thing Dom can’t live without – his Tesla Model SP100D (34:32 – 35:33) - Dom’s one big piece of advice for founders (35:34 – 36:32) - Wrap-up
Show & Tell:
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You've been trapped in a spiralling cycle of marketing mystery but don't worry Creative Mystery Officer Mike Drysdale is here to help. This year, Mike started his new business, Folklore, a tabletop entertainment company. Mike is a man of many talents. He leads creative direction on marketing campaigns, advises brands on how they can contribute to cultural conversations, and builds brands with the art of storytelling. Learn how to create and use a message your customers will connect with on this episode of Weird Growth.
Problem:
People are searching for genuine connections and unique events. How can we spend time together without our phones?
Solution:
A tabletop mystery game that creates authentic, memorable and fun environment for everyone involved.
One big piece of advice:
Celebrate your achievements, mark your mark with rituals and elevate your brand.
Bullets:
(00:00 - 01:19) - Introduction
(01:20 - 03:07) - Where it all started for Mike – Solving problems with creativity
(03:08 - 04:09) - The value of a great message
(04:10 - 05:19) - Seth Godinism 1 - People always believe what they tell themselves
(05:20 - 05:53) - Seth Godinism 2 – The best stories don't tell us anything new, but how right we were in the first place
(05:54 - 07:05) - People seek information that reinforces their beliefs
(07:06 - 08:23) - Investigating remarkability
(08:24 - 09:52) - Use your customer's language
(09:53 - 11:19) - Don't fall for this communication trap
(11:20 - 14:21) - Make your message about the benefits not the technology
(14:22 - 17:32) - Mike's new business – Folklore
(17:33 - 20:56) - How Folklore is a refreshing take on creating in-person connection
(20:57 - 23:30) - What drives Mike – on making moments for people
(23:31 - 26:05) - Identity, worldviews, and cultural conversations
(26:06 - 28:00) - Republic of Fremantle's Birchal Campaign
(28:01 - 31:10) - How brands can add value to cultural conversations
(31:11 - 33:58) - What it looks like when brands add value to the conversation
(33:59 - 38:47) - On TikTok and growing a content engine
(38:48 - 40:05) - Help them share the pebbles
(40:06 - 42:06) - Cleo Abrams – Huge if true
(42:07 - 44:16) - Mark Zuckerberg's image change
(44:17 - 45:39) - We are approaching a new tech age
(45:40 - 46:29) - What's next for Mike
(46:30 - 47:45) - Celebrate your year, mark the moment
(47:46 - 49:23) - Storytelling elevates moments so you can look back at them
(49:24 - 51:28) - Show & tell – Write down your ideas in notes, use ChatGPT more
(51:29 - 52:58) - How Mike uses ChatGPT for creativity
(52:59 - 53:48) - Connect with Mike
(53:49 - 54:41) - Wrap up
Show & tell:
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Jared Carlin and James Shamim, co-founders of Willow, share their journey from identifying a common household problem to launching a solution on Kickstarter. In this episode, they dive into how they grew Plant with Willow beyond crowdfunding. They also give great tips on nailing your story, maintaining engagement with your backers, and building a community.
Problem:
Australians kill 72 million plants a year. Imagine how big this could be globally.
Solution:
A sensor device to track your plant's health with a mobile app that teaches you how to look after it.
One big piece of advice:
Have a large enough customer base and problem to warrant going after it. Find the passion in what you are doing. Maintain that level of passion – test, iterate and learn.
Bullets:
(00:00 – 02:52) - Introduction to Jared Carlin & James Shamim
(02:53 – 03:54) - Origins of Willow – where the idea came from
(03:55 – 06:41) - Pop Quiz – What business would they start today?
(06:42 – 08:46) - When they knew Willow was onto something
(08:47 – 10:42) - How to move from identifying a problem to building a product
(10:43 – 14:41) - Tips for Kickstarter success
(14:42 – 19:57) - Growth challenges with hardware
(19:58 – 20:44) - Who uses Willow today?
(20:45 – 21:56) - How Willow works
(21:57 – 22:47) - How most plants are killed by their owners
(22:48 – 25:35) - Sensor technology behind Willow
(25:36 – 27:05) - Gamifying the product experience
(27:06 – 28:56) - Growing beyond Kickstarter
(28:57 – 30:58) - Marketing channels and content strategies
(30:59 – 32:20) - Designing a workspace for success
(32:21 – 33:04) - The team behind Willow
(33:05 – 33:57) - Where Jared & James focus time as founders
(33:58 – 36:35) - Partnership with Bunnings
(36:36 – 38:13) - What’s next for Willow
(38:14 – 39:57) - One big piece of advice for founders
(39:58 – 41:38) - Show & tell – One thing they can’t live without
(41:39 – 43:56) - Storytelling in sport
(43:57 – 45:04) - Wrap up
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Andrew Holder, the visionary behind Revo Fitness, shares the remarkable journey of how he grew Revo into the largest independent gym operator in Australia. Unlike other fitness operators, Revo Fitness was built without being influenced by existing industry structures.
Problem: Traditional gyms can be intimidating and unwelcoming, often prioritising profit over the member experience, leading to high churn rates and a lack of community.
Solution: Revo Fitness transforms the gym experience by focusing on simplicity, accessibility, and member satisfaction, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels motivated and supported. Member experience is designed to be as frictionless as possible from joining to leaving.
One big piece of advice: Play for the right reasons. Put one foot in front of the other. Let go of the outcomes you want to achieve personally. Think about what you can achieve as a “we” not a “me”.
Bullets:
(00:30) - Intro to Andrew Holder
(04:52) - Start from scratch
(06:22) - The reason it started
(10:41) - How Revo reached their first customers
(13:25) - The point Andrew knew he was onto something
(16:22) - Surviving COVID as a fitness business
(22:45) - How Andrew’s background in sport helped him build resilience
(23:45) - How to balance the short and long term
(25:52) - How is Revo different?
(32:36) - Who is Revo for?
(36:35) - Managing capacity at Revo clubs
(39:55) – Revo’s approach to competition
(41:47) - What’s next for Revo?
(42:18) - Andrew’s advice for Founders
(46:21) - Show & Tell
(48:00) - How Andrew balances family and business
Show & tell
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We interviewed Stefan Prandl, Founder and Chief Technology Officer from Hyprfire at the Cyberwest Summit
2024. Hyprfire gives critical network events to the customers, so they know who or what is in their network. Stefan discusses the augmentation of generative AI and explains Zipf’s Laws in the context of fraud.
Problem:
Busy IT teams are still facing breaches and do not know where their network gap is. Even with cybersecurity tools in place, this still leaves them wide open to being hacked.
Solution:
Hyprfire adds an active and consistent threat-hunting capability with a managed NDR solution - Firebug. You are the first to know exactly who and what is on your network.
One big piece of advice:
Know the nature of the market you are trying to enter.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(03:39) – Fraud detection technology
(06:08) – The business Stefan would start today
(09:47) – Augmentation on generative AI
(15:45) – The use of AI tools in cybersecurity
(19:13) – The problem Hyprfire is solving
(25:10) – Finding their first customers
(31:16) – How it felt to go from a couple of customers to international
(32:05) – What Hyprfire did to grow
(38:30) – The bare minimum of checklists
(39:40) – One big piece of advice
(40:53) – Show & tell
Show & tell
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In this special episode, we sit down with Cecily Rawlinson, the Director of Cyberwest and the organizer of The Cyberwest Summit, held annually. Filmed at The Cyberwest Summit 2024 at Pan Pacific, this mini episode delves into the event and crucial aspects of cybersecurity.
The Cyberwest Summit stands as Western Australia's premier event for cybersecurity education and awareness. It provides a platform to learn from numerous experts in the field and equips attendees with the knowledge to safeguard their businesses against cyber threats.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and tips on fortifying your cybersecurity strategies.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction to the Cyberwest Summit
(03:05) - Lack of cybersecurity strategies in Small/Medium businesses
(07:02) - Cyberwest Innovation Hub
(10:04) - How collaborative efforts in cybersecurity can benefit the entire industry.
(10:46) - Show & tell
(11:50) - Comparing popular messaging apps in terms of security and usability.
(13:20) - Utopia for idealists
(14:53) - Closing remarks from Cyberwest.
Show & tell
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On this episode, we have a returning guest, Iain McIntyre, who has journeyed from the realm of neuroscience with Humm to the forefront of AI innovation at MindsDB in San Francisco. Iain's story goes through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the constant pursuit of ground-breaking solutions to complex challenges. Problem: Software developers face a common hurdle which is the time-consuming and intricate process of integrating AI into their applications. Solution: MindsDB with its open-source virtual database, automates the connection between data and AI models, enabling developers to deploy AI applications quicker and easier. One big piece of advice: You really need to look after yourself, if you know how to then you will go further. (Take time off, see family and friends, talk to other founders)
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(03:50) - How humm became a thing
(09:24) - Hardware is hard
(10:07) - The realisation Humm wasn’t going further
(13:00) - Living in a UFO landing pad during COVID
(14:13) - Helping people with anxiety
(17:31) - Progress made in neuroscience
(22:33) - Story of his journey at MindsDB
(27:44) - Self-driving cars
(29:44) - What it’s like living in San Francisco
(35:20) - Chat-GPT going live and society changes
(44:55) - What MindsDB is solving
(46:30) - One big piece of advice
(48:38) - Show & tell
Show & tell Roga Life MindsDB Khanmigo Humm
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On this episode, we have Harriet Mellor from Your Sales Co, who works with clients to support and improve their sales teams. They can identify in 30 minutes the sales teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Hear valuable insights on using your business data to make better decision-making decisions in your business. We discuss the yin and yang between marketing and sales, and the art of building an effective network including LinkedIn.
Problem:
People don’t know how to sell or enable their team to sell, the teams are underperforming.
Solution:
Your Sales Co can identify your strengths, opportunities, and weaknesses in 30 minutes. They solve problems that their clients don’t even know exist.
One big piece of advice:
Take the data you are getting from your entire business and make decisions based on that data that is progressing. There is so much data within our business, that you can apply it across your business.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(03:37) - Why people turn away from sales
(05:57) - How to deal with people (McDonalds experience)
(08:55) - Relationship between Marketing and Sales
(10:45) - How successful tech businesses have scaled their sales process
(13:39) - Sales metrics to consider early on
(14:35) - Advice on how to build your network
(17:08) – Tips for LinkedIn networks
(18:08) – Problem Your Sales Co is solving
(20:00) – Are the tools the problem?
(22:06) – System of selling
(24:18) – Rules of thumb for cold outreach
(28:14) – What to look for when hiring a salesperson
(33:12) – What took Harriet to take a leap (Her Day Spa)
(37:13) – Common trait in entrepreneurs
(37:44) – What is next for Your Sales Co
(40:14) – One big piece of advice
(42:03) – Show & tell
Show & tell
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On this episode we have Erin Bell from Co-Connect, a workforce app designed to streamline complex communication, information, and emergency systems into a single, user-friendly platform. We'll uncover the pivotal moments that shaped the company, why Erin believes in the power of community involvement, and why cutting ties early can sometimes be the wisest move for growth. Erin shares how they grew Co-Connect, learn why you should apply for awards and whether you should be entering different lanes with your product/service.
Problem:
Communication in mining workforces is very large-scale in complexity and always changing, an example is a worker trying to find their room at a mining site.
Solution:
Co-Connect App provides all essential site & village information, manages emergencies, and creates amazing site experience with the app.
One big piece of advice:
Identify and cut the cord earlier, and get involved in the community because it is easy to get lost in time – how can you help others more? The more inclined you are to help, it can also broaden your network.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(03:08) - The business Erin would start today
(04:33) - The problem co- connect is solving
(09:45) - How Co-Connect reached their very first customers
(12:38) - The moment Erin realised they were on to something
(16:58) - How they grew Co-Connect
(21:28) - Doing a whole re-build
(22:00) - Erin’s experience during Plus 8 Accelerator program
(25:10) - How to assess different lanes
(28:43) - WA Innovator of the Year
(31:33) - Process for applying for awards
(32:50) - One Big piece of advice
(34:46) - Show and tell
Show & tell
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On this episode, we have Amanda Price from KPMG High Growth Ventures who works with founders to help them understand their opportunities. We discuss the dynamics of founder-led sales and the challenges faced by founders, particularly when expanding into the US market. Amanda shares experience from her extensive career, from her first job at Tech Specific to setting up programs for founders to get into the US. The conversation looks at the role of accelerators and the moment Amanda realised the potential of the high-growth venture space. Amanda provides an extreme amount of entrepreneurial wisdom. Problem: Founders struggle to understand what opportunities they have, who to connect with, or the market they need to expand into. Solution: KPMG High Growth Ventures works like a concierge service, they help the founders to understand their opportunities and help connect them to relevant people like vetters, SMGs & advisors. One big piece of advice: You have to do founder-led sales, the best salesperson for customers and investors is the founders.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:09) - The business Amanda would start today
(05:38) - Founder-led sales
(06:50) - Amanda’s first job at Tech Specific
(08:26) - Going from startup office to a corporate job
(09:25) - Amanda’s travels to the United States during the Global Financial Crisis
(12:30) - Challenges Aussie founders have when they the US market
(15:16) - Many people fight for that 1% of the market
(17:16) - What the best founders that do that reach customers elsewhere
(18:55) - Role of accelerators
(22:04) - Sustaining high performers
(24:23) - How was it when Amanda realised this high-growth venture space was working
(25:33) - Putting satellite dishes on 500 Woolworths stores
(28:35) - What Amanda would change for founders
(31:16) - One Big Piece of Advice
(37:57) - Show & tell
Show & tell
In this episode, Clinton Schroeder and Kevin Venter, Founders of TOKN, shed light on the challenges faced by mid-tier enterprises in keeping up with the digital transformation. With thousands of hours given back to users, 10,000s of active users, and 150,000 app interactions weekly, TOKN addresses the struggle of these enterprises with their complex IT landscapes. Their solution involves bringing together intricate systems and data for customers, with a focus on making these systems accessible through various interfaces, including mobile. The duo emphasizes the importance of digitalizing services like timesheets and administrative procedures.
Problem:
Mid-tier enterprises have a large workforces, services and complex IT Landscapes. They want to bring systems together to be available on different user interfaces.
Solution:
TOKN brings complex systems and data together for their customers (Mid-enterprises). The second thing is to make sure they are available to their workforce on interfaces like mobile. Some of the systems they digitalise are timesheets and admin procedures.
One big piece of advice:
Kevin: Get traction and the money will come to you. Don’t let the idea sit in your mind, do something about it, don’t just sit on it.
Clinton: Don’t force yourself to define the problem because people are asking you. Prove you have put skin in the game as-well. (Define the problem and believe in it)
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(04:45) - The business they would start today
(07:37) - The problem TOKN is solving
(11:55) - How enterprises are miles behind
(14:39) - Reaching their first customers
(16:29) - Blind faith
(17:33) - The steps that led them to today
(19:52) - Listening to their customers
(23:51) - Marketing & brand activities used
(26:05) - The one thing that brings their business
(31:10) - The next for TOKN Technology
(32:57) - One big piece of advice
(35:55) - Hubflow: a communication engagement tool
(37:34) - Show & tell
Show & tell
· Phone
· Massage gun
· TOKN
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In this episode, Gabe Alves discusses the challenges faced in asset management due to a lack of human engagement and introduces a unique solution, EXTAG. The software engages users by providing tags for locations or assets that can be scanned to collect and visualize data. Gabe shares insights into the mindset of founders, emphasizing the importance of thinking about the selling aspect early on. He suggests that validating a product through sales before its actual development can lead to better outcomes.
Problem:
There was little human engagement with asset management.
Solution:
Created software that engages with people differently, they provide tags that can be put on locations or assets. Which then can be scanned to collect data and be visualized.
One big piece of advice:
Most founders are product people who want to solve a problem, but they think about the selling part later. If you can sell a product and get validation before you have it, then it will be better.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(04:17) - The stat of successful founders
(06:43) - Gabe’s Morning Startup talk
(08:27) - The most successful marketing strategy
(10:55) - The problem EXTAG is solving
(15:48) - The piece of tech they accidentally made
(22:10) - How they sell EXTAG to people
(26:13) - Other promoting strategies
(29:29) - What’s next for EXTAG
(32:00) - Sales process
(35:22) - Technology showcase
(42:09) - The biggest lesson Gabe has learned
(44:23) - One Big Piece of advice
(46:54) - Show & tell
Show & tell
- Ultra Running (42km+)
- Motorbike Riding
- EXTAG
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Matt Ikin, Head of Growths and Partnerships at We Money delved into the common struggles people face with credit scores, status, and relationships. We Money offers clarity by consolidating finances into one accessible platform. Matt shares valuable advice, emphasizing meticulous tracking, mindset optimization in recruitment, and honest self-evaluation. The episode covers We Money's growth journey, from 500,000 downloads in Australia to practical activities for brand growth and team development. Discussions touch on credit scores, customer outreach challenges, growth tactics like influencers and user-generated content, the impact of TikTok, and the significance of partnerships.
Problem:
People struggle with their credit score, status, belonging, and relationships – finance tends to be at the core of these issues.
Solution:
We Money gives them clarity and confidence surrounding their finance. The platforms collate all their finances and debts into one place.
One big piece of advice:
Track absolutely everything, optimise for mindset when you recruit, in a fair way be really harsh on yourself on the results you are delivering. You will look back and see the moments of magic. Be really honest, and have an ultimate focus on doing things that help deliver your outcome.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:35) - 500,000 downloads in Australia or 5 MCGs
(04:02) - The business Matt would start today
(05:20) - Importance of credit scores
(09:20) - The problem We Money is solving
(11:15) - Reaching their first customers
(15:40) - Surveying non-users
(17:08) - Practical activities to grow their brand
(20:00) - Growing a growth team
(24:10) - Identifying a growth mindset individual
(30:42) - Growth tactic of influencers
(32:44) - Two ways to use user-generated content
(36:12) - How people are using TikTok
(41:11) - The importance of partnerships
(42:45) - Why has Cashback taken off
(44:14) - Helping members access better financial products
(47:16) - We Money’s awards program
(51:50) - What’s next for We Money
(53:00) - One big piece of advice
(54:25) - Show & tell
Show & tell
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Live at We Work in Perth, David Press from Risk Talk & Stuart Riddle from KNKT dive into conversations regarding problem-solving and growth in business and the entrepreneurship landscape. They both share invaluable advice; David Press underscores the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, while Stuart Riddle emphasizes the significance of customer engagement and trusting instincts. Additionally, the episode explores aligning personal interests with life stages, advocating for a life filled with pursuits that bring true fulfillment. We also discuss the power of listening and storytelling in building connections and overcoming challenges in the entrepreneurial world.
Problem:
KNKT – Clients get burnt out from software development projects.
Risk Talk – Front-line workers getting frustrated with filling out risk management forms, would rather talk.
Solution:
KNKT – They have their own clients who they build the software for. They have a rapid-fire delivery approach to pump out the Software development projects.
Risk Talk – Use voice technology to run risk assessments, safety observations, and hazard and incident reporting.
One big piece of advice:
David Press - Be prepared to be rejected over and over, have resilience
Stuart Riddle - Spend more time talking with your customers. Also, trust your gut.
Bullets:
00:00 - Introduction
04:00 - The business they would start today
05:25 - Burnout of developing software
09:04 - Problem of risk assessments
10:45 - Finding their first customers.
14:20 - An alignment of your stage in your life and what you want to focus on
19:10 - Communicating in the tech world
22:47 - The no-code and AI intersection
27:29 - The future for them
29:06 - Their one big piece of advice
30:00 - Show & tell
Show & tell:
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Serial entrepreneur Kevin Garber discusses the challenges of finding the right idea and solving problems for startups. He emphasizes that overthinking ideas can hinder progress and suggests that building upon existing concepts can lead to success. He shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including his experiences with Managed Flitter, a social media app. Kevin highlights the importance of adapting to changes and finding ways to provide value in the startup world. The episode delves into his current venture, Zlinky, a mobile and web app focused on bookmark and image organization. The conversation touches on the thrill of entrepreneurship, learning from failures, and the rewarding feeling of making a positive impact.
Problem:
As huge content consumers, there was a lack of tooling around storing and organising these links.
Solution:
Zlinky helps to store and organise all your saved links including bookmarks, articles, videos, etc into one place.
One big piece of advice:
Keep learning and pulling all the different levers, and try not to compare yourself to others in the tech press. Sometimes it's very easy to think everyone is crushing it very easily, which is not the case.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(04:02) - The business Kevin would start today
(07:24) - The lead-up to launching ManageFlitter
(16:13) - What led the business to take off
(17:44) - Tips on how to build something or find a solution for a problem
(19:24) - What's happened with Twitter (X)?
(24:00) - The stressful decision
(26:12) - The problem Zlinky is solving
(31:00) - Reaching Zlinky’s first customers
(33:20) - How they collect feedback
(36:05) - What’s next for Zlinky in the future
(37:45) - Entrepreneurship is...
(38:44) - Kevin's one big piece of advice
Show & tell
Kevin’s Dog – Banjo
ManageFlitter (no longer running)
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Ever Nimble, an IT company founded by Chris Morrissey, marks its fifth anniversary with remarkable growth and a reputation for excellence in cyber security. Coming from a retail background, Chris leveraged his experiences and learnings to build a business that values diversity and fosters a high-performing team. With a customer-centric approach and a focus on cyber security, Ever Nimble has carved out a unique position in the market, distinguishing itself from over 2,500 competitors. Ever Nimble sets its sights on future growth, with a heightened emphasis on cyber security, advisory services, and upskilling their clients.
Problem:
People were not excited to see IT teams, it was seen as a cost and something that had to happen.
Solution:
Create a team that people could rely on for tech issues
One big piece of advice:
Get some really good mentors
Bullets:
(00:00) – Introduction
(05:29) – How retail skills are transferable
(09:30) – Addressing the IT Professional Trope
(12:40) – The impact of a micro change
(14:25) – Chris' leap into IT
(16:50) – What is an MSP?
(19:05) – The importance of Cybersecurity
(20:06) – 5 years ago...
(22:35) – Growing Ever Nimble
(24:35) – What is Cyber Security?
(26:35) – Cyber Tips for Startups
(29:25) – Verifying Details
(30:39) – Electric Peach
(32:23) – Expanding Service Offerings
(34:20) – The Importance of People
(36:05) – Business Structure
(37:00) – How Culture Helps Find Good People
(39:37) – Burnout in Tech
(40:15) – Standing out from Competitors.
(42:00) – Reputation and Referrals
(43:35) – The road to cyber
(46:04) – Chris' one big piece of advice
(49:40) – Show and Tell
(51:10) – Chris on AI
Show & tell
Brad Dessington, the Director of Legion Lab, a brand innovation lab in Perth, Australia, works with brands to create cutting-edge brand innovations that outperform the competition. Legion Lab creates customised consultancy by allowing the self-selection of world-leading individuals for brands to achieve success. With a background as a founder of various businesses, discover how Brad has combined his knowledge and experience across AI, Brand and Strategy. Providing his insights into the evolution of branding and the impact of AI on creatives.
Problem:
By solely focusing on executing brand strategies through brand communications, there is a risk of neglecting the crucial element of prioritising the customer experience.
Solution:
Providing diversified thinking by 'parachuting in' leaders in respective fields to assist brands develop growth strategies and birth new innovations that improve customer experience, and the brand.
One big piece of advice:
Talk to your prospective customers through the development process, that way you market and validate before you even have the product.
Bullets:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:36) – Founding a Brand Agency
(04:06) – What is Brand Consultancy?
(06:15) – Evolution of Branding
(07:59) – Journey of Business Growth
(10:47) – Moving into Digital Products – Nectir
(14:18) – Shift from Agency to Product
(16:40) – Back to the Forefront of Innovation
(17:42) – September AI Labs
(19:00) – Detect Circulating Tumour Cells in the Blood
(20:28) – Kids Books
(21:42) – AI Data Dependency
(22:50) – Intersection of AI and Branding
(24:17) – Legion Labs
(29:30) – Brad Loves Creating New Businesses
(30:40) - Brand Ideology
(31:20) – Unique Factor
(32:55) – Impact of AI
(36:28) – Do Creatives Benefit from AI?
(38:52) – Brad's Hard View on AI
(39:32) – Digital Twin
(40:53) – Are we in a Simulation?
(42:30) – Devices for Kids
(43:21) – Brad's Big Piece of Advice
(48:18) – Show and Tell
Show & tell
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