Finding Purpose

Episode Description: Mat Stillone started his first business Protein Supplies in his garage! So successful was it, that it eventually took over the whole house. This bold startup initiative, in the ‘better for you food’ sector, followed a period of deep reflection by Mat, who had suffered from anxiety in his late teens and early 20s. Mat felt he needed to express himself and do more of what mattered to him. Since then, he has started three more companies, all of which have become successful. Listen to this inspiring story of how Mat overcame adversity, built strong resilience, and found what really matters in life. About Mat: Mat is the Managing Director of Integrity Food Co, Protein Supplies Australia, Botanika Blends & Flexible Foods. He was the Business News Australia’s Young Entrepreneur Awards Winner - Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution in 2021! Contact Mat: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-stillone-b4797a41/ Points of Interest: The “AHA” moment for Mat. (0:30) Food industry, entrepreneurship, and product quality. (3:35) Starting and growing a supplement business, quality control issues, and manufacturing products. (7:38) Starting a contract manufacturing business and creating a brand. (12:09) Entrepreneurship, innovation, and plant-based nutrition. (16:36) Managing stress and purpose in business ownership. (23:29) Entrepreneurship, resilience, and relationships. (31:52) Transcript Mike: Welcome to the Troubleshooter’s podcast with me your host Mike McGrath. Today's guest Mathew Stillone started his first business protein supplies in his garage. So successful was it that it eventually took over the whole house. This bold startup initiative, in the better for you food sector, followed a period of deep reflection by Mat, who had suffered from anxiety in his late teens and early 20s. Mat felt he needed to express himself and do more of what mattered to him. Since then, he has started three more companies, all of which have become successful. So, sit back and listen to this inspiring story of how Mat overcame adversity, built strong resilience, and found what really matters in life. Mat Stillone Welcome to the Troubleshooter’s podcast. Mat Stillone: Thanks for having me, man. Appreciate it. Mike: I'm very grateful that you've been able to attend. You got into business? Was it your late 20s or early 30s? You started Mat? Mat Stillone: Yeah, my mid 20s. Yeah. 26. I started my first business. Yep. Mike: Okay. And up until then, Mat. So I didn't know from your story. Just going back, a little bit that you? You sort of had a bit of an aha moment. One time when you were crossing the story bridge there in Brisbane about just not wanting to continue on with your job as an employee. Mat Stillone: Yeah, that's right. I was in. Yeah, I was on, you know, honestly, I was in a pretty dark place. I struggled with anxiety, depression, a lot of my teenage and, you know, early 20s. And yeah, a lot of things. I've moved to Brisbane to start a whole new life and a new journey. And I thought that would just change things for me. But it, I guess it did, obviously. But at that time, I just couldn't. I felt like I had a higher purpose, something that, you know, something that was great for me out there. But I just was like, as was just a fingertips away, and I couldn't quite get there. So yeah, I had this. I had this moment. And you know, at the same time I was working in, you know, the pharmacy industry. And yeah, I got, I got jacked up in thought, I think I could do something a little bit better. But yeah, on the story of bridge, I tried to U turn, which if anyone that knows the story of bridges, it's wild to do that had a bit of a meltdown. But also, at that poi