Always Business Class

What does it take to turn a simple everyday frustration into a globally recognised brand?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Rex Kuo, co-founder of Orbitkey, to unpack the journey from a side project built after work to one of Australia's most successful product design companies.Rex shares how a simple idea to eliminate noisy, bulky keys became a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that raised over $210,000 in just 30 days, launching a business that now sells millions of products worldwide. Along the way, he opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career as a pharmacist, building a global team, expanding through retail, and creating products that genuinely improve everyday life.The conversation also explores product innovation, crowdfunding, travel, family, business partnerships, and why building a purpose-driven company has been just as important as building a profitable one.Whether you're launching your first business, creating a physical product, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic Australian brands, this episode is packed with practical lessons and founder insights.In This EpisodeHow Orbitkey started from a simple frustration with noisy keysRaising over $210,000 through Kickstarter in just 30 daysWhy you don't need to quit your job to start a businessBuilding a global product brand from AustraliaThe role of crowdfunding in validating new ideasLessons from launching 13 successful Kickstarter campaignsGrowing through retail, trade shows, and international expansionCollaborating with Disney and Marie KondoBuilding a strong company culture across global teamsUsing travel to inspire creativity, productivity, and better businessWhy purpose, sustainability, and B Corp certification matterSupporting neurodiversity in the workplaceChapters00:00 Meet Rex Kuo, Co-founder of Orbitkey01:59 The Idea That Started Orbitkey03:43 Launching Australia's First Kickstarter Success06:02 Turning a Side Hustle into a Business09:05 Growing Beyond One Product10:45 Taking Orbitkey Global Through Trade Shows15:10 Building a Loyal Community Through Kickstarter18:39 The Power of Great Co-founders20:42 Family, Travel and Frequent Flyer Points25:36 Building a Global Team and Company Culture30:33 Purpose, Sustainability and Becoming a B Corp33:18 Product Philosophy and Long-Term Thinking36:37 The Secrets Behind Successful Kickstarter Launches40:18 Collaborating with Disney and Marie Kondo42:24 Supporting Neurodiversity at Work45:31 Rapid Fire Travel Questions

What if travel wasn't just a reward for working hard, but one of the most powerful tools for improving how you think, make decisions, and perform?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally explore the neuroscience behind travel and why stepping away from your routine can sharpen creativity, improve judgment, and help you return with greater clarity.Together, they unpack why new environments force your brain out of autopilot, how short, frequent trips can be more powerful than one long holiday, and why business owners should think of travel as a performance reset rather than simply time off.From staycations and business class to Crystal Cruises and spontaneous walks through unfamiliar cities, this conversation challenges the way we think about travel and productivity.In This EpisodeWhy travel activates different parts of your brainThe science behind breaking out of autopilotHow travel improves creativity and decision-makingThe four stages of a performance resetWhy shorter, more frequent trips can outperform long holidaysStaycations as an accessible performance toolRemoving friction through smarter travelHow travel experiences inspire better businessesWhy exploration helps you feel like you've lived longerThe philosophy behind "Redeeming Your Travel Dreams"Whether you're planning an overseas adventure or simply checking into a hotel across town, this episode offers a fresh perspective on using travel as an investment in your performance, wellbeing, and business.Chapters00:00 Travel as a Performance Reset01:22 Why Your Brain Needs New Environments07:31 The Four Stages of the Travel Reset09:30 Why Short Trips Can Be More Powerful14:06 Lessons from Crystal Cruises20:17 Removing Friction Through Better Travel22:16 Can Travel Be Better Than Therapy?24:26 Escaping Autopilot Through Exploration27:28 Redeeming Your Travel Dreams30:39 The Blueprint for Better Travel

What if your groceries, fuel, Uber rides, takeaway coffees, and family expenses could fund your next holiday?In this episode of Always Business Class, the team sits down with travel and points expert Deena, founder of Committed to Collect, to unpack how everyday Australians can turn normal spending into free or heavily discounted travel experiences.After more than 30 years in the travel industry, including 25 years at Flight Centre, Deena shares the moment that completely changed how she viewed points, loyalty programs, and travel freedom.From redeeming more than $100,000 worth of flights in a single year to helping teenagers fly to Bali on points alone, this episode breaks down the psychology, systems, and practical strategies behind modern points collecting.If you've ever thought points were too complicated, only for big spenders, or just a “credit card game”, this conversation will completely shift your perspective.SponsorsFlights Club MembershipAccor Plus Explorer MembershipIn this episode:How Deena redeemed over $102,000 worth of flights using everyday family spendingWhy most Australians massively underuse their loyalty programsThe “Get Appy” method for simplifying point collectionWhy points are not just for business travellers or high earnersHow households can “triple stack” rewards across multiple systemsThe emotional power of travel and family holidaysWhy travel points can improve workplace wellbeing and reduce burnoutThe difference between earning points and strategically using themHow teenagers are now flying internationally on points from normal spending habitsWhy Dina believes holidays become “more affordable and more frequent” with points

What does it take to go from doing customs forms by hand at Australia Post to running a $100M+ global fashion brand?In this episode of Always Business Class, Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Jane Lu, founder of Showpo, to unpack the real story behind building a global brand from her parents' garage, why naivety is a founder's greatest asset, and how backing yourself is the only strategy that matters.They also get into delegation, content creation as a CEO, the aisle vs window seat debate, and why business class is the best investment a founder can make.We cover: Why entrepreneurs need naivety to take the leapHow a trademark crisis nearly wiped out everything she built Building Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine to 180,000+ women Why delegation changes everything The aisle vs window seat debate, settled What is still on the bucket listThis is not just about travel. It is about building something you love and choosing to do it in style.Guest: Jane Lu Founder and CEO, ShowpoSponsors: Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-members...