Beyond Growth with Reyan Fernando

Join Reyan Fernando for an inspiring chat with Tom Simic, founder of Simic Financial, as he reveals his ambitious plan to become Australia's largest virtual CFO advisory. Discover the incredible discipline behind his success, from earning six university degrees before 30 to being named "Young CA of the Year."In this episode, Tom unpacks:His "make friends, not sales" networking philosophy that fuels massive referrals.How Simic Financial helps businesses avoid the "idiot tax" by providing strategic financial guidance beyond traditional accounting.The power of "lock-in" periods and digital minimalism for hyper-focused growth.His vision for revitalising the Geelong entrepreneurial community.A sneak peek into his upcoming ebook: "The CFO blueprint for scaling to fifty million."If you're a business owner looking to scale, optimize profits, or simply be inspired by relentless ambition, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to learn how Tom is redefining financial advisory and building an empire, one strategic move at a time.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠.This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

In a special "tables turned" episode, host Reyan Fernando steps into the guest seat as he's interviewed by Vaibhav Kashyap, the creator of the popular LinkedIn series "Espresso Exchanges."Vaibhav begins by sharing his own story: navigating the Australian job market as an international student and creating "Espresso Exchanges" as a powerful tool for intentional networking. He offers tactical advice on building a personal brand, creating authentic content by sharing failures, and why embarrassment is an emotion to be explored, not avoided.Then, Reyan opens up about his own journey; pivoting from a 20-year career in IT, the burnout that led him to a new path, and his philosophy on why you should never have a "finish line." This conversation is a deep dive into the mindset required for continuous personal and professional evolution.In this episode, you will learn:How to transform casual coffee chats into strategic networking opportunities.Why AI is a tool to be embraced for growth, not feared (plus, a debate on ChatGPT vs. Claude).Actionable tips for creating compelling content on LinkedIn by telling your authentic story.The power of community and conversation in overcoming the loneliness of entrepreneurship.How to balance the relentless pursuit of ambitious goals without sacrificing what's truly important.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠.This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

How do you build a personal brand that stands out when the internet is flooded with low-grade, AI-generated content? In this episode, Reyan sits down with Zoe Wood, a Video Confidence Coach who helps leaders build unshakeable trust with their audience.Zoë breaks down why old metrics like "engagement" no longer equal revenue and how authenticity has become the most valuable currency. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to leverage video, build a sustainable content strategy, and create a brand that lasts.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why building trust is more critical than chasing engagement.Practical techniques to overcome camera shyness and project confidence.The three essential pieces of tech to instantly improve your video quality.How to find your ideal audience and create a content plan that doesn’t lead to burnout.The simple but powerful mindset shift required to master marketing repetition.How to navigate the world of AI without alienating your audience.Find out more about Zoë Wood by visiting https://vcc.training/You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or www.reyanfernando.com.auThis episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

Is the secret to world-class sales found in a fast-food drive-thru or a five-star hotel? For sales veteran Leanne Taylor from Taylor Made Sales, the answer is a resounding yes.In this episode, Leanne charts her incredible journey from hospitality and real estate to becoming a powerhouse in tech sales, proving that the core of selling isn't about products, it's about people. She reveals the powerful, repeatable strategies that have defined her success, demonstrating how genuine service and human connection can triumph in any industry.Tune in to learn:The "Know Me, Like Me, Trust Me" framework that builds unbreakable client loyalty.The critical difference between a "hunter" (BDM) and a "nurturer" (Account Manager), and which one your business needs first.Actionable daily habits like "ten calls before ten" to create consistent results.How to leverage your CRM to build authentic relationships (right down to your client's coffee order).Whether you're a business owner struggling to build a sales engine or a salesperson looking to elevate your craft, this conversation is a masterclass in building a career based on service, discipline, and authentic human connection.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or reyanfernando.com.auThis episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

Ever dreamed of turning left when you board a plane but winced at the 5-8x price tag? What if you could fly in business or first class for a fraction of the economy price?In this episode, Reyan sits down with Gagan Gupta, the founder of Turn Left For Less and a travel hacking expert who hasn't paid full price for a premium flight since 2014. Gagan breaks down the exact strategies he has used for over a decade—and now teaches to hundreds of business owners—to unlock luxury travel.You will learn:The "Positioning" secret: How to fly business class to Europe for as little as $2,100 by starting your trip from an Asian hub. For business owners: How to turn $30,000 in monthly expenses into over one million frequent flyer points per year.  Check out pay.com.au to setup your free account.How to earn hundreds of thousands of "free" points annually through everyday bills like insurance, utilities, and even your weekly grocery shop. The crucial difference between earning points and redeeming them for 4x (or even 8x) their value. Why you should never use your Flybuys or credit card points for a cash discount again.This episode is your masterclass in transforming travel from a cramped ordeal into a luxurious experience. Stop paying for someone else's upgrade and start flying better.Find out more at https://landing.turnleftforless.com/

Geelong is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, but growth on its own does not guarantee prosperity. The real question is how leaders shape that growth so it benefits the whole community.In this episode, Reyan sits down with Matthew Fletcher, the leader who established KPMG in Geelong, starting from his back bedroom and a rotation of local cafés, which has grown into a thriving team of more than 30 people. Along the way, he developed a powerful framework he calls the Three R’s: Reputation, Relationships, and Relevance.This conversation is a masterclass in strategic leadership and community building as Matt unpacks what it really takes to build something that lasts, including:How KPMG in Geelong evolved from simply being “in the room” to actively “creating the room”His horizon management approach for turning long-term vision into practical, near-term actionThe opportunities and tensions facing Geelong as it looks toward doubling in size by 2050Why great leadership is about empowering others, owning the blame, and ultimately making yourself dispensableIf you care about business growth, regional leadership, or the kind of thinking required to shape a city’s future with intention, this is a conversation you will want to spend time with.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠.This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Anna Osharov, CEO of Launcha and founder of Flintt, as she shares her remarkable journey from a refugee and family translator to a leader in marketing and AI . Discover how her unique background shaped her communication philosophy and led to the creation of Flint, a platform designed to repurpose long-form content with AI, and Launcher, an agency specializing in event marketing . Anna also provides practical tips for leveraging AI in content creation, discusses the societal impact of technology, and offers expert advice on building authentic presence through effective event strategies .Find out more about Launcha here: https://launcha.marketing/launcha-gpt-promptYou can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠.This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

In this episode, Reyan sits down with Jay Burke from Burke Britton Financial Partners, a financial planner with over 24 years of experience, who shares the profound philosophy that has shaped his career: "Financial planning is life planning."Jay opens up about his unconventional path into the industry, the family tragedy that redefined his purpose, and the "baptism of fire" of navigating a major business acquisition right before the 2008 global financial crisis. He reveals the hard-won lessons from growing, shrinking, and rebuilding his firm, emphasizing why culture and deep client relationships are the ultimate "secret sauce" to sustainable success.Listeners will gain invaluable insights into:Why your "household economy" is the only one that truly matters.The challenges and strategies for the "sandwich generation" supporting both aging parents and children.The lost art of "deferred reward" and how to instill financial discipline.How to plan for retirement by first understanding what it truly costs you to live.The evolution of the financial services industry and what to look for in a true financial partner.This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, long-term vision, and the human side of wealth. Whether you're a business owner, starting your financial journey, or planning for your family's future, Jay's wisdom will demystify finance and inspire you to take control of your life plan.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or reyanfernando.com.au⁠⁠This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

In this episode, Connie Regan from Geelong United Basketball, takes us through her dynamic, non-linear career journey, from recruitment and tech sales to spearheading the growth of Geelong Venom in the WNBL. Discover the exhilarating story behind building a professional women's basketball team from the ground up, navigating a rapid rebrand, and revolutionising commercial partnerships in women's sports. Connie shares her insights on leadership development, the critical role of executive coaching, and how to leverage every experience for continuous growth. Learn about the unique game day experience, the booming landscape of women's sports, and the power of personal branding in a fast-paced world.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠LinkedIn or his ⁠⁠website⁠.This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365

This episode unpacks how a lawn mowing business can be the key to a fulfilling lifestyle and significant income. We're joined by Benn Ward, a Regional Franchisor for Jim's Mowing, who bought his first franchise at just 18 years old in 1997. He shares his journey from a hands-on operator with a pager to a regional leader mentoring nearly 90 franchisees.Benn demystifies the world of franchising, revealing the secrets behind the Jim's Group's success. You'll learn about the unique fixed-fee model that encourages growth, the importance of building a business that serves your lifestyle, and the practical strategies for managing seasonality and maximizing efficiency. Discover how franchisees are empowered to coach their kids' sports teams and stay deeply connected to their community, all while building a profitable enterprise. This is a masterclass in building a resilient, lifestyle-focused business, perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone curious about the power of a proven franchise system.You can connect with Reyan Fernando here: ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠

What if your greatest challenges were actually your biggest opportunities for growth?From a life-altering injury and 20 years of chronic pain to running the Great Wall of China Marathon, positive psychology coach Stephanie Caldow from Think Collective shares her remarkable journey of defying limits and rewriting what’s possible.In this episode, Steph challenges the idea that strategy or circumstances are the biggest blockers to success. Instead, she reveals why the real bottleneck in our lives and businesses is the subconscious mind, where up to 95% of our actions are driven on autopilot.We explore powerful, practical frameworks including:Be, Do, Have: Why identity change must come before goal achievementThe Nemesis Tool: A simple but confronting exercise to visualise and step into your highest-performing selfInspiration vs Motivation: Why great leaders inspire belief and behaviour, not just actionWhether you’re a leader feeling stuck, a business owner hitting invisible ceilings, or someone wrestling with self-doubt, this conversation offers a clear roadmap to rewire your thinking, overcome internal barriers, and unlock sustainable high performance.You can connect with Reyan Fernando here: ⁠LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/⁠⁠Website⁠ - https://reyanfernando.com.au/

In this episode of Beyond Growth, Reyan sits down with Kate Ware, founder of Made Great and a trusted strategic advisor to growing businesses and brands. Kate takes us through the shift small and medium businesses have witnessed in marketing, from the early days of organic social and community building to the rise of AI, search disruption and commercial accountability.Kate shares how her transition into social media during maternity leave led to managing online communities for brands such as Cadbury and Kmart, and the lessons that translate directly to SMEs today. We unpack the shift from “likes and reach” to real ROI and outcomes, and how smaller businesses can leverage smarter strategies without huge teams or budgets.Kate walks us through the impact of generative AI on search behaviour and conversions, including a real world example of a client who experienced an 80 percent drop in organic search traffic. We discuss how tools like ChatGPT are reshaping marketing roles, and how SMEs can use AI to increase visibility, improve content and stay competitive, rather than get left behind.We also explore leadership branding and why trust in individuals now outweighs trust in corporate brands. Kate shares practical advice for business owners who want to grow their presence online, communicate more authentically and step confidently into thought leadership without feeling like they have to manufacture a persona.Kate offers candid insight into her own rebrand, the fears and disruption caused by AI, and what led her to her next chapter as a fractional CMO supporting growing businesses.If you are an entrepreneur, business owner or leader growing an SME and want clarity on how to navigate AI, brand visibility and modern marketing, this episode gives you strategic guidance, practical direction and reassurance that the future belongs to those who adapt and lead intentionally.You can connect with Reyan Fernando here: ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠This episode was proudly brought to you by the ⁠Geelong Chamber of Commerce⁠

Join us for a very special episode featuring three winners from the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards hosted by Melanie Turnbull from the Geelong Chamber of Commerce.On this episode, she speaks to:Shannon Kennedy (Kennedy's Group) - 2025 Business of the YearAamir Qutab (Enterprise Monkey) - 2025 Business Leader of the YearDavid Greenwood (CentreStage) - 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the YearThey share their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, discussing purpose-driven leadership, building strong cultures, overcoming adversity like financial crises, and the critical role of AI in future business success. Discover their visions for growth, resilience, and community impact in Geelong.You can connect with Reyan Fernando here:LinkedInWebsite

Join Reyan as he chats to George Hagivassilis, Chief Commercial Officer at Tekspace, shares his unique career journey and the strategic pivot that transformed Tekspace from an MSP into a leader in cybersecurity solutions. Discover how empathy drives design, leadership, and marketing, and delve into the dual impact of AI – from enhancing security tools and internal operations to raising critical questions about the future workforce. George also discusses the pivotal role of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in navigating significant business change and the importance of mental health initiatives like 'Without Fear.' This episode offers a compelling look at growth, innovation, and human connection in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.Connect with George on LinkedInConnect with Reyan on LinkedInThis episode is brought to by Geelong Chamber of Commerce

How do you turn payroll, one of the least glamorous parts of business, into a brand that people actually get excited about?In this episode, we sit down with Ren Wackett (National Sales and Partnerships) and Doménica Tufiño (Digital Marketing Specialist) from Microkeeper, the Geelong-based tech company redefining what it means to stand out in software. They share how a mix of smart strategy, bold creativity, and a people-first mindset has fuelled their remarkable growth.You’ll hear how they:Created a powerful sales–marketing partnership that cut ad spend by 75% while accelerating growth.Built a “Geelong first” strategy to grow a regional tech powerhouse with national reach.Hire for character over talent, keeping human connection at the heart of a digital world.Took courageous personal leaps, from a 13-year pro sports career to starting fresh in Australia and what that taught them about leadership and resilience.This episode is a masterclass in brand building, culture, and growth-proof that even in the world of payroll, the “wow factor” comes from the people behind the tech.You can connect with Reyan Fernando here: LinkedInWebsiteThis episode was proudly brought to you by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce

Could your business keep growing if you took a month off? Or would everything grind to a halt without you?In this episode, we unpack The Holiday Test, the ultimate measure of business freedom, with Stephen McHenry, founder of McHenry Partners. Drawing on three decades of experience helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive, Stephen shares a clear roadmap for building a business that works for you, not the other way around.You’ll learn:The three stages of business growth: from self-employed to operator to investor.How to design a business that passes the Holiday Test; thriving even when you’re away.Lessons from Jim Collins’ Good to Great, including how to find your “Hedgehog Concept.”Why quarterly planning and accountability are the keys to consistent execution.Five practical levers to grow gross profit without just cutting costs.If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back without everything falling apart, this conversation will show you how to make it happen , one deliberate step at a time.Connect with Stephen Henry on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mchenry-b1633264/Find out more about McHenry Partners here: https://www.mchenry.com.au/Connect with Reyan Fernando on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/Find books mentioned on this Podcast here.

What if your brand had nothing to do with your logo? In this powerful chat, Brand Counsel, Michel Hogan, flips the script on what branding truly means.She argues that a brand isn’t a campaign or a colour palette, but the sum of promises kept and the quiet, unheroic work that builds trust every day.Tune in to explore how to close the story–reality gap, live your values with integrity, and build a culture so real it speaks louder than any marketing.A refreshing, down-to-earth take on purpose, authenticity, and the kind of brand confidence that lasts.Here are the links to all the books and podcasts we mentioned:Good to Great by Jim CollinsLeadership and the New Science by Margaret WheatleyFor Common Things by Jedidiah PurdyMyth of Excellence by Fred CrawfordLiz Gilbert on Purpose Anxiety, Tim Ferris PodcastDeepWork by Cal NewportEmpire of Ai by Karen HaoAlaine de Botton Podcast InterviewYou can connect with Michel Hogan on LinkedIn here.You can connect with Reyan Fernando on LinkedIn here.www.reyanfernando.com.au

In this episode, Jeremy Crawford, CEO of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, shares his unconventional path to leadership; one shaped by years of navigating chaos, crisis, and community in high-pressure environments.From flash floods at a racecourse to emergency air-conditioning runs at the Grand Prix, Jeremy’s “hospitality war stories” aren’t just entertaining, they reveal the foundations of calm, quick, and compassionate decision-making under pressure. Those same principles now guide his work leading the Chamber through a period of transformation.Jeremy opens up about what it takes to modernise a business chamber in a city where 97% of companies are small to medium enterprises. He discusses the adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to bring structure, clarity, and accountability to his leadership team and how empathy and systems can coexist to build trust and traction.The conversation dives deep into how the Chamber is reshaping its events and engagement strategy to prioritise genuine connection over numbers, and how Geelong can step into its potential as one of the world’s top 20 business cities. Jeremy challenges the community to move beyond slogans and focus on a clear, measurable vision that drives growth, sustainability, and global recognition.This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership; blending systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and regional ambition into a powerful blueprint for growth.Connect with Jeremy Crawford on LinkedInConnect with Reyan Fernando on LinkedInGeelong Chamber of Commerce: https://www.geelongchamber.com.auwww.reyanfernando.com.auFind all books mentioned on this episode here.

In this episode, Reyan sits down with Luke Chaffey, founder of AIWise, to explore how AI is transforming the way businesses operate. From his early days in web development to leading the charge in AI innovation, Luke shares practical insights on using AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, and unlock growth. We unpack real challenges like shadow AI use, the risks of rushing in without strategy, and the steps organisations can take to integrate AI responsibly. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to scale, this conversation will leave you with actionable ideas and a clearer vision for the future of technology in business.

What does it take to thrive in a world where sales, marketing, and technology never stop evolving? In this episode, Reyan Fernando chats with Megan Grehan about her journey from traditional sales to digital marketing, and why building genuine relationships always wins over hard selling. Megan also shares her refreshing take on leadership, the value of setting boundaries, and how she’s adapting to the rise of SEO and AI. Packed with lessons on growth, resilience, and connection, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to lead with authenticity and succeed in today’s fast-changing business world.If you would like to connect with Megan Grehan, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-grehan-90827b97/If you would like to connect with Reyan, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/

What does it take to leave Melbourne and build startups in Shanghai? In this episode, Reyan Fernando is joined by Suren Gunatillake to unpack his entrepreneurial journey, from growing up in Melbourne to building businesses in China. Suren reflects on the challenges and wins of launching startups abroad, the evolution of technology from the 90s to today, and the growing impact of AI on business. The discussion also covers why your 20s are the best time to take risks, what it’s like transitioning from entrepreneurship to working within larger organisations, and the exciting future of AI agents. This is a conversation full of insights on innovation, growth, and navigating an ever-changing tech landscape.If you would like to connect with Suren Gunatillake, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surengunatillake/If you would like to connect with Reyan, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/

In this episode, Reyan Fernando sits down with Peter Tullin to explore the dynamic intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship. From co-founding CultureLabel.com to creating Remix Summits, Peter shares his journey through the startup world and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation dives into the rise of immersive experiences, the influence of AI on the arts, and the power of creative collaboration. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or passionate about the arts, this episode offers fresh insights into building ventures that are both innovative and impactful.If you would like to connect with Peter Tullin, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petertullin/https://www.remixsummits.com/If you would like to connect with Reyan, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/

In this episode, Reyan sits down with Brandon Burns to explore his journey from child performer to accomplished entrepreneur.Together, they unpack the power of mentorship, the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, and how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) drives business growth.The discussion also tackles big questions around AI’s impact on job security and data privacy, with practical insights on how businesses can embrace AI responsibly.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the future of business and technology, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on navigating a rapidly changing landscape.Episode recorded on the 28th of August, 2025.If you would like to connect with Brandon Burns, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/If you would like to connect with Reyan, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/

Join Reyan Fernando for an inspiring conversation with Anthony Brookes, the visionary behind Mama Malisse Hot Sauce. In this episode, we explore the journey from a family recipe to a beloved product on the market. Discover how Anthony navigated the challenges of commercialisation, the importance of maintaining quality, and the role of family in driving his business forward. With insights on entrepreneurship, passion, and perseverance, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in turning their dreams into reality. Tune in to learn how a simple sauce became a flavorful success story.You can find out more about Mama Malisse Hot Sauce by heading to https://www.mamamelisse.com.au/If you would like to connect with Reyan, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyanfernando/