Through Your Lens

Peter Sutton is an educator, business coach, and lifelong learner who has spent his career helping people move from where they are to where they want to be. But behind the work ethic, high performance, and constant drive was a pattern of pushing through until it became impossible to ignore.In this episode, Peter opens up about the moment he voluntarily checked himself into a mental health unit, the years of burnout that led him there, and what he learned about asking for help, masculinity, boundaries, and the hidden cost of always being the person who can keep going. He reflects on growing up as the son of a senior education leader, teaching around the world, building his own business, and eventually coaching business owners through their own personal and professional challenges.Peter also shares why some of our greatest strengths can become our biggest constraints, why sustainable success requires more than simply working harder, and how his own experiences have shaped a simple mission: to help people move from point A to point B.Enjoy!

Adrian Nisbet is the founder of The End Game, a qualified commercial pilot, and a business transformation specialist who's spent over 20 years inside founder-led companies - including building and successfully exiting one of his own. In this episode, Adrian and Tom unpack why so many entrepreneurs unknowingly become the bottleneck in the businesses they built, what actually happens when growth hits a structural ceiling rather than a market one, and why so few founders can name what their "end game" really is. From founder exhaustion to succession, sale-readiness, and rebuilding accountability under pressure, Adrian shares the practical and emotional realities of helping leaders design the outcome they actually want.Enjoy!

This week I sit down with Chris Crabtree, who went from a 26 handicap to scratch in 14 months and spent over a decade chasing a life inside elite amateur golf. Chris talks openly about what that pursuit actually cost him - a "quintessential childhood," years of identity built entirely around one goal, and the gut-punch of watching momentum stall when COVID hit right as he was planning to turn pro. He gave it one last shot in 2023, made it through Q-School, and then in 2025 walked away from the thing that had defined him for most of his life. We get into what it's like to sit in uncertainty without a neat next step, the difference between being burnt out and just needing a break, and who you are when the pursuit that shaped you is gone. It's a raw, honest conversation about sacrifice, identity, and what a good life looks like once you stop needing it to look a certain way. Enjoy!

In this episode I'm joined by Mitch and Brydie, the driven husband-and-wife team behind Glass Wholefoods, to dive into their journey from naive 22-year-old cafe owners to passionate advocates for clean, nutrient-dense eating on the Sunshine Coast. Mitch and Brydie reflect on their early days, including Mitch's career as a professional longboarder and custom surfboard shaper, and Brydie's bold leap from studying to be a teacher to jumping headfirst into hospitality. They share the serendipitous story of meeting on Boxing Day after a stroke of luck involving a lost driver's license, and reveal how their popular cafe originally started out as a simple showroom to display Mitch's surfboards. We explore the steep learning curves they navigated, from taking full ownership of the business after their partners departed, to grinding through the 2020 lockdowns by selling pasta, toilet paper, and tap beer to a fiercely supportive local community. The couple also opens up about a defining health pivot: discovering the harsh realities of commercial seed oils like "Frytol" and choosing to completely overhaul their menu to reflect their personal food philosophies. This chat is a beautiful reminder that when you lead with authenticity and a genuine desire to do better, both your business and your community will thrive.Enjoy!

Today I sit down with Australian barista champion and founder of Tim Adams Specialty Coffee, Tim Adams, to dive into his evolution from a four-year Navy veteran and qualified chef to a relentless advocate for specialty coffee producers. Tim opens up about the chaotic weeks leading up to the 2009 World Barista Championship in Atlanta and how after winning the national title with a commercial coffee, he made the bold decision to demand a specialty product for the global stage. We discuss the grassroots beginnings of his business with his wife, Katie, starting out of a mobile van to ensure direct, honest face-to-face feedback from everyday customers. Tim also takes us along on his origin travels, sharing wild stories of being guarded by armed police in Colombia and navigating intense protest roadblocks in Honduras. He explains how witnessing the brutal hardships of coffee farmers firsthand has inspired him to launch The Chapola Project, an initiative that provides critical infrastructure like patio drying beds, fertilizers, and running water directly to producing communities. Tim's story is proof that true excellence isn't found in smoke and mirrors, but in authentic human connection and standing firmly by your values. Enjoy!

This week I talk with my good friend Phil Ohren of Intender to explore the current mid-revolution of the digital landscape. Phil says we've stopped searching and started whispering, and if you take a moment to understand what that shift means, you can actually grasp where the future of marketing is heading.Phil reflects on the complexities of AI, consumer intent, and the hidden pitfalls of wasted paid media, as well as his strong belief in a return to authentic, product-led marketing where advocacy beats advertising. He also shares how his children are his greatest teachers in life, proving that the human edge and genuine connection are things no algorithm can ever replace. Enjoy!

In this week's episode I talk with Alex Dwyer of Dwyer Quality Homes, to trace his journey from a teenager working casual jobs and surfing on the Sunshine Coast to taking the helm of a 40 year old family business at just 29. Alex reflects on growing up around the family business and learning business acumen naturally from his parents without ever feeling pressured to inherit the throne, as well as his recent transition into fatherhood and the whirlwind of welcoming his first son, Harry.I hope you find this episode as a fresh reminder that true leadership is about pulling your team out of the trenches so you can see the big picture together. Enjoy!

Please note: This episode touches on suicide and sexual abuse. If you need support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.Today I sit down with entrepreneur, author and founder of Twenty8 Essentials, Kim Morrison, to explore her path from setting an unofficial world record as a teenager to a resilient leader navigating some of the darkest experiences a person can face. Kim reflects on her challenging upbringing, overcoming severe childhood abuse at the age of nine, and stepping up as a mother-figure for her siblings after her parents separated. She shares the wild story of signing up for an ultra-marathon after finding it boring to watch, being mentored by the legendary Cliff Young, and running 100 miles in under 24 hours to set an unofficial world record. Kim also reveals the creation of her wellness and aromatherapy brand Twenty8, the privilege of working alongside her adult daughter today, and why performing a simple body boost ritual every morning can change your life. This conversation is a serious but comforting reminder that the race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. Enjoy!

This week on Through Your Lens I'm very grateful to sit down with mechanical engineer and founder of solidteknics, Mark Henry, to explore his path from a curious child tinkering in a backyard workshop to becoming a revolutionary force in the global manufacturing industry!Mark reflects on his early inspiration working alongside his inventor grandfather, which ultimately shaped his unique approach to problem-solving. He also shares his first success in business, redesigning chef knives to launch the world-renowned Furi Technics brand, opening up around why he eventually walked away from corporate to pursue a deeper, more sustainable purpose.Now, Mark's mission is to share with the world the severe toxicity of everyday synthetic non-stick pans that so many of us cook on everyday, and he does so through his multi-century durable iron cookware at solidteknics. His heartfelt passion to regenerate Australian manufacturing highlights his belief that to him business isn't just about making money, but about building an authentic legacy that can inspire generations to come.Enjoy!

Today I chat with a good friend of mine, Peppi Bueti, Director of Sunny Comms. Before Peppi built a 30-year career in communications, there was his father - an Italian migrant who arrived in Australia with nothing but determination and left a mark on a community that still feels his absence. Peppi reflects on his early days working the coin laundry in his Italian immigrant parents' business and the profound impact of losing his courageous father to cancer. He shares how this loss brought his family closer together and shaped his deep-rooted philosophy that family, human connection, and storytelling are the most important parts of life. Peppi also opens up about the value of face to face communication in an AI driven world, turning away clients to protect team culture, and why true leadership sometimes means simply getting out of the way so young leaders can thrive. This is a beautiful conversation about legacy, fatherhood, and the power of a life well lived.Enjoy!

Today I chat to Sandra Brodie, founder of Powershift - a "Cleaner, Smarter" alternative to diesel generators. Sandra reflects on her early days learning the practical side of business in a printing shop from AFL legend Greg Williams and being mentored by an unconventional leader at Deloitte Digital. Our conversation goes beyond business, with Sandra sharing how a transformative year living at a spiritual school in the Guatemalan jungle shaped her deep belief that we are here to learn and evolve. We talk about her bold decision to leave the corporate world at 23 and how enduring a 50-day silent retreat shifted her mindset from being a victim to becoming an empowered creator. Today's conversation is a calm reminder that you shouldn't waste your energy trying to fit in, because not fitting in is actually a profoundly positive thing.Enjoy!

To kick off Season 2 of Through Your Lens, I'm talking with leadership coach and adventurer Bernie Kelly and exploring his story from an achievement-driven athlete to a man rethinking what it means to live a truly fulfilled and unattached life.Bernie looks back to his early days competing in Toastmasters, striving for success on the cricket pitch, and discovering the transformative power of pain following a difficult divorce. He shares how this chaos obliterated his old identity and shaped his philosophy that love matters far more than acquiring titles or material success.This conversation is a fresh reminder that the best life isn't about achieving the most. Instead, it is about unlearning our conditioning and simply doing the most loving.Enjoy!

Today I chat with digital strategist and founder of Intender, Phil Ohren, to trace his journey from a teenage web-builder and SEO experimenter to a leader rethinking how brands connect with people.Phil reflects on his early hustle building websites in the schoolyard, flipping phones on eBay, and discovering the power of search long before most knew what SEO meant. He shares how those beginnings shaped his philosophy that the right traffic matters more than the most traffic, and why intent is the real language of marketing.We talk about his aim to make advertising useful instead of annoying, and how understanding the psyche behind a search query can change everything. Phil also opens up about the tension between brand and performance, the future of AI in search, and why asking smarter questions is the next frontier of marketing.This conversation is a fresh reminder that the best marketing doesn’t shout the loudest; it listens the closest.Enjoy!

In this very special on-the-road episode, I got the chance to catch up with educator (and my former school principal) Steve Centra to explore a lifetime of lessons from inside and outside the classroom.Steve opens up about how he stumbled into teaching, the spark that kept him there, and why his mission has always been to light a fire in young people rather than simply fill a bucket. We talk about challenging the fear-based paradigms that still dominate schools, the importance of letting students learn through mistakes, and how real growth often comes when we step back and trust.Steve also shares his own turning point: the toll of leadership, burnout, and the moment he had to walk away from the job he loved - and how meditation, self-care, and presence helped him rebuild. Today, with The Reconnect Project, he’s guiding students, parents, and teachers toward a healthier way of living and learning.This conversation is an inspiring reminder that education - and life - isn’t about chasing results, but about discovering who we are and creating space for others to do the same.Enjoy!

Ever wondered what it truly takes to transform your life, to turn deeply personal experiences into a powerful force for good?Today, I'm sitting down with Melissa Thomson, a leadership coach, well-being and retreat facilitator, speaker, and the host of The Heart-Led Leader podcast.Melissa shares her journey of building a brand-new Steiner school from the ground up in a small Queensland town, alongside navigating the profound challenge of personal loss.If you've ever felt stuck, or sensed a quiet calling for something more meaningful, this conversation will resonate with you. Melissa shares how grief became a catalyst for change, how she cultivated the courage to leap into the unknown, and how each of us can begin to lead – not just at work, but in our lives – with clarity, compassion, and authenticity.This episode is for anyone ready to move from their head into their heart.

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Hermann of The Good Growth Initiative to unpack his journey from chasing a career in the arts to finding fulfillment in building businesses and mentoring others.Adam opens up about the challenges of stepping into leadership roles, and how, after becoming a father, he was forced to rethink what really matters. He shares the lessons learned from working in fast-paced environments, and why he thinks shifting success beyond titles or achievements has been so important in his life.This conversation is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, self-discovery, and the power of leaning into change. Adam’s story is proof that sometimes stepping off the expected path is where we find our greatest growth.Enjoy!

In today's episode, we sit down with Pure Locations founder Michelle McCormac to unpack the fearless choices that shaped her career and life. From chasing her dream job at Marie Claire against all odds, to starting fresh in a new country with no plan, Michelle has built a life defined by creativity, courage, and backing herself when it mattered most.She opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the weight of hiring her first team, and why she sees passion (not fear!) as the driving force behind her work. We explore the importance of trusting your instincts, creating space for creativity, and finding joy in the unknown.This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t need the perfect plan to take the leap, just the courage to begin.Enjoy!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with my dear friend and coach Yvette Aquila to explore the art of visioning - not just dreaming, but intentionally creating the life you want. From her corporate days, to guiding conscious leaders today, Yvette shares the mindset shifts and practical steps that turn vague intentions into concrete reality.She opens up about how stillness became her most powerful tool, the role of hope in moving forward, and why stripping away the non-essentials is often the fastest way to get to where you want to be. We unpack how to connect with your future self, navigate self-doubt, and take the kind of action that actually feels good.This conversation is full of insight, whether you’re building a business, reimagining your career, or simply ready to create more intention in your everyday life.Enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with former AFL premiership player and mindset mentor Corey McKernan for a raw conversation about identity, leadership, and life beyond elite level sport.Corey reflects on the pressures of professional footy, how he navigated success and public scrutiny, and the personal wake-up calls that followed. We talk about the importance of humility, the role of mentors, and why he’s more passionate than ever about helping others realise their potential.This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to be the loudest voice to have the biggest impact; and that sometimes, your greatest legacy comes from what you help others build.Enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with actor and speaking coach Jacqui Maloney to unpack what it really takes to show up - on camera, on stage, and in life.Jacqui shares her journey from growing up in Perth and dreaming of being on Home and Away, to studying in New York’s elite acting studios, what it taught her about craft, vulnerability, and the magic of commitment, and how she’s now helping others find their voice. We dive into the inner critic (meet Becky), the power of storytelling in business, and why you don’t need to be an extrovert to be an engaging speaker.She shares real-world tools for public speaking, video presence and storytelling, from her go-to vocal techniques to the “morning minute” ritual she swears by. Jacqui reminds us that asking for help isn’t weakness - it’s where deeper connection begins.Whether you're a founder, creative or someone stepping into your next chapter, this conversation is packed with insight, warmth, and permission to take up space.Enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan McGrory, founder of Exsona and a people strategist helping organisations build cultures that actually live up to their values.Ryan unpacks the truth behind company slogans like “people are our greatest asset”, and why so many workplaces still get it wrong. He shares the simple and often overlooked foundations of great company culture - "giving a shit", listening well, and leading with integrity. We explore why perks and ping pong tables mean nothing without psychological safety, how to truly support working parents, and the underrated power of just asking your team how they’re doing - and doing something about it.Ryan also opens up about burnout, the four buckets of wellbeing that guide his own life, and how co-designing your mission can bring purpose back into the workplace.This episode is a must-listen for founders, leaders and creatives alike - especially if you're rethinking how to build a business where people thrive, not just survive.Enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Brown, co-founder of Primal Video and a leading voice on YouTube strategy to unpack his journey from freelance filmmaking to building a business that reaches millions.Justin shares the wild ride of working with elite athletes and dodging near-death moments on shoots, to hitting burnout in his video business and making a bold pivot into online content. He opens up about the emotional wake-up call from his young daughter that changed everything, how 49 subscribers nearly made him quit YouTube, and why choosing the right audience matters more than chasing numbers.This conversation is full of gold for creative entrepreneurs. From building a sustainable video business, to navigating self-doubt, letting go of bad clients, and finding purpose through helping others.Whether you’re in the early days of content creation or rethinking your business altogether, Justin’s story is proof that impact can start small and grow into something extraordinary. Enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with travel writer and slow living advocate Celeste Mitchell to explore the surprising detours that shaped her life: from a broken leg that paused her career, to the freelance leap that followed.Celeste opens up about leaving the safety of her government job to chase creative freedom, how she built a career telling stories from around the globe, and why she’s now leading a movement to slow down as the co-founder of Life Unhurried. We unpack the myths of travel writing, the joy of missing out (JOMO), and how switching off became her most powerful form of success.This conversation is a warm reminder to move with intention, trust your timing, and find peace in whichever way that looks to you.Enjoy!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Travis Schultz, founder of one of Queensland’s largest compensation law firms, to unpack the grit behind his rise from humble beginnings to legal leadership.Travis shares the raw truth of making brutal calls as a young managing partner, the quiet sacrifices his mother made in his childhood, and how washing dishes and refereeing soccer helped fund his law degree. We explore his belief in client-focused business and how his small firm idea exploded into a 70+ person operation grounded in fairness and community.This chat is a masterclass in ethics, leadership, and the power of staying human in high-pressure worlds. Enjoy!

Join us for a thrilling ride with Kate Pilcher, the visionary behind Globetrotting. Kate opens up about navigating a grueling African safari with her young family, battling not only lions but also a real-time business crisis that pushed her to a personal breaking point. Discover her unconventional love story, from 'running away' to South America to her unforgettable proposal to husband Steve. This episode is a raw and inspiring look at balancing a wild, hands-on business with raising three adventurous daughters, revealing the profound lessons learned from life's toughest rides and the unique magic of the global horse community.Enjoy!

From secretly selling cigarettes in high school to pioneering AI literacy, Matt Travers' path has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, he recounts the difficult decision that became his greatest success, the foundational principles of building a team, and his urgent vision for the future of marketing in an AI-driven world.

In Episode 3 of through your lens, Learn from Kelly Elsom, aka DJ and Artist, DÉ SAINT. as she shares her unique story of "living life in reverse." From Sunshine Coast mum to international chart topping DJ, explore how raising a family first shaped her vibrant career and led to chart-topping tracks and gigs for the largest events and brands in the world.

Welcome back to Through Your Lens A podcast exploring perspectives of inspiring and heart-led individuals who live life on their own terms.In this episode I'm excited to introduce Kirsty Wirth, Teacher, Integrative Health Coach, Mindd Ambassador, and founder of Kultured Wellness.Kirsty's journey is one of incredible resilience. It includes surviving the Thailand Boxing Day tsunami, and navigating her son Noah's autism diagnosis. When doctors told Kirsty that Noah would likely remain non-verbal, she refused to accept that prognosis. Her relentless search for answers led her to discover the critical role of gut health. Through dedicated care, persistence and a whole lot of family love and support, Kirsty helped Noah recover; he's now thriving and continually breaking down barriers. Watch this episode if you're interested in stories of resilience, how life-altering events can redirect our paths, and the power of food as medicine, especially for gut health. This conversation is for those seeking to take control of their health and understand the root causes of illness.This experience inspired Kirsty to found Kultured Wellness, providing resources to help others with gut issues. In this episode, Kirsty shares her insights, including the challenges of dealing with online criticism - something she experienced even before the terms "keyboard warrior" and "troll" became common. Her story is a testament to a mother's love and the power of determination.

This is Episode 1 of Through Your Lens, I'm incredibly honored to introduce our 1st guest, Aaron Williams, the co-founder of Mindstar. Mindstar's story is deeply personal and incredibly inspiring. Founded in 2014 by Aaron and his wife Khayt, Mindstar emerged from Aaron’s own challenging journey with depression and suicidal thoughts following a tragic loss in 2003. His difficulty in finding the right support highlighted a critical gap, igniting a mission to create a better way for people to find their happy place.You should watch this episode if... you're passionate about mental health advocacy, interested in how personal experience drives entrepreneurship, or want to learn about innovative approaches to fostering well-being in communities and workplaces. Because let's face it, most of us, at some point, deal with our own mental health challenges, and this conversation is for anyone who believes in the power of connection and seeks to make a positive impact on mental health in their own lives or in the lives of those around them.

Through Your Lens, A podcast exploring perspectives of inspiring and heart-led individuals who live life on their own terms.I'm your host, Tom Rawlins.Each week, I sit down with entrepreneurs, business owners, parents, and everyday heroes to unpack the lenses through which they navigate success, failure, and everything in between. I dive deep to uncover the heart behind the hustle, the tears or laughter amidst the challenges, and the invaluable lessons learned by forging your own path.If you're looking for inspiring stories, actionable insights, and a fresh outlook on the world, you've come to the right place. Get ready to discover the power of seeing the world... through someone else's lens.