Build your own Business - Andrew Ford

In this episode, I sit down with Mouaz Alnouri, a long-time friend and someone I’ve worked with closely over a number of years as he built and scaled his business Skillfield.Mouaz is the founder of Skillfield, a data and cybersecurity consultancy working with some of Australia’s largest telcos, utilities and enterprise organisations. When we first started working together, Mouaz was doing what most founders do early on, selling, delivering, leading the team and carrying a lot of the load himself. Since then, the business has grown, the team has expanded, and Mouaz has transitioned into an executive chairman role where his focus is strategy, leadership and where the business goes next.We talk about that shift and why moving from operator to leader is one of the hardest parts of building a business. It sounds good on paper. In reality, letting go is uncomfortable, slow and very easy to get wrong. Mouaz shares how coaching, board training and completing his MBA helped him step back, zoom out and build a structure that does not rely on one person holding everything together.We also get into Mouaz’s journey into Australia. Growing up in Damascus, working across the Middle East and Africa, migrating with his young family, and starting a business without an established network. It’s not a journey untraveled but it’s a challenging one and Mouaz’s approach became an inspiration for how I run my business after I met him. Partnerships and values are a big part of this conversation. Mouaz is clear on what he will and will not compromise on, including walking away from revenue when it puts culture or people at risk. As he puts it, “If the short-term win does not take you to a long-term win, then it is a distraction.” It’s a mindset that explains a lot about how Skillfield has grown.We also talk cybersecurity without the usual fear-based noise. Mouaz breaks down what actually matters for small and medium businesses, why it does not need to be complex or expensive, and why most security issues still come back to people, habits and basic discipline.One of my favourite parts of the episode is Mouaz’s approach to learning, which is refreshingly practicall. “Don’t do learning for the sake of learning. Identify the problem you need to solve, then go and learn.” a lot of people go around collecting qualifications for the sake of it, in the end it doesn’t always get you anywhere meaningful without intention. This was Mouaz’s first ever podcast, and I was glad to do it with him. If you are building a business, thinking about how to scale without burning yourself out, or navigating the jump from founder to leader, there’s plenty in this conversation for you.You can connect with Mouaz on LinkedIn or learn more about Skillfield online.Connect on LinkedInCheck out Skillfield's Website

In this episode of Build Your Own Business, I sit down with Lisa Middleton - advanced sports dietitian, long-time client, and someone I’ve known for over 15 years.Lisa’s career is a little different to many of the business owners we’ve had on the show. She’s worked with elite athletes, AFL and basketball clubs, netball teams, the VIS, and corporate groups - all while flexing her work around her family and life. What stands out about Lisa’s journey is the way she’s built a career with intention. She’s chosen work that fits, not just chased every opportunity that came her way.We talk about the early days - from her first job in a deli, to hustling for clients out of a tiny gym office when no one would hire her, to landing roles at Essendon, Collingwood and Melbourne. We get into how much of her career came down to creating opportunities, not waiting for them. And why relationships, referrals, and reputation matter more than formal job ads.Lisa also shares the balance she’s found over 25 years in sports nutrition: working at the highest level while making space for family, writing a book, and picking projects that bring her energy. We cover the reality of self-employment, contract roles, and how building a personal brand gave her options at every stage.What I loved most was Lisa’s honesty about the choices she’s made - turning down work to spend time with her kids, finding flexibility in her business, and knowing when to say yes and when to step back.“You can’t just sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. If you want to build a career, you have to create your own opportunities - talk to people, get out there, and make it happen.”This episode is packed with insights for anyone thinking about how to build a career that works around your life, not the other way around.LinkedInWebsite

In this episode of the Build Your Own Business podcast, I sit down with David Murdoch the Wealth Activist and founder of Paxton Bridge.David’s been in the game for 15 years, guiding family groups, business owners and executives through the messy, often emotional world of money. But what makes his approach different is that it’s not about “wealth management” – it’s about Wealth Activism. It’s a mindset shift: from simply parking money in the bank, to actually activating resources so they create experiences, build legacy, and bring families closer together.We dive into some big topics - like why business owners often stumble into success but then freeze when it comes to what’s next. How intergenerational wealth isn’t just about passing down money, but values and education. Why the greatest asset isn’t dollars in the account, but the time you choose to spend with family. And how succession planning, estate planning and even the conversations around money are often left until it’s too late.David also shares his personal journey - from paper rounds and early corporate life at UBS, to taking the leap into his own business. He reflects on the grind, the shiny-object distractions, and the lessons from building a business that’s as much about relationships as it is about numbers.For me, the conversation hit home when we talked about the balance between saving for tomorrow and actually enjoying life today. As David put it, wealth isn’t about locking it away – it’s about using it with intention.“Wealth activism is about choices. It’s about using the resources you’ve worked so hard to create in a way that brings you joy, gives back to others, and creates memories that outlast the dollars. Money in the bank is nice - but money that creates experiences with the people you love? That’s real wealth.”This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered what happens after the success – when the question shifts from “how do I earn more” to “what do I do with what I’ve got?”David's LinkedIn ProfilePaxton Bridge Website

In this episode of the BYOB Podcast, I sat down with a relatively new client and someone I’ve really enjoyed getting to know, Schalk Kock. Schalk is the founder of Innovatec, a management and technology consulting firm, and his story is a great reminder that building a business doesn’t always follow a straight line – sometimes it takes you halfway around the world.Originally from South Africa, Schalk’s career has seen him work across major consulting firms, start his own business, spend time in the banking sector, and eventually immigrate to Australia, where he’s now launched Innovatec. What I love about Schalk’s story is the mix of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and his constant hunger for new challenges.We talked about everything from his early days working in his father’s pharmaceutical store, to how he discovered a passion for technology and data, and why moving countries taught him just as much about business as any project ever could.Schalk also shared some brilliant insights on why data is at the heart of nearly every business challenge today, and how Innovatec is helping clients tackle strategy, transformation, data governance and regulatory compliance in a practical, down-to-earth way.But what really stuck with me was his answer to the question I always love to ask – what advice would you give your younger self? His response was simple but powerful:“Be more bold. Go for the opportunities in front of you. You’re not always going to succeed, but that’s how you learn – and that’s how you grow.”Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business, leading teams, or just curious about the journey behind Innovatec, you’ll enjoy this one.Innovatec WebsiteLinkedIn

In this episode of the BYOB podcast, I sat down with long-time friend, marketing specialist and our Queensland Social Star City Leader, Dyon Swanborough. We talked through his 20-plus years in marketing, his deep love of tech and sound, and his practical, no-fluff approach to helping clients move people through the messy middle of the marketing funnel.Dyon has a gift for translating complexity into simple, actionable systems. Whether it’s choosing the right software, designing a customer journey that actually converts, or automating the warm-up phase between interest and sales, he has a way of making it all feel human. I brought him on because I know firsthand how valuable his insights are — not just to our business, but to anyone trying to grow a brand in today’s market.We swapped stories about our early days in business, the importance of curiosity, and how Dyon’s first brush with marketing came via a fax machine and a Peter Sun book. It lit a spark that turned into a lifelong pursuit of understanding what makes people tick — and how to serve them better. Over the years, he’s soaked up learnings from seminars, books, and decades of hands-on experience, refining his craft at the intersection of marketing and technology.Our conversation also touched on the power of automation when done well, and how tools like the Social Star Hub (based on Go High Level) can dramatically reduce the manual effort in nurturing leads, without compromising personalisation. Dyon’s perspective on software is refreshing — he doesn’t get swept up in hype, but instead focuses on how tools can genuinely help businesses offer more value and guide clients with less friction.One of the most powerful moments in our chat came when I asked Dyon what advice he would give someone just starting out. His answer was simple, sharp and so true:“Have you got something that will feed a starving crowd? Because if no one wants it, it doesn’t matter how much you love it or how good you think it is. You need to validate it. Talk to people. Charge something for it. See if they’ll actually pay.”It’s advice a lot of people skip over — jumping straight into branding or tech before truly testing the offer. But as Dyon points out, the best marketing starts with a hungry market and a clear value proposition.If you're in the early stages of business or struggling to bridge that tricky gap between awareness and sales, I reckon you'll get a lot from this episode. Dyon’s experience, pragmatism and straight-talking style bring a lot of clarity to the chaos of modern marketing.

In this episode of the Build Your Own Business podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the effervescent and insightful Michelle Letho - someone who first stood out to me at a networking event for her warmth, curiosity and a knack for making meaningful connections.Michelle isn’t your typical corporate escapee. She’s had a fascinating career across major companies like Mars and Simplot, but what really piqued my interest was her recent pivot into the tech space - joining a startup called Willyama Together, an Indigenous-owned Atlassian Solutions Partner. It’s a business with a purpose, helping organisations implement their Reconciliation Action Plans through tech services. But more than the role itself, Michelle’s approach to work and life is what makes her remarkable.We dug deep into her background, from pumping petrol at 14 in her family’s small-town garage to studying economics by correspondence because her school didn’t offer it. That drive, that desire for independence, and the grounding influence of her beloved grandmother Rita really shaped her outlook on life.Michelle talks about the power of curiosity, the importance of listening (really listening), and how networking isn’t just about collecting business cards - it’s about connecting with people, being helpful without expectation, and playing the long game. She shares brilliant insights into how to approach networking with generosity and purpose, and why it helped her land her current role without even applying for a single job online.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a meaningful professional network or make a career shift later in life. Michelle’s wisdom is real, practical, and generously given.Hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.LinkedInUpcoming eventWillyama Togetha

In this episode of the BYOB Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Carol Cooke AM - a Paralympic gold medallist, author, keynote speaker, and all-around powerhouse - for a truly inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it means to turn adversity into opportunity.Carol shares her remarkable journey from being a competitive swimmer in Canada to becoming a decorated Australian Paralympian in cycling. But her story isn’t just about sport - it’s about strength in the face of life’s toughest curveballs. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 36, Carol was told she’d never compete again. Instead, she defied expectations, rebuilt her life, and ended up representing Australia at three Paralympic Games, taking home multiple gold medals. Talk about a comeback.We talk about how it feels to have your entire identity shaken - and how Carol found new purpose by focusing on what she could do, rather than what she couldn’t. Her mindset is a masterclass in resilience. Carol speaks about embracing possibility, not limitation, and how that simple shift helped her rewrite her story.Carol also takes us through her work outside of sport, including the 1,000+ kilometre charity ride she started to support others living with MS and her passion for public speaking. She’s a firm believer that we all have untapped strength within us - sometimes, we just need the right challenge to reveal it.I reflect on how Carol’s story reinforces a powerful truth: success isn’t just about the wins - it’s about showing up, again and again, especially when things don’t go to plan. Her outlook is both grounding and uplifting, reminding us that no matter what life throws our way, we always have a choice in how we respond.Carol also shares the process behind writing her books and how storytelling has become another way for her to connect, empower, and inspire others. We also touch on how sport and business both demand discipline, structure, and a deep understanding of your “why”.Whether you’re chasing a dream, navigating a setback, or just in need of a mindset reset, this episode is a must-listen. Carol’s energy, humour, and unstoppable spirit will leave you rethinking what’s possible.LinkedInWebsite

In this episode of the BYOB Podcast, I sit down with my good mate, business coach, and author Darren Bourke for an insightful and lively chat about what it really takes to build a successful business. Darren has spent years helping SME owners find their footing, and today, he’s spilling the secrets on how to run a business without it running you. From his early days crunching numbers at Deloitte to carving out his own path in business coaching, Darren shares how he made the leap from corporate stability to entrepreneurial freedom—and why he’d never go back.Darren and I swap stories about the rollercoaster of business ownership, touching on the highs, the lows, and the absolute necessity of having a coach or mentor in your corner. We dive into the psychology of leadership, revealing why so many business owners find themselves stressed out, time-poor, and on the verge of burnout. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to be that way. Darren breaks down his three-pronged approach—consultant, coach, and mentor—and how this tailored strategy helps business owners regain control, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the businesses they’ve built.The conversation turns to one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: time versus money. Everyone wants more of both, but Darren explains why it’s about striking the right balance rather than chasing one at the expense of the other. I reflect on my own business journey, agreeing that finding a structure that works for you is the key to longevity and success. We also tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of business—the human element. Numbers might drive decisions, but people drive businesses, and knowing how to manage and lead effectively can make all the difference.Darren shares his journey writing his book—a process he likens to running a business itself. It’s full of unexpected twists, requires discipline, and in the end, is all about delivering value. We also touch on Darren’s love for learning, from screenwriting courses to new business ventures, proving that curiosity and adaptability are two of the greatest assets any entrepreneur can have.Darren also imparts some gold for anyone thinking of making the leap into business. He stresses the importance of learning your craft, embracing structure, and being brutally honest about what you’re good at (and what you’re not). If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is packed with actionable insights, a few laughs, and plenty of motivation to get out there and build something great.LinkedInWebsite

In this episode ofBuild Your Own Business (BYOB), I reconnect with my longtime friend and former colleague James McCracken, an expert mortgage broker coach. James shares his journey from corporate roles at Sensis and Hewlett-Packard to becoming a dedicated business coach helping mortgage brokers grow and scale their businesses.James and I talk about his transition into entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting his own business, and the key lessons he has learned along the way. He explains the importance of coaching not just for operational success but for personal and professional transformation. Through group-based coaching and one-on-one consulting, James helps mortgage brokers elevate their businesses by fostering the right mindset, strategic decision-making, and leadership skills.A significant theme in our conversation is the evolution of James’ career. He delves into his early entrepreneurial ventures, including selling cupcakes as a child, his experiences working abroad in Canada and Turkey, and his passion for personal development. James highlights how his corporate experience in sales and training shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasising the value of continuous learning and adaptability.We also explore business development, the power of networking, and how embracing an abundance mindset has transformed James’ approach to entrepreneurship. His perspective on scaling a business while maintaining consistency offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow their own venture. One of the most insightful pieces of advice James shares is:"Creating a mindset of abundance is essential. The people who have an abundance orientation tend to see and create more opportunities, and that optimism helps them embrace challenges with confidence."James also gives us a glimpse into his latest initiatives, including his upcoming business summit in Thailand, where he merges business coaching with unique networking experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner navigating growth challenges, or someone interested in personal development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.LinkedInWebsite

In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), Andrew Ford sits down with Iyari Cevallos, the Co-Founder of Nucleo Group, to explore her remarkable journey from receptionist to entrepreneur. Iyari’s story is one of adaptability, determination, and innovation, as she navigated a dynamic career path while raising six children and building a consultancy that transforms organisations through leadership development and cultural alignment. Nucleo Group specialises in helping leadership teams galvanise their efforts and align their strategies with organisational goals. Iyari explains how her business focuses on addressing challenges at the highest levels of organisations, often working with C-suite executives and boards. What sets Nucleo Group apart is its commitment to creating lasting change—not just through leadership workshops but by following up with ongoing coaching and support. Throughout the episode, Iyari shares how her multicultural upbringing between Mexico and Australia has influenced her personal brand and professional approach. She also discusses the significance of her name, its roots in the indigenous Huichol language, and how her heritage inspired the branding of Nucleo Group. For Iyari, staying connected to her cultural identity is a way to honour her past while building a meaningful future. The conversation also highlights the challenges of building a business with her life partner. Iyari shares how she and her partner have managed to create a balance between their professional and personal lives by embracing clear communication, shared responsibilities, and a mutual commitment to their vision. A key theme in this episode is how Iyari balances her career ambitions with her family life. As a mother of six, she talks about the importance of planning, focus, and letting go of guilt. For her, being present in each moment—whether it’s work or family time—is critical to achieving harmony. She credits her ability to prioritise and maintain a "whole of life" perspective as essential to her success, both personally and professionally. Iyari’s advice on maintaining balance is particularly impactful: “Get really clear about what’s important to you, so that you can protect what matters and flex on what doesn’t.” This philosophy underpins her ability to successfully navigate the complexities of a thriving career and a large family, making her journey relatable and inspiring for listeners. Finally, Iyari gives listeners a sneak peek into her upcoming podcast, Empower Tech. This new venture aims to demystify the role of technology in our personal and professional lives. Through insightful conversations with diverse guests, the podcast will explore topics such as responsible AI use, technology’s impact on children, and the importance of inclusivity in tech development. Iyari’s goal is to empower her audience with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the fast-evolving tech landscape. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to balance a fulfilling career with their personal priorities. Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in creating meaningful change, Iyari’s story will resonate deeply. LinkedIn  Nucleo Group Website Iyari’s Website

In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I sit down with Chris Ashmore, podcasting expert and founder of Chris Ashmore Media, to uncover his inspiring journey from journalism to entrepreneurship. Chris has a rich and varied background, which includes time in Japan as a legal recruiter, a long-standing role in audio production, and now running his own business dedicated to helping others tell their stories through podcasting. Chris’s journey began in regional Victoria, where his love for storytelling emerged during his school years, editing the school magazine and dreaming of a career in journalism. That passion took him through university and into his first professional role at Business Essentials, where he learned the art of high-quality audio production. But Chris’s story didn’t follow a straight line. A stint in Japan not only honed his skills in sales and relationship-building as a legal recruiter but also taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability—traits that continue to serve him as a business owner. When Chris returned to Australia, he rejoined Business Essentials at a pivotal moment when podcasting was starting to gain traction. It wasn’t long before Chris saw an opportunity to go out on his own, founding Chris Ashmore Media to focus on producing high-quality podcasts for professionals, associations, and businesses. He shares how he made the leap from employee to entrepreneur by slowly building his client base and reducing his hours at his day job, ensuring a smooth transition. For Chris, success in podcasting isn’t just about technical quality—it’s about consistency, creating meaningful connections with your audience, and delivering content that reflects your brand’s values. Toward the end of our conversation, Chris offers advice for anyone considering starting their own business. His message is clear: “You’ve got to love what you do. Whether you’re making socks or selling soap, passion is the cornerstone. Without it, you won’t have the energy to navigate the inevitable challenges of running your own business.” Join me for this fascinating discussion as Chris Ashmore reflects on his career, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why podcasting has become such a powerful tool for businesses today. Resources Website: https://chrisashmore.media/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmorechris/ 

In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I sit down with Dr. Jon Ford, Managing Director of Advanced Health Care, to explore his remarkable journey from being a hands-on physiotherapist to founding and leading a thriving healthcare group focused on chronic pain management. As Jon opens up about his path, we uncover how his early experiences, combined with his dedication to evidence-based practice, shaped him into the successful business leader he is today. Jon’s story starts in a small family business, where he learned the value of hard work and service. His early days involved everything from wrapping carbon paper to working odd jobs, all while developing a growing interest in sports medicine and physiotherapy. But it was a winding road. Despite starting out as a general physiotherapist, he eventually specialised in chronic pain management—a decision shaped both by his personal experience with back pain and by his work with patients who weren’t responding to traditional treatments. When he launched Advance Health Care, Jon saw an opportunity to do things differently. He describes how his years in the field exposed him to the limits of conventional treatments, especially in addressing the needs of patients dealing with complex pain conditions. Fueled by this experience, he turned to research, partnering with La Trobe University to develop and refine a more personalised treatment approach. The result was the STOPS protocol, a method proven to be more effective than standard guidelines in addressing chronic pain. This accomplishment laid the foundation for the unique, patient-centered model that Advanced Health Care embodies today. Jon’s transition from clinician to business owner didn’t come without its challenges. He shares the growing pains that came with rapid expansion, including the need to recruit the right people and maintain a cohesive culture. As the team grew, he realized the importance of aligning every staff member with the organisation’s values. For Jon, creating an environment where every practitioner shares a commitment to integrity and patient care is essential—and he’s learned that keeping that alignment requires ongoing mentorship and hands-on leadership. Toward the end of our conversation, Jon shares his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His message is clear: don’t shy away from opportunities when they arise. He emphasises the value of finding mentors and building a network of support, stressing that these connections have been key to his own success. Jon’s journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with hard work, and he leaves us with a piece of advice that’s as relevant in business as it is in life: “Take opportunities as they come and align them with your values. If you stay true to that, the success will follow.” Join me for this inspiring episode as we dive into Jon Ford’s unique journey, his dedication to patient-centered care, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Resources: Advance Healthcare Website Jon Ford LinkedIn

In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I have a fantastic conversation with Dr. Maja Green, CEO and Director of Medical Affairs at Solaris Research Institute. Maja is a pioneer in the fields of pain and spine research, and today, she shares her journey from the medical world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. We dive into Maja's background, exploring her early experiences in the healthcare industry and how those experiences shaped her approach to business. From working directly with patients to leading clinical trials, Maja’s story is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. She talks about how the foundation she built through her medical career eventually led to the creation of Solaris Research Institute, where she now focuses on advancing medical research and developing cutting-edge solutions for clinical trials. One of the key themes we discuss is how Maja's expertise in healthcare has directly influenced her approach to business leadership. She provides a unique perspective on how understanding the patient experience and collaborating with healthcare professionals can create business models that are both empathetic and efficient. Maja also highlights how the power of data and technology is transforming the way research is conducted, especially with their platform, Lupiter Health Connect, which accelerates clinical trials by rapidly and efficiently recruiting diverse patient populations. Throughout our chat, Maja shares her thoughts on the importance of adaptability in business, especially in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of healthcare. She encourages entrepreneurs to remain open to new technologies and methodologies, and not to shy away from innovation. Maja also opens up about some of the challenges she faced while transitioning from clinical practice to the entrepreneurial world, offering invaluable advice to anyone looking to take a similar path. Towards the end of our conversation, Maja leaves us with a powerful piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Get out there and network. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and share your vision. Building relationships is key – you never know where your next opportunity will come from." Join me as we unpack Maja's inspiring journey, the hurdles she’s overcome, and her vision for the future of healthcare. This episode is filled with insights that will resonate with both seasoned entrepreneurs and those just starting out. Solaris Research Institute⁠ Maja's LinkedIn

In this episode, I sit down with John Perry, a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind multiple successful ventures. John shares his wealth of experience, diving deep into the challenges and rewards of building businesses from the ground up. With over 40 years in various industries, John offers invaluable insights into the nuances of entrepreneurship, capital raising, and the importance of resilience. John begins by discussing his current role with Being Investable, where he focuses on helping entrepreneurs become more attractive to investors by overcoming internal barriers and refining their business models. He emphasizes that while having a great idea is important, investors ultimately invest in people. John’s approach is deeply rooted in systems thinking, a perspective he honed during his early career in advertising and later at Rank Xerox, where he learned the critical importance of structured processes in achieving business success. Throughout our conversation, John reflects on his journey, from his first job selling sweets to running a successful educational software company, and later ventures in aquaculture and the automotive industry. He candidly discusses the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including the steep learning curves and the hard-earned lessons from each venture. One key takeaway from John’s journey is the significance of timing and environment in the success of a business. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully assess the external factors that can impact their ventures, from political climates to market demand, and stresses that success often depends on these broader systems aligning in your favor. "Entrepreneurship is a hundred times harder than the hardest thing you’ve ever done," John advises. "But if you can do it for yourself, because you love to see the outcome happen, even if it doesn’t, you’ll have learned something invaluable about yourself." Join me as we explore John Perry's entrepreneurial journey, his approach to overcoming challenges, and his passion for helping others navigate the complex world of business. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspirational stories that will resonate with both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals. LinkedIn Website

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Baxter, a highly experienced marketing expert and business leader. We dive into his extensive career, from his early days in marketing to leading some of Australia's most prominent agencies, and his transition into advisory roles where he now guides and mentors the next generation of business leaders. Andrew shares the story of his career, beginning with his formative experiences at Young & Rubicam, where he gained a deep understanding of the marketing landscape. He reflects on his leadership roles as Executive Chairman of Publicis Communications and CEO of Publicis Australia, as well asCEO of Ogilvy Australia, discussing the challenges of leading large agencies through the rapidly changing world of advertising. Andrew also offers insights into how he maintained a focus on creativity and client satisfaction amidst these challenges. Throughout our conversation, Andrew emphasises the importance of adaptability and innovation in staying competitive in a constantly evolving industry. He also shares his thoughts on mentorship, expressing how guiding others has become a fulfilling aspect of his professional life. "One piece of advice I'd give to anyone starting a business is to write down your plans. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but having a clear, written plan keeps you focused on your goals and helps you stay on track," says Andrew. He explains how this simple practice has helped him and can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to build a successful business. Join me as we explore Andrew Baxter's remarkable journey, his leadership in top marketing agencies, and his current role in helping businesses navigate the complexities of the modern marketing environment. This episode is packed with practical advice for both seasoned professionals and those just starting in the marketing industry. 'Ageism in Advertising' Article Andrew Baxter's LinkedIn Andrew Baxter's Website The 24 Hour Business Plan Website

BYOB Episode 6 with Sevan Tuna In this episode, I sit down with Sevan Tuna, the managing partner at Alexander Spencer, to discuss his journey in building a successful accounting practice and diversifying into various business ventures. Sevan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and business management. Sevan shares his background, detailing his journey from his first paying job to his current position at Alexander Spencer. He recounts the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Starting in the accounting field, Sevan worked tirelessly to gain experience and build his expertise. His hard work and dedication eventually led him to become a partner at Alexander Spencer, where he now plays a crucial role in the firm's growth and diversification efforts. Throughout our conversation, Sevan emphasises the importance of hard work, especially in the initial stages of any business venture. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks, particularly when they have fewer responsibilities, and to view failures as opportunities to learn and grow. His story includes personal anecdotes, such as the journey of an acquaintance who transitioned from a different career path to owning a successful Jim’s Mowing franchise, highlighting that entrepreneurship can take many forms and doesn't always have to involve large-scale businesses. "Surrounding yourself with really smart people at the start is really important. People are willing to give their time for free, and you can learn a lot from them," says Sevan. He discusses the value of mentorship and forming advisory boards, stressing that building a supportive network is crucial for personal and professional growth. His insights provide practical advice for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the business world. Join me as we delve into Sevan's remarkable journey, his struggles and triumphs, and his dedication to fostering creativity and innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. Alexander Spencer Website: https://www.alexanderspencer.com.auSevan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sevantuna/

Welcome to episode 5 of the Build Your Own Business podcast! In this episode, I reconnect with Gareth Benson, a commercial IP lawyer by trade and a highly creative entrepreneur. Gareth applies his creativity to a myriad of projects and ventures, showcasing his passion for empowering others with innovative ideas. Gareth has recently released the second edition of his book, Ideaology, which guides readers on how to create profitable intellectual property. During our conversation, he delves into his journey to his current position, sharing the challenges he faced in finding his purpose and passion. Gareth's story is truly inspiring and offers valuable insights for anyone embarking on a new venture. He emphasizes the importance of helping others and the impact it has on personal and professional growth. In his parting wisdom, Gareth reminds us, "The goal is ourselves - we can be rich in who we surround ourselves with, what we do, and how we spend our time." Join us as we explore Gareth's remarkable journey, his struggles and triumphs, and his dedication to fostering creativity and innovation. Tune in to gain practical advice, hear engaging stories, and get inspired to take the next step in your own entrepreneurial journey. Gareth’s book IP Assist Website Gareth's LinkedIn

Welcome to episode 4 of the Build Your Own Business podcast! In this episode, I have a chat with Michael Kenihan, an experienced physiotherapist and businessman who has been a leader in the healthcare industry for three decades. I’ve known Michael since the start of Social Star and we’ve worked together on a variety of interesting projects. Most recently we worked with him to write and publish a book ‘The Health Practitioner’s Journey’, on how to build a successful career in healthcare as a practitioner. In our conversation, Michael shares his journey from working in sports medicine to his time in the corporate world when the clinic he was managing was acquired by Lifecare, a publicly listed company. Drawing from this wealth of experience, Michael eventually ventured out to start his own healthcare consulting company, and today, he is involved in numerous projects within the industry including a stem cell research facility and a rehabilitation application. Michael's story is a testament to the power of leveraging diverse experiences to create new opportunities. He emphasises the importance of understanding and navigating the risks involved in entrepreneurship and has some sage advice to young people starting out as budding entrepreneurs. "It's okay to consider the risks of doing something new, but it's important you don't let a desire to mitigate all the risks stop you from taking the step. Risks are inherently 'risky,' but there's risk in everything, and if you want to move forward, you have to take these steps." Join us as we delve into Michael's inspiring journey, from sports medicine to corporate healthcare, and finally to successful entrepreneurship. His insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the healthcare industry. Tune in to gain practical advice, hear engaging stories, and get inspired to take the next step in your own entrepreneurial journey! 📚 The Health Practitioner’s Journey - https://amzn.asia/d/0heO9ha6 🌐 Michael’s website - https://www.michaelkenihan.com.au/ 🔗 Michael’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkenihan/

I'm excited to welcome Samuel Power on the podcast today. I met Samuel through his father in law - Michael Kenihan who is a long term client and friend of mine. Samuel is a mortgage broker with extensive experience and knowledge in the industry of financial services. When I did a workshop with him earlier this year I found his knowledge and understanding far exceeds the ordinary for mortgage brokers.  We’ll take a walk down memory lane with Samuel; from his first paying job to moving to Melbourne from Sydney and the ins and outs of starting his own business recently.  Samuel works closely with his clients to guide them through the journey of either buying a first home, investment properties or more complex matters like SMSF loans and more. His exceptional understanding and value in education means he is able to empower his clients to understand the process they’re going through and take charge of their journey.  Samuel took on the challenges of starting your own business with confidence and it is well paying off due to his perseverance and level headed approach.  This is another great chat with a fellow entrepreneur. Samuel’s parting advice to listeners looking to go into starting their own business ‘plan plan and plan again’ he believes there’s no harm in getting bogged down in the details to make sure you get it right, starting a business is a big venture and you want to feel prepared! References: Loan Market Website LinkedIn

I'm delighted to have Sarah Hobday-North with me on the podcast. Sarah, an architect and entrepreneur, is the founder of Architect GP, a venture aimed at making architecture advice widely accessible. We'll dive deep into Sarah's journey from being raised by architect parents to forging her own path in the industry. Despite growing up in an architectural environment, Sarah initially veered away from following her parents' footsteps. However, her innate love for architecture eventually led her back to her roots, with a clear vision of making architectural guidance accessible to all. Architect GP was born out of this vision, with the aim of simplifying the process of consulting an architect, similar to visiting a GP for health concerns. Andrew met Sarah when she was starting this business and helped her to build the necessary assets to reach her target audience. Through dedication and persistence, Sarah has managed to expand her network of like-minded architects who share her vision. Together, they strive to make architectural advice readily available and understandable to everyone. Another great conversation to learn more about the intricacies and driving force behind starting a business. Sarah’s parting advice ‘you’re closer than you think to the next thing that works’.

In today's conversation, I sat down with Mitchell Bacha, a friend and client I’ve worked with to build his personal brand. Mitchell started his business, SUMParts Consulting after returning to Australia from spending over a decade in Asia as the CEO of luxury fashion brands, Valentino and Celine.  Mitchell's career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a humble Christmas casual at HUGO BOSS in Sydney, he embarked on a path that led him to becoming a well-known fashion figure in Asia. After over a decade of honing his expertise overseas, Mitchell has returned to Australia to embark on a new career sharing his knowledge with local businesses. SUMParts embodies Mitchell's philosophy that the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts. Drawing from his experiences overseeing all elements of the Luxury and Retail businesses, Mitchell emphasises the importance of synergies — how different elements can work together productively to create a powerful business and brand. In this episode, we delve deep into Mitchell's journey, from his early days in retail to his pivotal roles at global fashion giants. We explore how his time abroad provided invaluable insights into all aspects of running a business, which he now channels into his consulting endeavours. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of the luxury brand industry and learn firsthand from Mitchell's wealth of experience.  Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there's something for everyone in this captivating conversation.

Welcome back to the Build Your Own Business podcast! I'm Andrew Ford, and I'm thrilled to restart this journey with you. When I started the BYOB podcast, my goal was simple: to create a space where small business owners could connect with the stories of others who've transitioned from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. It's a tough transition from employee to business owner, filled with challenges both in the market and in your mind. But through this podcast, we aim to pull these stories out of people's lives and share them with our audience, so that no one feels alone in their business journey. I originally began the podcast in 2018 and ran for two years, producing over 40 episodes until the pandemic hit and we had to pause. Alongside the podcast, we also had the BYOB business group, a face to face networking community for small business owners. But now, we're excited to announce the return of BYOB. The podcast is back, and soon, our business networking groups will follow suit. We've lined up some incredible guests who will dive deep into their personal journeys of transformation, from being part of an organisation to running their own businesses. Expect candid stories, insightful chats, and valuable advice for anyone considering a similar path. I hope you'll join us for the ride and enjoy the podcast. Together, let's learn, grow, and build our own businesses!

Nicholas de Castella joins us in this episode to talk about his journey from being an employee to owning and managing several businesses including being a Master Life Coach. Nicholas has spent the last 28 years working with the healing power of the breath, mindfulness and body awareness, travelling the globe. His goal is to teach mature people practical, emotional intelligence to find their passion and live it.What is covered in this episode: Background on the work Nicholas does today. His first paying job. How running has helped him improve his life and performance at school. What led him to his work on personal growth. The 4 levels we exist on. Why Nicholas decided to study and understand emotions better. How to find out if someone is accredited in Breathwork. The benefits of verbalizing and crystallizing your intent. Being in touch with yourself to access the flow stage. 3 sources of intelligence. The future for his business. Biggest challenges in the way of growth. Nicholas shares his knowledge on money, business and marketing. One piece of advice Nicholas can give to people planning to leave their job. Where happiness comes from.

For corporate escapees or small businesses, increasing sales and revenue and getting money into your business is something that we want to achieve. In this episode, I share with you the learnings I’ve had from training over 100 people on how to do sales and marketing as a solopreneur. I developed this and call it the E-ttraction Sales Model. I start off with defining sales and e-ttraction. I then give you a breakdown of the 4 steps of the E-ttraction Sales Process, explain what you need to do in these steps and give you examples you can learn from. You will also learn about the volume you need to be successful and some sales techniques that you can use throughout the process.You can download the template and diagram here: https://www.socialstar.com.au/ettraction-templates

Colin Barr of Barr McIntosh Advisory joins us in this episode to talk about interviews, recruitment and how to find the right people for businesses. He takes the guesswork out of recruitment. He has over 30 years of experience and offers completely impartial, insider, expert advice to help you reach your greatest career goals.Barr McIntosh is an Australian Search and Advisory Firm who has provided recruitment solutions to complex assignments to various business industries in AustraliaWhat is covered in this episode: Colin’s background and business. The story on his first job, his stint in the Navy and the other jobs he took. Are the skills of people innate or honed? Standing out to get hired. How to handle job interviews. Picking the right people for the job. Andrew and Colin share their stories on their experiences interviewing potential team members. The inaccuracy of standardized tests. Andrew shares his process of finding candidates. Colin shares one interesting question he asks in interviews. Knowing more about candidates through interviews. Top 3 tips for writing your resume. Can you do what you love as an employee or is that only achieved when you have your own business? The advantages of and things to think about having your own business versus working from corporate. Colin's advice for listeners.

What's the best way to launch your own business? Well, to be honest, there are many different ways that will work.For mature corporate escapees, we believe it's building a small but reliable network working group around you. People who are running their own small businesses and so can understand you. People who might be able to refer you to others. And importantly those who are fun to have a drink and hang out with too!In the latest BYOB podcast, Andrew explores his ideas on how to build your own network and how we are working hard to build it in our Social Club.

Carl Rigoni, CEO & Founder of SixSix, joins us in Episode 35 of the Build Your Own Business Podcast to share the story behind how and why he set up his business and quit corporate. He shares his journey from university, his learnings, and his future plans.SixSix is a consulting practice that Carl has recently founded. Carl has had extensive practical experience in driving innovation frameworks with large corporations. The company focuses on assisting companies and Government organisations with digital transformation agendas. It also includes how to leverage and develop a “start-up” mentality to achieve better businessoutcomes at a lower cost and significantly greater speed.What is covered in this episode: Carl’s business, SixSix, and the services they offer. The story of Carl’s first job, his university experience and how this has inspired him to have a personal project of teaching uni students the way of the corporations. His corporate history and how it has helped him with running his own business now. Carl’s secret success and the things he has learned from it. The importance of having business mentors. Future plans for Carl and SixSix. Ben’s shares an idea for education about training kids about business and finding their passion. The reason behind the rise in fintechs. The massive changes in how people are working and getting jobs. How to cultivate and foster innovation for businesses.

CEO of the Synergen Group, Julian Carle, joins us in Episode 34 of the Build Your Own Business Podcast to talk to us about timelines for starting a business from scratch, time allocation for sales, business development and more. He also shares his journey from university to quitting corporate and starting his own business. Be inspired and listen now.What is covered in this episode: The services of the Synergen Group and how they help people. Julian’s educational background and his love for the arts. His interesting corporate journey. The turning point in his career and how he realized that he wasn’t for the corporate world. How long he’s been running his business now. Tips on how to run your business without you. Timelines for starting a business. Time allocation for sales. How Julian does business development. More about Julian’s book “Give Back Lead Forward: Why Every Leader Should Be a Mentor and Have a Mentor” and podcast “Synergen Leadership Podcast” Would he do this all over again? His top tips for individuals in this precipice.

Risk Management Expert, Lyndon Holland, joins us today in Episode 33 of the Build Your Own Business Podcast. Lyndon will share his knowledge and expertise on insurance and how to handle risks in your business and personal life. His 35-year experience and training in the insurance industry has allowed him to protect his clients’ business success with risk management programs and insurance advice over the years.What is covered in this episode: A background of what Lyndon does. Lyndon’s job experiences and his transition to what he is doing today. How he offered his products to his clients when he was starting in the industry. Stories about how he helped his clients with their insurance coverages. Things that we need to know about insurance. Findings and implications for business owners. Getting a free consultation from Lyndon. His transition from working for someone in insurance to starting his own business. Highs and lows Lyndon has experienced in his career. How to know when you need to talk to a professional about insurance. Lyndon’s advice for people who want to leave corporate.

In this solo episode, Andrew talks about the 3 main ways to scale a consultancy business over time. Tips and advice to use your knowledge to make more income than time per hour. We discuss the 3 stages of growing a consultancy business which are personal branding, business branding, and product innovation. Andrew shares his personal experiences with his business and gives us tips on how to improve your consultancy business.

New personal brand coach of Social Star, Elva Li, joins us in Episode 31 of the Build Your Own Business Podcast. Elva shares her inspiring story from growing up in Shanghai, moving to Australia to pursue further studies, and then quitting her job and following her passion. Her work today involves helping female entrepreneurs, like her,  create a personal brand that makes them feel confident online so that they can stand out from the crowd and attract their dream clients.

In this solo episode of the Build Your Own Business Podcast, Andrew talks about his plans for the launch of the BYOB Social Club where aspiring business owners can get involved, catch up with peers and like-minded people to form a community to help each other build their own business. One of the goals of the club is to address issues and the challenges that new corporate escapees face when starting out and provide overall support from social events, advice, to serious business talks. He gives us an overview of how the group will be formed, how it will work and how you can be involved.

Elliott works on a different flavor of project management. He drives positive organisational change through the delivery of fit for purpose services & solutions for companies. He has worked with well-known companies to transform their finance, IT and design practices. In this episode, he joins us to share his journey from being a corporate employee to building his own consulting business.What is covered in this episode: Elliott's business services and who he works with. The project outcome differences of construction and IT projects. Reasons why IT projects fail. Elliots work background and how he transitioned into what he is doing today. The best way to get jobs or clients and how this relates to the importance of building your network and brand. What’s next for Elliot. Tips for people who want to start a consulting business Elliott's advice for people who are still working full time and want to jump into business.

In this episode, Andrew discusses step 3 of leveraging your digital profile which is pitching. He goes through the Etraction pitching methodology and how it relates to the sales and content models.What is covered in this episode: What is pitching? The 5-step pitching methodology that Andrew uses and the explanation for each stage. His explanation of the 3 important middle steps of the pitching methodology to help you communicate with your prospective clients: Problem, Solution, Why you? The first and last steps of the methodology: Tease and What’s Next is where he discusses how to tease people, make them interested and ask more about what you do. Andrew walks us through how he pitches his business to other people in real life situations and how you can apply this to your own pitch

Lynn Garbers, President of Eagle Achievements, shares her story from being an enterprising kid at the age of 8 to having a business and becoming a successful coach. She has educated herself through the process and has gone through several career switches before ending up doing what she really loved. And in this episode, she shares with us her interesting journey that led her to where she is today.What is covered in this episode: Lynn’s background and the services she offers. Her interesting job and entrepreneurial history. Her turning point to having her own business and the story of how she became a coach. The strategies she uses in her services. A background on her clients. Lynn’s advice for people who want to develop their career.

In this solo episode, we cover the step 2 of leveraging your digital profile by producing content that is helpful, valuable and creates traction. We discuss the importance of what, where and why we need to post your content.What is covered in this episode: Things you need to know about the business and business owner before creating their content Kinds of content that businesses can make and recommendations for creating video, blogs and posts. Starting and posting blogs to help your SEO. How to choose which social media platform to use when posting your content. The importance of having your target audience understand what you do. Ideas to help you attract and gravitate people towards your business. Framing content in the sales process. The benefits of podcasting for your business. Sneak peek on the next episode: Pitching

Mandy Nolton, Founder of Rec Relief and Managing Director at Rec People, shares her story in this episode and talks about her journey from university to building her own business and the experiences she went through getting to where she is today. Mandy is very passionate about her work with local government in the recreation and leisure space. She is currently in the process of building her new business Rec People.In this episode I cover: Mandy’s business and services. The story of her first job and how she was led to work in recreation. The benefits of loving and enjoying what you do. Business as a merged lifestyle with clients becoming friends. Her journey to starting her own business. Getting a business coach to help run her business. How to know the right time to start a business. The experience that taught Mandy to just push on and carry on despite challenges in her business and life. Advice for people who want to start a business.

In this solo episode, we will continue talking about the 12-step process of building your own business, becoming a corporate escapee and building the lifestyle you want. We will focus on the first stage of leveraging your digital profile and what we need to do in this part of the process.What is covered in this episode: What is the Leverage stage and how does it relate to the first stage of the process? The reasons why businesses fail. A discussion on the first stage of leveraging your digital profile - Connections. Understanding and identifying your target market. The importance of building connections. 4 steps of the sales process.

Jordan D’Urbano, Director of Independent Closers Agency, joins us in this episode as we talk about his journey from starting as a coach, discovering his love for sales and then building his own business.What is covered in this episode: Jordan’s story of taking on his first paid job to building his own coaching business at 16 years old. Andrew and Jordan share their personal experiences that encouraged them to build their own businesses. The challenge he went through when he closed his first business, how this started his shift to sales and the experiences that led him to put up the Independent Closers agency. The power of visualisation and how he applied this to his sales jobs and business. The importance of choosing a business that fuels you. Jordan’s tips for new business start-ups to help them succeed.

In this episode, Tracey Rojko, owner of The Philosopher’s Stone, joins me as we talk about her journey and business. We discuss how she helps people open their minds to alternative ways in managing their emotions and gives them the advice and tools they need.What is covered in this episode: Tracey shares her personal experience on her son’s night terrors and how this started her search for alternatives to manage his emotions What is Reiki Healing and what you get from a healing session The story and outcome of her son’s Reiki Healing session Tracey’s life story from childhood, getting married, having children, working and escaping the corporate life to build her business Andrew shares his story and how he relates to Tracey’s story and experiences The future for her business and how she wants to help people

Welcome to season 2! In this episode, we are starting off with myself speaking about: The importance of winning the SEO search for your name specifically and how to do it The difference between branding and digital marketing How to have a strong presence for your name by having a personal website The effect of SEO being geographically based when searching on search engines like Google Discussion of the 5 main traits or primary source of SEO: URL, length of time, regular addition of content, having great and useful content for customers, number of site visitors What Google looks at and why front page SEO is what counts nowadays Sources for SEO tips How having a Google+ profile, creating a Google business profile based on your Google+ profile and making sure you are on the map helps your business

Welcome to episode 20! Today I talk to Connor Gillivan who is the CMO of Freeeup.com. He is a young entrepreneur who has been successful in the internet space.In this episode I cover: Connor’s introduction about himself and the services of Freeup.com His first entrepreneurial journey, what he studied in college and how he got into the digital space The business partnership and agreement of FreeeUp’s owners and how they make it work The transition from their Amazon business to opening Freeeup.com Entrepreneurship as an assembly of quality assets and the different types of assets Connor’s Book - Free Up Your Business: 50 Secrets to Bootstrap Million Dollar Companies What his parents think about his career Connor’s opinion on how education affects future careers Andrew’s story of wanting to work in business since he was young and his thoughts about the drive and challenges to succeed in business Where Connor sees himself in the next 5 years Examples of how the lack of building blocks and passion can dissolve or affect opportunities for businesses Model of Andrew’s and Connor’s businesses and their staff members The importance of time freedom Connor’s advice to people who want to start an entrepreneurial journey

In episode 19 I talk about all personal social media - Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. I exclude LinkedIn which is our primary business tool while everything else is optional.In this episode I cover: Why Facebook is a very attractive proposition and why it is the new world TV system Advertising in Facebook based on analytics 3 Types of Facebooks and the information you need to put in each of these Using Instagram for specific businesses and the need for amazing content to cut through Twitter as an amazing mechanism but is only good for certain things Why Snapchat is not relevant to the daily person and for a regular business Making YouTube an important repository of your videos and how it contributes to SEO How Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website and lead people to find your products

Today on the podcast I talk to Ben Carvosso, a coach for business owners, about his coaching business, taking pivots in your career and life and doing your life’s work.In this episode I cover: Work-Life Balance and why he doesn’t believe in it Ben’s work and business journey and stories of his ups and downs How he got clients in his chiropractic and radiology businesses by differentiating his businesses and services How his personality and mindset drove the team in his chiropractic practice and vice versa What drives Ben now that he doesn’t work with a team anymore The importance of getting connected with purpose and mission The interesting story of the start of his coaching business Why we need to be attractive to others How Ben came to do what he is doing now Being Busy-less and getting your life’s worth Helping clients with direction, purpose, and challenges The process of working with people to navigate the turn they want Andrew shares a story of his experience with taking a big turn in his life The methodology of being a great CEO The length and process of clients working with Ben Ben’s thoughts on changing relationships Making choices, taking responsibility and an amazing story about Ben impacting a client’s life Excuses as a symptom of fear Where is Ben now and his advice for people to do something different today

On episode 17 I talk about my favorite social media, LinkedIn. We will talk about why LinkedIn is the best social media for aspiring entrepreneurs’ personal branding, how to use it and how to use it in conjunction with your other social media.In this episode I cover: How I discovered LinkedIn and realised its potential What is LinkedIn and what it is not? LinkedIn in the business context How to build a great profile that represents your brand First things that people look at in your profile and why Three things to put in your banner Engage and form trust using your biography Talk about your business, products and services in the experience section How and why all the parts of your profile should form a story about why you’re awesome at what you do today Philosophical difference between branding and digital marketing The people and clients you want to attract to your branded LinkedIn profiles Two things you need to do to create engagement in LinkedIn

On this episode I talk about Intentions - why they are a super important part of our process of setting our direction and achieving our goals. I  also share information about how to set intentions, its impacts and what  part of the 12-week process we use it for.In this episode I cover: Intentions, its difference from goals, and where it is used in the 12-step process Documenting your intentions How intentions work when you’ve set them Example of how intentions work Why you need to set intentions of what you want and where you want to be Intentions are thoughts that should be acted upon The 4 steps for intentions that you should follow The state of flow and building from there The consequence of not doing the fundamentals correctly

On this #BYOB episode we chat with Darren Taylor: author, speaker and CEO of  Taylor and Grace, a medium sized agency that invents or re-invents  brands for small and medium sized businesses.Darren shares his  story from being a regular employee and taking a marketing  apprenticeship to building his own branding business. He highlights the  importance of branding for a company, whether big or small, and how it  can make a business successful.What is covered in this episode: Services of Taylor and Grace The story of Darren’s previous jobs and education How Darren took the path less traveled, made a career shift in marketing and eventually started his own business His apprenticeship before starting Taylor and Grace Why Darren started his own business instead of getting another job His thoughts before he plunged into his entrepreneurship journey and how he prepared for it Andrew’s story of how he left his job to start his own business Darren’s business partner and how they decided to work on branding The reason why a company’s message is more important than the mode or medium it is delivered in How successful business branding for small and medium enterprises start Philosophy of Taylor and Grace Why a brand is important and why it is the first thing needed in building a company Examples of how Taylor and Grace helped 2 clients improve and build their brands The similarities and differences between company and personal branding Darren’s Book “Rebranding Branding”, the awards he won for it, and why he wrote it Advice to people starting a business 4 ways a brand can touch customers

Today on the podcast we chat with Darren Bourke, a business coach, mentor and consultant to small and medium business owners for 15 years and author of The Fourth Moon.Darren shares his story from his humble beginnings as a regular employee to building and owning his successful business. He specialises in coaching business owners to replicate his lifestyle design using his tried and tested methodology in achieving sustainable business success.What is covered in this episode: Who is Darren Bourke? Darren’s methodology in making money, time and lifestyle work together The lifestyle Darren lives, how he lives it and why it’s something people should emulate Book: The Fourth Moon by Darren Bourke The idea of the busy fool and how to change and overcome it to open yourself up to more time and opportunities Darren’s work and family history and the story of following his dream of building and running his own business How a sabbatical helped him re-calibrate and discover what he really wanted to do Helping businesses by changing their format without changing their goals Darren’s rituals and activities to keep him going and retain his focus The story of launching his own brand and business His new venture, Coachtopia, and how he wants to help start-up coaches to build their businesses Business models and how it helps

Today on the podcast I talk about the fourth stage in the Attract process – Resources.There are three areas we focus on in the resources section - time, money and connections.In this episode I cover: The importance of focusing on those activities that you enjoy doing and get you into a state of flow The daily routine of writing out your intentions each day How to map out your time allocation Writing down the ten things you love and hate doing in your business to understand where you need to focus your time on and where you need to delegate. Knowing the value of your time to understand the amount you can spend to outsource Understanding that you don't know what you don't know and why it is important to get the right help when starting out Knowing how much to invest when starting out How to use your connections and network at the beginning of your service based business What is your ultimate destination - what do you want to do and when

Today on the podcast we have a laugh with Morry Morgan as we explore his entrepreneurial story and what led him to cofound a comedy school having never been a comedian himself.He shares his learnings from living and owning a business in China and how his teaching background and an on-stage technical failure lead him to create The School of Hard Knock Knocks.What is covered in this episode: How his entrepreneurial journey has led him to create a business around teaching comedy and being a 'bucket list ticker'. The impact going to China and leaving Australia had on his business journey. The challenges of running and owning a business in China. How you recover from storms can define you as an entrepreneur. Testing your product in a market where you are unknown. How an 'onstage fail' inspired him to learn the act of comedy. How experiencing a poor customer journey led him to start the School of Hard Knock Knocks. Understanding the impact that Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) can have on the growth of your business. How podcasting helped Morry to reach KOLs in the comedy industry. The future focus of scaling up his business to different locations. How he is re-purposing his content across SHKKs social media. The importance of looking after his past students and how that helps with new referrals and word of mouth.