PODCAST · business
RadEO
by Entrepreneurs Organization South Africa
It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going.
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#67 Stephen Shortt | Why family business succession breaks people (and how to survive it)
We often fall into the lazy thinking that family businesses are easy to hand down. Stephen Shortt lived the messy reality. He grew up in two family businesses and nearly walked away from it all just to save his relationship with his parents. In this episode, we talk about escaping that trap and surviving succession without burning down the family home. We unpack the "five Ps of successful succession," why the ancient Celtic concept of "fosterage" beats nepotism, and how to build "inside hustles" to innovate safely.But we also explore what happens past the Give a Shit line. Building a multi-generational business is not just about keeping the lights on; it is about keeping relationships intact. Stephen and I dig into navigating imposter syndrome, jumping the innovation S-curve before you resent your own company, and making it matter for the next generation.Key Takeaways:The Five Ps: Use Purpose, Pick, Prepare, Promote, and Patience to navigate succession smoothly.Change the room: Move hard conversations out of the boardroom to neutralise power dynamics and build a partnership.Fosterage over nepotism: Send the next generation out to learn from other businesses before bringing them into yours.Inside hustles: Build new projects within the safety of your current business to test new ideas without risking the family home.Jump the S-curve: Recognise your wiring and have the courage to jump to the next innovation curve when the work becomes too focused on optimisation.More about Stephen Shortt: Stephen Shortt is a career and talent strategist, family business facilitator, and the founding member of EO Ireland. He helps multi-generational businesses navigate succession and builds tools to help people find fulfilling, rewarding careers.
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#66 Jason Rhoades | How AI gives us the space to actually be more human
We are standing at the edge of the biggest technological shift of our lifetimes, and most businesses are reacting with lazy thinking. They adopt shiny new tools without a strategy, leading to a chaotic web of shadow AI and disconnected agents. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Rhoades, founder of Meaningful AI, to cut through the noise. We unpack why building mediocre software is a necessary step in innovation and how to transition your team through the three gears of AI adoption, from individual productivity hacks to proactive, multi-agent orchestration.But this conversation is not just about technology; it is about what technology enables. Jason and I explore how offloading the mind-numbing drudgery of keyboard work gives us the space to be more human. By eradicating the bullshit in our operations, we can finally obsess over every nook and cranny of the customer experience. If you want to know how to use AI to cross the ‘Give a shit line’ and build authentic connections that actually make it matter, you need to hear this.Key Takeaways:Focus on value: Building software instantly with AI is useless if it does not solve a real pain point; you must make it matter for the customer rather than just adding to the noise.Shift through the three gears: True AI adoption moves from solving individual productivity issues, to team-level workflows, and finally reaches proactive, multi-agent orchestration.Establish a lighthouse strategy: Without central guidance, teams will adopt disconnected tools, creating a chaotic web of shadow AI and agentic sprawl.Eradicate the BS: AI will eliminate the lazy thinking of moving data between spreadsheets, allowing you to finally obsess over every nook and cranny of the customer experience.Make space to be more human: Offloading keyboard drudgery allows you to double down on creativity, curiosity, and empathy, ensuring your ideas actually cross the ‘give a shit line.’More about Jason RhoadesJason Rhoades is the founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Meaningful AI, a consultancy helping companies navigate the change management and implementation of artificial intelligence. An EO Atlanta member, Jason previously founded and successfully exited the UX/UI consultancy Toolbox No. 9, where he led digital experiences for brands such as Amazon, Cartoon Network, and Mercedes-Benz.
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#65 - Mike Bodkin | The unexpected ROI of checking your entrepreneurial energy
We often get trapped in the lazy thinking that offering more services equals scaling. Mike Bodkin lived this. He grew his digital marketing agency, Giant Propeller, by saying yes to everything from email to media buying until the business hit a hard plateau. In this episode, we talk about escaping the generalist trap, navigating the inevitable tension between co-founders, and finding a lucrative exit through pure serendipity and peer networks.But we also explore what happens past the Give a Shit line—that final 20% where true human connection lives. Building a business is not just about structural mechanics; it is about how you show up and make it matter. Mike and I dig into the "Ryan Reynolds effect" and why actively protecting your sleep, checking your energy, and displaying genuine excitement for your work are the sharpest tools you have for inspiring clients and attracting top talent.Key takeawaysThe "say yes" trap: Saying yes to every new service offering dilutes your focus and accelerates a revenue plateau.The Ryan Reynolds effect: Founder energy is infectious; true excitement for your business attracts clients and top talent.Serendipity requires proximity: Selling your business often requires being in the right networks rather than actively pitching to buyers.Roles over resemblances: Clearly defined co-founder roles prevent tension and streamline business operations.Subscribe on iTunes or SpotifyMore about Mike BodkinMike Bodkin is the co-founder and CEO of TalentScout, a niche recruiting agency placing senior marketing and creative talent from Latin America into US businesses. Before TalentScout, Mike spent 15 years in filmmaking and post-production, then co-founded and successfully exited the full-service digital marketing agency, Giant Propeller.
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#64 - Ross Drakes & Rich Mulholland | The rise of Tiny Epic Businesses
In this special episode, Ross Drakes is joined by his part-time co-host Rich Mulholland, founder of Missing Link. They discuss the seismic shift AI is causing in service businesses and why the old adage "execution is everything" no longer holds. Rich argues that we are entering the era of "Tiny Epic Businesses," where the goal isn't headcount, but revenue per human. They explore how to turn internal costs into profit centres, the power of scratching your own itch, and why entrepreneurs should be the threat to their own business models before the future threatens them.Key Takeaways:The “Tiny Epic” model: Building highly profitable, micro-niche businesses with small footprints is the future.Ideas are the new capital: Execution has been commoditised by AI; unique ideas now hold the real value.Revenue per human (RPH): The new flex isn't the size of your team, but how much revenue you generate per person.Scratch your own itch: The best software businesses start by solving a specific problem within your own company.Be the threat: Don't defend a dying business model; create the tool that makes your old model obsolete.This episode is a reminder that in a world of commoditised execution, the most dangerous risk is having a single source of income.
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#63 Marina Byezhanova | From Soviet grey to Canadian colour
In this episode, Ross Drakes speaks to Marina Byezhanova, co-founder of Brand of a Leader and member of EO’s Global Products Portfolio. Marina shares how she lost her first business and rebuilt from the ground up. They unpack the realities of partnership, the pull of golden handcuffs, and what it takes to start again. Marina reflects on launching EO Ukraine during a war and how courage, curiosity, and humanity keep entrepreneurs moving forward. This episode is about resilience, clarity, and the guts to go again.Key Takeaways:Pick partners who complement, not clone youGolden handcuffs and how comfort kills fireTurning your lived practice into a businessCourage under pressure creates calm in chaosKeep the human edge in an AI worldRecognising choice as a modern luxurySubscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or Overcast.More About Marina ByezhanovaMarina Byezhanova is the co-founder of Brand of a Leader, a personal branding agency for entrepreneurs and CEOs. Her work has been featured in Inc.com, Forbes, Fast Company, Success Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Post. She has spoken across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Marina is a proud EO member and serves in EO’s Global Products Portfolio.
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#62 Byron McFarland | From selling nightcrawlers to knowing your number
In this episode, Ross Drakes speaks to Byron McFarland, founder of The McFarland Group and 21-year EO member. Byron traces a path from selling nightcrawlers to lessons in pricing, psychology, and asking for the sale. He opens up about burnout, the coach who exposed his blind spot, and choosing work that fits his wiring. Together, they explore the human condition: what motivates us, what breaks us, and how honesty builds trust and resilience. This is a grounded playbook on wiring, readiness, and courage.Key Takeaways:- Entrepreneurial spirit is built by doing, not theory- Sell with empathy and a real understanding of your audience- Know your wiring and choose work that fits it- Honesty with your leadership team earns real buy-in- Know your number after fees, bonuses, escrow, and tax
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#61 Ami Kassar | From the kitchen table to global networks
In this episode, Ross Drakes speaks to Ami Kassar, founder and CEO of Multifunding and creator of EO’s Grit Group. Ami shares how childhood memories of immigrant families around his kitchen table shaped his philosophy of generosity and peer learning. They explore the realities of starting again after corporate collapse, the discipline of saying no, and why business owners should focus on fundamentals before chasing shiny frameworks. This conversation shows how clarity, truth, and community can unlock resilience and growth.Key Takeaways:- Peer learning provides practical solutions faster than top-down advice.- Get the basics right before adding new systems or frameworks.- Access to flexible capital helps businesses handle uncertainty.- Turning down the wrong client creates better long-term outcomes.- Community and generosity are essential for sustainable growth.Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or Overcast.This episode is a reminder that entrepreneurship is sustained by generosity, honesty, and learning together around the ‘big kitchen table.’More About Ami KassarAmi Kassar is the founder and CEO of Multifunding, a national advisory firm that has helped thousands of entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of growth financing. He is also the creator of EO’s Grit Group, a member-led community that started as a WhatsApp group and now connects about 1,500 entrepreneurs for real-time support. He has advised countless entrepreneurs on financing strategies that align with their vision and values.He is the author of “The Growth Dilemma,” which shares insights on using debt and equity to unlock growth without losing control. Ami has dedicated his career to assisting business owners in making courageous, informed financial decisions that foster sustainable success and long-term freedom.
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#60 Carrie Schochet | From Forced Entrepreneurship to Purple Squirrel Hunter: Building Success Through Community
In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Carrie Schochet, founder of Purple Squirrel Advisors, who got "forced" into entrepreneurship when circumstances changed after maternity leave. From starting as a single recruiter competing against global firms to building a thriving business by hunting "purple squirrels" (the impossible-to-find perfect candidates), Carrie shares her strategic approach to finding opportunities in the spaces others avoid. The conversation covers her journey from pre-med to accidentally discovering recruiting, the power of community building, surviving a devastating ski accident that changed her relationship with her business, and why your identity as an entrepreneur shouldn't be tied to a single company. This is a story about resilience, strategic thinking, and the unexpected gifts that come from being forced out of your comfort zone.Key Takeaways:Find opportunities where others won't goCommunity is your competitive advantage Sometimes you need to be forced into your destinyYour identity should be an entrepreneur, not just your business The right team permits you to lead differently Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast More About Carrie SchochetCarrie is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm based in Troy. Passionate about helping companies grow by creating exceptional leadership teams, she has spent the past 16 years connecting C-level and senior executives with leadership positions in finance, accounting, human resources, operations, sales, and marketing. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2001, she spent over a decade advancing her career at one of the nation's leading recruitment and staffing firms in Chicago. In 2012, she moved back to the Detroit area to be closer to her family. On January 1, 2015, she founded Purple Squirrel Advisors with the mission of designing a consultative, white-glove recruitment process customised to each client.Carrie is also the founder of CFO Next, a group she launched in early 2013 after discovering a lack of resources and networking opportunities for transitioning or unemployed senior financial executives. She also uses her network and resources as Co-Chair of the Career Services Committee for Financial Executives International (FEI), a non-profit organisation with the mission to support senior finance executives through professional development and networking. She is the Learning Chair for the Entrepreneurs Organisation Detroit Chapter and sits on the ACG Detroit Board as Women's Forum Chair.Carrie is a passionate philanthropist who has raised money for 100 Women Who Care - Greater Rochester Area, and in 2016, co-founded 100 Businesses Who Care to connect executives who want to make a philanthropic impact on the Metro-Detroit community.
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#59 Igor Vainshtein | How an entrepreneur turned business failures into million-dollar exits
In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Igor Vainshtein, a serial entrepreneur who has started over 20 businesses, failed at most, had an exit, written books, and created a board game. From losing 12 properties in three months at the age of 23 to building a golf simulator empire that was sold to the company that had called him a decade earlier, asking, "Why do you have our name? Who the hell are you?" Igor shares the raw reality of entrepreneurship. This story is about getting punched in the face daily and coming back for more, bootstrapping versus capital raising, and why focusing on the problem you're solving matters more than chasing unicorn valuations.Key Takeaways:Focus on building revenue, not raising money - Sustainable businesses solve real problems that people pay forFall in love with the problem, not the solution - Find people who have the problem you're passionate about solvingDon't focus on outcomes, focus on being the best - The results will take care of themselves when you master your craftBootstrapping builds character - Constraints force creativity and sustainable growthEntrepreneurship is getting punched in the face daily - Success comes from getting back up every time
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#58 Shawn Johal | We were dead broke and pregnant. Then we scaled to 8 figures. How Shawn built a lighting empire from a sinking ship
When your business crashes, your reputation tanks, and your wife’s about to give birth… what do you do?In this jaw-dropping episode of RadEO, Ross Drakes sits down with Shawn Johal; entrepreneur, coach, author of The Happy Leader, to unpack the wild, humbling, and inspiring story of how he lost everything, rebuilt from the ashes, and ended up leading a business culture so powerful that private equity bought in because of it.Key takeaways:Culture isn’t a perk, it’s a power moveToxic positivity will ruin youYour competitor was probably at your last braaiFire the brilliant jerksHappiness is a system, not a sloganThis episode isn’t about getting rich. It’s about building right. Right team. Right mindset. Right culture. If you’re serious about scaling, this one’s for you.Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. Enjoy.More about Shawn JohalShawn Johal is a growth-obsessed entrepreneur, Scaling Up coach, and author of The Happy Leader. After co-founding DALS Lighting, he helped scale it from near-bankruptcy to an 8-figure exit. Today, he runs Elevation Leaders, coaching ambitious founders to scale smarter, lead happier, and build cultures that actually work. He’s also a former EO Montreal President and a fierce advocate for entrepreneurial wellbeing.
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#57 Joss Du Trevou | How a budget hotel chain taught Joss everything about leadership
What if the way you lead is the very thing holding your business back?In this episode of RadEO, Ross sits down with Joss Du Trevou, a leadership coach who has spent years helping high-performing entrepreneurs, CEOs, and teams get out of their own way.Joss believes that most business problems aren’t external; they’re internal. Your fears, mindset, and habits shape how you show up as a leader. If you’re not paying attention, they might be the biggest bottleneck in your business.Key Takeaways:Your leadership sets the ceiling for your business growth. Most leaders are blind to their own weaknesses. You don’t need all the answers.We get into self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, the power of coaching, and why ego is the silent killer of business growth.If you’re a founder, CEO, or just someone trying to figure out how to lead better, this episode will change your thoughts about leadership.Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. Enjoy.More about Joss Du TrevouJoss Du Trevou has been on both sides of leadership; running billion-rand corporate teams and scaling his own family business. Now, he helps entrepreneurs do what he had to learn the hard way: get out of their own way.He grew Ecomotel from 3 to 6 branches, scaling revenue past R30 million while building a team that could run without him. Before that? 18 years in investment banking, leading teams at ABSA, Nedbank, and global banks, managing billions in corporate finance.Now, as an ICF-accredited executive coach, EO mentor, and UCT Business School coach, he helps founders stop micromanaging, overworking, and getting stuck in the weeds so they can actually lead.Because if your business falls apart the second you step back, you don’t own a business, you own a prison.
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#56 Ronen Aires | Breathwork, cold plunges & the science of resetting your brain as an entrepreneur
Building a business is supposed to give you freedom. So why does it so often feel like a prison?In this episode of RadEO, I sit down with Ronen Aires - entrepreneur, author, speaker, and the guy who swears by breathwork, cold plunges, and unconventional ways to unlock peak performance.Ronen co-founded Student Village, scaling it into South Africa’s leading student marketing agency. But along the way, he fell into the trap so many entrepreneurs do: chronic stress, exhaustion, and feeling like he was suffocating under his own success.We talk about:💡 Entrepreneurial psychosis: Why founders get trapped in their own heads 💡 How to break the cycle of stress, anxiety, and burnout 💡 Why work-life “balance” is a myth and what to do instead 💡 The unexpected ways breathwork, movement, and extreme environments can reset your brainIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, or like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this one’s for you.Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast More About Ronen AiresRonen Aires built a business that connected global brands to South Africa’s youth, but somewhere along the way, he lost connection with himself.As the co-founder of Student Village, he helped scale it into South Africa’s leading student marketing agency. He’s spent decades mentoring young talent, advising brands, and shaping the future of Gen Z marketing.But behind the success, Ronen was running on empty, trapped in the endless cycle of high performance, high stress, and burnout.That’s when everything changed.Ronen went deep into human performance, breathwork, movement, and mental wellness - learning from some of the world’s top experts, from Andrew Huberman to Steven Kotler. Now, as a speaker, author, and coach, he helps leaders rewire their minds, unlock their best selves, and stop running businesses that drain the life out of them.His philosophy? You don’t need more hustle, you need better habits.
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#55 Todd Palmer | How Losing Everything Forces You to Rethink Success, Leadership & Life
What happens when your business is $600K in debt, your bank is ready to take your house, and your kid stops talking to you?For most people, that’s the end. For Todd Palmer, it was the beginning of something bigger.Todd realised the biggest problem in his company wasn’t the market, the customers, or the economy. It was him.In this episode, Todd shares how hitting rock bottom forced him to rebuild; not just his business, but himself. He opens up about confronting ego, fear, and the toxic narratives that keep entrepreneurs stuck.This conversation is about more than business; it’s about leadership, identity, and the uncomfortable truths that make or break us. Discover how Todd’s radical shift in thinking not only transformed his company but also helped him rebuild his relationship with his son.Key Takeaways: The biggest barrier to business success is often your own mindset.Imposter syndrome and self-doubt don’t go away. The goal is to just get better at managing them.Leadership is about aligning your business success with personal fulfillment, not sacrificing one for the other.If you’re a founder navigating chaos (or just feeling stuck in your own head), this one’s for you.Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. Enjoy.More About Todd PalmerTodd Palmer is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and six-time Inc. 5000 CEO who knows exactly what it feels like to fail.At one point, his business was 30 days away from shutting down. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt it from the inside out, turning it into one of America’s fastest-growing companies.Todd will be the first to tell you business success doesn’t mean sh*t if your life is falling apart. He now helps CEOs and founders break free from imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and toxic leadership habits so they can scale without wrecking their health, families, or sanity.His book, From Suck to Success, is an Amazon bestseller that shows entrepreneurs how to stop being their own worst enemy and start leading with clarity and confidence.Todd’s mission? Helping leaders stop playing small, get unstuck, and build businesses that don’t just make money but actually make life worth living.
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#54: Nir Zavaro | How Losing Everything Led Nir Zavaro to Reinvent Branding through Storytelling
In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Nir Zavaro—author, entrepreneur, and master storyteller. From teaching celebrities to rollerblade to scaling a 7-figure marketing agency and becoming a global speaker, Nir’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of storytelling. This conversation unpacks the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way.Takeaways:"Storytelling isn’t just marketing, it’s how you build real connections that last.""Failure is just a step in the process. Learn from it, grow, and keep moving.""Big change starts with small, intentional steps, don’t underestimate them.""Playing it safe is risky. Growth requires boldness."This episode goes beyond Nir’s story, we talk about embracing authenticity, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and using storytelling as a superpower for growth. If you’re ready to transform your approach to life and business, this episode is a must-listen.Subscribe oniTunes,Spotify orOvercast. Enjoy.More About Nir ZavaroNir Zavaro is a storyteller, adventurer, and entrepreneur who lives for the thrill of doing things differently. He’s built a 7-figure marketing agency, sold a SaaS platform, and has been teaching the art of storytelling at universities and colleges since 2014.As the author ofF*ck the Slides—a best-selling book that’s helped founders pitch better, sell more, and leave boring presentations behind, Nir knows how to turn stories into impact. He’s also penned two novels and is currently working on his next book,The Business Catcher: Why We’re All Building Brands the Wrong Way and How to Fix It (a work in progress, with a title that’s just a little too long, he admits).Since 2022, Nir has been traveling the world, sharing his wisdom on storytelling in over 40 cities, from Brazil to Australia. This year, his adventure continues through Southeast Asia, Amsterdam, Portugal, South Africa, possibly even Uganda or Mexico. Wherever he goes, Nir’s mission is simple: to help people connect through stories and inspire them to think bigger about their brands and businesses.When he’s not teaching or writing, Nir is chasing adventures, meeting new people, and soaking in the stories the world has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to catch him in your city, don’t miss the chance to hear him speak—you’ll leave inspired, energized, and ready to tell your story like never before.
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#53: Franziska Iseli | How a Childhood Pony Club Sparked a Lifetime of Entrepreneurship
In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Franziska Iseli, founder of Basic Bananas, Ocean Lovers, and Moments of Humanity. From breaking free of Swiss traditions to building brands that merge profit with purpose, Franziska shares the wild rides and lessons she learned that shaped her journey. Find out what happens when you combine rebellion, adventure, and the drive to create impact. Key Takeaways: "If you want to make an impact, don’t sit in the office debating. Get on the ground and do the work." "Teach them to fish, don’t just give them the fish." "When life throws a curveball, reinvent it." Adventure fuels creativity." Original Key Takeaways: If you want to make an impact, don’t sit in the office debating. Get on the ground and do the work. Want a stronger business? Teach people the skills to succeed, not just quick fixes. When the world shifts, adapt faster. Creativity thrives on adventure; sometimes, the best ideas come on two wheels or in the waves. Sustainability isn’t just ethical; it’s a powerful way to create products people love. Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. Enjoy. This episode goes beyond Franziska’s story—it’s a masterclass in tackling challenges, aligning your work with what truly matters, and shaking up the status quo. If you’re ready to make your brand stand out and find the sweet spot between purpose and profit, this conversation is a must-listen. More About Franziska Iseli Franziska Iseli is an entrepreneur, adventurer, and author who thrives on doing things differently. As the founder of Basic Bananas, a global marketing school, Ocean Lovers, a purpose-driven brand supporting ocean conservation, and Moments of Humanity, a project celebrating acts of kindness, Franziska blends innovation with impact. Recognized as a Young Entrepreneur of the Year, she’s also a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on building meaningful businesses and living boldly. When she’s not shaping brands, she’s riding motorcycles across continents, surfing, or inspiring change-makers. Links: https://www.basicbananas.com/ https://franziskaiseli.com/ https://eonetwork.org/
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#52: Joaquin ‘Quini’ Cordero, CEO of Lumen and EO Global Board Chair Elect
In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Joaquin ‘Quini’ Cordero, a powerhouse entrepreneur, storyteller, and CEO of Lumen. Cordero shares his story from starting as a young, ambitious salesman to becoming a leader within advertising across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Key Takeaways: How empathy and humor can build lasting relationships and bridge cultural gaps. Combining operational efficiency and strategic foresight to create a lasting impact. Cordero’s insights on EO’s global network, how it inspires him, and the vision he’s helping shape for the organization. Quini’s journey offers insights for entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and anyone aiming to build a business that lasts. Join us for an episode that challenges the balance between ambition, well-being, and community. Enjoy. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. More about Joaquin: Joaquin ‘Quini’ Cordero is the CEO of Lumen, and has established over eleven startups, some evolving to become internationally reaching companies. With over 22 years of experience, Joaquin leads operations across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, working with global brands like VW, Danone, and Mitsubishi. Beyond advertising, Joaquin co-founded Kinimovil, a leading content monetization platform, and the 6 Amigos Investment Fund, supporting ventures in virtual reality and real estate. A global board director for EO and a sought-after speaker, Joaquin is dedicated to sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and living with intention.
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#51 RadEO Bill Gallagher - Founder of Scaling Coach
In this episode, we had an inspiring conversation about the value of thinking big, setting BHAGS (can’t wait for you to hear this one), and the importance of scaling. Our guest - Bill Gallagher is a highly-rated business coach who has led four companies from startup to more than $550 million in annual revenue Be ready to be inspired by Bill’s unbelievable journey and how his goal of helping 5 million leaders worldwide drives his work. My Key Takeaways: Big Hairy Audacious Goals: Bill explains the importance of "BHAGs", which help leaders think exponentially rather than incrementally. We talk about how BHAGs encourage a mindset shift. Scaling as a Path to Impact: We talk about how scaling is about creating meaningful impact that extends beyond financial metrics. By focusing on creating value, companies will inspire not only their employees but investors and customers to share a vision - making scaling a powerful tool for change.. Exiting Businesses in the Growth Trajectory: The importance of timing your exit in the business world is understated. We elaborate about planning the exit during growth phases can maximise valuation The Game of Business Should Be Fun: For Bill, leaders who treat business as a game are often more innovative, bringing fresh ideas to their companies. Bill’s journey is truly incredible. From radio stations to tech startups, to coaching CEOs led him to realise that success comes from the impacts you leave. His 30 year BHAG of helping 5 million business leaders is the definition thinking big which drives his way of life. This episode is incredibly fascinating and great for anyone looking to take their business or personal growth to the next level. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast More about Bill Bill Gallagher is a highly rated business coach whose passion is helping CEOs and entrepreneurs manage growth better; restore time, order and sanity to their lives—and get growing again or growing faster. With more than 38 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience and 19 years coaching and training leaders who want to improve their leadership and performance, he now works with leaders and teams in over 28 cities and 13 countries. He has led four companies as CEO/owner and was a partner/executive in two others as they grew from startup to more than $550 million in annual revenue. A former DJ and radio executive, Bill hosts the Scaling Up Podcast. In his free time, he is an avid surfer, sailor, skateboarder, pilot, scuba enthusiast and recovering triathlete. Happily married for 30 years, he and his wife Lori live in the Oakland Hills and are parents to two young adult entrepreneurs.
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#50 RadEO Trent Clark - Founder of Leadershipity
In this episode, we chat to Trent Clark, the CEO of Leadershipity - a growth coaching company that is dedicated to doubling organizations in half the time. He is also a three-time Major League Baseball World Series coach, who has fantastic leadership abilities - both on and off the field - with a unique blend of athletic discipline and entrepreneurial insight to his work. My key takeaways: The Importance of Team Culture Trent explains how crucial a purpose-driven culture is to the success of an organization. He references Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” when highlighting how the best strategies can fail without the right team culture. The Value of a Coach Trent draws parallels between coaching professional athletes and entrepreneurs and highlights the significance of having a coach in both instances; as top athletes have coaches that keep them aligned with their goals and entrepreneurs should have coaches to help them stay on track. The Weight of the Ring Trent emphasizes the responsibility and challenges that come with achieving significant success in leadership roles. The Weight of the Ring is a metaphor for the burden of maintaining momentum, managing increased expectations and guiding others to look up to you. Achieving great success isn't just about reaching the goal; it's about enduring the added pressures and growing to meet the demands that follow, turning challenges into opportunities for further growth. Hyper-Learning in Tough Times During economic downturns, Trent notes that successful entrepreneurs are often “hyper learners” who have the ability to adapt to changes quickly and emerge from challenges much stronger. The ability to adapt and strive to continuously learn new skills are the key to thriving in difficult times. Trent Clark discusses the importance of strong team culture, the value of coaching, and the responsibilities that come with leadership and success in both sports and business. What really captured me was his “weight of the ring” metaphor and the message that true success involves embracing the challenges and the growth that comes from them. Enjoy. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast More about Trent: Trent Clark is a three-time Major League Baseball World Series coach who has made significant contributions both on and off the field. With over 12 years in MLB, he played pivotal roles in leading teams to success, including the Cleveland Indians in the World Series in 1995 and 1997. Trent's expertise in strength and conditioning helped shape many athletes' careers during his tenure. Beyond his baseball achievements, Trent is a successful entrepreneur and leadership coach. He is the CEO of Leadershipity, a consulting firm dedicated to developing exceptional leaders and sustainable organizational systems. His passion for empowering others has earned him the nickname "Dream Maker," reflecting his commitment to helping people achieve their goals and reach peak performance in both sports and business.
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#49 RadEO Will Scott - Founder of The Culture Fix Academy
In this episode, we chat to Will Scott, a technology enthusiast, proud culture czar and hobbyist clubhouse builder, about overcoming setbacks and transforming challenges into opportunities, the power of belief and its impact on achieving personal goals and his strategy for maintaining motivation and turning adversity into triumphs. My key takeaways: Using Values to Drive Culture: Will explains the importance of having meaningful and clearly defined core values that employees can align with. He highlights the gap between having core values and actually embedding them into the company culture. Embracing Flexibility gives you an edge: Will emphasizes the significance of embracing flexibility in modern workplaces and how the shift from traditional office setups to a more integrated approach allows individuals to blend their work and personal life seamlessly. Cultivating a culture that supports such flexibility could provide a substantial competitive edge for entrepreneurs and leaders alike. Gratitude for Technology: Technology enables remote work possibilities. There are several key benefits that technology brings to the table: enhanced connectivity that allows teams to collaborate seamlessly across geographical boundaries, improved work-life balance where flexibility has benefitted individual employees which has contributed to higher job satisfaction and retention rates and embracing these technological advancements as catalysts for positive change. Will’s ability to harness challenges as catalysts for growth left an indelible impression. What really captured me was his ability to distill complex experiences into actionable insights, making this episode a practical guide for navigating your teams challenges with courage and determination. Enjoy. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast More about Will: Author of The Culture Fix and founder of The Culture Fix Academy, Will has helped hundreds of businesses fulfill their corporate culture dreams. He leads workshops and speaks regularly using his Alive, Thrive & Drive methodology and is host of The Culture Fix podcast. His 25-year span as an entrepreneur includes five start-ups, 2 exits and several Inc. 5000 appearances before focusing on Culture Fulfillment™ using his proprietary 9 deeds in 90 days. In 15 years as a member of EO Will has held several board positions and is ex-President of EO Wisconsin. He is a yoga devotee, avid traveller and loves everything outdoors.
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#48 RadEO Dominque Laverdeu - President Rouge marketing and communication
In this episode, we explore the origins story of Dominque Laverdeu. Dominque is a multi-talented businesswoman President Rouge marketing and communication, aspirant politician and serial entrepreneur. Get ready for candid conversations, impactful stories, and valuable insights from her journey as an entrepreneur. My key Takeaways: Navigating Crisis with Courage: Hear Dominques' story of steering her marketing agency, Rouge Marketing, through the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how she transformed challenges into opportunities, from rebuilding the business to spearheading impactful community projects during the crisis. Having The Audacity to Lead: Discover the importance of having the audacity to address tough discussions within your business. Uncover the pivotal moments where Dominque realised the need to confront obstacles head-on, make difficult decisions, and how this audacity became a catalyst for positive change. Empowering Your Team for Success: She shares her innovative approaches to employee well-being and corporate culture. How she redefined the work environment at Rouge, fostering a happy employee program and empowering her team to achieve peak productivity, even in the face of adversity. I was inspired by how she balances humility and ambition. And ultimately has driven to achieving sustainability in the business. Full disclosure she part of My Global Leadership Academy class so I am biased. Enjoy. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast More about Dominique: With over 25 years of marketing and communications experience, Dominique Laverdure is a seasoned strategist known for her work with top brands in Quebec. In 2004, she founded Rouge marketing in Mont-Tremblant, gaining recognition in Quebec and France. Dominique excels in integrated communications, public relations, and business development. A visionary leader, Dominique inspires teams and supports entrepreneurs in their growth. She is a member of EO Montreal, serving as President and Member Experience Director on the Board of EO Canada. Dominique is also VP of Marketing at Origine Nature and a board member of various organizations, including Domaine Saint-Bernard and Chefs à la rescousse. In November 2021, Dominique became a councillor and deputy mayor for the City of Mont-Tremblant. Known for her bold and daring style, she is a born leader who embraces innovation and success.
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#47 RadEO Cindy Norcott - Owner and founder of Pro Talent, Chairperson and founder of the Robin Hood Foundation
In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Cindy Norcott. Cindy is a multi-talented businesswoman who wears many hats, including motivational speaker, author, recruitment agency owner, and founder of the Robin Hood Foundation. Cindy shares her journey and how the pandemic has caused her to refocus her priorities and realize the benefits of the virtual world, allowing her to expand internationally. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right people and trusting them to delegate effectively. She also stresses the need for coaching and mentoring, cultivating a culture of trust and communication, and hiring based on past behaviour and values. Cindy also discusses the challenges of delegating tasks and responsibilities to team members when travelling. She shares that fully disconnecting and trusting the team is critical to avoid issues and emphasizes that trust takes time to build but is crucial in order to delegate effectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy's business started a soup kitchen to help the community, which grew into a bigger movement with community involvement and donations. Overall, Cindy Norcott's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and impact. Her experiences offer valuable insights into leadership, delegation, and community engagement. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Cindy's journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast More about Cindy: Cindy Norcott is a motivational speaker, winning recruitment agencies, Pro Appointments and Pro Talent. Cindy is also the founder and chairperson of the well-known charity, the Robin Hood Foundation. Cindy is the author of the best-selling business book, “How to be Unstoppable”. Cindy has won many awards for her entrepreneurial abilities and has won the BWA Regional Achiever of the Year and the Sanlam 3 Talk Business Person of the Year Award. In 2013, Cindy was awarded the Most Influential Women in Business and Government award for services businesses by CEO Communications. Cosmopolitan magazine also hailed her as one of the 29 Awesome Women of the Year. Cindy was voted the Lead SA KZN Local Hero of the year in 2015 for her community involvement. Cindy’s presentation style combines practical advice, wisdom and humour that leaves her audiences inspired.
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#46 RadEO Jamie Pujara - Entrepreneur in catering and property
In this episode of RadEO, we talk to Jamie Pujara - an entrepreneur in catering and property He shares his entrepreneurial journey, which involved a family restaurant business, a catering company, a property platform, and a development project, as well as his struggles with balancing work and personal life, managing his ego, and overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties he faced during the pandemic, Jamie and his team were able to pivot their business model and focus on new product lines, such as corporate catering, which helped them survive and continue to operate. Jamie also spoke about his struggle to balance work and personal life, particularly being a present father and husband. He acknowledged that his ego has influenced his decision-making and caused him to make many mistakes. However, he also recognised that his ego has driven him to take bold steps that he might not have taken otherwise. Jamie emphasised the importance of finding a balance and keeping his ego in check to avoid making bad decisions that could hurt those around him. During our chat, Jamie discussed the impact of COVID-19 on his family business and the lack of government support during the crisis. He talked about the panic he felt initially and his concern for the welfare of his staff who depended on the business for their livelihood. He also reflected on the resilience and determination that he developed during the pandemic, which enabled him to fulfil his obligations to those who were owed money. Additionally, Jamie discussed the value he sees in continuing and expanding his current property business, as well as applying the skills he has learned to future projects. Overall, Jamie's entrepreneurial journey is characterized by adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. He has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his businesses and personal life, but has remained focused on his goals and continued to pursue his passions. His story serves as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of flexibility, self-reflection, and a willingness to take risks. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast More about Jamie: Jamie is an entrepreneur, born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He is fascinated by innovation, technology and emerging markets and is the Founder of Kenya's number one real estate portal buyrentkenya.com. He is also the property developer of Aspire Heights a 65 unit apartment building in Riruta. His other passion is food and his other businesses include restaurant and catering companies in Nairobi Kenya. Jamie is a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and serves as a Director on their Global Board (2022-2025). Prior to that he served as the Regional Chair for the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa Region (2019 & 2020). He has been nominated as one of Kenya's Top 40 under 40 businessmen (2015) and was included on the Forbes list of "30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa" (2016 & 2017) Through his experiences across various industries and countries, he has acquired a diverse skillset that includes, leadership, business development, brand building, customer service, and strategy planning.
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#45 RadEO PG Geldenhuys - A lifelong tourism professional
In this episode of RadEO, we talk to Pieter Geldenhuys - A lifelong tourism professional - who loves to figure out problems on long hikes. We chat about how he used the covid crisis to fast-forward the things he was going to do in 10 years' time. PG is a successful entrepreneur in the travel and tourism industry, who runs several businesses including a custom safari experience company, a coaching and facilitating walking business, and an NGO aimed at helping disadvantaged groups in South Africa's tourism industry. He believes in the principle of "checking out", which is about being mindful and intentional about the choices we make in life, setting clear boundaries and priorities, and being selective about the opportunities we take on, to create a more fulfilling and purposeful life. He also shares his experience with how he and his business partner Caroline handled the challenges when disaster strikes and how they managed to stay financially secure in the long term by merging their businesses. He also emphasizes the importance of integrating knowledge and skills into one's products and processes to set oneself apart and create unique and valuable products. More about PG: Unfazed Adventurerand Curious CoachPGGeldenhuys has dedicated a lifetime to transformational journeys. Whether it is through his tourism venture Classic Escapes, Executive Coaching company PG Tops, his educational NGO Tourism Boot Camp or his writing... He is in the business of effecting change through the power of words, and nature. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's of Business Administration at Stellenbosch. He is an Accelerator Trainer, Enneagram Coach and certified distance Learning instructor. As a global keynote speaker, he advocates how to leverage regret through the PDP process. After a successful exit from the family business in 2003 and a stint in senior leadership for a large listed company, PG bootstrapped his first tourism venture in 2008 to an award-winning tour operator in Cape Town. Out of the original PG TOPS Travel and Tours was born Luxury Safaris (now merged with Classic Escapes), Tourism Boot Camp and Shoshin Walks. PG Tops Executive Coaching facilitates cohort-based online courses for key executivesandPG does individual coaching for founders and CEOs. Classic Escapes, which he runs with his wife Caroline, curates luxury experiences in Africa’s untouched regions. Tourism Boot Camp is a South Africa-based NGO dedicated to Scaling Up People, specifically the talented youth of South Africa with network access and historic challenges. PG’s novels include Offsides, and the first book in the ShoshinWalks Series: Max and the Mulligan, a cautionary tale about second chances. In 2023 he will release BEBEMS: The A-player’s inaction handbook. He lives on the slopes of Table Mountain with Caroline, their two boys Matie and AJ, and Leia, the fur baby.
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#44 RadEO Mike Scott - CEO and co-founder of Nona Digital
In this episode of RadEO, we talk to Mike Scott - Former CEO and co-founder of Nona Digital and EO Brisbane member Mike talks about the importance of specialisation for small business success. He discusses how his team identified an opportunity in the market for helping small businesses with their online presence, particularly in the blockchain space and the shift the focus of their business to web development specifically in the fintech and blockchain industries. Mike shares valuable insights on how collaboration and co-creation helped Nona Digital to build a strong reputation and portfolio of work, establish themselves as experts in their field, and ultimately led to the successful sale of their company to Yoco. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast More about Mike: With over 20 years as an ‘in the trenches’ entrepreneur, I have developed a deep understanding, capability, and passion for small business operating systems and leadership. Together with some of my favourite humans we built and grew Nona Digital to become a globally respected software design and development agency with a focus on FinTech and Blockchain scale-ups. As a result of a deep focus on our positioning, Nona was acquired by Yoco in 2022 and as a result, I am privileged to head up the Product Partnerships function as well as Yoco’s entry into Web3. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Blockchain in 2012 and have had a passion for the space ever since. I have given talks and workshops on blockchain and crypto on 3 continents, the first of which was in 2018...and I would still not refer to myself as an expert My podcast is what it says on the tin: ‘How to be Moderately Successful’ and is really just about me sharing my own experience of what’s worked and what hasn’t…and people seem to like that. I moved to Australia in 2019 and really love it here and am grateful to be here but I do miss Cape Town. Outside of Yoco, you’ll find me on my mountain bike, with my family outdoors or working with an exciting small business leadership team…wherever possible listening to an audiobook or podcast. Recognized international speaker: Leadership | Culture | Strategy | Remote leadership | Blockchain | Small business operating systems | Entrepreneurship
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#43 RadEO Aaron Lee - founder iluma Agency
In this episode, we talk to Aaron Lee founder and CEO of Iluma Agency. Co-Founder of Pythos and Regional Chair for US East South Florida Chapter. We talk about his entrepreneurial journey. How he found and doubled down on a niche. What it was like running a retail-focused business during the pandemic. He shares what it is like starting a business with your son and he shares how he is thinking about the next step in his life and entrepreneurial journey. Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast More about Aaron: Aaron Lee has 30+ years of entrepreneurship, marketing, creative and internet experience producing a wide range of successful brand and marketing programs and projects for some of the world’s top brands, including Orangetheory Fitness, Massage Envy, Disney and many more. In 2001, Aaron founded iluma Agency, now a leader in the franchise marketing industry. Through its proprietary program, iluma Agency provides corporate, local digital and franchise recruitment marketing for franchise and multi-unit businesses. iluma Agency was recognized 4 times on the Inc5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America and has also been named on the Florida Trend and South Florida Business Journal’s Best Places to Work lists. Aaron is also currently serving his 11th consecutive year in volunteer member leadership in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). As the Regional Chair for the U.S. East Region, Aaron leads a professional and volunteer advisory board to support 22 local chapters. This follows terms as Member Experience Director, Area Director and also as President of the South Florida Chapter. He was invited to join EO in 2010, served the Board of Directors as the Communications Chair for 3 years, was awarded the EO Global Communications Chair of the Year Award in 2013, and oversaw communications and marketing for the 2013 EO Global University in Miami and most recently as the Marketing chair for EO Nerve 2019 in Charleston, SC. Aaron is also a graduate of the EO Global Leadership Academy and was recently awarded the EO “Living Beyond Yourself” award for his ongoing contributions to the organization. In these various roles and as a membership committee member of the International Franchise Association, Aaron has been frequently interviewed and has delivered talks on the topics of entrepreneurship, marketing and scaling businesses. Most recently, Aaron co-founded and launched PYTHOS.gg, an online startup focused on establishing a scalable platform designed to offer young people a legitimate professional path to an esports gaming career. This turnkey platform combines professional esports coaching and educational courses with hands-on local esports clubs to combine the skills, experience and education required to become a professional in the industry. Aaron’s prior experience also includes serving as Chief Marketing Officer for an international application service provider and more than 10 years in the role of Creative Director for advertising and design agencies, multimedia and post-production studios. Aaron obtained his degree in communication design and is an active member of the GLG Council of Advisors for Media.
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#42 RadEO Ross and Rich
After a year of head-down hard work, we are excited to announce this special edition of RadEO Ross and Rich do a follow-up from episode #39. They talk about how they see the world starting to open up again. How they have seen the opportunities present themselves and the struggles with holding the mindset to seize them. Tune in every two weeks for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcast – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. For all the episodes go to anchor.fm/radeo If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#41 RadEO Carrie Santos is the CEO Entrepreneurs’ Organization
In this episode of RadEO Ross and Rich talk to Carrie Santos the CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. We chat to her about how she has lead EO at this time. She shares what it is like to lead an organisation of professionals who work with member volunteers. We chat about how EO is thinking about the shifts we need to make as we move forward and the best and the worst of what she has seen through this time. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcast About Carrie Carrie Timko Santos is the Chief Executive Officer of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global business network of 14,000+ leading entrepreneurs in 195 chapters and 58 countries. Prior to joining EO, Carrie worked eight years at the American Red Cross. In her last role, she served as the American Red Cross Executive Director for International Response and Programs, leading international disaster response and long-term programs, including disaster preparedness, measles/rubella vaccination campaigns, HIV/AIDs prevention, and local organization development. She managed more than 100 staff in over 20 countries and an annual budget over US$110 million. Before her position at the American Red Cross, Carrie worked for 10 years in the U.S. Department of State on humanitarian issues, refugee assistance and human rights and oversaw annual grants of more than US$150 million. Carrie holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and was a Fulbright Scholar to Poland as Communism collapsed. – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org EdSPZcfvAzh2chByaLZF
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#40 RadEO Miranda Naiman Empower and Inspire Centre & Café
In this episode of RadEO Ross and Rich talk to Miranda Naiman Founder & Managing Director Empower and Inspire Centre & Café. She talks about how she has had to adapt, move faster and with more intent in the last few months. How focusing on your mindset can help you move forward to normal. We discuss the future of team building and strategy. Listen to the end to hear her take on the biggest lesson of the pandemic. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcast About Miranda: Founder & Managing Director Empower and Inspire Centre & Café. Miranda is an ‘Accidental Entrepreneur’ with an academic background in Theatre for Development who strategically transferred her skillset to the private sector in 2009 when she founded Empower a flourishing Human Capital Consulting Firm servicing East Africa and beyond. She is a Mother, writer, motivational speaker & tenacious advocate of Skills Development having spearheaded Empower Academy and the ‘Kidpreneur Movement’ to prepare Tanzania’s future generation for business. Miranda is a Member of The Africa List – a select community of next-generation CEOs in Africa’s most exciting growth markets and sits on the Board of READ International, AIESEC Tanzania, TPSF Audit Committee and is the President of the Tanzania Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Her Life Mantra: ‘Always strive to be a better version of yourself.’ – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#39 RadEO Ross and Rich
In this special edition of RadEO Ross and Rich do a follow-up from episode #36. They discuss what they tried. More importantly, what worked what failed and what is the next thing they are trying. Onwards and upwards. Seems like the internet did not want Ross in focus. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcast – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. For all the episodes go to www.radeo.co.za If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#38 RadEO Roger and Matt Fitzsimons
In this special edition of RadEO Ross and Rich chat to Roger Fitzsimons CEO of Promobasket and Matt Fitzsimons CEO of Big Eye Branding. They share their story of how they reacted to the pandemic quickly. How they framed their thinking and how they shared it with their team. We hear what it is like to conceive build and launch a new company in 4 days without ever sitting in the same room together. We enjoy how they created more value than the parts with Happy Hygiene. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcast About the brothers: Roger Fitzsimons, 47ys 5 months old. Supreme athlete. Studied art at school and likes to think out the box. CEO of Promobasket. Matthew Fitzsimons 47 yrs 5 months old and 5 minutes ( the older twin). Designed for endurance races. A natural people’s person and a lot nicer to people than Roger is. – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. For all the episodes go to www.radeo.co.za If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#37 RadEO Andrew Brown of The Daily Buzz and Craft Coffee
In this special edition of an episode of RadEO Ross and Rich to Andrew Brown of the Daily Buzz and Craft coffee. He shares his experience of what it is like to make the hard call to pause your company to survive the pandemic. How he “got naked fast” with his staff and his financiers. He shares his views on what is next for him and the country. We enjoyed that even though all of this he is still trying to pivot his business to help those in need. Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcast http://radeo.co.za/episodes/37-radeo-andrew-brown-of-the-daily-buzz-and-craft-coffee/ About Andrew Andrew qualified as a chartered accountant, after doing his article he spent a year in London and travelling through Europe. After a brief stint as a finance manager, he ended up at one of the local big banks and become a risk and regulatory specialist. While at the bank, he spotted the opportunity to open a coffee bar on the trading floor. The Daily Buzz was born and 14 years later the business has 11 sites, a coffee roastery and employs over 100 people. Andrew enjoys trail running, tennis and watersports. – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. For all the episodes go to www.radeo.co.za If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#36 RadEO with Rich and Ross #5
In this special edition of an episode of RadEO Ross and Rich talk about the business situation, we find ourselves in. They discuss what habits they want to take out of this and the one thing you did that they think everyone should do now. We see this as a race and everyone is going to be doing a land grab. What are your new frontiers? Tune in every week for the insights Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or Overcasts – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. For all the episodes go to www.radeo.co.za If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#35 RadEO Kym Huynh, Founder of WeTeachMe
In this episode of RadEO Ross talks to Kym Huynh about his journey as an entrepreneur. How his family set him off on a path that ultimately leads him back to working in the business with them. He shares practical steps on how to set your ego aside and do the hard things to set up a business that is not dependant on you. He talks about coaching and building people and how that is key in business and your personal life. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify More about Kym - Kym Huynh is an entrepreneur and a Founder of WeTeachMe; a marketplace for classes and workshops, and home to Australia’s best and most popular classes. In 2016, WeTeachMe officially became the biggest school in Australia, one giant leap towards its fundamental goal of becoming the biggest school in the world. He is also the man behind the scenes, and Curator of Masters Series by WeTeachMe, a weekly event series focused on business and entrepreneurship where Australia’s leading entrepreneurs are invited to present and share their story. Kym’s team now organises and facilitates the largest number of business and entrepreneurship events in Australia. Flowing on from this, Kym’s team is now working on the output of content including videos, podcasts, blogs, and books to honour and help share the gifts, knowledge, and experiences of those who have achieved the unimaginable in their life, risen above all odds and have persevered when others could not. Find Kym Everywhere: Kym Huynh on LinkedIn Kym Huynh on Instagram Kym Huynh on Twitter Kym Huynh on Facebook Kym Huynh on Medium – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. For all the episodes go to www.radeo.co.za If you have a business and want more information on the Entrepreneurs Organization, visit our website eonetwork.org
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#34 RadEO with Richard Mulholland and Ross Drakes #4
In this episode of RadEO, Rich and Ross sit down for the last time this year. They talk about how to measure your victory condition and setting goals to make your business intentional. They discuss how to define purpose and intention, and what impact purpose can have on people and culture. - RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#33 RadEO with Philipp Hartmann, Founder of GSDH
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Philipp Hartmann, founder of GSDH. They talk about starting a company in a foreign country and all the obstacles that come with it. Philipp shares his advice to other entrepreneurs, with clients abroad. Philipp and Ross chat about fatherhood and Philipp's podcast all about dads and thing dad, DADicated. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify More about Philipp - “To live a life worthy of the respect and the love of my children and my wife” - reads the personal motto of Philipp Hartmann; a Cape Town based serial entrepreneur and father to five young children. Philipp is a German-native who has been working and living in Cape Town, South Africa since 2002. He has founded a creative digital agency (www.gsdh.org) and a digital performance media & production company (www.meetthefactory.com) - both servicing an international client-base spanning Europe and the US. Being in South Africa offers clients unique benefits, comprising innovative design and development but also location-based cost advantages. Both companies service a wide variety of companies including large multi-nationals as well as global network agencies. Philipp’s life took a unique turn when he became a father to a set of twins and then triplets, all in just 13 months. This is his most important co-founder role to date, and has spurred him to create a platform and podcast which aims to empower fathers in their vital roles as Dads www.DADicated.com. In his podcast, he speaks to fathers with exceptional stories where they can exchange and share personal and professional experiences - hopefully inspiring and enriching the lives of fathers and mothers who seek to become more aware in their vital role as parents. When he isn’t building his businesses or driving his personal mission of empowering Dads, he can be found bee-keeping, big wave surfing or tending his permaculture garden at his home in the Cape. For questions, feedback, ideas or to become a contributing Dad - you can get in touch here: - www.philipp-hartmann.de - www.linkedin.com/in/philipphartmann2 First episode of www.DADicated.com: - www.instagram.com/beingdad_official Show notes - 00:55 - Philipp’s elevator pitch 02:15 - Living in South Africa 06:22 - Giving advice to other entrepreneur’s with clients abroad 10:07 - Being in the same league as our competitor’s 12:28 - Sending 800 emails 22:30 - How to get people to work with you on work that won’t win awards 24:25 - Philipp’s journey into fatherhood 30.24 - The DADicated Podcast - RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#32 RadEO with Kelvin Jonck, MD of YouKnow Digital
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Kelvin Jonck, MD of YouKnow Digital. They talk social media and what entrepreneurs should think about when applying tech in the social space. Kelvin shares what companies need social media and where they need it. They also discuss hiring and how to get the right people on your team. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify More about YouKnow’s MD, Kelvin Jonck - Kelvin started YouKnow Digital in 2014. YouKnow Digital is a team of digital professionals dedicated to making their clients happy, by enabling them to know their customers and businesses better, through technology. They are a distribution partner to the Brandwatch + Crimson Hexagon, Spredfast + Lithium, Stackla and Domo platforms, which helps brands and digital agencies know their customers better, by implementing world-class Social CRM, AI-powered Consumer Insights, UGC and Business Intelligence solutions. They know Customer Expectations are at an extreme, all-time high and their mission is to help companies improve what they know about their customers, to make better decisions. YouKnow specialises in Deep Social Media Insights, Research & Analytics, Social Media Customer Care, Social Media Marketing, Social Media CRM, User Generated Content and Company-wide Analytics solutions, operating primarily across Africa with clients in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt and Dubai. Kelvin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvinjonck/?originalSubdomain=za YouKnow Digital - https://youknow.co.za/ Show notes - 00.25 - Kelvin’s Elevator Pitch 01.20 - Kelvin’s road to social media tracking systems 08.50 - Big corporations and the teams inside 11.30 - Using tech in the social space 15.57 - The tools and platforms Kelvin uses 18.20 - Does every brand need social media? 23.50 - The journey of scaling 29.45 - Improving the standard with social media 33.40 - Hiring and recruiting juniors versus seniors - RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#31 RadEO with Don Packett, COO of Cultovation
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Don Packett, COO of Cultovation, speaker coach, professional speaker, author, MC and stand-up comedian. They talk merging business and overcoming hiccups in that process. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about Don Packett - COO of Cultovation, speaker coach, professional speaker, author, MC and stand-up comedian. Don eats, sleeps and breathes presentations. From working with Missing Link's customers creating narrative and structure, to taking them all the way through to standing up and delivering on stage. Through working with organisations and customers from all sectors and all walks of life, the Power of Presentation grows and allows Missing Link the opportunity to identify, in real-time, the narrative needed for powerful delivery and galvanising audiences. Cultovation - http://cultovation.com/ Missing Link - https://msnglnk.com/ 21Tanks - https://21tanks.com/ – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#30 RadEO with Dean Carlson, Founder and MD of BrainFarm
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Dean Carlson, Founder and MD of BrainFarm. They talk about building a global company from a South African network and building networks and keeping connections. Dean shares how his team creates an extremely positive environment at their events by having the mindset of commitment to excellence. They also talk about BrainFarm’s exciting upcoming event, Sound Idea Sessions and breaking world records in partnership with a local artist, Percy Maimela. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about BrainFarm’s MD, Dean Carlson - Dean Carlson is the Founder and CEO of BrainFarm, a South African event agency and speaker bureau, who has the privilege of working with a long list of blue chip clients in identifying and securing speakers for their events, as well as creating world class branded events. He previously conceptualized, co-created and led the Discovery Invest Leadership Summit to become the largest multi-speaker business conference in the Southern Hemisphere with past speakers including Richard Branson, Al Gore, Malcolm Gladwell, Chris Anderson, Ricardo Semler, Dan Ariely, Johann Rupert, Rudy Giuliani, Stephen Dubner, Graça Machel and Nouriel Roubini. Dean first gained exposure to similar large-scale events over a decade ago during his involvement in organizing trips for South Africans to attend international seminars hosted by motivational speaker, personal finance instructor, and self-help author Anthony Robbins. Dean’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-carlson-9951751/?originalSubdomain=za BrainFarm - https://brainfarm.co.za/ Sound Idea Sessions - https://www.soundideasessions.com/ Guinness World Record - https://www.enca.com/life/sa-artist-breaks-guinness-world-record-largest-coffee-sketch Show notes - 00.54 - Dean’s elevator pitch 01.30 - How was it like setting BrainFarm up? 08.50 - How do you get a corporate company to agree to do a disruptive event? 14.30 - Launching the BCX Disrupt Summit 17.05 - Pulling talent into South Africa and going international 21.56 - Building networks and keeping connections 27.50 - Community building through introductions 29.45 - The mindset of commitment to excellence 35.40 - Dean’s latest exciting project - https://www.soundideasessions.com/ 41.10 - Breaking world records - https://www.enca.com/life/sa-artist-breaks-guinness-world-record-largest-coffee-sketch 50.47 - Growth Hacker Marketing – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#29 RadEO with Ryan Bacher the MD of NetFlorist
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Ryan Bacher, MD of NetFlorist. They talk e-commerce in 1999 versus 2019 and the hiccups in learning a new industry. Ryan shares how he has kept partnerships alive for 12 years and his tips in making crucial brand decisions when expanding your company. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about NetFlorist’s MD, Ryan Bacher - Ryan studied and completed a Bachelor of Arts and Law Degree at Wits in 1994. He then went to work for the Club Med Group in the Caribbean. Following Club Med, he returned to SA where he worked in the Internet industry for 2 years and thereafter, co-founded NetFlorist. As Managing Director, Ryan is responsible for all day-to-day operations and strategy of the company. He sits on the board of the South African chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization. NetFlorist started life in 1999 as one of SA’s 1st and has become the largest floral and gifting service in South Africa (on and offline). It has 5 warehouses and 200 franchises and delivers same day, country-wide. NetFlorist is recognized as one of SA’s leading ecommerce companies and has won many awards over the last 10 years in the ecommerce and floral space. NetFlorist - www.netflorist.co.za Show notes - 00.54 - Ryan’s back story 04.05 - How was it like setting NetFlorist up? 08.15 - The hiccups in learning a whole new industry 16.00 - Personalisation in the products 20.20 - Pulling the plug on side-line projects 24.56 - Is NetFlorist an internet company or a retailer? 27.38 - Understanding the customers 29.45 - Producing flowers 33.15 - Keeping a partnership alive for 12 years 37.05 - Coming up with NetFlorist brand 41.47 - Cross-selling and expanding the brand 45.30 - Ryan Gibs Course – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#28 RadEO with Antony Wannell, Entrepreneur and Conservationist
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Antony Wannell, president elect elect of EO Johannesburg and entrepreneur and conservationist. They talk about taking back control of your calendar and planning your year ahead. Antony shares his experiences with selling his business and setting it up for the next generation of entrepreneurs to succeed. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about Antony Wannell - He started a new entrepreneurial journey only two years ago. A big part of what he does at the moment is to share his experiences through conversations, consulting, investment and mentorship. His vision is to create a real entrepreneurial thirst for driven Africans. Before this time, Antony spent 27 years building entrepreneurial trading businesses. He has worked in the supply chain to the Tourism and Building Materials Sector and spent much of my time travelling for work into some of the most beautiful African Wilderness areas, including: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, DRC, Zambia, Namibia and Malawi. Connect with Antony here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-wannell-a2778217/?originalSubdomain=za# Show notes - 00:50 - Antony’s elevator pitch 01:55 - Antony’s entrepreneurial journey 08:08 - Working across borders 09:22 - Maintaining relationship in a big business 11:26 - Honesty and discipline 12:55 - Going through an acquisitions, what to do and what not to 16:00 - What comes after your entrepreneurial journey? 20:40 - Recovery time in between meetings 22:40 - Taking control of your calendar 24:25 - How do you choose how to spend your time after you’ve made your money? 26:25 - Aligning purpose and business building 30:22 - Stepping away from your keyroll and searching for a replacement 32:10 - Setting the business up for success after you’ve left 33:55 - Sharing the wealth in communities 35:37 - Addressing the skill gap 36:10 - Antony’s view on the future of South Africa – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#27 RadEO with Jonathan Slain from Recession.com
In this episode of RadEO, Richard and Ross talk to Jonathan Slain from Recession.com. They talk about everything you need to know about having a business and getting through a recession. Jonathan takes us through what you would need to know about planning for a recession and still keeping afloat. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about Jonathan - Jonathan is the “Governor” with Recession.com and principal of Autobahn Consultants. His purpose is to spur others to realize their dream outcomes by helping entrepreneurs and their teams get results, make tough decisions, improve team health and develop the right strategies. He has been a member of EO (Cleveland, Ohio Chapter) for almost a decade. He has served in multiple board roles, most recently on the US Central Region Board as Member Products Director. He has also been the emcee of the US/Canada President’s Meeting. Jonathan is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and the expert on Recessions and the Entrepreneurial Operating Systems® you want guiding your team. He coaches high growth leadership teams across the United States to implement EOS™, also known as Traction. As an EOS Implementer™, he focuses on helping entrepreneurs get what they want from their businesses. Jonathan spends 100+ days a year implementing Traction® with teams just like yours. Jonathan’s clients are all over the country and range from start-ups to over $200 million in size. He focuses on companies that are looking to double their top and/or bottom line within the next three to five years. Jonathan owned and operated fitness franchises for 10 years, holding the place of honour as the top unit out of more than 500. It was his experience there that gave him the real-world, hard knock life experience that allows him to claim his title as an expert on recessions. Jonathan spent two years in investment banking. He worked on mergers and acquisitions totalling over $500 million dollars in enterprise value. Jonathan graduated with highest honours and highest distinctions from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar. A former “whiz kid,” Jonathan was valedictorian of his high school graduating class with the highest GPA ever in the history of Shaker Heights (Ohio) High School. Jonathan’s business - https://recession.com/ – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#26 RadEO with David Jacobson from SYNAQ
In this episode of RadEO Ross talks to David Jacobson, the managing director of SYNAQ. David shares his thoughts on different levels of delegation and they talk autonomy and putting the right people in the job versus micro managing. David talks about his experience and learnings of building a business with love and commitment. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) About David - In 2004, he co-founded SYNAQ with a dream of bringing cloud computing communication services to the world using Linux and Open Source technology. In 2010, SYNAQ was ranked by Forbes Mag as one of the top 20 Tech companies in Africa and one year later Dimension Data acquired a majority stake in SYNAQ. David is a thought-leader in his industry, from Hacker to Biohacker, Tech Ninja to Entrepreneur and dynamic leader. Additionally, he is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), an exclusive global network of high-impact entrepreneurs and mentors aspiring founders at organizations like the Branson Centre, Startup Bootcamp and EO Accelerator. David’s business- SYNAQ - https://www.synaq.com/ Other links- Tony Robbins - https://www.tonyrobbins.com/ Show notes - 00:38 - David’s elevator pitch 01:20 - Why would we use SYNAQ instead on Gmail? 02:24 - The David and SYNAQ back story 16:45 - How did your clients react to end of lining everything? 21:36 - Your experience in transitioning from CTO to CEO 26:40 - How did you change your tech team 28:47 - Being a fully remote company 30:50 - Different levels of delegation 33:15 - David’s date with destiny 38:48 - Real love and commitment – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#25 RadEO with Dillon Jearey from Kilowatt Audio Visual
In this episode of RadEO Ross talks to Dillon Jearey from Kilowatt Audio Visual. Dillon shares his experience with starting a company on a credit card and setting yourself up with a roadmap to where you want to go. Dillon explains why he thinks strategy is needed to kickstart culture and how he works on his culture journey. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) About Dillon Jearey - Dillon Jearey is the CEO and Founder of Kilowatt Audio Visual, a premium technical event partner, delivering technical support and production services to more than 700 events a year in the African live events industry. With a credit card limit of just R50k and no tertiary education, Dillon started Kilowatt AV in June 2007. It was his first serious attempt at entrepreneurship, and although making many mistakes, Dillon has grown Kilowatt to be a significant player in its space with total sales revenue combined at over R270mil for the past five years. He is passionate about personal development, culture, strategy, mindfulness, and hyper-awareness, believing that these traits along with a servant leadership mindset, are essential for the modern day CEO. In 2012, Dillon became a member of the Global Entrepreneurs’ Organization, which now forms the fundamental foundation of his growth and personal development. Most successful of which has been his ability to completely step out of his business operationally and free up time to focus on new business opportunities, adventures, public speaking and mentoring young entrepreneurs. He is married with three daughters and loves adventure. Whether it is motor-racing or mountain biking, anything that gets the adrenaline going. Dillon has competed against a formula one racing legend in a reality TV series, cycled from London to Paris, rafted the mighty Zambezi river, completed a full Ironman triathlon and ran the London marathon, to name a few. Dillon’s business- http://kilowatt.co.za/ Show notes - 00:38 - Dillon’s elevator pitch 01:45 - Why Dillon is no longer a wedding DJ 04:51 - How Dillon got clients and finances to start his company 10:30 - Adding value with your tools 13:25 - How big is Kilowatt and what are you working on at the moment? 16:58 - Not being a key operator in the business any more 21:15 - What do you believe is strategy and culture? 24:09 - A day in the life of Dillon Jearey 26:30 - How do you work on your culture journey? 29:56 - Are you measuring people on their behaviours? 38:48 - Test a good idea and see where it takes you – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#24 RadEO with Lesley Waterkeyn from CWDi
In this episode of RadEO, Ross chats to Lesley Waterkeyn, founder of Colourworks and now Group CEO of CDWi. They talk merging businesses and staying relevant after two decades in the industry. Lesley shares her experience in integrating two companies and how they got even more clients with the merge. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) About Lesley - Lesley built Colourworks from the ground-up and now heads up the CWDi Group. She is driven by her curiosity and her entrepreneurial mind spearheads the agency’s innovation and relevance. As Group CEO, she is responsible for the continuous growth of the business. She does this by setting the company’s vision and seeing it come to fruition in the company culture, procuring the right resources, monitoring performance and leading CSI initiatives. She won the IWEC award (International Women Entrepreneurs Challenge) in 2017 in recognition of her impact as a female business leader. Lesley’s business - CWDi Group - http://cwdi.co.za/ Show notes - 00:35 - Lesley’s elevator pitch 00:58 - What does a business challenge mean in your world? 01:45 - What path does one take to end up where you ended up? 03:05 - What are your favourite parts of your business, and which part do you wish you don’t have to deal with? 05:00 - Do you still support digital systems? 05:40 - How do you keep yourself engage after two decades? 06:35 - Have you kept the same staff as the business changes? 07:20 - How have you kept your skills relevant as things change? 08:33 - The Stay in Your Lane Document 09:20 - How does accountability look like your team? 10:00 - The Big Merge 12:22 - How do you navigate the minefield of a big merge? 13:55 - Negotiating the merge 14:57 - Lesley’s tips on a merge 16:28 - Matching culture and values by finding the right partner 17:00 - How did your clients respond to the merge? 19:10 - What role did BEE play in the merge? 20:05 - The 67 Logos Project 25:00 - Making the loudest noise 27:00 - How do you manage EO, merging companies and designing 67 logos? 29:40 - How do you connect back the EO experiences to your business? 31:30 - 2IC Forum 32:32 - What’s next for Lesley Waterkeyn? 33:30 - A strategy for growth through acquisition 36:26 - Are you the one running around sharing the values? Ross listen to this podcast (implementation strategies) - John Hagel | Moving From Pressure To Opportunity | SingularityU Greece Summit 2018 - https://youtu.be/AvfrnhQZ0SM – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#23 RadEO with Richard Mulholland and Ross Drakes
In this episode of RadEO, Richard and Ross talk strategies and all the extra time you have to spend in strategy meetings building the strategy. They share their thoughts and experiences on victory conditions and fictitious end terms. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#22 RadEo with Lauren Gamsu from Black Sheep Design
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Lauren Gamsu the founder of Black Sheep Design. They talk all about sabbaticals and how to prepare your team and your clients before the sabbatical. Lauren shares her experience with committing to a 3 month sabbatical from work. She gives her tips and tricks on doing it well so that you come back with a new excitement for your next venture. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about Lauren - Lauren Gamsu is the founder of Black Sheep Design, a turnkey office fit-out and building refurbishment company. After completing her architectural degree at UCT, and working in London and Dublin, she returned to her hometown Johannesburg, to combine her creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit. She founded Black Sheep in 2011, with negligible finances and a passion to build a business. She steadily gained a client base, helping SME’s with their office renovations. Over time, Black Sheep’s scope extended to include providing design solutions to underperforming buildings within the listed property sector. The company currently has a staff complement of 16 people, and clients that include Redefine, Arrowhead, Hertz, Growthpoint, Steinhoff and Media 24. Lauren is a past board member of Entrepreneurs Organization and a recipient of the EY Winning Women Award. In 2018, Lauren took the plunge and committed to a 3 month sabbatical from work. She handed over the reins and went travelling around Europe, and Australia. The business flourished, and she returned with more clarity, a renewed appreciation for Johannesburg weather and excitement for the next entrepreneurial adventure. Black Sheep - (https://www.blacksheepsa.com/) Show notes - 00:38 - Lauren’s elevator pitch 01:30 - KTV Market day 03:30 - Why Lauren took a sabbatical 07:18 - Delegating responsibility 10:15 - How did your clients react? 15:00 - Handing over the bank, monitoring and reporting 16:50 - How would you monitor client service while on a sabbatical? 17:45 - How do you tell the whole team you’re leaving for 3 months? 25:07 - How did Lauren do her sabbatical? 30:08 - How is it being back? 32:00 - Did you find new opportunities with your new open mindset? 34:40 - Would you go on another sabbatical? – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#21 RadEO with Earl Smith from Volunteer SA
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Earl Smith, the founder of Volunteer SA. They talk “Voluntourism” and getting people to volunteer in Africa and have the experience of a lifetime. Earl chats about the inspiring and frustrating side of social media and he shares his thoughts and experiences with leadership challenges. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5FhWL8wjR13nuU1gI7dUkY) More about Earl - Having started Volunteer Southern Africa in 2008, they have had much success in growing their passion into what is one of the largest and most certainly well known and trusted volunteering business in South Africa. Responsible for management, strategy, improvements, marketing, business development. Brand development, web site traffic growth, web site UI and advertising revenue. Developed brand strategy and statistics systems. Forming partnerships and co-operations with regional conservation facilities as well as volunteer/travel agencies across the globe. He has a degree in electrical engineering, school at Carmel School in Pretoria, and matriculated in 1995. He has managed the Lion Park from 2008 until 2012. He saw a gap in the market and started marketing the Lion Park as a wildlife volunteer destination. From there, the business grew and it came time to put on his “big girl panties” and go with it alone. https://www.volunteersa.com/ Show Notes - 00:42 - Earl’s elevator pitch 01:44 - How did you find your passion and end up in this industry? 02:32 - The business model of Volunteer SA 06:30 - “Voluntourism” 08:10 - What does purpose mean to Earl? 10:30 - Applying your vision to your staff 12:58 - The inspiring and frustrating side of Social Media 17:32 - How do you catch your crowd? 20:50 - When did you start Volunteer SA? 22:24 - Howard Mann’s ‘Your Business Brickyard’ 25:30 - Earl’s tips for taking on a business partner 28:20 - Marketing your business 31:15 - Leadership Challenges 33:20 - What does Earl’s 2019 look like? – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#20 RadEO with Jason Goldberg from Edge Growth
In this episode of RadEO, Ross talks to Jason Goldberg, the Co-founder of Edge Growth and Founder of 10X-e. Jason shares why his company’s mission drives him and his staff. They discuss what economic challenges entrepreneurs could encounter in the next year and Jason shares his thoughts on how to balance the needs of a startup inside a mature organisation. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/radeopodcast) About Jason - Jason Goldberg is the founder of 10X-e, and he also co-founded Edge Growth and Vumela Fund. Since starting his career at Bain and Co. and later as a corporate strategist, Jason has spent the last 12 years’ investing in, starting, scaling, advising, accelerating, and sitting on boards of high potential ventures in the R5m - R2bn turnover range. Jason brings his unique mix of experiences as an experienced investor, entrepreneur, strategist and his passion for growing business leaders to help leadership teams to scale themselves as leaders, build scalable teams with scalable cultures, and scale their businesses (operations, systems, boards). Jason’s specialisations are growth strategy and scaling organisations after the Accelerator stage – helping teams navigate the most complex stage of building a business: transitioning from a start-up to a scaled enterprise. Show notes- 00:30 - Jason’s elevator pitch 01:09 - How did Jason end up scaling businesses? 06:40 - Has the mission of addressing poverty changed for you? 08:00 - How do you turn your mission into a daily or weekly thing? 09:15 - Would you not hire someone if they weren’t aligned with your mission? 11:30 - Work versus personal life 12:55 - Have you ever realise that you’ve solved a problem for a client but never thought about it for yourself? 14:50 - What economic challenges do you see coming within the next year? 17:30 - Jason’s take on innovation 21:55 - The balance between a startup and a mature organisation 29:30 - Jason’s scaling up course 32:30 - Why did you join EO, and what have you learnt from EO? 40:17 - What does Jason’s 2019 look like?
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#19 RadEO with Ross Drakes and Ronen Aires
Last, in the mini-series on leadership lessons from the GLA. In this episode of RadEO, Ross and Ronen share their thoughts on leadership. They discuss the five things great leaders do. Including creating a high level of discipline and daily practices such as setting a positive mindset at the beginning of the day. More about Ronen Aires- He’s an entrepreneur, a youth specialist, public speaker and general lover of life. Ronen Aires is the founder and CEO of Student Village, wone of the country’s most successful student marketing Companies. Ronen left the corporate world 18 years ago to start Student Village. He chairs and supports a number of entrepreneurial programs and is a huge supporter of youth development. Acknowledged as a passionate, Ronen believes in the importance of fostering creativity, strategic thought and consistent delivery. Out of the office, he is also a father, an activist and a trail junkie. Find Ronen’s business here - https://studentvillage.co.za/ Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/radeopodcast) – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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#18 RadEO with Richard Mulholland and Ross Drakes
In this episode of RadEO Richard and Ross talk about Global Leadership Academy and what they’ve learnt. Ross shares what happened at the most recent GLA and what he has achieved since attending the Global Leadership Academy. They also talk “How to 10x your EO experience” and how to actively get the most out of your EO connections around the world. Subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radeo/id1250841955) or Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/radeopodcast) – RadEO is a podcast for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs Organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going. If you have a business and want more information on EO, get in touch or visit our website eonetwork.org
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
It is hosted by Ross Drakes and Rich Mulholland and produced by the Entrepreneurs organisation in South Africa. Tune in every 2 weeks to hear conversations with business owners who will share their experiences and stories of what they have learnt building their business and what drives them to keep going.
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Entrepreneurs Organization South Africa
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