Business Builders Podcast

What’s really at stake for South Australia’s future? In this Business Builders session, Damian Percy sits down with South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis to unpack the key forces shaping the state’s next decade, including energy, infrastructure, housing, migration, and workforce capability. Recorded live in front of a Business Builders audience, this is a practical and candid discussion abou...

Being skinny does not mean being fit. And for business owners and leaders, mistaking weight for health can quietly undermine long-term performance, decision-making, and independence. In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton Gowland and Ron review and unpack a powerful live presentation from exercise physiologist Max Martin, recorded at an in-person Business Builders event. Present...

What does it really take to make government listen? In this episode, we sit down with Simone Douglas — publican, business advocate, and founder of the Business Owners Collective — to unpack how small business owners can influence government decisions, shape better policy, and drive change that matters. From rallying hundreds of hospitality operators during COVID to getting real reform on the polit...

Most networking advice focuses on how to start a conversation. But what do you do after that? In this episode, Brenton and Ron reveal the only two networking tactics you’ll ever need — and neither involves collecting business cards or giving your elevator pitch. The secret? 👉 Find alignment 👉 Do things together These two principles are at the heart of every strong business relationship. Whether...

In this candid conversation, Cameron Johnston shares the raw reality of building a business up from four people to a diversified group that includes more than 100 staff across five businesses and the challenges he's faced along the way. From failing his first attempt at payroll to driving trucks with critical payloads across Australia during a crisis, Cameron has learned the hard way what it means...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by networking—or not sure where to start—this episode breaks it down into two simple but powerful steps: nurture your network and fill your network . That’s it. Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian walk through how to structure your networking activities using a framework inspired by Dunbar’s Number . From your tight-knit inner circle to your wider connections, you’ll le...

I wish someone had taught me this Mini-Networking Masterclass when I started out .... Networking is the most powerful tool for career growth, business success, and new opportunities, yet most people do it wrong . If you’ve ever left a networking event feeling like a used car salesman or wondering if all this effort is actually getting you anywhere , you’re not alone. In this 25-minute masterclass...

In this episode of Business Builders, we sit down with Australian film director Matthew Holmes to uncover the remarkable similarities between filmmaking and building a successful business. From overcoming setbacks like floods on set to navigating an evolving film industry, Matthew shares his incredible journey of risk-taking, resilience, and never giving up on his dreams. Discover how this directo...

Welcome to 2025! In this episode we discuss the essential process of mapping your network. Learn why mapping your network is like building a treasure map to uncover meaningful connections and opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen existing relationships or strategically grow your network, this episode provides actionable insights to get started. We’ll cover: Why mapping your network is...

In this episode, we discuss why New Year’s resolutions often fail and propose an alternative approach for setting and achieving goals: vision boards. Backed by neuroscience, vision boards provide a visual, engaging, and effective way to focus on your goals and manifest your dreams. Tune in as Brenton and Ron explore the benefits of visualisation, the science behind it, and practical steps to creat...

Are you tired of feeling awkward or unmotivated when it comes to networking? In this episode, we tackle common excuses that hold people back from building meaningful professional relationships. From understanding why networking is essential to uncovering your unique purpose and the value you can offer, we lay out a roadmap to help you turn networking into a powerful career tool. What You’ll Learn...

Tired of outdated advice holding you back from networking success? In this episode, we BUST the 13 biggest myths about Business Networking and uncover the truth about what it really takes to build meaningful business relationships. Networking isn’t about handing out business cards or self-promotion—it’s about creating authentic, mutually beneficial connections. Join us as we bust misconceptions, s...

In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian wrap up their communication series by spotlighting the silent yet powerful language of visual branding. Imagine walking down a supermarket aisle, scanning for the perfect snack, only to be drawn to a particular package—not because of words, but because of color, design, and imagery. This split-second attraction exemp...

From business reports to text messages, we've all experienced the remorse of SEND REGRET. By following this 5-step writing framework, we can leave regret behind and improve our writing skills for both our business and personal communications. Key Takeaways: A 5-step framework for effective written communication The importance of crafting thoughtful written communication to avoid regrettable messag...

This episode explores the art of public speaking and presentation mastery. It addresses common fears, shares practical strategies, and provides insights into effective preparation, delivery, and audience engagement. Whether you’re a natural speaker or find the idea of presenting daunting, you’ll gain valuable tips on improving your presentation skills and communicating your message with confidence...

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of nonverbal communication in professional settings, examining how body language, facial expressions, and even silence can shape relationships and decision-making in business. Whether you’re in a high-stakes meeting or a casual conversation, understanding these unspoken signals helps you truly grasp what’s being communicated and ensures you respond effe...

In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton and Ron discuss the essential skill of having difficult conversations. They share practical strategies to approach these challenging discussions with confidence and effectiveness, ensuring better outcomes in both business and personal interactions. Key Topics Covered: 1. Importance of Difficult Conversations: Understanding why avoiding diff...

The recent CrowdStrike outage drew millions of businesses into a crisis, forcing many companies to enact their crisis plans. This event underscores how swiftly situations can arise that demand strong leadership in the face of a crisis. Today, we’re joined by PR expert  Mark Williams  from  Hughes PR  to discuss how we can prepare our businesses to handle these unexpected challenges and protect the...

Ever feel like understanding what your team is truly thinking is a mystery? In today’s episode, Brenton and Ron uncover the power of asking the right questions to gain deeper insights. Learn how these essential types of questions can help you make better business decisions and foster a more open, communicative workplace. Episode Highlights: The Power of Questions in Leadership: Five Essential Type...

In this episode, Brenton and Ron continue their series on effective communication by focusing on the fundamental skill of listening. They discuss the significant role listening plays in building strong relationships, making informed decisions, and leading effectively. This episode is full of great examples and straightforward advice that demonstrate why listening is our most important communicatio...

In this episode, we're kicking off a new series on Effective Communication by challenging you to benchmark your current skills! Think of it as setting the baseline in a fitness test, where understanding your starting point is the first step towards improvement. In this series, we'll explore why sharpening these skills is beneficial and essential for any business leader. Effective communication can...

With the soaring cost of living and global uncertainties, prioritising our mental health has never been more crucial. In this episode, we're talking with Tim Bishop about the unique pressures in the construction industry and how businesses like his are focusing on developing their staff's mental fitness. A vocal advocate for mental health in the workplace, Tim shares his journey of overcoming a da...

Welcome to the first Business Builders episode of 2024! This thought-provoking session revolves around the transformative lessons from one of our reading books from the holidays,  ‘The Top Five Regrets of the Dying’, by  Bronnie Ware . As we embrace the new year, our hosts delve into how understanding life's deepest regrets can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. Holiday R...

Welcome to Episode 58 of the Business Builders Podcast, titled "Unwrapping the Complexity of Christmas with Samantha Young." This episode brings a fresh perspective to the festive season as we delve into the intricacies and challenges that Christmas presents for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Joined by Samantha Young, CEO of Human Psychology, we explore the nuanced aspects of balancing holida...

What am I really doing this for? Have you ever asked yourself a question like this? It's a big-picture question, and at some point, we all find ourselves asking it. But how often do we actually take the time to ponder the question? Today, we're exploring the big-picture questions in our lives and how they help us find our Life-Work balance. Key Points & Highlights: A Relatable Query:  ...