Business Essentials

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour - and empathy isn’t a “soft” skill. In this week’s episode, two innovative business thinkers explore strategies for avoiding exhaustion while cultivating meaningful connections that elevate both personal  and professional performance. First, Tim Jack Adams, founder of greenx7, introduces  Energised , his practical guide to res...

Is your workplace culture empowering people or quietly silencing them - and could poor experiences be driving customers away faster than you realise? In this week’s episode, leadership expert Marnie Brokenshire, cofounder of Uncapped Potential, unpacks the growing risk of culture slipping into “cult-like” control and why psychological safety matters. Then Greg Nicolle, Group Mana...

What really drives success in today’s workplace - and are we focusing on the wrong things? In this episode, Professor Darius Pfitzner, Academic Dean at the Australian Institute of Business, shares lessons from his extraordinary career journey, from Navy aircraft engineer to leading business academic, highlighting the value of failure, humility, and customer focus. We then turn to Emotional I...

Australia’s small business landscape is being reshaped by some major forces right now – including the need for AI training, and a proposed new Small Business Charter. We explore both in this week’s episode. First up, Freshworks Australia’s Vice President, Andrew Phillips, talks us through the widening gap between businesses adopting AI and those holding back. Andrew warns b...

There are two major forces shaping how businesses operate right now: intergenerational pressures, and hefty tax debts. In this week’s episode, leadership expert Marnie Brokenshire explains why managing five generations in one workplace is pushing managers to their limits - and why employees in their 50s may be the most underutilised asset in your organisation. Marnie also outlines the emotio...

Strong partnerships and loyal customers are both essential to business success – and this week’s episode explores how to bolster both. Greg Nicolle, Group Manager of Client Success at Thryv Australia, explains why retention often outperforms acquisition – and he shares six clever, underused follow-up tactics that turn one-time buyers into long-term loyalists. Then psychotherapist...

In this episode, we dive into two pressing challenges facing today’s leaders and businesses. Gus Gilkeson, CEO of Grow Capital, discusses how Donald Trump's sweeping US tariffs are shaking up global trade, with real impacts on Australian SMEs. He offers strategic advice to help businesses stay resilient, plan long-term, and adapt to increasing uncertainty. Then leadership expert Michelle Gib...

Are you the type of person who clings to stability while the world around you changes? Then you might be taking a huge risk for your business. Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings argues that calculated, strategic risk-taking is now essential for organisational resilience. Michelle explains why doing nothing can be the riskiest move of all and offers practical advice for business owners on building...

A generation vital to the workplace, Millennials, or Gen Y’s, are now approaching their mid-40’s. As lovers of technology, they’re not fearful of AI, but rather engage with it to seek workplace improvement and explore how it can improve the world around us. Leadership expert, Dr Paige Williams, explains how to nurture and value this vital, next generation of leaders. Business Ess...

How emotionally intelligent are you and your workplace? Are you being held back by toxic or unproductive relationships? Emotional Intelligence Specialist Amy Jacobson says hers is a skill anyone can learn, and that it can transform businesses. Amy outlines five practical steps to build an emotionally intelligent workplace, from self-awareness and emotional accountability to empathy, communication...

If you’re wondering how other businesses are handling their teams working-from-home, you might be surprised that most people are coming back to the office. But not everyone – a significant percentage are working a hybrid arrangement. Roxanne Calder, Managing Director of boutique recruiting firm, EST-10, says implementing a successful hybrid model requires understanding individual needs...

As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates, a new divide is emerging between owners and employees embracing the technology, and those being left behind. Andrew Phillips, Vice President of Freshworks Australia, a company delivering AI software for customer and IT services, explains why it’s now time for small and medium business leaders to become AI-literate. He explains how some simple,...

Who wouldn’t like to double their business? Well, according to Melissa Browne, Founder of Mel Browne Money, it might sound like a fantasy but it’s entirely possible if you focus on profit, not just sales. Melissa shares practical tactics to increase profitability, from improving customer retention and average spend to streamlining costs and finding quick wins that make a big impact. Sh...

Most of us at some stage will suffer from imposter syndrome – that feeling of fraud -like inadequacy, despite having a reputation for success. According to behavioural expert Charlotte Blair, recognising and naming imposter syndrome is the first step to managing it. Charlotte is a partner at The Strengths Partners, a company dedicated to strength-based development of individuals, teams and o...

Brands are increasingly being copied by "dupes", and while consumers may enjoy cheaper alternatives, the impact on business owners can be devastating. But the Director of Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Rod Curtis, says businesses can stay ahead by doubling down on quality, innovation and authenticity to protect their brand and thrive in a competitive market. He also explains how smart mar...

It’s natural to be apprehensive – even fearful – of the uncertainty that envelopes us when we face challenges. But, if we push through a particular challenge and get through the other side, we’re the better for it. Emotional fitness expert Joe Pane has identified three universal fears that hold us back from living the life we want or having the business we desire: the fear...

The rise of artificial intelligence promises great new advantages for SMEs, but AI also brings major security risks. The Managing Director of Cyber Matters, Saaim Khan, says confidentiality and integrity are critical concerns when using AI tools. He says businesses need to be cautious about sharing sensitive information and he outlines practical steps to protect businesses including setting clear...

How many of your employees are using AI without your knowledge? As generative AI tools like ChatGPT start to become ubiquitous in the workplace, many employees are quietly using them to boost productivity, secure promotions, and even enjoy their work more. Andrew Phillips is Vice President of Freshworks, a company delivering AI powered software for customer and IT services, and he explains why ign...

Great coaches – like great leaders – are able to support teams and individuals, allowing them to perform at their best. Professor Martin Bean, is CEO of The Bean Centre, and co-author of ‘Toolkit for Turbulence: The mindset and methods that leaders need to turn adversity to advantage’. He discusses how meaningful, one-on-one conversations, focused on achievements, developme...

Would you like your workers to come back to the office? Many businesses are still grappling with how to bring employees back to the workplace, and whether they should be worried at all. Marnie Brokenshire, Founder of Uncapped Potential, outlines some practical strategies to make the workplace irresistible. She explains how patience, strong leadership skills, and creating a sense of belonging can i...

How well does your website perform in search engine results? If it’s not at least on page one, you need to understand how Google’s algorithm is prioritising quality content over quantity, and build that into your SEO. That’s according to Sagar Sathi, Founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Xugar. The credibility of the author are also important factors in determining search r...

There are four enemies of team performance, according to Organisational Psychologist Stephanie Bown. Poor performance can often stem from traps like focusing on the wrong problem, locking into unproductive debates, relying too heavily on leadership for answers, and falling into blame. Stephanie explains how small business owners and managers can spot and avoid these common pitfalls to unlock the p...

Conforming to compliance requirements can seem overwhelming, but did you know you can use some of the tools you already have to simplify things? Saaim Khan, Managing Director of Cyber Matters, explains how to simplify and streamline your approach to digital security and regulatory frameworks. He suggests a “measure twice, cut once” mindset can help you meet multiple standards with a si...

Do you find some people on your team are difficult to communicate with? Perhaps they don’t give straight answers, or they dominate group conversations, or they’re outright hostile. Well, they could demonstrate one of four main communication styles: aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive or assertive. Communications specialist Leah Mether unpacks each style and how you can adapt to bet...

These days a lot of companies promote their values through their branding, but do they really understand the meaning of being genuinely purpose-driven? Rod Curtis is Director, Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Brand Strategy Architects, and he says purpose-driven branding matters more than ever. He explains how a clear and compelling purpose not only attracts customers, talent, and investors...