The Business Behind Your Business - Real Advice to Help Small Business Owners Build, Lead and Thrive

If you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government....

If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you know your business offers something incredible—but the world isn’t noticing—this episode is for you. Many business owners excel at creating a great product or delivering exceptional service, yet struggle to get seen, recognised, and paid what they’re worth. In this conversation, Joel Pilger reveals how he went from running a thriving studio to now buildin...

If you’re a business owner, one day you will exit your business — whether by choice or circumstance. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are not ready when that moment arrives. And that lack of preparation could cost you the biggest payday of your life. In this episode, host Paul Sweeney is joined by investment banker and exit strategist Cameron Bishop, who has been on both si...

Running a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending? In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Has...

Running a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure...

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business from a solo operation to a multimillion-dollar enterprise — without outside investors — this episode is for you. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, joins host Paul Sweeney to share his journey from mowing lawns to building a $30 million tech company serving over 300,000 customers. Bryan reveals the hard-earned lessons behind bootstrapp...

What if your business could run smoothly—even grow—without you being the one to make every decision, solve every problem, or put out every fire? It’s not a fantasy. It’s completely possible. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney chats with Ryan Cassin, founder of Superpowers HQ, about how entrepreneurs can finally escape the bottleneck trap and build a business t...

If you’ve ever struggled to find funding for your start-up or early-stage business, this episode is for you. Many founders assume that capital raising is only for big corporations or venture-backed tech firms—but as Dr David Cunic reveals, small business owners can access funding too, if they know where to look and how to prepare. In this episode, Dr David Cunic—entrepreneur, investor, and founder...

What if your business was built to outlast you? In this inspiring episode, Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Company, shares how he turned a simple idea for a long-lasting leather bag into a global brand known for its craftsmanship, purpose, and impact. Listeners will learn how to create a purpose-driven business that combines quality, sustainability, and authenticity—one that leaves a tr...

Are you treating your LinkedIn profile like just another digital résumé? If so, you’re missing one of the most powerful business tools available. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney sits down with Al Kushner—LinkedIn strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage —to uncover how business owners can use LinkedIn and AI to authentically buil...

If you think ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) only applies to big corporations, think again. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney welcomes back author and small business champion Bronwyn Reid to explain why ESG matters for SMEs. Bronwyn shows how ESG isn’t just box-ticking—it’s about building resilient businesses that attract customers, employees, and...

Building a business that lasts isn’t about luck, start-up capital, or chasing every new trend—it’s about discipline, structure, and creating harmony between your work and personal life. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney speaks with serial entrepreneur Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions and host of the Inside the Firm podcast. Lance shares how he scaled...

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing algorithms and producing content at scale—only to lose sight of the real goal: connecting with people. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and social media strategist Robin Nathaniel to explore how business owners can bring authenticity and human connection back...

In today’s digital world, standing out as a small business feels harder than ever. Between endless noise, flashy marketing tactics, and conflicting advice, many business owners are left frustrated with wasted time and money. But what if narrowing your focus could actually unlock growth? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , Paul Sweeney sits down with Jennifer Christensen, Co-Foun...

Too many business owners chase revenue while overlooking the bigger picture—building wealth and long-term value. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney speaks with Stephanie Hayes, business and exit strategist and founder of Assets to Exits . Stephanie explains why every business owner, regardless of size or stage, needs to think about an exit strategy—not just as...

Are you chasing sales but still struggling to see money in the bank? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business Podcast , financial strategist and Profit First professional Pam Jordan explains why focusing on revenue alone is a dangerous trap for business owners. Instead, she shows you how to get radically intentional about profit—because at the end of the day, it’s not what you make, it...

If you’ve ever had a great idea for a product or brand but weren’t sure how to protect it—or whether it was even worth pursuing—this episode will change how you think about intellectual property. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, who combines engineering, law, and business expertise to guide innovators from concept to commercial success...

Succession planning isn’t just about passing on a business—it’s about protecting your legacy, preserving value, and ensuring the people you care about aren’t left scrambling when you’re gone.  In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rob Ferguson, seasoned CEO, trusted advisor, and founder of Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the essential steps for buildi...

Can you really be a great entrepreneur and a present parent at the same time? In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dan Peterson — founder of Flip Switch Social Media, and father of three — for a real talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting. If you're a business owner trying to juggle growing a business w...

What if your next great client is already looking at your LinkedIn profile—right now—and you’re sending them away? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney sits down with LinkedIn strategist and author Daniel Alfon to reveal how most business owners are misusing LinkedIn—and what to do instead. Daniel strips away the noise and shows you how to turn your personal pro...

If you’ve ever played a sport—and especially if you’ve tried to turn your sporting passion into a business—this episode is a must-listen. Paul Sweeney sits down with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and the driving force behind the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors). Pete has helped generate over $1.5 billion in transactions across fitness, wellness, and sports businesses. In...

Are you feeling stuck in your business—like you're pushing a boulder uphill with no reward in sight? In this episode, business coach and leadership expert Liz Wolfe joins host Paul Sweeney to unpack why hard work isn’t always the answer, and how your leadership style might be the hidden culprit holding you back . With over 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, Liz shares practical st...

If you've ever looked at your business bank account and wondered, “Where did all the money go?” —this episode is for you. Discover why so many small business owners feel frustrated when their business shows a profit on paper but has no cash to show for it. In this powerful episode, certified Profit First professional Debbie Deknight breaks down how traditional accounting sets businesses up fo...

In today’s crowded digital landscape, where businesses fight for attention and AI-generated content floods every channel, one element consistently cuts through the noise: genuine emotional connection. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business , host Paul Sweeney sits down with Geoffrey Stern, founder and CEO of Voice Express and the consumer brand VoiceGift, to explore how emotional eng...

Public speaking is no longer just for TEDx headliners or CEOs on giant stages. Whether you're pitching to clients, speaking at industry events, or simply leading a team meeting, how you communicate can determine how your business is perceived. In this episode, Carmen Sederino, founder of Illuminated Story , reveals how small and medium business owners can turn public speaking from a fear into...