The Canberra Business Podcast

What keeps you up at night about your business? For many Canberra entrepreneurs, the answer increasingly includes insurance costs, particularly skyrocketing workers' compensation premiums. This eye-opening conversation with Gallagher insurance brokers Ceshton Hanns and Andre Ferreira pulls back the curtain on the sometimes-mystifying world of commercial insurance. The discussion tackles the p...

What happens when we stop seeing disability and leadership as contradictory terms? Christina Ryan, founder of the Disability Leadership Institute and ACT nominee for Australian of the Year, is transforming how we understand professional achievement and organisational excellence.  During our candid conversation, Christina shares the profound moment that sparked her mission: realising that disabled...

Governance—a word that makes many small business owners recoil. But what if I told you it's not about bureaucratic red tape or corporate boardrooms, but simply about creating clarity in how you run your business? In this enlightening conversation with Stephanie Bates, Operations Manager for KPMG Enterprise Advisory and a Director of the Canberra Business Chamber, we unpack what governance act...

In this International Women's Day special episode, guest host Helen Leayr speaks with three inspiring Canberra businesswomen about their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future of gender equality in business.   Raffy Sgroi shares how she transformed a traditional automotive business by creating a culture that includes women and focuses on customer communication Sarah C. Bailey discus...

We discuss key strategies to safeguard your small business from the world of cyber threats in our latest episode featuring cybersecurity expert Roger Smith from Care Managed IT. With cyberattacks on the rise, especially ransomware, small businesses and non-profits are more vulnerable than ever. Roger offers invaluable insights into the Essential 8 strategy, emphasizing the importance of multi-fact...

Engaging in meaningful discussions about employment for individuals with disabilities is essential. The conversation centers around how Koomarri is transforming the landscape through customized employment solutions. • Introducing guests Nadine Stephen and Shane Johnson from Kumari • Overview of Kumari’s mission and services for people with disabilities • Discussion on the NDIS and its impact on se...

We sit down with the innovative mind of Zak Farag, founder of Psyquility. His inventive tool is reshaping the landscape for neurodivergent individuals in both educational and professional settings. From personalized emotional regulation strategies to a unique Tetris-like game designed to boost executive functions, Zak shares how Psyquility is setting a new standard in mental health support. We als...

Discover the inspiring journey of Swan Ricco, the visionary behind Lifa Lab, as she reveals how her kitchen experiment blossomed into a flourishing enterprise transforming ancient herbs into modern marvels. Swan candidly shares the hurdles and triumphs encountered while scaling her business during the COVID-19 pandemic. From overcoming marketing challenges to transitioning from a home-based setup...

How can we create a safer community through mental health education and crisis support? Join us as we engage in a compelling conversation with Carrie-Ann Leeson, the Chief Executive of Lifeline Canberra, who shares her profound insights into the critical work her organization is doing. With a network of nearly 1,000 dedicated volunteers, including 400 highly-trained crisis supporters, Lifeline Can...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Canberra's broadcasting icon, Cam Sullings, as we trace his journey from a budding news cameraman to an influential radio personality and successful entrepreneur. Cam takes us through his adventurous career, detailing his experiences from Broken Hill to Canberra, and sharing unforgettable stories from the vibrant pub rock scene in Sydney. We dive int...

We kick off the year discussing smart automation and AI tools with our special guest, Vit Muller from Standout from the Pack. Discover how small businesses, particularly gyms, barbers, and accountants, can revolutionize their marketing strategies using an all-in-one platform. Vit shares groundbreaking insights into cost-effective campaigns and the magic of database reactivation strategies. We also...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Andrew Sykes, a seasoned partner at RSM Australia, who brings over four decades of experience to our discussion on Canberra's small to medium-sized business landscape. Discover the intriguing dynamics of how different sectors are navigating economic challenges, with retail and hospitality facing struggles while others find ways to thrive. Andrew s...

Men's Table Regional Host for NSW South, Michael Collins is transforming men's mental health support in our latest Canberra Business Podcast episode. With a mission to foster genuine conversation beyond the typical business or sports talk, Men's Table creates a sanctuary for men to connect, listen, and share life's challenges. Michael unveils the journey of this not-for-profit...

Tim O'Hare and Roshan Dhital from AbilitySeer, share tips to success in the NDIS sector on the Canberra Business Podcast. Gain insider knowledge on navigating the NDIS landscape, from humble beginnings in 2017 to building a thriving team of nearly 100 professionals. Discover the essential role a passionate team plays in providing human-centered services and how AbilitySeer has positioned itse...

We uncover the remarkable journey of Archie Tsiromokos, a distinguished lawyer in Canberra and the outgoing Chair of the Canberra Business Chamber. Archie shares his path from being a fresh law graduate to becoming a partner at MV Law by 27. Through his story, we explore the seismic shifts in the legal profession over the last four decades, driven by technological advancements and increasing diver...

Adam Russell, the innovative mind behind Local Pegs, joins us to share how his community engagement app is revolutionizing the way local businesses thrive. Explore how Local Pegs, born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in Byron Bay, is creating stronger community ties by serving as both a payment platform and a hub for exclusive local discounts. Adam reveals the app's unique mone...

Join us as we welcome His Excellency Mr. Ernesto Cespedes, the Ambassador of Mexico, to the Canberra Business Podcast. Ambassador Cespedes offers a behind-the-scenes look into his fascinating journey from the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the peaceful ambiance of Canberra, revealing the cultural and geographical contrasts that shape his unique perspective. With both Australia and Mexico tied t...

Discover how Canberra plans to become an even more enticing destination as we chat with Dr. David Marshall AM, Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum. He makes a compelling case for how strategic tourism policy can transform the local economy, aiming to elevate the region's tourism earnings from $4 billion to a staggering $5-6 billion. As the city's national treasures and nat...

Uncover the secrets to thriving in Australia's ICT landscape with insights from industry experts Rattesh Gumber, Managing Director and Raija Ojansuu, Director Client Services from IT Alliance Australia.  Rattesh sheds light on the ever-evolving ICT trends, while Raija candidly shares the recruitment challenges of meeting Australian government requirements. Together, they reveal how IT Allianc...

Curious about how Canberra businesses can make waves on the global stage? Join us as we sit down with Mark Faulkner, the new Trade Start Advisor for the ACT Government, who unravels his journey from London to China and the Northern Territory, sharing how these rich experiences shape his approach to guiding local businesses toward international success. Tune in to learn about Trade Start's mis...

Listen in as Greg speaks to Brigitta Norton, Co-Chair OZeWAI (NFP professional association for Australian digital accessibility specialists and organisations). Digital accessibility is a human right and identifying and removing barriers to participation is essential for some and useful for all. Bri talks about the design and implementation of inclusive digital information, services, experiences an...

Greg chats with Kylie Burnett, Managing Director for Parbery Consulting, a local firm located in Fyshwick ACT. The firm has worked with numerous agencies and government departments across a variety of subject matters, including on Defence projects, ICT projects, strategy development, business improvement and assurance, and delivering change and transformation activities. Tune in to listen on how t...

Greg Harford sits down with Ivan Slavich, Member of the Order of Australia, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Managing Director of Service One, which manages the Community Bank Canberra network of branches. Ivan shares with us golden tips on resource management and decision making which he has accrued over his 31 years in corporate. He takes us through his journey throug...

In this episode, Greg speaks to Sasha Hajenko, founder of Blue Phoenix Systems, a cybersecurity consultancy dedicated to protecting businesses of all sizes from cyber risk.  A talented cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience, Sasha has provided operational support, project management and delivery, strategic advice, and consulting services to various industries across businesses...

In this episode Greg Harford speaks to Heather Lawton, Managing Director at GymAware. GymAware is the gold standard Linear Positional Transducer (LPT with angle measurement) for measuring performance, implementing Velocity Based Training and monitoring power. For more than 15 years GymAware has been trusted by World Champions, Olympians and Pro Athletes — and those who prepare them to win!