Performance management can be a lengthy and often uncomfortable experience that is often delayed. It’s surely one of the most challenging aspects of leadership. But conflict coach and author Genevieve Hawkins can offer some practical help. Genevieve shares her strategies for navigating these conversations effectively, from addressing clarity and capability to fostering a supportive environment with constructive feedback. She explains how emotional maturity and empathy can help overcome any hurdl...
Feb 06, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1215
Business plans are traditionally too expensive, they take too much time, they’re too rigid, and they’re not properly implemented. Roy Osing, former president of TELUS, advises on a strategic game plan with a rule of three: focus on the three things that will produce 80% of your results. Beware though of being diverted by what he calls the “yummy incoming”, the distractions that will pull you away from your game plan. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 ...
Feb 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1214
From a crowdfunded startup in 2013 to an award-winning brand sold in more than 30 countries, the tale of Four Pillars Gin is an uplifting and inspiring one. One of the distillery’s Co-Founders, Matt Jones, shares his remarkable story and how a commitment to craft, innovation, and intimate customer connections propelled Four Pillars to global success. Matt also reveals the strategies behind scaling intimacy, navigating challenges like COVID-19, and maintaining a relentless focus on excellence. He...
Feb 04, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1213
When Colleen Callander was CEO of Sportsgirl, she was burnt out: she’d been doing too much, saying yes to everything, and did nothing but work. These days she helps other women avoid burnout and achieve greater success in life and business. She’s Founder of Mentor Me, and has written a book with fellow business coach, Shannah Kennedy, titled ‘Elevate: unlock your extraordinary potential’. She discusses what business owners can do to redefine success. Reference: You can order a copy of Colleen Ca...
Feb 03, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1212
While the rest of the SME sector sails against strong headwinds, one small segment is going gangbusters. Labelled the "Growth Economy", this six per cent of businesses are driving Australia’s future. The CEO and MD of the Australian Business Growth Fund, Anthony Healy, says this small but mighty segment of Australian businesses generate 42% of employment, 26% of GDP, and almost half of all R&D investment. But they too face challenges, so Anthony outlines some strategies that are needed to un...
Feb 02, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1211
Mindfulness, more than ever, has practical business applications. Megan Flamer is the Director of Innovation and Capability at the Monash Centre for Consciousness & Contemplative Studies. She explains how integrating mindfulness into the workplace can boost team cohesion, emotional intelligence, and overall productivity. And she offers some practical strategies for fostering self-awareness, improving communication, and creating a supportive work environment that benefits both employees and b...
Jan 30, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1210
Change can be a daunting prospect — something many fear and dread. But that doesn’t have to be the case, according to change expert Esther De La Cruz. She says that change can, instead, be an entirely positive experience, depending on the mindset you approach it with. By focusing on the benefits, purpose and rewards, change can become not only easier, but possibly even enjoyable. Reference: https://www.estherdlc.com Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9...
Jan 29, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1209
The economy in 2025 is proving difficult to forecast, with an unpredictable new US President who may, or may not, have dramatic impacts on the global — and thus Australia’s — economy. So we have turned to renowned finance journalist, Alan Kohler, Editor in Chief of InvestSMART Group, for his take on the situation. While strong employment figures and government-driven growth in GDP might suggest stability, deeper issues like rising inequality and declining productivity are taking their toll. Econ...
Jan 28, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1208
It’s far easier today to start a business than ever before, which has resulted in more competition in almost every space imaginable. Forget about benchmarking, ‘best of breed’ analyses, and price wars with your competitors, according to entrepreneur Roy Osing. Instead, you need to establish a clear, relevant and unique claim that distinguishes you from everyone else. Roy explains how that’s achieved with his strategic game plan. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.c...
Jan 27, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1207
How safe is your workplace in a psychological sense? Workplace expert David Dilger says the concept of psychosocial safety is critical in creating well-performing teams. He explains the biological responses that can hinder workplace productivity and shares strategies to foster worker safety, including regular one-on-one meetings, constructive feedback, and effective communication techniques. David also discusses the importance of building trust, promoting self-awareness, and updating workplace s...
Jan 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1206
Millennials are a generation, with a fluctuating reputation that needs to be catered for in the workplace. So how do you attract them? Michael Black, Founder and CEO of fast growing franchise, Success Tutoring, is also a Millennial himself. He explains the challenges of engaging this dynamic generation, including their impulsivity, shifting goals, and need for trust. And he offers achievable tips to foster loyalty, align team members’ ambitions with company objectives, and create a workplace whe...
Jan 24, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1205
In the not-too-distant past, kids wanted to be firefighters, doctors or a police officers. Today, many want to be influencers. And why not, when they can earn thousands, even millions of dollars from businesses paying them to promote their products or services. The content has to be engaging of course and is often produced as videos across social media platforms. Perhaps this is a strategy that makes sense for your own business, but Heather Maloney, Founder and CEO of Contactpoint says you need ...
Jan 22, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1204
No matter the size of your business, a toxic workplace culture puts it at great risk. Colin D Ellis, a workplace culture specialist and author of the book 'Detox Your Culture', says toxic environments impact productivity, employee health, and public perception. He offers practical strategies for identifying and addressing toxic behaviours, fostering accountability, and creating a shared culture that supports both team cohesion and business success. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: Sound...
Jan 21, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1203
Inflation, supply chains, staff retention, a possible global downturn. There are so many issues facing businesses now, and they all end in one place: a cash flow spiral. The Commonwealth Bank’s General Manager of Working Capital, Elizabeth Huxley, says cash flow has become the chief concern for business across the country in recent times. But she’s offering some help, with a new system that grants businesses short-term loans using unpaid invoices as security. Business Essentials Daily is produce...
Jan 20, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1202
Many employees fear the possibility of artificial intelligence taking their jobs, so how can a small business integrate AI and allay those concerns? Aaron McEwan, VP, Research and Advisory for Gartner, outlines the challenges and opportunities AI brings to the workplace, from fears of job losses to concerns about ethical use and data privacy. He says transparency, ethical practices, and clear communication can help build trust and maximize the benefits of AI, while minimizing resistance to a tec...
Jan 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1201
Business debt to the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) has more than doubled over the past five years, with Australian SMEs owing an average of $21,000 each. And with the recent focus on small business tax debts, The CEO and Founder of Grow Capital, Gus Gilkeson, is offering some essential advice on navigating ATO notices, creating cash flow forecasts, and the importance of open communications. Gus discusses the risks of ignoring ATO demands and offers practical steps to keep tax obligations ma...
Dec 19, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1200
Cinzia Cozzolino started her smoothie business almost by accident. After she started preparing delicious nutritional smoothies for her daughter, word got out. Her daughter’s friends and their mums wanted them. The local cafes and retail outlets wanted to sell them. Next thing, Cinzia found she had a very successful business selling to hundreds of stores in the Australia and overseas. She explains what she’s learnt and what the future holds for this exciting business. Business Essentials Daily is...
Dec 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1199
Before you can effectively manage others, you need to know more about yourself. Employment lawyer and co-founder of Edge Legal David Dilger introduces four animal archetypes that illustrate different management styles, to help small business owners and managers learn about themselves. ‘The Bear’ manager, is one who dictates and focusses on results, ‘The Dog’ manager likes to be liked, ‘The Mouse’ manager, gets on the hamster wheel and takes on the team’s work, and ‘The Ostrich’ or micro manager....
Dec 17, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1198
Online spending went through the roof during the pandemic, as consumers stuck at home relied on ordering goods that could be delivered to their door. The increased confidence and reliance in the online marketplace means that your business’s digital presence is more important than ever. So, what should you be doing to ensure you’re front-and-centre in the digital world and are serving your customers as best you can? Tamara Oppen, Vice President, Developed English Markets at GoDaddy.com.au, has ti...
Dec 16, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1197
Australia’s small business sector is slowly shrinking, with big businesses creeping in to fill the void. SMEs constitute about a third of GDP, but just 15 years ago that figure was 41 per cent. In the same period, the small business share of the private sector employment market has dropped from one half to a third. The Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Bilson, argues that we are “sleepwalking into a big corporate economy.” The Ombudsman describes his 14-point plan to support ...
Dec 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1196
Michael Black, Founder and CEO of Success Tutoring has rapidly established the franchise nationally, and he intends to upend the traditional franchising model. He says his company is breaking away from rigid, corporate-style franchising structures, in a model called “flat franchising”. By fostering a collaborative environment where franchise partners, support staff, and tutors operate as equals, he's empowering everyone to contribute ideas and grow together. And it appears to be working. Busines...
Dec 12, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1195
Are you constantly distracted by those voices in your head. You know the ones, urging you to check emails or social media, but you really need to concentrate on something else, or they keep replaying a memory or a fear of yours. Or perhaps you’re trying to break a habit, like over-eating or drinking. Well, behavioural scientist Darren Fleming has come across a solution so that you can have more control over your life. He calls it ‘Mindset Mastery’, which he explains is the ability to pay attenti...
Dec 11, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1194
As society, in general, becomes more conscious of mental illness and its impacts on individuals and teams, stigmas persist. The Founder and CEO of the Safe Watch mental health app, Shane Muller, offers some practical strategies for small business owners and managers to support mental health in the workplace. He discusses how reducing stigma, focusing on employee strengths, and fostering trustful, open communication can transform workplace culture. Shane also offers insights into recognizing and ...
Dec 10, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1193
COVID changed the world, and now many businesses find themselves having to undertaking sales work over the web, with videoconferencing replacing face-to-face encounters. Sales and negotiations consultant Julia Ewert says there are some important things to remember when conducting sales meetings over the web. She says that on the web, speed kills, so dedicating more time to asking open questions, and building a rapport, is the key to success. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel ...
Dec 09, 2024•7 min•Ep. 1192
It has been an acutely challenging year for small businesses. Rising costs, interest rates, labor shortages and big new regulatory burdens have made life much more difficult. So, is there any light on the horizon in 2025? For an end of year economic summary, we’ve turned to the CEO of Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar. After a look back at 2024, Andrew signposts the global and domestic trends ahead, including the Federal Election. He describes practical solutions to bo...
Dec 08, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1191
When there’s an unspoken issue hindering communications and productivity, how do you find, and then move, the elephant in the room? It’s something conflict coach and author Genevieve Hawkins discusses in her new book, 'Shrinking Elephants: Untangling workplace conflict to unlock value for all'. She explains why tensions arise due of differing perspectives, and emphasises the importance of open, empathetic dialogue to address them. And she offers some practical advice for managers on building per...
Dec 05, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1190
As a productivity expert, Donna McGeorge has heard all the cliches. For instance, ‘hard work will get you ahead’, you need to be ‘more productive’, and you should aim to do what’s ‘urgent and important’. They’ve become well-worn cliches, as Donna explores what you really should be doing with your workday to feel less overwhelmed. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 04, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1189
The cash flow challenge is worsening, and it’s being caused by widespread overdue payments. That’s according to the CEO and Founder of Grow Capital, Gus Gilkeson. At a difficult time, Gus suggests some proactive strategies for managing late payments and outstanding debts. He shares advice on setting up effective terms of trade, the importance of clear communication with clients, and when to consider professional debt collection services. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soun...
Dec 03, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1188
A manager needs to embody a group of distinct archetypes if they are to reach their full potential, according to recruitment expert and Director of Talent X, Marnie Jones. From the pusher to the mentor, the trainer to the policeman, Marnie Jones explains her seven management archetypes and why embracing them all can lead to a better workplace, retention of staff, and higher profits. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333 See omnystudio.com/listen...
Dec 02, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1187
COVID reshaped the hospitality sector in many ways, but there’s one positive impact you probably haven’t heard about. The crisis forced the industry to unite and form a health advisory council led by Wes Lambert. The goal of the council was to negotiate with government to keep the industry largely open, while still protecting the public. The advisory council has since become the Australian Restaurant and Café Association, and Wes is CEO, the perfect choice to lead one of Australia’s most recent ...
Dec 01, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1186
