Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs may be facing its nadir in the United States, but how does that trend compare to Australia? Aaron McEwen, Vice President of Research and Advisory for Gartner, says corporate Australia remains committed to DEI and is likely to continue diversifying their work forces. He explains why he thinks small business owners should see diversity as a competitive advantage rather than a burden. He also highlights the tangible benefits of diverse perspectives in...
Mar 20, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1245
Ros Handley wants to change the conversation around retirement to renewal. Our mindset, and the way we think about this phase of our lives is really important. If we have potentially 20 years or more ahead of us, why wouldn’t we see it as an opportunity to start something new? And, it’s never too early, she says, to think about and plan for retirement. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1244
Economic conditions right are extremely difficult for some SMEs, now faced with downsizing to try and manage. But letting workers go is never easy. Change expert and employee engagement specialist Esther De La Cruz says handling termination with transparency, collaboration, and care can make a difficult situation more manageable for everyone involved. Esther explains her ‘Four Cs’ framework to help business owners and managers execute layoffs with compassion, maintain morale, and support both de...
Mar 18, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1243
Understanding your clients’ needs and desires is a crucial step in the sales process. And it’s only through asking the right questions and having the ability to listen well, that you can source this information. That’s the first of five steps to increasing sales conversions. Sales and business strategist, Maree Kirkpatrick says pricing and bundles should be tailored to meet specific client requirements. Asking for the sale shouldn’t be considered pushy or salesy. Objections should be seen as opp...
Mar 17, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1242
For family-owned businesses, succession planning is essential. But it’s more complicated, and takes longer to achieve, than many families think. Family Business Association CEO Catherine Sayer says succession planning can take years to execute properly. Without a clear plan, businesses risk uncertainty and conflict when key leaders step away — whether due to retirement, illness, or unforeseen events. Catherine explains why early planning and open communication are crucial, offering practical ste...
Mar 16, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1241
How do the new ‘right to disconnect laws’ affect your business? Workplace Expert Michelle Gibbings explains how to actually harness the new rules to benefit your business. By setting clear boundaries and role-modeling healthy work habits you can boost productivity rather than hinder it. Learn why overworking leads to diminishing returns and how simple strategies like time blocking and prioritizing self-care can help both business owners and their teams work smarter, not harder. Business Essentia...
Mar 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1240
Each year, leading sales advisor Sue Barrett reveals the top sales and business trends. For 2025 those trends embrace the concept of collaboration. To be effective, you needn’t choose between being a hunter or a gatherer, or a manager or leader. These binary choices are not helpful, Sue says. You can be both profitable and ethical, an effective leader and manager, and combine human capability with technology for better business. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.c...
Mar 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1239
When you hear the term ‘mindful listening’ do you think of a soft skill, or a game-changing ability for business success? Communications expert and the Founder and CEO of Excited Adults, Megan Flamer, explains how truly hearing your clients and team members can build trust, foster loyalty, and even help de-escalate difficult situations. With simple techniques like paraphrasing and staying present in conversations, you can create stronger connections and improve your decision-making in high-press...
Mar 11, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1238
No matter how tough times are – and we’re facing economic challenges right now – there is always opportunity. That’s according to Andrew Griffiths, entrepreneurial futurist, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. It’s up to us to adapt in the face of change, he says, and be proactive in chasing those opportunities. He provides seven practical steps you can take to guide your business to new heights in 2025. Importantly, you need to take action now! Business Essentials Daily is produced by: So...
Mar 10, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1237
It has sparked a huge pre-election debate: the Federal Opposition’s proposed policy to exempt small businesses from fringe benefits tax on meals and entertainment expenses up to $20,000 per year. But the controversy isn’t stopping the Australian Restaurant and Café Association CEO, Wes Lambert, from supporting the idea and backing up the coalition in the halls of the Parliament. Wes says that, if implemented, the policy could inject billions into restaurants, cafés, and pubs while allowing small...
Mar 09, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1236
How good are you at initiating, and then conducting, a difficult conversation? Effective small business leadership often requires traversing tough conversations with empathy, clarity, and courage. Former Xero CEO Steve Vamos has some practical strategies for addressing performance issues while fostering stronger team relationships, emphasizing the importance of aligning individual contributions with business goals. He explains how a human-centered approach can unlock employee potential, boost pr...
Mar 06, 2025•7 min•Ep. 1235
Few could have guessed that an overweight young man with an eating disorder would go on to found one of Australia’s most popular fitness brands, but that’s Aaron Smith’s true story. In this episode, the founder of KX Pilates discusses his new book, 'Define Yourself: When Passion, Purpose and Business Collide'. Aaron overcame immense personal and business setbacks to start a company that now includes more than a hundred studios in six countries. He explores the highs and lows that shaped both his...
Mar 05, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1234
Almost every workplace has them: entitled workers who become disgruntled with a lack of favoured treatment. Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings explains how to spot the warning signs and deal with this sort of toxic teammate. She outlines six practical steps for leaders to address entitlement, clarify expectations, and foster fairness in the workplace while maintaining team morale and productivity. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333 See omnyst...
Mar 04, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1233
COVID-19 drastically affected the way we buy – we’ve embraced online shopping not just for convenience but in the hope of finding the best deals. Now, with cost-of-living pressures, and the rise of subscriptions services, the infrastructure required to accommodate this switch in consumer buying habits has had to adapt. Richard Thame is CEO of CouriersPlease, Australia’s leading franchised parcel delivery service. He says sales events – like Black Friday and Christmas sales – play a major role in...
Mar 03, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1232
It’s been a challenging time for small businesses recently, economically but also at a political level. Workplace relations changes are a principal concern. Andrew McKellar, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been at the front lines of the situation. Andrew reflects on the key battles and achievements for Australian businesses in 2024, covering topics like workplace relations, skills and training, global trade uncertainties, and the critical need for bipartisan action on...
Mar 02, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1231
Family businesses make up a staggering 70% of Australian enterprises and employ about half of the nation’s workforce, yet they often lack the recognition they deserve in government policy. The CEO of Family Business Association, Catherine Sayer, says her organisation is ramping-up its efforts to elevate family businesses on the political agenda, from securing a dedicated ministerial portfolio to addressing tax challenges for multigenerational businesses. Catherine also emphasises the need for be...
Feb 27, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1230
As president, Roy Osing guided Canadian telco Telus Communications to $1 billion in sales. He identifies six major drivers that helped to achieve that growth, including differentiation, planning, and championing the frontline staff. He insists that there are no silver bullets – running a business is a game of inches. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1229
Burnout can hit fast or creep in slowly, with implications for individuals but also for team morale and productivity. So how can you tell if it’s emerging before it affects the bottom line? Founder and CEO of Excited Adults, Megan Flamer, says communication and creating a sustainable work environment are crucial for long-term success. And Megan offers some practical strategies for identifying and then combatting workplace burnout. She says small actions can make a big difference. Business Essent...
Feb 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1228
When it comes to the cascade of AI tools entering the market, be wary of relying too heavily on them to communicate with your audience. Customer service legend Barry Urquhart insists there is nothing more frustrating than having to deal with AI bots, when all customers or clients want is to speak with a real human. While AI can enhance efficiency and productivity, he says, it should be used to complement human interaction rather than replace it. So, before investing in new AI technologies, busin...
Feb 24, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1227
Do you need some cash to make your business grow? And would you consider swapping equity with a government-backed fund for growth capital? Then you might like to apply to the Australian Business Growth Fund. The fund’s CEO and MD, Anthony Healy, helps small and medium enterprises unlock their full potential with long-term minority growth capital. Anthony explains how businesses with turnovers between $2 million and $100 million can qualify for funding, gain tailored support, and achieve their gr...
Feb 23, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1226
Any form of workplace bullying is toxic, but what happens when the boss doesn’t know that they themselves are bullying? Workplace Expert Michelle Gibbings says the key for small business owners and operators is self-awareness. Michelle highlights the critical role self-awareness plays in effective leadership, especially in fostering psychological safety within teams. She discusses how leaders can identify unintentional bullying through hard and soft data, the profound impact of workplace dynamic...
Feb 20, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1225
More than 60% of Australians over 18 years old have a LinkedIn profile. While the popular social media platform is ideal for sourcing and developing business leads, most people don’t use it effectively, according to Karen Tisdell. Karen helps people to craft their LinkedIn profiles and offers lessons on building connections through the platform. To generate leads Karen recommends proactively searching for potential clients, personalising connection invites, and building relationships through eng...
Feb 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1224
As an author and former CEO of cloud-based accounting software business, Xero, Steve Vamos shares transformative lessons from his new book, ‘Through Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the Front Line of Technology and Change.’ Steve discusses his leadership path, emphasizing the power of clear priorities, alignment, and performance focus to create thriving workplaces. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels, he discusses how self-awareness, open communication, and genuine care for peo...
Feb 18, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1223
So many different online tools are now available to plan your work day and record the important elements of your business. But whether you use them or old school pen and paper, it’s crucial to record your thoughts, or risk forgetting what you’ve done or the goals you’re trying to achieve. Productivity guru Les Watson explains why he’s a fan of record-keeping and setting time aside for review and reflection. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333 ...
Feb 17, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1222
Workplace regulations seem to be snowballing, with new compliance requirements relating to employment, casual work arrangements and union access worsening matters. A recent Work Health and Safety survey, conducted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reveals that 34% of small business owners are battling mental health issues like anxiety and depression — far above the national average. The Chamber’s CEO, Andrew McKellar, says all of this, coupled with economic pressures such as ri...
Feb 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1221
Managers struggling to address poor performance effectively is an enduring issue for many businesses, and it can lead to challenges like avoidance, ruinous empathy, or manipulative insincerity. That’s according to Employment Lawyer and co-founder of Edge Legal, David Dilger. David shares his views on balancing compassion and accountability, fostering trust through clear and respectful communication, and using what he calls the "competency-care seesaw" to deal with complex situations. He emphasis...
Feb 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1220
Customers don’t like it when they're told "No, you can't do that," or "No, you can’t have that." Many organisations insist on rules and regulatory systems to control and handle large numbers of customers. The problem is, observes entrepreneur Roy Osing, they ignore customers as individuals, which leaves them annoyed and upset. And you don’t want that! Instead, Roy encourages businesses to implement a strategy of "yes". Business Essentials Daily is produced by: SoundCartel soundcartel.com.au +61 ...
Feb 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1219
Do you know if your business is being held back by an antiquated workplace culture? The expectations of workers have evolved dramatically in recent years, and leaders need to change their practices to keep pace. Workplace Culture Specialist and author of ‘Detox Your Culture’ Colin D. Ellis says investing in effective management training, embracing inclusivity, and fostering a sense of belonging are essential for building high-performing, resilient teams in 2025. And he offers strategies to futur...
Feb 11, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1218
KX Pilates is the Australian fitness chain that muscled in on the local market. The idea was first sparked while its founder, Aaron Smith, was travelling abroad. Following his gut instinct and with no formal business qualifications, he’s propelled his business into an industry juggernaut with 109 studios across six countries. In this episode, Aaron shares the story of how innovative customised Reformer Pilates machines, exclusive to KX Pilates studios, have revolutionised the workout experience....
Feb 10, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1217
Family businesses hold a special place in the economic landscape, with their own unique challenges and concerns. CEO of Family Business Association, Catherine Sayer, discusses the organisation’s recent Pronto Software Barometer Survey, which reveals how multigenerational thinking sets these businesses apart and why they are crucial to Australia’s economic and social fabric. The survey illustrates what keeps family business owners awake at night, the importance of long-term planning and the impac...
Feb 09, 2025•8 min•Ep. 1216
