In this episode, we’re joined by Emma Reeves, Director and Founder of Excelerate Marketing, a digital agency helping service-based businesses grow through strategy-led marketing.

Emma talks about how she turned the uncertainty of JobKeeper into the catalyst for launching her own agency, how saying yes to every client nearly burned her out in year one, and why defining company values early is one of the smartest moves a new business owner can make.

She also discusses how to manage remote teams while building a strong culture, how to handle unresponsive clients without derailing progress, and the difference between doing "marketing" and actually communicating value.

If you want to learn how to launch a business with clarity, avoid the common traps of early growth, and build a brand clients trust, make sure to listen to this episode!

----- 

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmareeves1/

https://www.exceleratemarketing.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceleratemarketing1/

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s 

Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI 

Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A 

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/ 

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733

Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Hook/Intro

00:57 Emma's Background

01:36 Emma before starting Excelerate Marketing

05:05 What Drew Emma to Marketing

09:04 From Employee to Business Owner

12:21 Challenges in the First Year of Business

15:07 Advice for someone who is in their First Year in Business

17:48 Overcoming challenges in the 5th year in Business

25:20 Managing staff members on a Business

33:44 Biggest Achievement in 5 years in Business

35:42 How to be different in competitors in the business

41:27 Strategies to get clients in first and second year in business

45:04 How Business change Emma's life/Three Freedom

48:25 Conclusion/Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

In this episode, we have Adam Ahmed, a former compliance officer turned Jim’s Building Inspections franchisee, who now helps everyday Aussies make smarter property decisions through honest guidance and a love for construction.

Adam talks about why he walked away from the security of a government job to pursue something more meaningful, how a single gap he noticed in the construction industry sparked his business idea, and the reason he chose a franchise model over starting from scratch.

He also discusses the mindset shifts that helped him push past fear and take the leap, how he used a simple SWOT analysis to map out his transition, and the overlooked power of using negative thoughts as fuel for positive results.

If you want to break free from a soul-sucking 9-to-5, turn your skills into a business that actually helps people, and make a career move you won’t regret, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----

SHOW NOTES LINK:

Adam’s Socials

https://jimsbuildinginspections.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/JimsBuildingInspections
https://www.instagram.com/jimsbuildinginspections/
https://www.youtube.com/@JimsbuildinginspectionsAu
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jims-building-inspections/ 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Intro/Hook
01:03 Adam's Career Path Before Franchising
06:09 Transition to Building Inspections
08:59 Choosing a Franchise Over Going Independent
13:26 SWOT Analysis and Business Planning
15:10 Positive Thinking and Overcoming Negative Thoughts
20:19 Experiences with Jim's Building Inspections
25:45 Initial Costs and Financial Considerations
31:05 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
34:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement/ Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.

In this episode, we have Nataleigh Elzein, a Business and Marketing Strategist, Fractional CMO, and Founder of Pinch Studios, who helps industry disruptors streamline their marketing, align their teams, and turn creative chaos into data-driven success.

Nataleigh shares how she built and lost a nine-person agency in four months—and the financial mistakes that caused its downfall, why hiring too late can be more damaging than hiring too early, and the mindset shift that helped her rebuild a profitable business from scratch.

She also talks about the difference between being a marketing agency vs. a strategic partner, how trusting your gut can save you from bad clients, why getting into the right rooms with the right people at the right time is one of the most powerful success hacks.

If you want to learn how to make smarter business decisions, build a resilient marketing strategy, and avoid the mistakes that can make or break your success, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----
 
SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataleigh-elzein/ 
https://www.instagram.com/nataleighmaree/ 

https://www.pinchstudios.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/pinchstudios.au/
https://www.facebook.com/pinchstudios.au 

----- 
 
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
 
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s 
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI 
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A 
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 
 
-----
 
FIND US HERE 
 
Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/ 
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 
 
-----
 
CONTACT US
 
Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 
 
-----
 
TIME STAMPS:


00:00 Intro
01:09 Nataleigh’s Background
04:02 Examples of Industry That Nataleigh’s Work With
05:11 Journey Before Getting Into Business
12:25 Experience in New York
15:25 Why Come Back to Australia?
17:27 Learning From Failure
24:36 Rebuilding the Business
29:41 First Year in Business Experience
37:08 Goals in the Next 12 Months
39:37 Husband and Wife Partners in Business
44:02 Challenges in the Business
45:30 Purpose of Doing This Business
47:28 Conclusion

-----
 
DISCLAIMER 
 
The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

In this episode, we have Bobby Lam, a finance broker at Loan Lounge with 10+ years in financial services, blending banking, lending, and community work to help businesses and individuals secure the right financial solutions.

Bobby shares how leaving a stable banking career to start a church in China shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why the first year of business is brutal—and how to push through the financial struggles, and how having a strong purpose beyond money can keep you motivated even in the hardest times.

He also discusses the biggest misconceptions about mortgage broking and why most people quit too soon, the key mindset shifts that helped him become confident deal closer, and why mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people can make or break your success.

If you want to learn how to build a resilient business, stay motivated through challenges, and create a career that aligns with your purpose, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----
 
SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-lam-578555281/ 
https://www.instagram.com/bobthebrokerau/ 

https://loanlounge.au/ 
https://www.facebook.com/loanlounge 
https://linkedin.com/company/loanlounge 
https://www.instagram.com/loanlounge/ 

----- 
 
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
 
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s 
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI 
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A 
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 
 
-----
 
FIND US HERE 
 
Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/ 
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 
 
-----
 
CONTACT US
 
Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 
 
-----
 
TIME STAMPS:


00:00 Intro
01:07 Bobby’s Background
04:15 What Made Bobby Stay In Sydney
07:11 Church in China
10:10 Learnings in Growing Church in China
13:14 First Year Experience in Business
18:59 Tips on Someone Who Wants to Start in Mortgage Brokering
23:21 Difference Between First Year and Third Year in Business
26:00 Feeling of Quitting in the First Three Years in Business/Going Back to Corporate
31:41 Tips and Experiences in the Three Years in Business
37:36 What Has Helped Bobby in Business?
40:50 Bobby’s End Goal
43:59 Conclusion

-----
 
DISCLAIMER 
 
The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

In this episode, we have Christen Clarey, Founder and Managing Director of The Accounts Department, a trusted bookkeeper for Aussie tradies, specialising in boosting cash flow and profits through streamlined financial operations.

Christen shares how she went from driving courier routes at 15 to managing a $60M invoice financing business, how her early business marriage failure led to valuable lessons about mixing personal and professional life, and why effective marketing became her golden ticket to landing high-value clients.

She also talks about the power of documentation and processes when scaling a business, why accepting help isn't a sign of weakness but a catalyst for growth, and the myth of perfect work-life balance that holds most entrepreneurs back.

If you want to learn how to build a successful business while maintaining your sanity, relationships, and growth, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christen-clarey/

https://accountsdept.com.au/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-accounts-dept/ 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Intro
00:54 Christen’s Background
01:36 How to Deal With Tradies
03:41 Christen’s Business Journey/Starting New Business/Challenges
16:49 Husbands and Wife in Business
25:19 First and Second-Year Experience in Business
30:59 Balancing Family and Business
34:36 Is Your Business Giving You All That You Want?
36:53 Conclusion 

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

In this episode, we're joined by Paul Nguyen, a 26-year-old entrepreneur who runs three successful businesses: Creative Culture HQ (a marketing agency), The Cave (a photography studio/event space), and a Supp Culture (a supplements business).

Paul shares how he turned his photography skills into a full-time business in just six weeks, built key relationships to land major clients like Westfield, and used the COVID-19 lockdown to expand his service offerings.

He also talks about how to actually start your entrepreneurial journey before you're ready, his "System Saturdays" approach to building scalable processes, and the importance of creating a safe environment for failure in achieving long-term success.

If you want to learn how to build strong business relationships, adapt to challenges, and scale your business with quality and confidence, then make sure to listen to this episode!

----- 

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauleeynguyen/
https://www.tiktok.com/@pauleeynguyen 

https://creativeculturehq.com/
https://www.instagram.com/creativeculture_hq/
https://www.facebook.com/CreativecultureHQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-culture-hq/
https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeculture_hq 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Intro
01:05 Paul’s Background
02:55 Working with Big Clients/Trust and Relationship
04:45 Running Three Businesses
07:31 Photography Business
10:20 Brother’s Impact and Role to Paul
13:06 Challenges in Times of COVID Lockdown/Tips for Someone Who Wants to Start a Business
23:07 Tips for Someone Struggling Through Their Growth Phase
24:04 How to Deal With Failure
25:50 Supplements Culture Business
27:54 The Cave
35:45 Tips on How to Handle Multiple Businesses
39:20 Is Paul Financially Stable?
40:14 Conclusion 

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for pers

In this episode, we're joined by Hassan Shah, Founder of Workspace IT Solutions, a leading provider of corporate-level managed IT services and software solutions that serve various industries across Australia and beyond.

Hassan shares how a childhood engagement and a failed visa application led him to Australia, his unexpected start in a 7-Eleven that pushed him towards his true calling, and the pivotal moment when a corrupted hard drive catalysed his entrepreneurial journey.

He also talks about the power of persistence in business success, the importance of having a supportive partner when pursuing entrepreneurial dreams, and how networking groups like BNI can be game-changers for small business owners.

If you want to learn how to balance risk-taking, persistence, and personal growth to build a successful business, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassan-shah-shani-23888447/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/workspace-it-solution/
https://healthcareitsolutions.com.au/
https://web.facebook.com/hitsmadesimple/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitsmadesimple/
https://www.instagram.com/hitsmadesimple/ 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Intro
00:42 Story of Hassan- How he got into IT
04:32 Why Hassan left Pakistan
08:13 First thing Hassan did when he got to Australia
10:49 Hassan starting his IT business
16:08 First year running the business- motivation in changing the IT industry
21:37 Challenges Hassan is facing now in the business
22:40 Hassan on being a father and running business
26:31 Advice to people who wants to start their business
28:11 Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for pe

In this episode, we're joined by Christine Yang, founder of RIDER SZN, a trailblazing motorcycle apparel brand redefining style and comfort for riders.

Christine shares how a corporate layoff became her entrepreneurial catalyst, why spending six months unemployed led to her biggest breakthrough, and how her father's unconventional advice changed the course of her career.

She also talks about the power of perfecting a product before heavy marketing, why customer advocacy can be more powerful than traditional advertising, and how solving your own problems can lead to a successful business.

If you want to learn how to turn your passion into a thriving business and create products that sell themselves, then make sure to listen to this episode!

----

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://riderszn.com/
http://instagram.com/riderszn
https://tiktok.com/@riderszn
https://web.facebook.com/riderszn/ 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
01:47 - How Christine Got Into Motorbikes
03:05 - Who Was Christine Before Rider SZN?
05:58 - Creating Rider SZN
09:59 - Christine’s Turning Point
11:48 - Rider SZN Products
17:08 - The Secret Sauce Behind Rider SZN Sales
19:17 - Christine’s First Year In Business
21:22 - Upcoming Products
22:38 - The Purpose Behind Rider SZN

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

In this episode, we're joined by Spyro Ferizis, a first-generation Greek-Australian who went from selling Avon products door-to-door at age 13 to building his two businesses, Olympic Electrical and Sparky Sales Systems.

Spyro shares why implementing proven American business models gave him an edge in the Australian market, how pivoting from construction to residential service skyrocketed his revenue, and the exact steps he took to turn Olympic Electrical into a turnkey operation that runs without him.

He also talks about his top strategies for electricians to boost their sales conversions, why having mentors is critical for rapid growth, and how to structure your business so you can take a 5-week vacation without worrying about a dip in performance.

If you want to learn how to turn your trade into a thriving, automated business that gives you true freedom, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://au.linkedin.com/in/spyro-ferizis-902356216 

https://www.olympicelectrical.com.au/
https://www.sparkysalessystems.com/ 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
00:31 -  Who is Spyro?
02:41 - The Start of Spyro's Electrician Journey
07:24 - Olympic Electrical’s Growth as a Business
09:22 - The Origin Story of Sparky Sales System
12:11 - How to Create a Turnkey Business
16:54 - The Roadblock For Business & Career Stagnation
19:49 - Sparky Sales Systems:The End Goal
22:09 - Spyro's Business Tips and Tricks
25:08 - Outro

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.

In this episode, we're joined by Sandra Nguyen, Founder of Savoury Gal, a rapidly growing catering and events business that has expanded from a startup to a thriving enterprise in just over a year and a half. 

Sandra shares how she transitioned from Sydney's top Asian nightclub promoter to a finance professional and ultimately to a successful food entrepreneur, sparked by an impressive stint on MasterChef.

She also talks about the power of community engagement in growing a business, the challenges of weathering literal storms in the food industry, and the delicate balance of working with your life partner in a high-pressure business environment.

If you want to learn how to turn your passion into a profitable business and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with resilience and creativity, then make sure to listen to this episode!

-----

SHOW NOTES LINKS

https://savourygal.com/
https://www.instagram.com/savourygal
https://www.tiktok.com/@savourygal 

----- 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QTXo7s
Apple Music: https://apple.co/46dyEeI
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3QFkw8A
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/40Akwv8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeRalAVOkGHYLfciZy_5Xg 

-----

FIND US HERE 

Website: https://solveaccounting.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550067431709
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philkhao/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/philipkhao 

-----

CONTACT US

Phone: (02) 8197 1733
Email: [email protected] 

-----

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Who is Sandra Nguyen?
03:45 - Applying for MasterChef
05:52 - Creating “Savoury Gal”
08:11 - The Nuances of Running a Business for One Year
09:58 - Working With Your Partner in Business
11:30 - Corporate Life Vs. Business Owner Lifestyle
13:20 - HR Challenges
15:19 - Expanding Savoury Gal
17:43 - How Much Are Food Trucks Making?
18:45 - Savoury Gal Marketing: R&D a New Menu
20:30 - Food Wastage
21:52 - What’s Next?
23:28 - Sandra’s Pearls of Wisdom
24:20 Outro 

-----

DISCLAIMER 

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.