In this episode of Before We Get Started, I sit down with UK-born sales and recruitment veteran Steve Tolan (of Pinpoint Talent & Stolen & Co).

Over a lively conversation, we explore:

• Mindset Mastery: How early lessons selling fish with his dad taught Steve resilience, humility and the importance of human connection—skills no university can replicate.

• Cultural Differences in Sales: Contrasting the cut-throat, transactional UK market with Australia’s relationship-driven approach and why tenure and authenticity matter in a small ecosystem.

• Personal Branding & LinkedIn: Steve’s “20 videos in January” experiment that drove 100K views, and the six pillars of modern sales success: personal brand, LinkedIn mastery, AI literacy, video, in-person networking, and the smart cold call.

• AI in Recruitment & Sales: Why AI won’t replace people who leverage it—only those who ignore it—and how to map your process, identify pain points, and harness automation to free up time for high-value human interaction.

• Work-Life Balance & the Future of Work: The rise of hybrid models, the value of flexibility, and the constant tension between entrepreneurial drive and making time for family.

Throughout, Steve’s energy, wit and real-world stories (like wearing a sharp pinstripe suit in Sydney!) underscore one clear message: be authentically you, lean into discomfort, and use every tool—digital or human—to amplify your impact.

In this episode of the “Before We Get Started” podcast, host Simon Gould sits down with Tom Gregory, seasoned martech pro and current commercial leader at Lifesight.io

Tom brings over 15 years of experience across performance marketing, creative agencies, and advanced attribution tech.

Fresh from attending key marketing conferences in the US and UK, Tom unpacks the evolving challenges of digital measurement, the limitations of platform-based reporting, and why brand building isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential for long-term growth.

We explore the rise of unified marketing measurement, the role of first-party data, and how AI is reshaping everything from media targeting to synthetic persona testing. Whether you’re a CMO, agency owner, or data-curious marketer, this episode offers clarity and frameworks to help you make better, more confident marketing decisions.

Stuck in B2B sales? Time to innovate and see how ABM can transform your pipeline. In this episode, we speak with Saarika Chotai, Founder of The Untapped Space—a strategic GTM and Account-Based Marketing (ABM) consultancy helping B2B companies win high-value deals. Saarika shares how her agency designs experience-led sales campaigns that break through the noise and land meetings with hard-to-reach decision-makers. Forget mass outreach. The Untapped Space is known for crafting bold, human-first campaigns backed by precision targeting and a clear go-to-market plan. Saarika unpacks how her ABM approach drives pipeline growth across enterprise, SaaS, and service-based industries—turning cold leads into warm conversations and stagnant funnels into real momentum. With a proven track record leading GTM and ABM strategies for global agencies across the UK, USA, and APAC, Saarika brings deep insight into what it takes to win in complex, competitive markets. She’s also the host of She Sells, a global podcast spotlighting women redefining sales and marketing leadership, featuring guests from Adobe, Mastercard, Visa, and more.

In this episode of "Before We Get Started," host Simon Gould sits down with Darren Clarke, serial entrepreneur and founder of DazLab. With over 25 years of experience in digital innovation, Darren shares his journey founding five businesses since 1998, including Webling (which was acquired by JWT/WPP) and his current ventures DazLab and Handle. The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, pivoting when necessary, understanding your strengths, building effective partnerships, and navigating the digital landscape. Darren also discusses his approach to product development, the importance of market validation before building, and raising the next generation of entrepreneurs as his 12-year-old son launches his own fashion brand.

This week I sit down with Steve Zammit, Managing Director of Interparcel, for an insightful conversation about building a successful e-commerce logistics company from the ground up.

From starting in a UPS call center to leading an eight-figure business serving thousands of online retailers across 250 countries, Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey with remarkable candor.

Learn how Interparcel revolutionized shipping solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, making enterprise-level logistics accessible to everyone.

Steve opens up about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of maintaining company culture, and how he's built a team that's stayed together for over a decade.

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Steve reveals his unexpected passion for supercars and shares stories from his adventures in the prestigious Gumball 3000 rally, including a particularly memorable drive through the Mojave Desert.

Whether you're an e-commerce business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and logistics, this episode offers valuable insights into building a customer-centric business in today's fast-paced digital environment.

learn more about Interparcel at

https://au.interparcel.com/

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In this episode of Before We Get Started, host Simon Gould welcomes Rob Marston from Live Commerce Australia for a dynamic discussion that traverses personal and professional realms. Rob shares his journey from humble beginnings as a butcher’s son to a successful career in technology and marketing, highlighting key milestones, including his early work with Monster and Google.

The conversation delves into the pressing issue of men’s mental health, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and connection in a society where men often feel pressured to maintain a façade of strength. Rob discusses his involvement in various men’s groups, including W Now, which provides a safe space for men to share their experiences and challenges without judgment.

They also explore the transformative potential of live commerce, particularly in light of its explosive growth in markets like China. Rob outlines how this interactive shopping experience engages consumers in new ways, leveraging social proof and FOMO (fear of missing out) to drive sales. The episode culminates in a call to action for listeners to embrace authenticity and connection, whether through mental health initiatives or by engaging with new commerce trends.

Susanne Rauer is one of the rare people inspired to go above and beyond. She is a conscious and multiple award-winning natural leader in her field. At GAIA coaching she offers consulting, training, executive coaching and leadership for seasoned executives, high achievers and business owners.

In this conversation Susanne shares her knowledge, wisdom and expertise on her conscious leadership process, setting boundaries and introducing the ‘Delicious Juice of Recognition’ concept. Susanne’s passion for human nature and encouragement of personal and professional growth shine through in this conversation.

Key areas discussed:

What makes a human tick?

Introduction to the ‘Delicious Juice of Recognition’ concept

Advice for setting Boundaries in the workplace

How to recognise burnout

What is leadership?

The conscious leadership process

Resources mentioned:

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Author Will Guidara

You can find Susanne Rauer:

Website: https://gaiacoaching.com.au

LinkedIn: @susannerauerexecutivecoachingsydney

Book a complimentary call: https://gaiacoaching.com.au/contact-us/

In this inaugural episode of "Before We Get Started," host Simon Gould interviews Calvin Chilchik, a 32 -year-old business leader and Head of CUB SYDNEY, a private members' club for entrepreneurs.

Calvin shares his journey from a directionless youth to a successful business leader, emphasizing the importance of serendipity, adaptability, and networking in his career.

Key points discussed include:

⊛ Calvin's unconventional path to business leadership

⊛The value of face-to-face networking in a digital age

⊛ Insights into sales strategies and relationship building

⊛ The importance of authenticity and honesty in business

⊛ Observations on generational differences in work approaches

⊛ The impact of COVID on business practices 2 years later

⊛The significance of persistence and adaptability in entrepreneurship

⊛ The benefits of surrounding oneself with like-minded business leaders

⊛ The importance of giving without expectation in networking

⊛ Advice for effective networking and relationship building in business