Built To Lead

Stop burning executive bandwidth on shiny AI tools while your team operates on zero context. 

In this episode I sit down with former tech engineer turned AI strategist Josh Stevenson to expose the massive operational flaw holding teams back when it comes to using AI. 

We dive straight into execution, breaking down the specific business utility of Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, eliminating data privacy risks, and automating content pipelines that generated 250,000 followers without burning founder bandwidth.

Still trying to figure out how your team can use AI? This is how.

Key moments:

00:00 Why Notion Remains the Premier Postgres Database Engine for Non-Technical Founders  08:12 The 3-Part AI Framework: Models, Tools, and Context Systems  

10:45 Step-by-Step Execution: Structuring Your Business via the PARA Method  

15:30 How to connect Notion to Claude via MCP to Auto-Build Databases  

21:30 Selecting Your Tech Stack: Claude vs ChatGPT vs Gemini  

26:15 Why You Should Never Rebuild Existing Software  

31:00 What Not to put into AI

37:00 How to Overcome the Org Chart Bottleneck  

41:45 Building a 250k Follower Content Pipeline in Notion 

 45:30 Why Raw Unedited Video Beats Polish  

56:00 Founder Performance Tracking: Automated Daily Reviews & Data Audits 

Josh is a wealth of AI knowledge. You can learn more by following him on Instagram @nocode.joshua,  YouTube, TikTok or LinkedIn.

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

When 3 early employees quit to start competing agencies, Forbes 30 Under 30 founder Lexie Murray didn't back down. Instead, she built a powerhouse 15-person agency and launched proprietary AI tech inside it. 

Lexie is the force behind Be Seen Socials and has mastered the art of leading high-performing teams, creating an enviable workplace culture, and scaling operations while managing top-tier global brands. 

In this episode, we chat about how Lexiehttps://www.instagram.com/lexieemurray/?hl=en handles team poaching, structures multi-role hires, and leverages employee-generated content to scale. You will learn the exact culture-first policies and leadership tactics needed to keep your team fiercely loyal and aligned with your vision. 

This conversation reveals how to transform internal team friction into your business's ultimate competitive advantage.

Key moments:

00:00: The real reason 3 early employees left to start competing agencies  

03:11: This is how proprietary AI tech makes a business uncopyable  

06:01: What you need to know about hiring for culture vs. pure skill  

10:57: How to set ruthless boundaries without destroying your culture  

12:54: The real reason we send our team to New York 4 times a year  

23:33: What you need to know before making employees the face of your brand  

26:40: How to respond when rival agencies try to poach your top talent  

27:49: This is why massive brands pay us to fix their internal team structures

Connect with Lexie on Instagram at @lexiemurray or follow her agency @beseensocials.

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

Ever wondered how to turn LinkedIn into a 7-figure client acquisition engine without relying on huge content teams or ad spend? 

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Lakajev, founder of Link Ninja, who walked away from a $280,000 corporate salary at Zoom to build a $3M/year business with just six team members. Having coached over 2,500 clients, Matt unpacks his exact B2B frameworks, including why traditional DMs fail, how to use "tribal niching" to speak directly to ideal buyers, and his signature "four-line" content rule that stops the mobile scroll. 

You'll learn how to cut through social media noise, leverage AI to maintain a lean operation, and turn silent readers into high-ticket sales. If you're a founder or leader looking to convert organic strategy into predictable revenue, this tactical masterclass is a must-listen.

Key moments:

00:00: Why the richest audience online is the one nobody's posting to

13:05: This is the reason most LinkedIn creators make no money

15:16: What LinkedIn rewards that Instagram punishes

20:37: What a good DM has in common with a handwritten letter

20:58: This is how AI is rewriting the hiring playbook

21:54: What most people get wrong about why something "didn't work"

40:59: Next time you post on LinkedIn, here's where 80% of your effort should go

54:00: What a "tribe" is, and why it out-converts a niche

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You can find and connect with Matt directly on LinkedIn or check out his latest strategies on YouTube on his channel, Matthew Lakajev YouTube Channel for deep-dive masterclasses, 6-hour video breakdowns, and daily LinkedIn tactics.

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

If your headcount is growing but your bottom-line profitability and operational control are slipping, your business design is leaking serious cash.  I

In this episode I sit down with Jack Henderson, founder of Henderson Advocacy and one of Australia’s most aggressive operators. Jack went from getting fired from his first buyer’s agency job to scaling a multi-entity brand with over 120 internal employees, 60 advocates, and 1,200+ properties under management in just 24 months. 

He breaks down the harsh truths of rapid headcount growth, why traditional commission-driven models alienate high performers, how to handle toxic hires immediately, and the exact leadership mechanics required to build a high-retention enterprise.  

Tune in to get the direct blueprint for building accountable teams, structuring corporate entities to protect capital, and leading from the front as a founder. 

Key moments:

00:00: Why Hiring the Wrong People Destroys Business Growth

03:33: The Real Cost of Bad Hires

08:36: Why Soft Leaders Avoid Hard Conversations

14:19: How to Fix Broken Commission Structures

17:00: The Real Reason Traditional Agency Models Don't Scale

22:56: How Authentic Personal Branding Outperforms Suits & Studios

27:28: Why Brand Authority Protects You During PR Crises

32:26: The Truth About Founders Moving Overseas to Save Tax

44:29: How to Use Holding Companies for Maximum Tax Effectiveness

48:00: Why Geographic Focus is a Founder's Ultimate Superpower

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

What happens when a founder stops following the rules… and designs a business around how their brain actually works?

Taki Moore, the founder behind Million Dollar Coach (and coach to Dan Martel, Erika Cramer and so much more) built a multi-million dollar business… and then deliberately stripped it RIGHT back. 

But not only that… 

He got rid of his entire sales team. Taking his business from 30+ team members to less than 10.

Now he is booked out months in advance, feels more creative, gets to spend time doing what he enjoys the most AND loves working in his business again.

So how did he do this?

By ditching the playbook and finally listening to what makes him a great leader.

Today I’m sitting down with Taki Moore, and his CEO Toni Bache, to talk about exactly how they're running their team, what was behind the decision to get rid of their sales team and how they restructured the business so it could grow without Taki burning out.

You’ll hear:

0:00 - Why Taki Moore keeps his team intentionally small (and how having less people actually made the business easier to run)

1:49 - The reality behind hiring too many people… What happened when Taki’s business started to feel bloated

6:23 - The point where most founders get stuck when trying to lead a bigger business

8:56 - How to get clear on what you need in your hires so you can stop panic hiring, and start hiring people who lift the bar in your business

9:56 - Does leading your business feel exhausting? You might need to try this approach instead

15:24 - Who manages the team in Taki’s business and why that role changed everything for him

18:29 - They key to having a team that runs well without constantly needing to check in or fix problems

20:48 - The Talent Density Test: The secret behind how Netflix hires

25:30 - What actually happened when Taki told his team he was downsizing his 30+ team to less than 10

31:05 - How to design a team around the way YOU work the best (not the way you think a “proper CEO” is supposed to work)

37:48 - The 5 step process Taki and Toni use to decide what parts of the business they can cut down on to get time and money back

40:26 - Good hires don’t come from job listings - they come from this instead

47:16 - What’s next for Taki and Million Dollar Coach

55:46 -  If Taki had to start completely all over and rebuild his whole team tomorrow… What's the first three roles he’d hire for and why

Want more of Taki? Find him on IG @takimoore or over on YouTube here.

Follow Toni over at https://www.instagram.com/toni.bache/?hl=en 

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠ 

Not sure what you could delegate or the next role you need? Ask Andy - https://agentsync.com.au/meet-andy 

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠ 

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/ 

From running two successful marketing businesses to shutting one down and selling the other, Mikhailla Fitzgerald has lived through the parts of leadership most founders don’t talk about.Today I’m sitting down with Mikhailla, Founder of 26 Talent Agency which was acquired and changed to Huume. Mikhailla is getting real on what actually happens when you sell your business, including how decisions get made before you feel ready, what it does to your team, and the identity loss that finally hits after the deal is done.You’ll hear: 0:00 - How to spot a real business opportunity before you feel ready2:27 - Why shutting down Mikhailla’s ‘safer’ business was one of the best decisions she made4:36 - The key to making BIG businesses decisions even when you’re not 100% sure yet5:27 - Can there truly be balance when you run a business and have a young family?7:00 - Why acquisition conversations can (and should) happen before you’re even thinking of selling9:00 - How to protect your team when you’re starting to sell your business10:20 - Who you actually to hire during an acquisition and why it might change the outcome completely13:55 - What does Mikhailla’s role look like now that the business doesn’t depend on her?15:23 - The truth behind what it’s like to manage influencers16:16 - How to hire for people management roles without wasting weeks of your time interviewing19:30 - The identity loss no one prepares you for after selling your business22:30 - The hire Mikhailla would make if she had to rebuild her team from the beginningIf you want more of Mikhailla then head over to IG @mikhailla or reach out to her on LinkedIn here.If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Is your business bogged down by bloated teams and outdated marketing playbooks?

In this episode, I sit down with Finder co-founder Jeremy Cabral to unpack the exact strategies he used to help scale Finder to over $100M in revenue. We also dive into why the next 12 to 18 months will define which businesses win and which fall behind.

If you’re a founder looking to break through revenue ceilings, streamline AI into your day-to-day operations, or make smart hiring decisions, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Jeremy shares honest insights on how SEO is shifting to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude, how to run a lean core team, and why real human connection will always give you a competitive edge.

Key moments:

00:00: This Is What It Actually Takes To Build A $100M+ Business

1:23: What Is Happening To Traditional SEO And Link-Building

14:00: Why Your Current Growth Playbook Is Stopping You From Scaling

22:44: How To Push Your Business Past The $5M–$10M Wall

29:54: Why Tech Layoffs Aren't Actually Caused By AI

41:12: The Thing You Need That AI Can Never Replace

47:19: How To Run A Lean, High-Performing 3-Person Core Team

Want to learn more about AI strategy and scaling operations? You can connect with Jeremy Cabral directly on LinkedIn or Instagram @jeremyjcabral.  

To check out his latest advisory work and private leadership network, head over to jeremycabral.com or visit executiveark.ai/

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If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

Have you thought about the cost of using AI in your business? 

Most founders think it’s going to be a great cost saver for them. 

Build the automation, set it up once and replace a wage … but I’ve spoken to hundreds of founders building with AI right now and they are all making the exact same mistakes. In this solo episode I’m going to tell you what they are, what they’re costing you and how to fix them. 

Find the Delegation playbook here - https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠ or visit ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

Most founders treat recovery like a luxury or a reward for hard work, but high performance isn't sustainable when you're running on empty. 

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Spendlove,  Executive Performance Coach, Accredited Sports Dietitian, author of For The Long Run, and former health advisor to over 30 professional sports teams, Special Forces units, and executive leaders at PWC, AirTree, and QBE. 

If you are a busy founder struggling with chronic fatigue, relentless stress, or the trap of hustle culture, this conversation will equip you with practical micro-habits, recovery rhythms, and actionable strategies to safeguard your health while scaling your business.

Key moments:

00:00: What Founders Get Wrong About Biohacking and Wellness Fads

4:24: Why You Should Fix Your Morning Domino Habit Firs

12:49: This Is The Guide to Eliminating Afternoon Energy Crashes

13:50: What Most Leaders Don't Realise About Workplace Culture

16:28: Why You Should Learn How Special Forces and Athletes Recover

32:15: What Founders Need to Know About True Burnout and Deloading

37:41: This Is The Guide to Balancing Ambitious Business Goals with Motherhood

45:31: Why You Should Build a Personal Health Operating System to Scale

You can secure your copy of Jess’s new book For the Long Run via Amazon or Booktopia.  

Want more insights from Jess? Check out her website jessicaspendlove.com/,  follow her on LinkedIn, and Instagram (@jess_spendlove_dietitian), or subscribe to her podcast Stay at the Top. 

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync

She built a business that's sold 120,000 orders in two years, with the same ADHD brain she once thought was working against her.

Tarah Elizabeth Clark is the co-founder of Voomie Supplements, a brand for busy brains. Since launching in May 2024, she's grown her team from 5 to 17, sold out twice in the first two months, and shipped over 120,000 orders.

Today, we talk about ADHD, the culture Tarah's built for neurodivergent minds, and the hiring lessons and leadership shifts that came with scaling a business fast.

Key moments:

00:00 - Selling out 12 months supply in 24 hours 

10:25 -  Why Corporate Offices Don’t Work for most people with ADHD 

11:34 - How to build a culture that increases productivity (even if it doesn’t look like it) 

13:24 - The Small Leadership Move That Changed How Her Team Worked

14:34 - Is ADHD a superpower?

15:58 - What Workplaces Get Wrong About Supporting Mums

19:00 - Do you really need to hire another person? 

20:59 - How Tarah and Barry Split Their Roles in the Business

30:11 -  The Hiring Lesson Tarah Had to Learn the Hard Way

34:04 - The one thing ADHD founders struggle with 37:01 - Should Founders Tell Their Team They Have ADHD?

39:32 - The First 3 Hires Tarah Would Make If She Started Again

You can follow Tarah, Barry and Voomie on instagram on @tarahelizabeth_,  @tarah.and.barry amd @voomiesupplements 

If you want help building your offshore team, send me a message over at @jesswhatman_agentsync - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jesswhatman_agentsync/⁠

Not sure what you could delegate or the next role you need? Ask Andy - https://agentsync.com.au/meet-andy

Find out more about off-shore employees over at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsync_/⁠ and ⁠https://agentsync.com.au/⁠

And see behind the scenes content over at https://www.instagram.com/built.to.lead.podcast/

AgentSync