Are your people excited about AI, or quietly anxious about what it means for their jobs? And how psychologically safe is your workplace culture when it comes to dealing with this uncertainty? 

On this week’s episode, we explore how leaders can help teams navigate rapid change without losing trust or momentum. Suhini Wijayasinghe, Head of HR Solutions at people2people Recruitment, shares new research on why many workers feel unprepared for an AI-driven future. She explains how employers can build AI literacy without fear.

Then, leadership consultant Sue Barrett, of Barrett Consulting Group, explains why psychological safety and clear communication matter most during uncertainty. She shares her top tips on how leaders can guide teams forward, even when they don’t have all the answers.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is “greenwashing” - and how can businesses avoid it? And what does it take to build a future-ready, people-first workplace culture? In this episode, Elio D’Amato, founder of EnviroInvest, explains what greenwashing is, why it matters, and why regulators are cracking down. He outlines the risks for business leaders and shares practical guidance on communicating environmental claims clearly, credibly and legally.

Next, leadership expert Mirjana Boznovska, founder and CEO of One Beyond Success, shares insights from her book Future of Work: A Blueprint, explaining why people-first cultures, sustainable leadership and intrinsic motivation are now business imperatives. Mirjana also shares her thoughts on what the next decade of work looks like for businesses and leaders alike.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneurship today demands more than hustle; it requires humanity, clarity and better support. In this week’s episode, entrepreneurial futurist Andrew Griffiths shares the qualities that underpin long-term success - from resilience and curiosity to embracing what makes you uniquely human in an AI-driven world. Andrew also offers sharp insights on modern marketing, brand differentiation and future-ready skills.

Then, CEO advisor and author Anthony Moss reveals why advisory boards are a powerful yet overlooked advantage. He shares when to introduce one, who to invite, and how the right advisors can help leaders break through growth plateaus and commercial isolation.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bigger and louder doesn’t always mean better - in business or on LinkedIn. In this week’s episode, two experts share their insights around focusing on quality over noise. First up, LinkedIn trainer Karen Tisdell explains how business leaders can build credibility and real relationships with a strong profile - without feeling pressured to constantly post content. She shares practical tips for creating a profile that inspires confidence - and avoiding common mistakes (including over-AI polish).

Next, what if chasing a “bigger” business is the very thing holding you back?  Brad Giles, founder of Evolution Partners, challenges the business world’s common obsession with growth. Drawing on his new book, Brad unpacks the hidden costs of chasing scale, including toxic teams and disloyal customers.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour - and empathy isn’t a “soft” skill. In this week’s episode, two innovative business thinkers explore strategies for avoiding exhaustion while cultivating meaningful connections that elevate both personal and professional performance.

First, Tim Jack Adams, founder of greenx7, introduces Energised, his practical guide to restoring sustainable energy through sleep, mindset relationships and rhythm, starting with a simple question: how’s your battery?

Then Daniel Murray, CEO of Empathic Consulting, challenges traditional leadership thinking, explaining why empathy is a powerful performance multiplier. Drawing from his book The Empathy Gap, Daniel reveals how real connection can reshape culture, boost influence and drive results in today’s demanding workplaces.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your workplace culture empowering people or quietly silencing them - and could poor experiences be driving customers away faster than you realise? In this week’s episode, leadership expert Marnie Brokenshire, cofounder of Uncapped Potential, unpacks the growing risk of culture slipping into “cult-like” control and why psychological safety matters. Then Greg Nicolle, Group Manager of Client Success at Thryv Australia, explains why customer experience can outweigh product quality and shares three practical ways businesses can build loyalty and keep customers coming back.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really drives success in today’s workplace - and are we focusing on the wrong things? In this episode, Professor Darius Pfitzner, Academic Dean at the Australian Institute of Business, shares lessons from his extraordinary career journey, from Navy aircraft engineer to leading business academic, highlighting the value of failure, humility, and customer focus.

We then turn to Emotional Intelligence Specialist Amy Jacobson, who explains how EQ can transform teams and offers five practical steps to build a more empathetic, accountable, and high-performing workplace. Together, they reveal why great leadership is both learned and deeply human.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s small business landscape is being reshaped by some major forces right now – including the need for AI training, and a proposed new Small Business Charter. We explore both in this week’s episode. First up, Freshworks Australia’s Vice President, Andrew Phillips, talks us through the widening gap between businesses adopting AI and those holding back. Andrew warns business leaders about the risks that come with inaction. He also provides practical, accessible steps for businesses ready to leverage AI to lift efficiency and stay competitive.

Next, Anne Nalder, CEO of the Small Business Association of Australia, delves into the proposed Small Business Charter and its potential to tackle long-standing structural disadvantages faced by SMEs. She outlines the reforms, protections and support the Charter could bring to businesses navigating today’s challenging conditions.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are two major forces shaping how businesses operate right now: intergenerational pressures, and hefty tax debts. In this week’s episode, leadership expert Marnie Brokenshire explains why managing five generations in one workplace is pushing managers to their limits - and why employees in their 50s may be the most underutilised asset in your organisation. Marnie also outlines the emotional-intelligence skills needed to turn generational tension into team strength. Next, CEO of Grow Capital Gus Gilkeson, breaks down this year’s surge in ATO tax debt - and what SMEs must do to avoid financial strain. Gus shares practical steps for early intervention, clear communication and managing tax obligations before they become business-threatening.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strong partnerships and loyal customers are both essential to business success – and this week’s episode explores how to bolster both. Greg Nicolle, Group Manager of Client Success at Thryv Australia, explains why retention often outperforms acquisition – and he shares six clever, underused follow-up tactics that turn one-time buyers into long-term loyalists. Then psychotherapist Tom Skotidas, founder of Everpath, reveals how fractured co-founder relationships can quietly derail a startup, and how psychotherapy helps rebuild trust before it's too late. Packed with practical insight, this episode helps leaders strengthen their partnerships and their bottom line.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.