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.

In this episode, we dive into two pressing challenges facing today’s leaders and businesses. Gus Gilkeson, CEO of Grow Capital, discusses how Donald Trump's sweeping US tariffs are shaking up global trade, with real impacts on Australian SMEs. He offers strategic advice to help businesses stay resilient, plan long-term, and adapt to increasing uncertainty. Then leadership expert Michelle Gibbings unpacks the real meaning behind "quiet quitting" - a modern term for the age-old issue of employee disengagement. Michelle shares how leaders can spot the signs early and re-engage teams through trust and open communication.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you the type of person who clings to stability while the world around you changes? Then you might be taking a huge risk for your business. Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings argues that calculated, strategic risk-taking is now essential for organisational resilience. Michelle explains why doing nothing can be the riskiest move of all and offers practical advice for business owners on building a culture that supports wise, deliberate experimentation - without tipping into recklessness.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A generation vital to the workplace, Millennials, or Gen Y’s, are now approaching their mid-40’s. As lovers of technology, they’re not fearful of AI, but rather engage with it to seek workplace improvement and explore how it can improve the world around us. Leadership expert, Dr Paige Williams, explains how to nurture and value this vital, next generation of leaders.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How emotionally intelligent are you and your workplace? Are you being held back by toxic or unproductive relationships? Emotional Intelligence Specialist Amy Jacobson says hers is a skill anyone can learn, and that it can transform businesses. Amy outlines five practical steps to build an emotionally intelligent workplace, from self-awareness and emotional accountability to empathy, communication and decisive action.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re wondering how other businesses are handling their teams working-from-home, you might be surprised that most people are coming back to the office. But not everyone – a significant percentage are working a hybrid arrangement. Roxanne Calder, Managing Director of boutique recruiting firm, EST-10, says implementing a successful hybrid model requires understanding individual needs and aligning them with the business needs. Keeping employees happy with the flexible arrangements is important, but it should be balanced and sustainable for the business.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates, a new divide is emerging between owners and employees embracing the technology, and those being left behind. Andrew Phillips, Vice President of Freshworks Australia, a company delivering AI software for customer and IT services, explains why it’s now time for small and medium business leaders to become AI-literate. He explains how some simple, accessible tools can improve productivity, reduce costs, and future-proof teams. From repetitive tasks to customer service, Andrew describes some practical ways to integrate AI into your business and bring your workforce along for the ride.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.