Business Essentials

How good are you at initiating, and then conducting, a difficult conversation? Effective small business leadership often requires traversing tough conversations with empathy, clarity, and courage. Former Xero CEO Steve Vamos has some practical strategies for addressing performance issues while fostering stronger team relationships, emphasizing the importance of aligning individual contributions with business goals. He explains how a human-centered approach can unlock employee potential, boost productivity, and drive better outcomes for the business.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

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Few could have guessed that an overweight young man with an eating disorder would go on to found one of Australia’s most popular fitness brands, but that’s Aaron Smith’s true story. In this episode, the founder of KX Pilates discusses his new book, 'Define Yourself: When Passion, Purpose and Business Collide'. Aaron overcame immense personal and business setbacks to start a company that now includes more than a hundred studios in six countries. He explores the highs and lows that shaped both his personal and professional journey, in a memoir that serves not just as a business guide but as a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of humility in leadership.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost every workplace has them: entitled workers who become disgruntled with a lack of favoured treatment. Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings explains how to spot the warning signs and deal with this sort of toxic teammate. She outlines six practical steps for leaders to address entitlement, clarify expectations, and foster fairness in the workplace while maintaining team morale and productivity.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 drastically affected the way we buy – we’ve embraced online shopping not just for convenience but in the hope of finding the best deals. Now, with cost-of-living pressures, and the rise of subscriptions services, the infrastructure required to accommodate this switch in consumer buying habits has had to adapt. Richard Thame is CEO of CouriersPlease, Australia’s leading franchised parcel delivery service. He says sales events – like Black Friday and Christmas sales – play a major role in how consumers plan their purchasing behaviour. To survive in the fast-changing retail landscape, Richard says businesses should focus on understanding their customer, providing value, and investing in technology.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a challenging time for small businesses recently, economically but also at a political level. Workplace relations changes are a principal concern. Andrew McKellar, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been at the front lines of the situation. Andrew reflects on the key battles and achievements for Australian businesses in 2024, covering topics like workplace relations, skills and training, global trade uncertainties, and the critical need for bipartisan action on economic reforms. He highlights progress in areas such as job skills initiatives and collaboration with the government, while also addressing concerns about inflation, energy transitions, and the compliance burden on small businesses. With a federal election looming, Andrew McKellar also explores pressing issues like cost-of-living pressures and the risks of a minority government for the business sector.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family businesses make up a staggering 70% of Australian enterprises and employ about half of the nation’s workforce, yet they often lack the recognition they deserve in government policy. The CEO of Family Business Association, Catherine Sayer, says her organisation is ramping-up its efforts to elevate family businesses on the political agenda, from securing a dedicated ministerial portfolio to addressing tax challenges for multigenerational businesses. Catherine also emphasises the need for better data collection to inform policy decisions and to ensure this enormous sector thrives.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As president, Roy Osing guided Canadian telco Telus Communications to $1 billion in sales. He identifies six major drivers that helped to achieve that growth, including differentiation, planning, and championing the frontline staff. He insists that there are no silver bullets – running a business is a game of inches.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout can hit fast or creep in slowly, with implications for individuals but also for team morale and productivity. So how can you tell if it’s emerging before it affects the bottom line?

Founder and CEO of Excited Adults, Megan Flamer, says communication and creating a sustainable work environment are crucial for long-term success. And Megan offers some practical strategies for identifying and then combatting workplace burnout. She says small actions can make a big difference.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to the cascade of AI tools entering the market, be wary of relying too heavily on them to communicate with your audience. Customer service legend Barry Urquhart insists there is nothing more frustrating than having to deal with AI bots, when all customers or clients want is to speak with a real human. While AI can enhance efficiency and productivity, he says, it should be used to complement human interaction rather than replace it. So, before investing in new AI technologies, businesses should assess and optimize their existing resources and capabilities.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you need some cash to make your business grow? And would you consider swapping equity with a government-backed fund for growth capital? Then you might like to apply to the Australian Business Growth Fund. The fund’s CEO and MD, Anthony Healy, helps small and medium enterprises unlock their full potential with long-term minority growth capital. Anthony explains how businesses with turnovers between $2 million and $100 million can qualify for funding, gain tailored support, and achieve their growth ambitions while navigating economic challenges.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.