Business Essentials

Feeling busy but still falling behind? In this episode of Business Essentials, we explore smarter ways to work and compete in a changing business landscape. First, time management expert, bestselling author and speaker Donna McGeorge explains why classic time-management advice often fails busy leaders – and what works instead. She tells host Grace Jennings-Edquist why protecting your best hours and attention is what actually drives performance.

Then, Agile Energy CEO Jack Kapoor unpacks the business case for solar and batteries. He outlines how new financing models are helping some businesses cut costs and manage volatility.

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do employee disconnection and customer reviews have in common? This episode’s guests say both can pose a threat to trust – but handled well, they can really supercharge business performance.

Melinda McCormack, founder of Impact with Empathy, first joins host Grace Jennings-Edquist to explore the rising crisis of emotional disconnection at work. Melinda outlines the links between disconnection and trust, employee wellbeing and performance.

Then serial entrepreneur Karl Schwantes reveals how businesses can transform customer reviews into powerful lead generators without spending on ads. Karl, who is Managing Director of Xennox Diamonds and Founder of Reputable, also shares practical tactics for creating remarkable client experiences, earning more reviews, and even turning negative feedback into opportunity.

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is physical retail really booming again? And separately, what can family businesses teach us about longevity?

In this episode, CEO of the Family Business Association Catherine Sayer shares insights on governance, communication, succession, and how successful family enterprises modernise without losing their DNA. She tells host Grace Jennings-Edquist about the power of next-generation thinking, innovation, and a striking reality: family businesses dominate the Australian economy and employ half the workforce across the nation.  

Then, Vicki Leavy, General Manager of JMK Retail, explains the surprising shift back to in-store shopping, why human connection still matters, and the overlooked fundamentals that keep customers coming back.

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to build a successful business – and could your marketing budget be working against you?

First up in this week’s episode, entrepreneur Dorry Kordahi shares his journey from humble beginnings to launching DKM Blue in his parents’ garage and growing Swanky Socks into a global brand. He unpacks the mindset behind sustainable growth, the value of hard work, and why entrepreneurs must be mentally prepared for failure.

Then, ReferUs CEO Justin Herald explains why digital marketing can become a money pit for many small businesses, and why mastering customer experience, margins and referrals may be far more powerful than chasing clicks and metrics.

 

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you tracking the right metrics - and having the right conversations? In this week’s episode, digital marketing expert Jason Le explains why many businesses rely on “vanity metrics” that look impressive but don’t reflect real performance. As Founder and Director at JNRY Digital, Jason shares how to refocus on the metrics that really reflect growth ... and explains what LTV:CAC ratio means (and why you need to know your company’s ratio).

Then, leadership consultant Sue Barrett - founder and CEO of Barrett Consulting Group and the Selling Better movement - explores how meaningful conversations can transform workplace culture. She outlines how leaders hoping to shift the culture of their team can benefit from shifting from top-down broadcasting to genuine listening and ongoing dialogue.

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your business ready for AI - and your team ready for growth?

Our first guest on this week’s episode, AI enthusiast and business strategist Kelvin Wiggins, explains why failing to adopt AI puts businesses at risk - including from rising costs and shrinking customer expectations. As CEO of AI Connections for Business, Kelvin also shares several practical “quick wins” using AI to free teams from repetitive work.

Next, Sue Barrett – founder and CEO of Barrett Consulting Group and the Selling Better movement - explores how communication must evolve as organisations scale. Sue highlights the role of empowered team leaders, clear channels and embedded values to keep culture and purpose alive during growth.

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building eco-friendly brands and tackling the downsides of AI are timely issues in the business world – and we’ve got both covered in this week’s episode.

First, we dive in with Olympian-turned-founder Bronte Campbell, who shares how frustration with traditional activewear led her to co-found sustainable activewear brand Earthletica. She also explains why consistency, discipline and feedback – essential skills in elite sport – are just as critical for business success.

Then Neal Woolrich from Gartner helps us navigate the murkier waters of AI at work, unpacking how to tackle low-quality, AI-generated content – also known as “AI work slop”. 

If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.

Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mindset, manifestation, and building a strong advisory board: they’re three very different approaches that can all play a role in success, as our guests this week explain.

To kick this episode off, serial entrepreneur Hilton Misso shares his remarkable career journey: from suburban law firm to major wins across law, real estate, and childcare. Drawing on insights from his new book How to Manifest Success, Hilton discusses the role mindset and intuition have played in his career - and why he views adversity, including chronic health challenges, as a gift.

Then, LinkedIn trainer Karen Tisdell explains how to build a formal or informal “board of advisors” on LinkedIn. She shares practical tips for finding the right experts; staying visible to them; and ensuring you have the right team in your corner to help navigate the changing business landscape.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just how important is networking in the age of AI - and what's the business case for environmental investing? Two business thinkers weigh in on these timely themes in this week’s episode.

First, Roxanne Calder of EST10 Recruitment explains why genuine human connection matters more than ever in an AI-driven hiring landscape. She shares practical tips for building authentic relationships through curiosity, generosity and “micro touches” - and the biggest networking mistakes to avoid.

Then, Elio D’Amato, co-founder and executive director of EnviroInvest, outlines why environmentally conscious investing is no longer just ethical, but a compelling long-term investment case.

Business Essentials is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.