If you've ever felt like your business is stuck despite all your hard work, it's likely because you're focusing on the wrong part of the equation. In this episode, I'm breaking down two fundamental frameworks that determine whether you'll actually hit your goals this year (the Be-Do-Have formula and the Formula for Change).

I cover why most business owners start with what they want to "have" but fail because they don't address who they need to "be." We explore the difference between a reactive manager and a strategic CEO, and why your identity is often the biggest bottleneck in your company's growth.

I also share the original version of the Formula for Change, which includes a critical element many modern versions leave out (believability). If you don't truly believe the plan will work, you'll never overcome the natural resistance to change that exists in every business. Whether you're looking to reduce weight or triple your profits, these principles are the keys to creating lasting transformation.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

We all complain that we don't have enough time, but the truth is we all have exactly the same amount. The real difference lies in how we use it to build a life we actually enjoy. In this episode, I explain how small, consistent changes (the Kaizen principle) can compound into massive results for your business and personal life over just 90 days.

I also break down the concept of the "Default Diary" or "Ideal Week." It's a system that treats your schedule like a school timetable to ensure you aren't just reacting to urgent tasks but are prioritising the important ones. I discuss the importance of placing your "Big Rocks" first - whether that's getting invoices out or having dinner with your family, so the trivial things don't crowd them out.

Finally, I walk you through a realistic schedule of a high-performing CEO, showing you how they balance deep work, team huddles, and personal health while still aiming to finish by 5 PM. If you're tired of running on a hamster wheel, this framework will help you take back control.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected] 

This is a Podvan Media production.

It's the start of 2026, and it's the perfect time to get serious about what lies ahead. I'm joined again by my business partners (Nadia and Felicity) to look at the critical difference between hoping for an outcome and actually planning for it. Most people rely on willpower, but that usually fades by February.

In this episode, I explain why you need emotional leverage (pain and pleasure) to make changes stick. We discuss the "Identity Iceberg" and why you can't just change your actions; you have to shift who you are to see lasting results.

We also look at the mechanics of growth. Nadia shares a cautionary tale about a client who chased sales while losing money on every transaction. It's a reminder that you need to fix your model before you pour gas on the marketing. We wrap up with how to use a 90-day plan to keep your team focused and profitable.

If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

It's time to review the year, so we can understand where we are, what worked - and what we could do better. In this episode, my business partners (Felicity and Nadia) and I discuss the highs and lows of the last 12 months. We look at personal wins and the reality of launching Business Unlocked from scratch.

We cover the importance of saying no to the wrong people to protect your business culture, and we break down our financial model - which applied Profit First principles from day one to ensure profitability and tax compliance.

If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

Today, I sit down with Kim MacDonald, a money and mindset mentor who I met during our Profit First Mastery days. We look at why logic and strategy only account for 80% of your success and why the other 20% (your mindset) is actually the most critical part.

Kim explains why work-life balance is a myth and describes it more as a "dance" where you constantly shift focus. We also look at the "money stories" we inherit from our parents (like feeling guilty about spending on yourself while buying expensive groceries) and how these hidden beliefs stop business growth.

Finally, we discuss a road rage incident that perfectly illustrates why "everything is neutral until I give it meaning." If you feel stuck despite having all the right strategies in place, this episode helps you ask the right questions to move forward.

You can reach Kim via kimmacdonald.com.au

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

Our logo and our brand are often confused as being the same thing. To clear this up, I am joined by professional graphic designer Amanda Hargraves from Creative Cause. She explains why a logo is merely a trigger while the brand is the actual experience your customer feels.

We discuss the psychology behind colour selection (why accounting firms use blue and fast food chains use red) and why picking colours just because they look nice is a mistake. Amanda shares her insights on how industry giants like Apple create tribe-like loyalty through consistent experiences rather than just clever design.

We also cover the shift in modern business where personal branding and authentic relationships (even for plumbers and trades) are becoming more valuable than technical skill alone. Amanda shares her background working with major charities and how those lessons in connection apply to every small business owner.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Rosie Hargraves, a Profit First Professional and tax accountant from AmaRose Accounting on the Gold Coast, to discuss how to get the most out of the relationship with your accountant. Too many business owners treat their accountant as someone they visit once a year just to stay compliant. Rosie explains why this approach costs you money and adds unnecessary stress.

We cover the importance of proactive communication. You need to call your accountant before you make big decisions (like buying that new Ford Ranger or planning a lavish staff Christmas party) rather than fixing the mess later. Rosie details why you must understand the financial jargon and why it is okay to switch accountants if you do not feel supported.

We also look at the power of building a professional team around you. When your mortgage broker, buyer's agent, and accountant communicate directly, you get better results with less friction. Rosie also shares her personal experience with business burnout and how implementing Profit First provides the clarity you need to succeed.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to systemise their business for efficiency. That's why I'm such a raving fan of Profit First. It's theoretically a cash management system, but it's so much more than that. It gives you real-time information that is easy to understand and simple to manage once it's in place.

In this episode, I address the 10 most common myths or strange ideas I hear about Profit First (and why they are wrong). I explain why this isn't just another accounting system and why waiting until you are "profitable" to start is a huge mistake.

If you have been letting these myths (or your accountant) hold you back, I clarify exactly why you need to put this system in place immediately.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au 

or shoot an email to [email protected] 4

This is a Podvan Media production.

I used to be a police officer in the Highway Patrol. It was a long time ago, but the lessons I learned on the road (and in the station) are incredibly relevant to running a profitable business today.

In this episode, I share seven specific insights from my time in the force. I talk about why giving your team the right equipment matters more than you think and why hiring for attitude is usually better than hiring for skill. I also cover the importance of spotting small problems (feeling the taps) before they turn into disasters.

We discuss the "no dickheads" policy, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy culture. I explain how I applied customer service principles even when issuing speeding tickets and why understanding your employees' personal goals is the key to getting the best out of them.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.

"How do I get my employees engaged?"

This is one of the most common questions I get from founders and CEOs. Research backs up this concern. If you imagine your company as a boat, 20% of your people are rowing hard, 60% are just dipping their oars, and 20% are actively rowing against you.

The typical response is to force teamwork, but I believe that approach is flawed. We often say "there's no I in team," but there is an 'I' in 'win'. The focus shouldn't be on how to engage them; it should be on how you engage with them individually.

In this episode, I explain my "Start with I" philosophy. It’s about helping your people get what they want first, which in turn helps the business get what it needs.

To show you how this works, I use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. I cover the five levels (from basic physiological needs to self-actualisation) and provide practical ways you can apply this framework to your staff. It’s about understanding who they want to become (both inside and outside of work) and helping them get there.

If you'd like to get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!

You can visit http://businessunlocked.com.au or shoot an email to [email protected]

This is a Podvan Media production.