Gary Ryan Moving Beyond Being Good®

The Hidden Cost of Scaling: Culture at Risk

Discover how to preserve your company's culture as you grow.

In a world where scaling a business often overshadows its foundational culture, the insights from our latest podcast episode with Shelly McElroy are both timely and critical. Shelly, founder of Dream Culture, has witnessed firsthand how the very elements that drive growth can also erode the culture that made success possible in the first place.

The Culture Crisis
Shelly highlights a powerful truth: "It's not the market, it's not the competition, it's not even cash flow that kills most companies at scale. It's the culture they destroy on the way up." As businesses grow, the tight-knit trust that once defined their teams can begin to crack. New hires may not integrate seamlessly into the established culture, leading to misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication.

Diagnosing the Issues
Shelly's approach involves a comprehensive discovery process where she observes and identifies the underlying issues within an organization. This means activating all senses to pick up on the subtleties of team dynamics—what's being said, how it's being communicated, and even what remains unspoken. The goal is to transition organizations from a **"culture by default"** to a **"culture by design."**

Actionable Insights
One of the key shifts she advocates for is the effective use of employee engagement surveys. Shelly stresses the importance of transparency and follow-through: **"Businesses often spend thousands on surveys, but if employees see no action taken based on their feedback, engagement drops further the next year.** When leaders share findings and outline actionable steps, it fosters a sense of value and trust among team members.

Optimising Work Culture
Furthermore, Shelly brings in neuroscience to enhance workplace efficiency. For instance, she notes that our brains need breaks every 90 minutes and that the prefrontal cortex can optimize for only about four hours a day. By aligning tasks with optimal energy levels, teams can significantly improve productivity.

"Are you leveraging your body clock's optimization to your ways of working?" Shelly asks. This question could be the key to unlocking better performance within your teams.

A New Era in Hospitality
As we move into a post-COVID world, the hospitality industry faces unique challenges in retaining and attracting talent. Shelly emphasizes that culture is the great equalizer. **"How do you want people to feel every day when they start their shift?"** This question is essential for leaders aiming to create an environment that resonates with both existing and prospective employees.

In this episode, Shelly McElroy provides actionable strategies that can transform company culture, even in high-pressure industries. Tune in to discover how you can prevent the pitfalls of scaling and nurture a thriving workplace culture.

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Reflecting on these insights could be the first step in re-evaluating your approach to team dynamics and workplace culture. For the full conversation, be sure to listen to the episode with Shelly McElroy.

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

Should you be buying property in Victoria, Australia - or anywhere in Australia - with capital gains tax changes, negative gearing changes, and land taxes? Is property still a way to build wealth, especially for business owners deciding where to allocate capital?

In Episode 207 of the Moving Beyond Being Good Podcast, Gary Ryan speaks with Dean Munro, a buyer’s agent and founder of Dean Munro Property, about what’s happening in the Victorian market right now and how to think through Melbourne vs regional Victoria (including locations like Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong).

They discuss:

• Whether Victoria remains attractive for property investors and why (supply and demand)
• How yields in Melbourne compare with other states and what market softening has changed
• What a buyer’s agent actually does (due diligence, negotiation/auction bidding, reports, and building the right support team)
• Typical timeframes to secure the right property (often 2–3 months)
• Off-market opportunities and the value of agent relationships
• Key considerations for first-time investors, owner-occupiers, and those exploring commercial property later on

Dean Munro Property: https://deanmunro.com.au

Compliance: This episode is general information only and does not constitute financial or property advice. Consider your objectives and circumstances and seek independent professional advice before making any decisions.

Want your business to grow and scale? Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Gary Ryan here.

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

Why can't anyone copy the Bloomin' Onion after 40 years?

Tim Gannon - Co-Founder of Outback Steakhouse - reveals the business strategy hiding in plain sight that built 1,000+ locations globally and turned general managers into millionaires.

This episode isn't about recipes or marketing tactics. It's about:

→ Kitchen design as intellectual property
→ Ownership structure as competitive moat 
→ Australian authenticity as a growth engine
→ The $25K investment that created partner loyalty
→ Why "really wealthy" became the North Star for building a $4B brand

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WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• The real reason competitors can't replicate the Bloomin' Onion (even though it's not copyrighted)

• How the Proprietor Program made restaurant managers into millionaire partners

• The polo farm conversation that defined Tim's entire career trajectory

• What Australian hospitality taught American restaurants about genuine service

• Why being in the trenches as a general manager shaped Outback's partner-first culture

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ABOUT TIM GANNON:

Tim Gannon started as a restaurant general manager and co-founded Outback Steakhouse, building it into one of the world's most recognized restaurant brands. He's the author of "Blooming Adventures" and continues to inspire entrepreneurs with his authentic approach to business building.

Connect: https://outbacktim.com

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ABOUT THE HOST:

Gary Ryan is an author, executive coach, and business achievement specialist who interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders on the decisions and strategies that move beyond "good" to exceptional.

🌐 Connect with Gary
📧 Email: [email protected]

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EPISODE: 206
RELEASE DATE: 28th July 2026
LENGTH: 13:29

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

Navigating the complexities of family relationships and offering life advice to at-risk youth is crucial. This discussion with Lyndon Jones, Founder of Next Gen Edge https://nextgenedge.com.au provides valuable personal development insights for parents, particularly those whose children, even from high school, are struggling with mental health challenges. It highlights that without proper support, these students might take concerning paths. 

This interview delves into the complexities of 'at-risk youth,' particularly focusing on challenges within family relationships and the critical need for effective parenting teenagers strategies. It highlights how many young individuals, even those from private school systems, can drift onto concerning paths, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the role of a dedicated youth worker. Addressing these issues can help foster better life skills for teens and provide crucial mental health support. 

This is Episode 205 of the Moving Beyond Being Good Podcast. Please visit https://orgsthatmatter.com to learn more about Gary Ryan and Organisations That Matter or https://businessgrowthdownunder.com to learn about the SCALEFAST Program hosted by Gary Ryan and Alison Wheeler for business owners. Connect with Gary Ryan on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/garyryanofficial/

Connect with Lyndon Jones on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndonpjones/

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

Please visit https://orgsthatmatter.com to learn more about Gary Ryan and Organisations That Matter or https://businessgrowthdownunder.com to learn about the SCALEFAST Program hosted by Gary Ryan and Alison Wheeler for business owners. 

Are you conducting your "one on one" meetings with staff correctly? This video, featuring Gary Ryan from Organisations That Matter, provides crucial insights for "managers" and senior "leadership" on how to effectively lead these sessions. Learn the right approach to ensure "employee productivity" and foster better "people management" practices within your organisation. 

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn here https://linkedin.com/in/garyryranofficial/

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

 Please visit here to learn more about Gary Ryan and Organisations That Matter 

In this insightful interview, we sit down with Henrik Brandt, a Danish business growth architect, who simplifies complex "information technology" terms like ERP and CRM. 

Henrik shares valuable "business tips" on how these powerful "business tools" contribute to significant "business success." Tune in to learn how to "grow your business" through effective IT systems and a smart business approach. 

Connect with Henrik on LinkedIn here 

Connect with Henrik on Instagram here

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

In this insightful interview hosted by Gary Ryan, we hear a powerful message on leadership and motivation. Captain Marques Powell shares his personal experience leading 183 soldiers, emphasising the critical importance of being an inspirational presence even when facing immense pressure. This life motivational video offers valuable insights into how to be a leader who stands tall and maintains composure for their troops, refusing to collapse under fear.

Visit here to book Marques for your next event or leadership program.

Follow Marques on Instagram here

Learn more about Gary Ryan here  and connect on LinkedIn here 

Watch this episode on YouTube here

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

Setting a goal to become a CEO is one thing. Actually becoming one is a whole different ball game.

In this episode of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, I speak with Barry McDonald, CEO of NovaFit, an Australian owned distributor of world class fitness equipment. Barry has spent more than 20 years shaping the health and fitness landscape in Australia through national leadership roles with brands such as Matrix Fitness Australia, Jets Australia and Goodlife Health Clubs.

Barry shares how his early life in housing commission, constant school changes and junior footy coaching shaped his view of leadership as service. He explains why he always tried to behave “one role up” throughout his career, and how that mindset helped him move from sales and general management into the CEO role.

We discuss:

• The childhood moment he realised he loved leading
• Two very different mentors who shaped his CEO style
• The uncomfortable shift from peer to CEO with the same team
• The real price you pay to sit in the CEO chair
• How NovaFit doubled revenue and tripled profit in two years
• Why true culture is built on discipline, honest conversations and genuine care
• How AI is extending service and member experience in the fitness industry

If you enjoy this conversation, please follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with a leader or emerging leader in your world.

To learn more about my work on leadership, culture and business growth, search for “Gary Ryan” and “Organisations That Matter” online, and connect with me on LinkedIn.

Learn more about CEO Barry McDonald and Novofit 

Connect with Barry on LinkedIn 

Book a FREE Online Coffee Chat with Gary Ryan here to learn at least three practical strategies for leadership and business growth  

Connect with Gary Ryan on LinkedIn 

Follow Gary on Instagram

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

Join host Gary Ryan on Moving Beyond Being Good as he sits down with Paul Cowan, the visionary founder of Cowan Air and Cowan Doors. After 34 years in business, Paul reveals how he built a multi-million-dollar enterprise that puts choosing clients and delivering unparalleled service at its core. Learn how Paul turned early hardships into strength, developed proprietary software to drive accountability and efficiency, and fostered a culture where quality and respect shape every interaction.

From rejecting low-margin contracts to creating a flexible yet disciplined workplace, Paul shares pragmatic leadership lessons and the power of saying no to grow sustainably and profitably. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, discover how to build a high-performance business, keep your team aligned with vision, and maintain a lifestyle balance.

Learn more about Gary Ryan and Organisations That Matter here.

Learn more about Gary's SCALEFAST Program for small to medium sized business owners in Australia and New Zealand that he co-hosts with Alison Wheeler here.

Connect with Gary Ryan LinkedIn here.

Follow Gary Ryan on Instagram here.

Subscribe to Gary's YouTube channel where you can also watch this episode here.

Subscribe to Moving Beyond Being Good for behind-the-scenes reveals on servant leadership, business discipline, and creating organizations that truly matter.

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan 

 In this Episode 199 of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, host Gary Ryan interviews Justin Fuller, an Australian entrepreneur living in Atlanta, who has built a successful timber manufacturing business in China. The conversation explores Justin's unique journey, the challenges of cross-cultural communication, and his recent endeavor of creating a volleyball tournament that serves as a cultural exchange between American high school students and Chinese university teams. The discussion highlights the importance of personal growth, the impact of business success on community, and the lessons learned through this extraordinary experience. 

 Learn more about the documentary here  

Connect with Justin Fuller on LinkedIn here  

Learn more about Evolution Industries 

Learn more about Gary Ryan here 

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn here 

Book a free online coffee chat with Gary here

 If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan