Grappling Growth

In this episode of Grappling Growth, host Joe Testouri sits down with Nicole Parker-Beggs, founder of Meraki Consulting, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on how economics, empathy, and AI are reshaping modern business.

Nicole shares the powerful story behind the name "Meraki," her go-to books on money and mindset—including Money: A Love Story and SuperFreakonomics—and how they’ve shaped her business philosophy. A passionate advocate for leading with empathy, Nicole reveals how emotional intelligence, economic insight, and AI innovation can work hand in hand to build more human-centered organizations.

If you're looking to elevate your leadership style, gain an edge in business strategy, and stay ahead of the AI curve—this episode is for you.

Tune in for lessons in leadership, lifelong learning, and staying grounded while scaling.

Episode Guest: Nicole Parker-Beggs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleparkerbeggs/
Website: http://www.merakiconsultingpartner.com

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Nika White — a renowned expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), best-selling author, and consultant to Fortune 500 companies. With a sharp lens on the evolving American social and business climate, Dr. White breaks down what inclusion truly means in the age of innovation and AI.

We explore the intersection of tech and equity, how organizations can move from performative to transformative DEI practices, and why inclusive leadership is non-negotiable in today’s world. Dr. White also shares insights on the opportunities and ethical dilemmas AI brings to DEI work, and what leaders must do to create sustainable, equitable environments.

Whether you're a founder, executive, or team builder, this conversation will challenge your thinking and equip you with actionable tools to lead with purpose.

Episode Guest: Dr Nika White
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikawhite/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikacwhite/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NikaWhite2015
Website: https://www.nikawhite.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Ramanah — entrepreneur, family man, and advocate for intentional living. Jay opens up about the lessons he's actively passing down to his daughter, the mindset shifts that reshaped his approach to business, and how he designed his work life to run on just 16 focused hours a week.

We dive into the power of alignment, how to detach from hustle culture, and why success isn’t just about money — it’s about time, presence, and setting the right example for the next generation.

If you're feeling stuck in the grind and want to explore how to build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you.

Guest: Jay Ramanah
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayramanah/
Website: maxstaff.co

From coma to CEO — in this jaw-dropping episode of Grappling Growth, we sit down with tech entrepreneur Emma Armstrong, who defied all odds after being paralysed and placed in a coma. Just 18 months later, she built a tech business turning over £1.3 million. Emma opens up about the grit, mindset, and practical decisions that transformed her greatest adversity into an unstoppable mission. This is a story of survival, reinvention, and what it truly means to bet on yourself.Guest: Emma Armstrong
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-armstrong-empro/
Empro: https://emprogroup.co.uk/
MyTender: https://www.mytender.io/

In this special A.I. episode, we sit down with Chad Carden — entrepreneur, strategist, and former tech founder who successfully exited his business and now helps others do the same. Chad unpacks what real growth looks like beyond the hype, sharing battle-tested strategies for scaling your business, building sustainable systems, and creating something worth buying — or keeping. Whether you're looking to grow, exit, or just not burn out along the way, this conversation is full of clarity, candor, and practical takeaways.Guest: Chad Carden
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcarden/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.carden.group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chadcardenyoutube
Website: https://www.thecardengroup.com/

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Shane Carlin — a man whose story begins with abandonment in South Korea and unfolds into a life mission to inspire and uplift others. Shane shares the raw reality of his early struggles, the identity battles he faced growing up, and the powerful "why" behind founding his NGO to empower the next generation. Tune in as he opens up about resilience, purpose, and how our toughest beginnings can fuel the greatest transformations. This is a story of pain turned into passion, and survival turned into service.

Guest: Shane Carlin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-carlin-20625620/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnasa
Website: learnasa.org

In this special AI series, we sit down with Benjamin Serven, a trailblazer in the business space, to unpack the unexpected truth behind becoming a market leader — and why he’s intentionally capping growth. From the mindset shifts needed to scale, to the strategic reasons behind not chasing endless expansion, Benjamin shares raw insights on sustainable success, leadership maturity, and building a company that aligns with your deeper values.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, creators, and leaders looking to grow with purpose — not just for the sake of more. Listen now!

Guest: Benjamin Serven
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminserven/
Website: blacksheepglobal.net

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mike Hall — a 57-year-old bodybuilder, mentor, and living proof that discipline has no expiry date. Mike opens up about the lessons he's learned from decades of pushing his limits in the gym and how those same principles apply to life outside of it. From training the body to training the mind, Mike shares real, raw advice for young men navigating purpose, consistency, and identity in today's world. If you're seeking wisdom forged through experience, this episode delivers.Guest: Mike Hall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehall66?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjhartstudio/
Website: https://www.mjhartstudio.com/

In this episode of Grappling Growth, we sit down with Ola Majekodunmi, a leading money expert, to uncover practical and actionable investing tips for young people. Ola shares insights on how to start investing with minimal capital, strategies for building long-term wealth, and the common financial mistakes to avoid in your 20s and 30s.

Whether you’re just stepping into the world of investing or looking to level up your financial game, this episode offers valuable tips to take control of your financial future.

Guest: Ola Majekodunmi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olamide-majekodunmi?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsmoney_?igsh=MTEwMWlqbWpmNXViZQ==
Website: https://allthingsmoney.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5O8kM6CUJcCiCJj3UzHtIp?si=iGDxUWsHTj2LzusUD0Ah0A

In this raw and revealing episode, Steve Pastor shares his rollercoaster journey of pitching on Shark Tank Australia and the hard-hitting reality of sinking $700K into his business. From the adrenaline of securing deals to the painful lessons of financial setbacks, Steve opens up about the unfiltered truth of entrepreneurship.

Guest: Steve Pastor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-pastor-97371394/
Steve's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_pastor_/?hl=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingsofneon/?hl=en
Website: https://www.kingsofneon.com.au/