Are you really building a business that pays you well or just keeping it afloat?

In this solo episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty challenges one of the most ingrained beliefs in small business: that paying yourself properly is something you earn later.

Too many founders normalise underpaying themselves, skipping wages altogether, or treating owner pay as whatever’s left at the end of the month. Sarah explains why this mindset isn’t just unsustainable. It’s a sign of an unhealthy business.

Drawing on her background as a corporate finance leader and virtual CFO, Sarah unpacks what it truly means to build a business that pays you well, consistently and intentionally. She reframes owner pay as a planned business expense, not a reward for surviving another month, and walks through the financial foundations required to make that possible.

In this episode, Sarah covers:

• Why paying yourself last is a dangerous myth in business
• What paying yourself well actually looks like in practice
• The five pillars that support sustainable owner pay
• How underpricing directly impacts your ability to earn a proper salary
• The difference between profit and cash and why both matter
• How to design a simpler, more profitable business model
• Practical steps to start paying yourself regularly, even if it’s modest to begin with

If your business relies on personal sacrifice, inconsistent drawings, or waiting until things settle down, this episode will help you rethink your approach and start treating your role as CEO with the financial respect it deserves.

Because a healthy business should support your life, not depend on you burning out to keep it alive.

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

In this episode, host Sarah Petty unpacks how chaos creeps into growing businesses and why it’s such a common experience for founders.

She walks through the seven common ways chaos shows up, why they’re so easy to ignore at first, and what they’re really costing you as the business scales. You’ll also hear practical ways to start regaining control.

This episode is for founders who feel busy, stretched, or reactive, and want their business to feel more structured, intentional, and sustainable.

Key takeaways

• Why chaos is often a sign of growth, not failure
• The seven most common ways chaos creeps into a business
• How simplification creates immediate relief
• Why support and structure matter more as you scale
• How stepping into the CEO role helps restore control

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Are you creating real financial direction in your business?
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on your business’s financial health. In this solo episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty walks you through a practical framework to assess how your business is tracking, from cash flow and profitability to risk and growth planning.

Sarah shares eight key areas every business owner should review before heading into the new year, each with simple yes-or-no questions designed to help you identify what’s working, what needs attention, and where to focus next. Whether you’re planning for 2026 or just want to feel more confident in your numbers, this episode will help you take stock and make informed decisions for the year ahead.

In this episode, Sarah covers:

• Why many business owners are unclear on where they are going
• How to set a business direction that is specific and financially meaningful
• The difference between a vision, a plan, and a to do list
• How to translate your goals into an action plan your whole team can execute
• The quickest business levers that typically lift results without burning out the team
• Why founders often end up doing too much and how to break that cycle
• What usually prevents businesses from growing (and how to fix it)
• The review cadence and key metrics that keep you on track
• How to decide what to stop doing to improve performance and bandwidth

If you want a business that grows with more certainty and less overwhelm, this episode will help you create a clear direction and the financial structure to support it.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Travel is often one of the biggest expenses for business owners. But could you be getting far more value out of it? In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty speaks with Gagan Gupta, founder of Turn Left for Less, about how business owners can turn everyday spending into premium travel experiences.

A listener asked:

Gagan explains how to make your business travel work smarter for you through points, partnerships, and strategic planning. From earning points without overspending, to “triple dipping” and diversifying across airline alliances, this episode shows how to use what you already spend to travel in comfort and save thousands.

In this episode, Gagan shares:

• The smartest ways for businesses to earn points using existing spend
• How to triple dip on rewards without increasing costs
• When and how to redeem points for maximum value
• Why diversification across airlines increases travel flexibility
• Common mistakes business owners make with points programs
• How to automate and scale your business travel strategy

Meet Our Guest: Gagan Gupta:
Gagan Gupta is the founder of Turn Left for Less. The first time he flew Business Class, it changed everything. The space, the calm, the feeling of arriving fresh sparked a mission that has now spanned more than 11 years. Since that moment, he hasn’t paid full price for a premium cabin again.

At Turn Left for Less, Gagan helps founders elevate their travel experiences using points and smart booking strategies. Whether you already fly up the front and want to learn how to do it using reward seats, or you’re flying economy but spending a lot in your business, Gagan gives you the roadmap to fly better, more often, for less. This isn’t about tricks or loopholes. It’s about clarity, access, and showing you what’s possible.

Where to find Gagan:
Website: Turn Left For Less - register on the website to be kept updated with latest tips, strategies and  travel updates
Skool: DIY Premium Travel Mastery Program
YouTube: Gagan Gupta | Turn Left For Less

TikTok: Turn Left For Less
Instagram: Turn Left For Less

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Creating Clarity and Profitability in Your Business

Feeling like the day-to-day noise is drowning out clarity in your business? You’re not alone. This episode of Olive Insights tackles a listener question: “How do business owners create a clear direction in their business, including financial profitability?”

Sarah Petty sits down with Paul Farmer, Founder and Managing Director of Mentoris Group, to explore how business owners can reconnect their vision, strategy, and financial results. Paul shares his practical approach to helping founders reset their focus, make confident decisions, and take action that leads to sustainable profitability.

They unpack how fear, lack of clarity, and overcomplication often hold businesses back, and the steps to cut through the noise and move forward with purpose.

In this episode, Paul shares:

• How to define where your business is heading (even when you’re unsure)
• The first questions to ask when things feel noisy or uncertain
• How to turn a business vision into an actionable plan
• The biggest mindset barriers that stop progress
• How to decide what to start, stop, and continue doing
• The key levers that drive performance and profitability
• How to build accountability that sticks beyond coaching sessions

Guest bio:
Paul Farmer is the Founder and Managing Director of Mentoris Group, a premier business advisory firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. With over 23 years of experience as a CPA and strategic leader in multinational companies like Shell, Petro Canada, Repsol, and Talisman Energy, Paul brings a wealth of industry knowledge and insight. 
He founded Mentoris Group to provide honest, no-nonsense guidance that challenges conventional thinking and unlocks hidden opportunities. Passionate about empowering businesses to thrive, Paul specialises in strategy resets, financial clarity, leadership development, and exit planning. He’s committed to helping clients build profitable, scalable, and resilient businesses that align with their vision and purpose. Outside of work, Paul enjoys most sports, which fuels his competitive spirit and dedication to teamwork and excellence.

Where to find Paul:
Websites: Mentoris Group, Business Recovery Advisors
Instagram: Mentoris Group

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Funding Business Growth the Smart Way

As your business grows, you may reach a point where extra funding is needed, whether it’s for inventory, tech upgrades, or hiring. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty speaks with finance broker Katherine Looke from Finweb to answer a listener question from Silvia, an e-commerce business owner: “What are the best options available to fund this kind of growth?”

Katherine and Sarah unpack how to approach business finance strategically, so funding fuels growth rather than creating unnecessary risk. They explore the full spectrum of financing options and what lenders really look for, as well as the biggest pitfalls to avoid.

In this episode, Katherine shares:

• Financing options beyond the traditional bank loan
• The difference between overdrafts, lines of credit, loans, and invoice financing
• How to prepare your business so lenders say yes (and offer better rates)
• The biggest mistakes founders make when seeking finance
• When it might actually be better not to take on debt
• Practical examples of how small businesses can secure finance that supports growth

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re finance-ready or how to fund your next stage of growth, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.

Guest bio:
With over 10 years of experience in real estate and banking, Katherine Looke has built her career across property management, accounts, and both unsecured and secured lending. Her journey with property began early; she purchased her first investment at 21 and discovered her passion for helping others achieve their property goals. Today, Katherine combines her industry knowledge and personal experience to provide tailored finance, supporting clients from first-time home buyers to business owners looking to expand through cash flow lending and SMSFs, to business loans and honest advice.

Where to find Katherine:
YouTube: Katherine Looke - Broker
LinkedIn:  Katherine Looke

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Struggling with inconsistent sales even though your clients love working with you?
In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty sits down with Dipti Pandit, CEO of Sales Pundit Consulting, to unpack why positive client feedback doesn’t always translate into steady revenue. They explore what really makes a sales process effective, how to secure larger and longer-term clients, and how to sell with confidence without ever feeling pushy.

Dipti shares the common mistakes service-based businesses make when trying to grow, why founders aren’t always the best people to lead sales, and how to turn good client experiences into repeatable long-term business. If sales feel like a rollercoaster in your business, this episode will give you practical steps to smooth out the ride.

In this episode, Dipti shares:

• How to spot gaps in your sales process when results are inconsistent
• Why service businesses often miss out on bigger clients
• Tips for selling effectively without sounding “salesy”
• Whether the founder should always lead sales
• How to turn positive feedback into long-term revenue

Guest bio:
Dipti Pandit is the CEO of Sales Pundit Consulting Pty Ltd, where she helps B2B tech businesses turn inconsistent sales into sustainable growth. Through consulting, advisory, lead generation, training, and coaching, she works with founders and their teams to refine sales processes, secure larger clients, and build predictable revenue.

With a practical, no-nonsense approach, Dipti is passionate about helping businesses sell with confidence while avoiding the pushy, “salesy” tactics that often hold service businesses back.

Where to find Dipti:
Website: Sales Pundit Consulting
LinkedIn: Sales Pundit Consulting

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Are you charging what you’re really worth?
In this solo episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty unpacks one of the most powerful yet uncomfortable levers in business: pricing. From overcoming the fear of charging more, to understanding your value beyond just the hours worked, Sarah shares practical strategies to make pricing less awkward and more strategic.

Drawing from her own journey and client experiences, she breaks down the art and science of pricing and how to align it with your value, positioning, and long-term sustainability.

In this episode, Sarah covers:

• The three pillars of pricing: margin, customer perception, and market position
• Why undercharging is one of the most common mistakes business owners make
• How to increase prices without losing clients
• Myths that hold founders back from charging properly
• The financial measures every business owner should track (CAC, LTV, runway, burn rate)
• Practical steps to reset your pricing and protect profitability
• Why your clients aren’t buying your time, but outcomes, certainty, and results

If you’ve ever second-guessed your pricing or worried about raising your rates, this episode will help you shift your mindset and start treating pricing as a strategic business decision rather than a stressful guesswork exercise.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Is your brand just looking good or is it actually making you money?
In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty is joined by Kylie D’Costa, CEO and owner of Beyond The Logo, to unpack how branding can become your most valuable business asset. They explore how to measure the financial value of branding, common mistakes to avoid, and the right time to refresh your brand.

From shifting the mindset that branding is “just a logo” to building consistency across your customer journey, Kylie shows how business owners can make their brand work harder and generate measurable returns.

In this episode, Kylie shares:

• Why branding is more than visuals and taglines
• How to know if your brand is creating financial value
• The role of consistency across the entire customer journey
• Signs your brand is confusing customers and costing you sales
• How to monetise brand assets and avoid breaking trust
• When to consider a brand refresh or full rebrand
• The common branding mistakes businesses make
• Why your brand should guide all your other business decisions

Guest bio:
After leading end-to-end customer strategy for one of Australia’s largest corporates, I left the big business world to help small and scaling businesses build brands that actually work. At Beyond The Logo, we focus on turning your brand into your most valuable business asset — one that drives revenue, creates standout customer experiences, and supports growth. I’m passionate about helping business owners stop wasting time on “just looking good” and start monetizing what makes them truly different.

Where to find Kylie:
Website: Beyond The Logo
LinkedIn: Beyond The Logo, Kylie D'Costa

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form

Want to scale your business but worried about breaking what already works?
In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty speaks with Nicole Smith, founder of The Artisans Business Solutions, about how to scale with confidence without compromising service quality or overwhelming your team. Nicole shares how to strengthen your operational foundations, streamline processes, and prepare your business for sustainable growth.

They discuss the signs you are ready to scale, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why curiosity, planning, and adaptability are essential for long-term success.

In this episode, Nicole shares:

• How to assess if your business is ready to scale
• Why strong operational foundations matter
• The role of systems, SOPs, and onboarding in sustainable growth
• How to reduce reliance on the founder
• Ways to avoid bottlenecks and inefficiencies
• The importance of adaptability when market or internal changes occur
• Common mistakes when scaling too quickly
• How to align scaling plans with your team’s capacity and skills

Guest bio:
Nicole Smith is a Fractional COO, Business Operations Consultant and Founder of The Artisans Business Solutions.
With over 20 years of experience, Nicole helps businesses move from reactive to proactive - designing operational structures that support sustainable growth, increase efficiency, and free up leadership to focus on what matters most. Nicole believes businesses should be places where both leaders and teams thrive. Operations shouldn’t be a constant struggle - it should be a foundation for clarity, ease, and growth.

Where to find Nicole:
Website: The Artisans Business Solutions
LinkedIn: Nicole Smith

About Olive Business Partners
Olive Business Partners is a Virtual CFO firm founded and led by Sarah Petty, a seasoned CFO passionate about helping business owners take control of their finances and scale with confidence. Whether you're planning to hire a team, invest in technology, expand into new markets, launch new products, take on larger clients, raise capital, or prepare for acquisition, we’ll help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term success.

Like the olive tree, we believe in steady, resilient growth. We connect ambitious business owners with experienced CFOs, providing tailored support for the stage you're at and the challenges you're facing. Our flexible model gives you access to expert financial guidance when and where you need it without the cost of a full-time CFO.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners

Got a question or topic idea?
Submit it here → Podcast Question Form

Interested in being a guest on the Olive podcast?
Let us know → Podcast Guest EOI Form