Olive Insights

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

Thinking about selling your business? Wondering if it is truly ready for the market?
In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty talks with Michael Kerr, founder of Kerr Capital, about what makes a business “sellable” and how to maximise its value before going to market. They cover the key factors buyers look for, the steps to prepare for a sale, and how to reduce risk for potential buyers.

Michael shares the importance of removing the business owner from day-to-day dependency, building a strong team, understanding your numbers, and identifying the right type of buyer. They also discuss practical tips for owners who are still a few years away from selling but want to position their business for the best outcome.

In this episode, Michael shares:

• The key factors that make a business attractive to buyers
• Why removing owner dependency increases value
• How to identify your most likely buyers
• The top value drivers that can boost sale price
• The role of industry trends in sellability
• Steps involved in preparing a business for sale
• Why understanding your numbers and your story is critical
• The importance of starting early and getting expert advice

Guest bio:
Michael Kerr is founder of Kerr Capital, and advises and mentors small business owners across Australia on understanding how to increase the value and sellability of their business. Since 2002 he has spoken to thousands of business owners and worked on well over 700 engagements. He has deep experience in helping owners increase business value, develop exit plans and sale strategies. Michael has been a Director of the Bonsai Social Firm, a Mentor for Social Ventures Australia and currently hosts the Owner To Owner podcast, sharing the real world stories and advice from Australian small business owners.

Where to find Michael:
Website: Kerr Capital
LinkedIn: Michael Kerr

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

Is social media really worth the investment? Or is it just draining your time and budget?
In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty chats with Bec Stenner, founder of Creative Seed Co., to unpack what small business owners really need to know about social media strategy. From choosing the right platforms to measuring ROI and improving engagement, Bec brings her no nonsense approach to help businesses navigate the constantly evolving world of online marketing.

They dive into setting realistic expectations, building relationships with your audience, and understanding when to scale back and when to double down. If you've ever questioned the value of your social media efforts, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Bec shares:

• Why engagement matters more than follower count
• How to align your social media strategy with business goals
• The importance of clear communication with your social media manager
• When paid advertising works and when it doesn’t
• Tips for evaluating ROI and tracking the right metrics
• Why quality content and audience relationships come first
• How to plan for seasonal trends and campaign timing
• The power of starting with clear expectations and strong foundations

Meet Our Guest: Bec Stenner
Bec Stenner is a social media strategist, social media manager, and content creator with a love for cheese, chocolate, donuts... and wine!
She’s the founder of Creative Seed Co., a business built on helping brands grow through smart, authentic social media strategies. Whether it’s increasing visibility, building genuine connections, or helping you show up confidently and consistently online, Bec’s all about creating tailored strategies that feel right for you and your business.
Creative Seed Co. was born from Bec’s passion to make social media feel less overwhelming for small business owners, and more like something that fits naturally.
At the heart of her work are three core values: Kindness. Transparency. Communication.

Where to find Bec:
Website: Creative Seed Co.
Instagram: @creativeseed.co
LinkedIn: Bec Stenner on LinkedIn

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

Equity can help launch your business, but what happens when you want some of it back?
In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty is joined by Adele Anthony, Principal Lawyer at Adele M Anthony Legal, to unpack a listener question from Dan, a tech founder who gave away 40% equity for a $100K investment. Fast forward a few years: the business is thriving, the investor is now weighing in on day-to-day decisions, and Dan wants to reclaim control.

This episode dives deep into the legal and strategic side of equity deals, what founders need to know before they give it away, and what to do if they want to renegotiate later.

In this episode, Adele shares:

• The real purpose of a shareholder agreement (hint: it’s not just paperwork)
• What to do if you never created one (and why now is better than never)
• Your options for buying back equity from an investor
• What to do if an investor becomes overbearing
• The legal steps: from negotiation to mediation - and court, if it comes to that
• Why valuation, forecasting, and clearly defined roles are crucial from the start

Sarah also shares 5 practical CFO tips for founders:

1. Understand the true cost of equity, it’s not “free money”
2. Know your valuation before you give equity away
3. Use forecasting to protect your future profits
4. Define investor roles clearly, and early
5. Plan ahead for more capital raising or an exit strategy

Whether you're raising capital, fixing past mistakes, or preparing to grow, this episode is your legal and financial reality check.

Meet Our Guest: Adele Anthony
Adele M Anthony is a passionate lawyer, business mentor, and founder of Adele M Anthony Legal and The Queen of Evolution. With over a decade of hands-on experience growing, scaling, and selling multiple six- and seven-figure businesses, and years of legal expertise in estate planning and business succession, Adele brings a rare blend of strategic insight and soul-led guidance to her work.

At Adele M Anthony Legal, she provides high-quality, personalised estate planning services across Queensland, particularly for women with complex family or business circumstances. Her work helps clients protect their legacy with smart, structured legal documents and heartfelt support.

Through The Queen of Evolution, Adele mentors women 40+ to start, grow, or reignite their businesses with clarity, confidence, and legal smarts. She offers 1:1 coaching, strategic business planning, and soulful systems that empower women to thrive on their own terms.

Having overcome personal and professional challenges, Adele is deeply passionate about helping women build businesses and lives they love. Her approach is heart-centred, legally sound, and deeply empowering.

Connect with Adele
Website: Adele M Anthony Legal
Coaching & Mentoring: Adele Anthony Business Consulting
Facebook: adelemanthonyestateplanninglawyer | adelemanthonybusinessconsultant
Instagram: @the_adele_m_anthony

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 wearing too many hats in your business?
Whether you're still doing it all yourself or you're juggling a small team, chances are your resourcing model is holding back your growth. In this solo episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty unpacks one of the biggest levers for scaling your business: resourcing and how to do it strategically.

Sarah breaks down the three stages of resourcing that most founders move through:

1. Upskilling the founder – building your own capability
2. Hiring for doing – getting tasks off your plate
3. Hiring for thinking – bringing in senior support to drive growth

She shares real examples from her journey at Olive Business Partners, including how she decided when and who to hire, what made the biggest difference, and the mindset shifts that helped her stop being the bottleneck.

You’ll learn:

• How to tell which resourcing stage you’re in (and what’s next)
• Why hiring for thinking is often the game-changer
• How to match your resourcing to your revenue model
• The biggest mistake founders make when building a team
• What to forecast before your next hire

If you’ve ever wondered “what’s the right next hire?” or “how can I scale without burning out?” then this episode is for you.

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