In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty chats with Tom Hunter, Managing Director of Edward Mann Australia, about the essential strategies for hiring finance professionals. They discuss the importance of understanding specific finance needs, assessing candidates effectively, and the significance of cultural fit in hiring. Tom shares insights on the skills currently in demand for finance professionals, the emerging role of AI in finance, and common mistakes businesses make during the hiring process.

Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hunter-edwardmann/
Website: https://www.edwardmann.com/

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

In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty speaks with Dima Istambouli, founder of Mind Architecture, for an insightful conversation on personal transformation, resilience, and finding fulfillment in business. Dima shares her journey from being an architect to an entrepreneur, highlighting the power of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and connection in building a purpose-driven business. They discuss the balance between financial success and true fulfillment, practical ways to manage stress, and why embracing the present moment is key to long-term growth. This episode is a must-listen for business owners seeking both professional and personal alignment.

Links
Website: www.mindarchitecture.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindarchitecture.au/

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

In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty sits down with certified financial planner Trish Gregory to break down the often-overlooked role of insurance in protecting both business and personal financial stability. Trish introduces the "Goldilocks approach" to insurance - finding coverage that’s not too much, not too little, but just right. She explains the key types of insurance every business owner should consider and why early planning is essential. They discuss the importance of regularly reviewing policies, how to strike the right balance between personal and business coverage, and why consulting a specialist can help ensure the right level of protection. 

Links
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-gregory-finance/
AdviserRatings: https://www.adviserratings.com.au/adviser/1251041/Trish-Gregory
Business website: https://hcis.com.au/

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

In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty speaks with Billy Hosking, founder of Kavira IT, about the importance of technology and cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes. They discuss how businesses can build effective technology strategies, the critical elements of cybersecurity, and the importance of budgeting for IT solutions. Billy emphasises the need for businesses to stay updated with technology trends and the value of engaging with younger generations who are more adept at using technology. 

Links
Billy Hosking | LinkedIn
KAVIRA IT: Overview | LinkedIn
Kavira IT: Cybersecurity and IT Management Experts
Billy mentioned this app for subscription management: Subble | Leading the way in SaaS Management

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

In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty speaks with Shay Thyer, founder and CEO of Pallas, about the importance of financial independence and how financial literacy can empower business owners. They discuss the barriers some women face in achieving financial independence, the mental load of running a business, and practical tips for managing finances effectively. Shay emphasises the need for business owners to understand their personal and business finances and the role of technology in reducing mental load.

Links
Shaye Thyer FCA | LinkedIn
Home | Pallas

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

In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty talks with Rida Jafri, an experienced commercial finance professional, about the intersection of social impact and financial management in business. They discuss the importance of communicating a business's social impact, the growing consumer consciousness around ethical practices, and the balance between profit and purpose. Rida discusses the importance of intention in business practices, the significance of ESG reporting, and the responsibilities of both small and large businesses in driving social change.

Links
Rida Jafri | LinkedIn

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

In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty speaks with Stephannie Jonovska, Head of Finance Operations and Transformation at BlueScope, about the critical role of digital transformation in finance. They discuss the importance of viewing digital tools as co-workers, the need for data quality, and the challenges businesses face in implementing new technologies. Stephannie shares strategies for small businesses to embrace digital transformation, emphasising the significance of leadership and employee engagement. The conversation also touches on measuring success beyond traditional ROI metrics, highlighting the use of a "happiness index" to gauge employee satisfaction.

Links
Stephannie Jonovska | LinkedIn

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners
Join the CFO Toolkit Community: The CFO Toolkit

In this episode of the Olive Insights podcast, Sarah Petty and Russell Dawson discuss the critical role of budgeting and forecasting in business success. They explore the importance of setting clear financial goals, understanding cash flow, and linking budgets to overall business strategy. Russell highlights key elements of effective budgeting, the balance between short-term and long-term planning, and practical steps for resource allocation. They also address common mistakes businesses make in budgeting and provide valuable tips for financial stability and growth.

Links
Russell Dawson | LinkedIn

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners
Join the CFO Toolkit Community: The CFO Toolkit

In this episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty interviews Matthew Needham who shares his expertise on how businesses can focus on their "big rocks" - the strategic priorities that form the foundation of business success. He discusses the importance of understanding finances, setting clear goals, and prioritising effectively to achieve success. Matthew discusses common mistakes business owners make, the significance of referrals and testimonials, and the necessity of focusing on cash management. He also shares a success story from his experience working with a charity in New Zealand, illustrating the impact of strategic prioritisation and how small steps can make a significant impact.

Links
Matthew Needham FCPA | LinkedIn
Matthew Needham Consulting | Better Performance, Faster!

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners
Join the CFO Toolkit Community: The CFO Toolkit

In this solo episode of Olive Insights, Sarah Petty openly reflects on her first six months of running Olive Business Partners, sharing six key lessons learned during her journey. She discusses the importance of investing in marketing, seeking expert help, networking, embracing opportunities, setting up a solid business structure, and valuing oneself as a business owner.

Find out more about Olive Business Partners:
Website: Olive Business Partners
Instagram: @olivebusinesspartners
LinkedIn: Olive Business Partners
Join the CFO Toolkit Community: The CFO Toolkit