Remarkable Regional Business

Guest: Julie Sheahan

/ The Philosophy Behind 3D Physiotherapy

/ Evolving the Clinic Experience

/ Rethinking Traditional Physiotherapy

/ Combatting the Reactive Healthcare Model

/ Strength and Aging Well

/ The Impact of Food and Inflammation on Health

/ Building a Mission-Driven Team

/ Business Growth, Awards, and Leadership

/ Managing Change Without Burning Out the Team

GLA:D Program – https://gladaustralia.com.au/

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 22

Guest: Kyle Racki

Kyle Racki shares how he transitioned from a freelance designer and agency owner to the founder of Proposify. He talks about the early frustrations of creating proposals manually and how that led him to develop a SaaS solution that streamlines and improves the proposal process for businesses.

Proposify started as a small, bootstrapped venture and has since grown into a 65-person company. Kyle discusses the early growth phase, the impact of adding features like e-signatures and proposal templates, and how they found their product-market fit.

Scaling too quickly brought unexpected challenges. Kyle shares insights on why adding more people doesn’t always lead to greater efficiency, how too many management layers slowed decision-making, and why they ultimately scaled back from 110 employees.

As the company grew, Kyle realized the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He explains how he introduced “Radical Candor” as a core value, encouraging open, honest feedback while maintaining a positive workplace environment.

Kyle reflects on the personal and professional development required to lead a growing company. From learning to have tough conversations to seeking mentorship and business coaching, he shares how continual self-improvement has played a critical role in Proposify’s success.

Rather than focusing solely on high-level strategy, Kyle emphasizes the importance of staying involved in the day-to-day realities of the business. He explains how engaging with customers, keeping an eye on competitors, and understanding industry trends help shape the company’s direction.

Proposify simplifies the proposal process, making it easy for businesses to create, send, and track professional proposals. Kyle highlights key benefits, such as real-time updates, integrated e-signatures, and data tracking—giving sales teams the tools they need to close deals faster and stand out from the competition.

While personal branding can be valuable, Kyle believes the best companies focus on building great products rather than making their CEOs famous. He shares examples of companies that have succeeded without high-profile founders and discusses what really matters when scaling a SaaS business.

Proposify – https://www.proposify.com

Radical Candor by Kim Scott – https://www.radicalcandor.com/ 

Zapier – https://zapier.com/ 

Loom – https://www.loom.com/ 

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 21

Guest: Kira Hyde

Topics Covered

/ The Journey of The KH Studio

Kira Hyde shares how she founded The KH Studio, a boutique brand design and marketing agency based in Bendigo. She explains how the business has evolved from a solo operation focused on branding and website design into a full-service marketing agency that now offers SEO, Google Ads, social media management, and marketing strategy.

/ A Strategy-Driven Approach to Branding and Marketing

Kira discusses how The KH Studio differentiates itself in the competitive marketing industry by offering strategy-first, integrated digital solutions. She highlights the importance of blending branding, creativity, and technology to deliver bold, high-impact results for businesses across various industries.

/ Scaling a Business to Meet Client Needs

The KH Studio has grown by carefully listening to client needs and expanding its service offerings accordingly. Kira explains the journey from a freelancer to a business leader, the challenges of scaling a boutique agency, and how her team has developed long-term client partnerships.

/ Business Growth and Lessons in Leadership

Kira shares key insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of hiring employees vs. contractors, maintaining company culture, and creating a sustainable business model. She also talks about the importance of business mentorship, the impact of working with a board of advisors, and the personal growth required to lead a creative business.

/ Award-Winning Excellence

The KH Studio was recently recognised at the 2024 Bendigo Excellence Awards, winning the Professional Services Firm of the Year. Kira reflects on what this award means for her business and the importance of elevating creative professionals in the regional business landscape.

/ The Role of Processes and Systems in Business Success

Kira explains how implementing structured processes and automation has allowed The KH Studio to deliver high-quality results while remaining boutique. She shares insights on how they use client portals, time tracking, and streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience.

/ Building a Team That Works for Your Business Model

Unlike traditional agencies, The KH Studio operates with a hybrid team structure, consisting of core team members and specialised contractors. Kira explains why this model provides flexibility, scalability, and top-tier expertise, allowing them to compete with larger agencies while maintaining a personalised, boutique approach.

/ The Entrepreneurial Journey & Work-Life Balance

Starting her business at just 20 years old, Kira has had a unique entrepreneurial journey—including traveling through Europe while running her business remotely. She shares lessons on balancing work and life, staying motivated as a business owner, and the importance of trusting your own instincts when making business decisions.

References

The KH Studio - https://www.thekhstudio.co/

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 20

Guest: Joe Ciancio

Topics Covered

/ Introduction to Maxsum Consulting

Joe Ciancio, founder and Managing Director of Maxsum Consulting, shares the story of how the business evolved from a small IT solutions provider to a consulting firm focused on business strategy, technology integration, and digital transformation. He explains how rebranding from “Maxsum Solutions” to “Maxsum Consulting” reflects their shift from IT services to strategic business enablement.

/ Moving Beyond Commoditised IT Services

Joe discusses how technology is often seen as a necessary but low-value utility, like electricity, rather than a strategic asset. He emphasises the importance of aligning technology with business goals to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.

/ Strategic IT Partnerships vs. Transactional IT Services

Maxsum Consulting prioritises working with businesses that view IT as a strategic enabler rather than just a cost. Joe explains how they engage with organisation’s that seek long-term IT partnerships, focusing on business outcomes rather than low-cost, one-off solutions.

/ The Power of Data and AI in Business Growth

Joe highlights how data is the most valuable asset for modern businesses, comparing its impact to that of oil in the industrial era. He discusses how AI tools are now accessible to small and medium-sized businesses but require proper implementation and data security measures to be effective.

/ Security Challenges in the Age of AI

With AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot making data more accessible, Joe stresses the importance of securing internal information. He shares insights on how businesses must carefully manage access to sensitive data to avoid unintentional breaches and misinformation caused by AI "hallucinations."

/ Change Management and Digital Transformation

Technology alone does not drive change—people do. Joe discusses the critical role of change management in IT implementations, citing examples of businesses that failed to adopt new technology due to poor training and communication. He shares best practices for successfully integrating new systems into an organisations workflow.

/ Serving Diverse Industries Across Victoria

Maxsum Consulting operates across multiple industries, including professional services, local government, manufacturing, mining, and non-profit sectors. Joe explains how their approach is tailored to the unique needs of each industry, particularly in high-compliance fields like aged care and disability services.

/ Business Growth and Organisational Culture

Joe reflects on how Maxsum Consulting’s internal growth journey has been shaped by clearly defined cultural values. He shares how their company’s mission—"Enable Opportunity and Realise Potential"—guides both their client engagements and internal team development.

/ Personal Growth and Leadership Lessons

Transitioning from a hands-on IT technician to a business leader required Joe to develop new skills in delegation, trust, and strategic decision-making. He shares key lessons in leadership, including the importance of empowering teams, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

References

Maxsum Consulting - https://www.maxsum.com/

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 19

Guest: Lisa Renato

Business Name: Lifeline Loddon Mallee

Website: www.lifelinelm.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisamrenato

Topics Covered

/ Introduction to Lifeline Loddon Mallee:

Lisa Renato introduces Lifeline’s mission, explaining its critical role in providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. She shares how the organisation serves regional communities and why local awareness is essential.

/ Lifeline’s Local and National Impact:

Lifeline operates 24/7 crisis support services through call centres in Bendigo and Mildura, staffed by nearly 100 volunteers. While most people recognise Lifeline’s national hotline (13 11 14), many are unaware of the regional centres that answer these calls. In addition to crisis support, Lifeline delivers mental health first aid, suicide prevention training, and domestic violence awareness programs.

/ The Scale of the Crisis in Australia:

Lifeline Australia answers approximately 1.3 million crisis calls annually, with 2% classified as imminent suicide risk. Financial stress, loneliness, and economic challenges are driving an increase in calls. Locally, the Loddon Mallee call centres answered 22,000 calls last year, reflecting the high demand for support in the region.

/ Volunteerism and Community Engagement:

Volunteers at Lifeline not only contribute their time but also gain valuable skills in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awareness. These skills often extend into their personal and professional lives, allowing them to support friends, family, and colleagues in distress. Since COVID, recruiting and retaining volunteers has become more challenging, making community engagement and flexibility crucial in maintaining a strong team.

/ Leadership in a Non-Profit Environment:

Transitioning from the corporate world to non-profit leadership required Lisa to rethink traditional business strategies. Instead of focusing on sales and profits, her leadership now centres on volunteer engagement, trust, and accountability. She shares how she moved away from micromanagement and embraced outcome-based leadership to create a culture where volunteers and staff feel valued and motivated.

/ Fundraising and Sustainability:

With 75% of its annual funding needing to be raised independently, Lifeline Loddon Mallee relies on a mix of revenue streams. The organisation operates a thrift store as a social enterprise, providing affordable goods while generating income to support crisis services. Additionally, they offer mental health first aid training to businesses and community groups. The Hello for Hope campaign unites local businesses and individuals in fundraising efforts, demonstrating the power of community-driven support.

/ Suicide Prevention and Regional Challenges:

In 2022, Australia recorded 3,249 deaths by suicide—nearly double the national road toll. Men account for 75% of suicides, with rising rates among men over 65. Lisa highlights the need for targeted community initiatives that encourage early intervention and support. By increasing awareness and equipping people with the skills to recognise distress, Lifeline is working towards its vision of a suicide-free Australia.

/ Personal Growth and Lessons in Leadership:

Lisa reflects on her leadership journey, emphasising the importance of delegation, trust, and flexibility. She has learned to create an environment where team members take ownership and feel safe to contribute ideas and take risks. By fostering a culture of psychological safety, Lifeline Loddon Mallee encourages innovation and adaptability in its mission to support those in crisis.

References

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 18

/ A New Gym Philosophy:

/ Personalised Coaching and Goal Setting:

/ Building a Community Through Relationships:

/ Integrating High-Performance Training and Rehabilitation:

/ The Journey of Human Mechanics:

/ Mental Health and Leadership:

/ Lessons for Small Business Owners:

References

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 17

/ The Evolution of Unmade:

/ Media Entrepreneurship and the Substack Experience:

/ Monetization Strategies in Media:

/ Scaling Challenges and Achievements:

/ Insights on Media Trends and Industry Challenges:

/ Personal Reflections on Building a Media Brand:

/ The Role of Events and Conferences:

/ Looking Ahead: Innovation and Future Goals:

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 16

Guest: Nathan MacPhee, Founder and Managing Director

/ Introduction to IIF:

/ How IIF Works:

/ Overcoming Challenges in the Agtech Sector:

/ The Cooperative Model:

/ Scaling the Business:

/ Global Expansion:

/ Investor Returns and Risk Management:

/ Engagement and Education:

References

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 15

Guest: Rhianwen Seiter, General Manager

Topics Covered:

/ Navigating the Challenges of Family Business:

/ Adapting Through the COVID-19 Pandemic:

/ Growth and Expansion:

/ Hospitality Values and Customer Experience:

/ Recognition and Success:

/ Future Plans and Evolving Opportunities:

References

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 14

/ Restoration of Bendigo Creek: 

/ Cultural and Community Connection: 

/ Growth Journey and Organizational Structure:

/ Sustainability and Agriculture Initiatives:

/ Challenges and Leadership Lessons:

References: