In this episode of the ScaleHQ Podcast, host Sean Steele sits down with Ian Aldridge, founder of Progressive Legal, to talk all things intellectual property (IP). Ian shares his insights from over 20 years in legal practice, helping more than 4,000 businesses build defensible assets. They identify the IP blind spots that threaten small businesses, the red flags investors look for, and how founders can practically protect what they’ve built, especially when scaling beyond $5 million or expanding internationally. 

About the Guest: 
Ian Aldridge is the founder of Progressive Legal, a law firm purpose-built for Australian small businesses. He’s worked in large firms, spent time overseas, and now focuses on providing clear, plain-English legal advice to founders navigating commercial, structural, and IP issues. 

If you're relying on word-of-mouth referrals to grow your business, you're playing a dangerous game. 

In this powerful conversation, Sean Steele speaks with Karl Schwantes, a second-generation entrepreneur who turned Google reviews into a $1 million lead engine during COVID, without spending a cent on ads. From running a high-end diamond business to building Reputable, a reputation marketing consultancy, Karl reveals how smart founders can turn everyday customer experiences into a scalable marketing and valuation asset. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Why word-of-mouth is not a growth strategy 

• How AI (like ChatGPT & Rufus) is using reviews to personalize search 

• The difference between lead origin and sale origin 

• Karl’s 9-part Reputation Marketing Framework 

• How customer experience directly influences business valuation and exit-readiness 

• How to get your team aligned and excited about 10/10 experiences 

• What to do in your first hour after listening 

If you're a Founder who wants to future-proof your wealth and create financial freedom beyond your business, this conversation is essential listening. 

Watch on Youtube

In this solo episode, Sean unpacks a brutally honest reflection on longevity, fitness, and why Founders can’t afford to ignore their physical health if they want to enjoy the success they’re building.

In this ScaleHQ episode, Sean flips the script, but this time focusing not on scaling your business, but on preparing your body to enjoy the wealth and freedom you're working so hard to create.

Drawing on insights from Dr. Peter Attia and personal wake-up calls, Sean outlines why health is the one thing Founders can’t delegate, and the measurable benchmarks we all need to hit if we want to live long, strong, and independently.

If you're a Founder in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

• Fitness for 80 starts now: If you want to lift your grandkids, walk all day on holidays, or travel freely into your 80s and 90s, the work starts in your 40s and 50s not later.
• The centenarian decathlon: Inspired by Dr. Peter Attia, Sean introduces a framework for reverse-engineering your physical goals in later life and training for them today.
• Longevity metrics that matter: VO2 max, grip strength, deadlifts, planks, and flexibility aren’t just gym stats; they’re predictors of lifespan and independence.
• The Founder fallacy: Many Founders delay health for “after the exit.” Sean shares why this mindset can lead to a life you can’t fully enjoy and what to do instead.

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Scalehq.com.au/125⁠ ⁠⁠

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This week, Sean speaks with Dawid Naude, Founder of Pathfinder.ai, who shares how service business Founders can move beyond the AI buzz and start leveraging real-world tools and strategies to scale faster, reduce costs, and create new revenue streams.

In this ScaleHQ Podcast episode, Sean sits down with Dawid Naude, Founder of Pathfinder.ai, one of Australia's fastest-growing AI service providers. David grew his business from 2 to 20 staff in just 16 months, not by building complex tech, but by getting practical with tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity and unlock new revenue opportunities dramatically.

If you're a service business Founder wrestling with how to use AI in a meaningful way, this episode is for you.

Sean and Dawid discussed:

1. The AI adoption journey every Founder goes through: How Founders move from skeptical dabbling to full-scale AI integration across their business, and why most get stuck in the “tinkering” phase.
2. Why most “AI experts” are only using 5% of the tools: The critical difference between casual prompting and true ChatGPT proficiency and why features like Custom Instructions, GPT creation, and multi-model use are the real unlocks.
3. The low-hanging fruit for AI wins in services businesses: How service businesses can save hours (or days) by automating proposal writing, competitor research, and sales briefing packs, plus how to train AI to make go/no-go decisions on tenders.
4. Creating scalable revenue with AI-powered agents: Why AI allows you to productise your deep domain knowledge into custom bots, SaaS-like tools, or subscription services without needing to code, hire developers, or raise capital.
5. The 3 AI personas every business should be using now: Dawid’s proven framework for using AI as a smart grad (Assistant), a strategic thinker (Advisor), and a scalable creator of content, tools, and customer experiences.
6. The mindset shift Founders must make to unlock real ROI from AI: Why trying to make AI do what you already do faster is a mistake, and how rethinking delivery, pricing models, and client interaction will create a true competitive advantage.

If you're still wondering where to start with AI or how to turn it into real profit instead of just another tech fad, this episode will give you the roadmap, the mindset shift, and the practical tools to get moving fast.

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠www.Scalehq.com.au/124 ⁠⁠

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In this episode, Sean chats with Terry Tran, former fund manager and Founder of The Freedom Trader, about smart strategies for Founders to diversify wealth, minimise risk, and invest with confidence outside of their business.

In today’s episode, Sean sits down with Terry Tran, Founder of The Freedom Trader, a former fund manager with over 30 years in the financial markets.

Terry shares powerful insights into why business owners often default to property investment and what hidden costs they might not be factoring in. More importantly, he explains how Founders can safely diversify, preserve wealth, and create financial freedom without the usual hype and pitfalls.

If you're a Founder who wants to future-proof your personal wealth and create financial freedom beyond your business, this conversation is essential listening.

Sean and Terry discussed:

1. Why business owners love property (and what they're missing): The hidden risks, leverage traps, and liquidity problems you need to know.
2. Why shares can be a gamechanger for Founders: How stock investing offers diversification, low entry costs, and true liquidity advantages.
3. How to value investments properly: Terry’s simple approach to finding undervalued stocks (like buying real estate below market value!).
4. Real investment results: How Terry’s system consistently beats market returns while managing downside risks.
5. Practical wealth building tips for 40s-50s Founders: Why liquidity matters more as you approach exit, and how to structure your portfolio.

If you're thinking about or want to optimise your assets to make sure you get the best possible outcome in the future, then this one is for you. Hit play now to listen!

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠www.ScaleHQ.com.au/123 ⁠

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In this episode, Sue Hirst unpacks why Founders can't afford to ignore the power of a virtual CFO. Discover how financial clarity, strategy, and a few smart decisions can unlock hidden profit, improve cashflow, and drive enterprise value without adding stress or overhead.

In this episode of the ScaleHQ Podcast, Sean dives into the world of virtual CFOs with Sue Hirst, Co-Founder of CFO On-Call. Too many Founders rely solely on bookkeepers and tax accountants, leaving a dangerous gap when it comes to financial clarity and forward-looking strategy.

Sue explains how virtual CFOs fill this gap, acting as a financial co-pilot to help Founders avoid common pitfalls like unplanned growth, cashflow squeezes, and pricing mistakes. If you're a Founder navigating the challenges of scaling a $1m-$10m business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on why financial strategy, not just compliance, is critical for growth and profitability.

Sean and Sue Discussed:

1. Why Founders outgrow their accountant: The critical difference between compliance accounting and strategic financial leadership, and when your business needs a virtual CFO to drive growth, not just count it.
2. The hidden dangers of unplanned growth: How scaling without financial clarity leads to cashflow squeezes, profit erosion, and the risk of "growing broke," and how a virtual CFO helps you grow sustainably.
3. Unlocking profit through smart pricing and cost control: Real-world examples of how small changes in pricing, cost of goods, and operational efficiency can add millions to your bottom line and enterprise value.
4. Systems, automation and reducing overheads: Why investing in the right systems at the right time can prevent overhead blowouts, streamline operations, and increase business value without adding stress.
5. The virtual CFO advantage: How having a financial co-pilot provides strategic insights, accountability, and confidence, plus what Founders need to know to get maximum ROI from a virtual CFO engagement.

If you're feeling the pressure of growth, unsure about your cashflow, or simply want to extract more value from your business, this episode will show you how a virtual CFO can help you scale smarter, not harder.

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠www.Scalehq.com.au/122 ⁠

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This week, I break down the key reasons I made the move to Cyprus and why it might be the perfect place for Founders looking for more freedom, better weather, and financial benefits.

In today’s ScaleHQ podcast episode, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I get asked: why did I move to Cyprus?

This episode isn’t just about me... it’s for the Founders out there who dream of stepping back from their business, gaining more freedom, or making a bold move to a new country. If you’ve ever thought about living overseas, either for a few years or permanently, you’re not alone.

Many Founders are looking for the perfect location that balances lifestyle, cost of living, and business advantages. But here’s the thing: moving countries is a big decision, and it’s not for everyone. There are trade-offs, challenges, and unexpected surprises.

In this episode, I break down the 7 key reasons why Cyprus works for me and why it might (or might not) work for you.

This episode covers:

• The sweet spot: Why Cyprus hits the sweet spot for infrastructure with fast internet, good healthcare, but old-school bureaucracy
• The cost of living benefits: How Cyprus compares to Australia, the UK, and Europe
• Non-stop sunshine: How the Mediterranean lifestyle and flexible work culture change the game
• Tax incentives and business benefits: How Cyprus stacks up financially without being a tax haven
• The reality of expat life: Why Cyprus still feels authentically local compared to other expat-heavy hubs
• Who Cyprus is perfect for: And who it’s not suited to
• The travel advantage: How Cyprus gives me easy access to European travel while keeping a work-friendly time zone

If you’re a Founder thinking about an international move or just curious about how to design a business and lifestyle that works for you, this episode is for you.

#EntrepreneurLife #ExpatLife #Cyprus #BusinessGrowth #ScalingABusiness #DigitalNomad #WorkFromAnywhere #SeanSteele #ScaleHQ

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.Scalehq.com.au/121⁠⁠⁠

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In today’s ScaleHQ podcast episode, I unpack my tried-and-tested five-point framework...the exact principles I’ve used time and again to make Big Bets that have paid off without blowing myself up in the process.

This week, I’m unpacking how to take Big Bets in life and business without risking it all. Big risks can lead to big rewards, but only if you know how to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios. Listen and learn how to make high-stakes decisions with confidence and control.

This episode was inspired by the Founders I know who have taken big risks to get to where they are, whether it was starting a business, making a major investment, or making a massive life change. These decisions aren’t just one-offs. They’re repeated turning points that can dramatically change the course your scaling success.

But here’s the challenge: when the next big opportunity comes along, many people, including Founders, hesitate, caught in the "what ifs." And while the fear of getting it wrong can be paralysing, but only if you let it.

This episode covers five key principles:

• How to weigh up big decisions and assess trade-offs, so fear doesn’t hold you back
• The worst-case vs. best-case scenario approach, and how to reverse-engineer risk before committing
• How to mitigate downside risks during the planning phase, so you can minimise the risks in your business decisions
• Why waiting for “perfect conditions” is a trap, and how taking action creates clarity
• How to tell if you’re making a calculated risk or a reckless bet, and what to do about it

If you’re at a crossroads in your business or personal life, this episode will help you weigh up the risk, prepare for the leap, and take bold action with confidence.

#BusinessGrowth #ScalingUp #BusinessStrategies #ScaleHQ #LeadershipDevelopment #BigBets

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/120⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Welcome back to the ScaleHQ podcast. I’m kicking 2025 off by sharing three unexpected yet powerful lessons I’ve learned from playing golf that apply directly to scaling a business. One important takeaway that I’ve learnt is that scaling a business is humbling, and just like golf, the parallels are undeniable.

This week, I’m sharing three surprising lessons from the golf course that reveal new ways to approach scaling your business. How can patience, smarter decisions, and the right support change your 2025 strategy? Tune in to find out!

As you listen, these lessons will help you rethink your approach to growth in 2025. Whether you’re feeling the pressure to chase short-term wins, trying to decide if you should take a big risk or play it safe, or wondering how to implement systems that actually work, I’ve got you covered.

What you’ll learn in today’s episode:

Remember, scaling a business isn’t about swinging for the fences but about making smart, consistent moves that compound over time. The lessons I’ve shared today are ones I wish someone had told me earlier in my journey. I hope they help you avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made and set you up for success in 2025. Let’s scale smarter, together!

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/119⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This week, I challenges Founders with five critical questions that can uncover growth bottlenecks, identify profit opportunities, and set the stage for exponential business success in 2025.

Ready to make 2025 a transformational year for your business? In this final ScaleHQ episode of 2024, I reflect on five brutal but pivotal questions every Founder should ask before the year ends. These needle-moving questions are designed to help you reflect, strategise, and plan for the year ahead. Whether you're aiming to scale, improve profitability, or step back from day-to-day operations, these questions are your guide to transformation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

This must-listen episode is packed with real-world examples and frameworks to help you contextualise these questions for your own business. Tune in and discover how a few hours of reflection can lead to a year of remarkable growth.

Thank you for an incredible 2024! Signing off for the year, but I’ll be back in 2025 with more insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you scale your business. Happy Holidays!

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Watch or listen to the full episode on:

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/NuK50WA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loom.ly/u_vibuw⁠⁠⁠⁠

ScaleHQ website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/118⁠⁠⁠

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