Thats Audacious

In this engaging episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett speaks with Francesca Moi, a dynamic speaker and the founder of Empowering Virtual Solution. Known for her no-fluff approach, Francesca’s agency is Australia's most human-focused VA agency, designed to help 7-figure CEOs with overwhelmed teams reclaim their time, build high-performing offshore teams, and master the art of smart delegation.

Francesca candidly shares her journey, which wasn't initially aimed at entrepreneurship. A pivotal moment came while working in a corporate role where her efficiency was discouraged. This, coupled with personal challenges, ignited a profound personal development journey. This transformation, inspired in part by attending a Tony Robbins event (which she resourcefully earned a free ticket to by selling 100 tickets for him!), revealed her innate talent for sales and community building. She realised that if she could sell for others, she could sell for herself, setting audacious goals that she ultimately achieved.

Francesca's path led her to become an event specialist, filling rooms and generating commissions, eventually being encouraged to speak herself. Despite initial self-doubt and a “crap” first presentation (as a friend honestly put it!), she embraced her authentic, upfront style, which became her unique signature and resonated deeply with audiences. She champions the idea that the less polished the videos, the better it is for genuine connection, contrasting it with overly professional content that can create distance.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unexpected pivot. Faced with the stark reality of her events business collapsing, Francesca confronted the worst-case scenario head-on. By accepting the possibility of failure, she liberated herself to see new opportunities. She realised that a core part of her academy, virtual assistant services, was gaining traction. This insight led her to focus solely on the VA agency, which miraculously grew to $1 million in just 14 months, providing a powerful lesson in resilience and adaptation.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the common challenges business owners face with delegation. Francesca highlights two key hurdles:

Francesca counters these fears with a powerful mindset shift: "Done is better than perfect." She emphasises that if tasks aren't delegated, they might never get done, leading to overwhelm and stagnation. She provocatively asks, "Would you hire a CEO for $200,000 to do your Canva, emails, and bookkeeping?" Her point is clear: CEOs delegate to focus on growth, and business owners should too. If you're in growth mode, every profit should be reinvested into the business, including hiring support, to unlock your time for strategic activities.

For Francesca, delegation became almost an "addiction" once she saw the benefits of freeing up her time. She outsourced everything from cleaning to cooking, allowing her to focus on high-value activities like learning, networking, and maintaining her health, all crucial for running a thriving business without exhaustion.

When asked about building her profile and reputation, Francesca stresses authenticity. She receives consistent feedback that she is exactly the same whether online or in person, a quality she believes people crave. She encourages others to embrace their true selves, even if it means not always looking perfect, as this genuine approach fosters stronger connections.

Francesca's final, powerful advice to her past self is to never, ever, ever stop working on your mindset. She attributes every business roadblock to neglecting her personal development practices – meditation, coaching, networking, and staying updated. She passionately encourages listeners to actively seek knowledge, surround themselves with ambitious individuals, and continuously invest in their personal and professional growth.

If you're an overwhelmed CEO ready to delegate, reclaim your time, and step into your true role as a business leader, Francesca Moi offers the no-fluff, human-focused solutions you need. Find links to her book and VA business below.

Don't wait for perfect; just get out there and be audacious!

In this compelling episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett sits down with Saurabh Arora (Sab), the dynamic founder of Eminence Finance Group.

 Sab, a former top-performing mobile lender with ANZ and a multi-award-winning mortgage broker, is revolutionising the mortgage experience with his commitment to lightning-fast customer service and unparalleled client care. Beyond his remarkable business growth, Lauren dives into how Sab has swiftly built an incredible profile and a stellar reputation in the competitive sector of mortgage broking.

Sab's journey to Australia in 2016 marked a fresh start, propelling him back to basics despite a solid eight years of banking experience in India. This initial step backwards paradoxically accelerated his progress in the Australian banking industry due to his prior knowledge and adaptability. 

Within three years of his initial broking phase, a purely random call from ANZ changed everything. Despite initial hesitation, he took the leap and in just two and a half years, rose to become the number one mobile lender in the country. 

This monumental achievement wasn't just a dream come true; it was the ultimate confidence booster that spurred him to launch his own venture, Eminence Finance Group (EFG).

Sab's ethos is rooted in proactiveness. He thrives on clearing his desk and ensuring clients are never left waiting, a stark contrast to the industry's common pain points of poor communication and long wait times. He believes in treating people the way he would like to be treated, a seemingly basic principle that has become a significant point of difference for EFG.

He shares a powerful anecdote about clients straying from their previous mortgage brokers due to a lack of ongoing contact. Sab emphasises that maintaining relationships with existing clients is the most organic and effective way to generate business through word-of-mouth referrals, a marketing strategy often preached but rarely practised consistently.

Sab enthusiastically discusses how awards have played a pivotal role in boosting his profile. He notes that receiving awards not only provides an ego boost but, more importantly, validates his legitimacy and reassures existing clients that they are in capable hands. He recounts how winning the Stevie Awards led to calls from clients, both current and past, reaffirming their trust and even prompting former clients to return for his services.

A highlight of his recent achievements is winning the national title for Customer Service in Finance at the Australian Achiever Awards. This particular award is significant because it involves direct interviews with clients to gauge their satisfaction, providing an undeniable third-party endorsement of EFG's commitment to delivering on its promises. Sab was genuinely stunned to win this prestigious national award, a testament to his consistent delivery of exceptional service.

Initially, Sab found it challenging to niche down, especially when clients' primary focus was solely on interest rates. He consciously shifted his conversations to clients' long-term objectives and goals, demonstrating that he prioritises their financial well-being over just securing the lowest rate. He candidly admits to turning away rate-sensitive clients, recognising that long-term client relationships, built on trust and alignment, are far more valuable for sustainable growth and referrals.

Looking ahead, Sab is focused on building a corporate environment within EFG, aiming to mentor and grow a team of mortgage professionals. His vision is to pay it forward, empowering others to achieve wonders in their careers, all while scaling EFG into a prominent brand.

Reflecting on his journey, Sab's advice to his past self is profound: "Don't be scared, don't be afraid of taking action." He stresses that results only come from action, and even if an action doesn't lead to an immediate win, it provides invaluable experience and learning. He also encourages people, especially immigrants, to think big and not limit their aspirations.

Finally, Sab highlights the importance of delegation when building a brand. Knowing that one person can't do everything, he advises business owners to trust and delegate to other experts in the market, allowing them to focus on their core strengths.

Ready to experience lightning-fast customer service and work with an award-winning mortgage expert? 

Learn more about Saurabh Arora and Eminence Finance Group and get in touch with Sab here: 

https://www.eminencefg.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabarora/

In this inspiring episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett sits down with Kylie King, the visionary founder of the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and the driving force behind the Alibi Awards. Kylie shares her deeply personal journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving, supportive community for women entrepreneurs across Australia, a testament to the power of authentic connection and self-belief.

Kylie's path began after a significant period of corporate senior management, which, combined with the demands of new motherhood, led to burnout. This pivotal experience ignited her realisation of a profound need for genuine support and community among women in business. What started as a coaching business quickly evolved into a mindset-focused endeavour, ultimately blossoming into the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative. This community grew organically, filling a crucial void felt by many women navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Australian Ladies in Business Initiative welcomes all women in Australia, from seasoned business owners to aspiring entrepreneurs. Kylie highlights that this community thrives on celebrating both successes and the challenges of business ownership, fostering a supportive environment where women can openly share their experiences. She underscores the unique pressures women often face, influenced by societal expectations and a tendency to prioritise others, which can inadvertently sideline their own business growth.

A significant barrier Kylie identifies is the pervasive pressure women feel to be "perfect" before taking action. This notion, often amplified by social media's curated realities, feeds into imposter syndrome and a fear of judgment, preventing many from confidently putting themselves and their businesses forward.

Inspired by her own experiences with awards and a desire to address community concerns about integrity, Kylie took on the audacious challenge of creating her own awards program. The Alibi Awards were born as a truly community-led initiative, with categories and even their names chosen by the members of the Australian Ladies in Business community. Kylie advises anyone considering entering awards to exercise discernment and thoroughly review terms and conditions to ensure genuine recognition.

The Alibi Awards are designed for members of the free Australian Ladies in Business Initiative community who hold an ABN. The submission process is crafted for authenticity, featuring a written application (around 10 questions) and a unique five-minute video submission. Kylie emphasises that the video component is crucial for allowing entrants to share their story and passion authentically, effectively combating the rise of AI-generated entries.

Transparency and support are central to the Alibi Awards' judging process. Finalists receive personal notification, and all participants receive written feedback from three judges. This invaluable feedback, developed by a committee of entrepreneurs and business academics, aims to help businesses refine their strategies and improve future award entries.

Kylie offers practical advice for potential Alibi Awards entrants:

With 24 categories and an entry cost of $99 (including GST), the Alibi Awards offer a diverse range of opportunities. Nominations close on August 4th, with written submissions accepted until August 11th, culminating in an awards night on October 17th in Penrith. Kylie reinforces the importance of aligning with the Australian Ladies in Business community's values, noting that the very act of entering awards can help overcome imposter syndrome.

Reflecting on her own path, Kylie's advice to her past self during a difficult time is simple yet profound: "just take one step forward." 

For those seeking to elevate their business success, she encourages actively choosing change and confidently standing up for their business to gain recognition and support within their community.

Ready to step forward and celebrate your business journey? 

Discover the supportive community and empowering opportunities offered by the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and the Alibi Awards.

The Alibi Awards: https://alibiawards.com.au/

Facebook Community: ​​https://www.facebook.com/AustralianLadiesinBusinessInitiative/

In this vibrant edition of the That's Audacious podcast, host Lauren Clemett welcomes the remarkable Rowena Preddy, founder of Preddy Creative. Rowena's bold branding studio is on a mission to liberate small business owners from "cookie-cutter" approaches, helping them confidently express their real, raw, and totally aligned brand identity.

Rowena's journey into the world of design began young, captivated by the magic of art and the unexpected creations that stemmed from deep thinking. Despite early career experiences that felt stifling and conforming - a far cry from her "colourful rainbow of unicorn expression",  a redundancy became the unexpected catalyst for her audacious leap into entrepreneurship. 

This pivotal moment, fueled by a desire to prove herself and support her two children, initially led to burnout. Yet, it was through this challenge that Rowena found her true purpose: rebuilding her business to be a place she loved, working with clients who aligned with her values, and empowering women to shed their "shoulds" and embrace their glowing uniqueness.

She passionately believes that branding should be fun and impactful, a stark contrast to the common perception of it being a tedious, expensive, or disappointing process. For Rowena, helping clients unearth their authentic brand is a reciprocal joy, reigniting her own creative spark.

Key Insights from Rowena Preddy:

Rowena champions the idea that a personal brand is inextricably linked to a company's brand, especially as consumers increasingly seek to do business with people, not just faceless entities. She advocates for businesses of all sizes to infuse their personal beliefs and values into their overarching brand identity.

As the interview wraps up, Rowena offers a profound piece of advice drawn from her own journey: "Figure out who you are... and then just go all in on it. Back yourself like a thousand percent." She firmly believes that "personal growth equals business growth," with every embrace of her true self leading to greater business thriving.

Connect with Rowena Preddy and Preddy Creative:

Ready to ditch the cookie-cutter and unleash your brand's true potential? Discover Rowena's bold approach at Preddy Creative. 

Don't settle for beige. Be the rainbow, be audacious, and let your brand truly shine!

https://preddycreative.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowena-preddy-304830160/

In this insightful episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Matt Alderton, a leading entrepreneur, business expert, and the visionary founder of BX Networking, one of the world's fastest-growing business networking and education organisations. 

With a track record of running over a dozen six, seven, and eight-figure businesses and accumulating more than 40 industry awards, Matt brings a wealth of experience from every side of the business landscape. As the founder of the BX Awards and an awards judge himself (for prestigious programs like the Telstra Awards), Matt offers a unique 360-degree perspective on the invaluable role awards play in business growth.

Matt's passion for small business stems from over two decades as an owner. He champions the profound impact small businesses have on the economy and individuals, from providing first jobs and training to fostering personal growth. His journey, which includes early ventures in retail and hospitality (and even a surprising family history in video stores!), evolved into a dedication to business education and growth through BX Networking.

For Matt, awards are not just about winning; they are a strategic marketing tool. He recounts how being a finalist or a winner in awards programs instilled instant credibility and trust with potential clients, leading to rapid client acquisition. This external validation, he explains, functions much like an ‘as seen on’ badge from a major TV network, immediately building confidence and trust.

Key Insights:

Matt's candidness about the "trophy" from a Subway conference - and how he got a photo of him holding the table centrepiece that, when shared on socials instantly elicited congratulatory messages from his network - humorously underscores his point: perception is powerful, and leveraging the association with an awards program is key.

He also touches on the elephant in the room - AI and its role in award submissions. While he advocates for using AI to refine answers, he cautions against lazy reliance, urging entrants to read and personalise and edit any AI-generated content.

Looking ahead, Matt envisions BX continuing its mission to empower business owners through education and networking, particularly through its comprehensive Diamond membership. His ultimate passion is to significantly reduce the high failure rate in small businesses by providing the tools and knowledge for sustained success, whether a business aims for solid six-figures or ambitious seven and eight-figure growth.

Connect with Matt Alderton and BX Networking:

Ready to gain instant credibility and accelerate your business growth?

Explore the opportunities offered by BX Networking and the BX Awards.

https://bxnetworking.com/au/international-business-xcellence-awards

https://bxnetworking.com/

https://mattalderton.com.au/

In this insightful episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Maggie Miller, the dynamic President of the World's Premier Business Awards - The Stevie Awards. Maggie shares her unique journey, from a 10-year-old momentarily concerned about a new sibling to leading a global organisation that celebrates business excellence across nine distinct award programs.

The Stevie Awards, founded by Maggie's father, Michael Gallagher, emerged from a simple yet powerful question: "Why aren't there more awards for people like me?" This question, born from his own experiences in the marketing world, ignited a vision to recognise the hard work, creativity, and impact of professionals worldwide. The name "Stevie," a nod to Maggie's grandfather Stephen and the Greek word for "crowned," encapsulates the awards' mission to honour and elevate outstanding achievements.

Lauren and Maggie delve into the core values that have propelled the Stevie Awards to global prominence. Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to providing valuable feedback to entrants are hallmarks of the program. Unlike many awards, the Stevies offer judges' comments to all participants, enabling improvement and encouraging future success. This supportive approach extends to offering entrants who didn't win a chance to enter another Stevie program at no additional cost.

Key Insights from Maggie Miller:

Maggie also shares her experience working in a family business, highlighting the rewarding journey of witnessing the Stevie Awards' growth from a small operation to a global force. She emphasises the importance of remaining unbiased as president, focusing on ensuring a fair and transparent process for all participants.

The conversation touches on the challenges and adaptations of the awards industry, including navigating the impact of COVID-19 and the rise of AI. Maggie highlights the Stevies' commitment to human judgment, banning AI in the judging process to ensure authentic evaluation.

For those considering entering the Stevie Awards, Maggie advises reflecting on the specific achievements they wish to highlight and exploring the diverse categories available. She encourages potential entrants to view winning nominations from previous years for inspiration and to see the value of their own contributions.

As the episode concludes, Maggie alerts us about a brand-new Stevie Awards website, promising an even more user-friendly experience for participants worldwide.

Connect with the Stevie Awards:

Ready to celebrate your achievements and gain global recognition? 

Explore the Stevie Awards and discover the perfect platform to showcase your success. You'll find all the necessary links below this episode.

Don't let your hard work go unnoticed. Embrace the opportunity to be crowned a Stevie winner and amplify your impact on the world stage!

https://stevieawards.com/

Check Out The Audacious Agency Stevie Awards For Women In Business Package: https://theaudaciousagency.com/stevie-women-in-business-awards/

In this inspiring episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett interviews the driven Brett Farmiloe, Founder & CEO of Featured and the visionary behind the revival of HARO (Help A Reporter Out).

Brett's story is a powerful example of the impact of pursuing your passions, from his early days interviewing people about their career journeys across America to his current mission of empowering experts to share their knowledge with the world's leading publications.

Brett's initial quest to understand how individuals find passion in their work, documented during his cross-country "Pursue the Passion" road trips, revealed a fundamental human need: a meaningful outlet to share accumulated expertise. This insight became the driving force behind Featured, a platform that now connects over 50,000 subject-matter experts with top publishers like Fast Company and Entrepreneur.com, fuelling the creation of impactful Q&A content.

Lauren and Brett explore how Featured provides a streamlined and effective way for leaders – from entrepreneurs and marketers to credentialed professionals – to amplify their voices and build their profiles. The platform's accessible model and intelligent AI-powered matching system democratise access to media opportunities, ensuring that valuable knowledge reaches a wider audience. The coolest part is the AI-driven questions that overcome the ‘blank page’ barrier, so contributors know what topics to submit content on, making the connection with publications real and engaging.

Adding another layer to his passionate pursuit, Brett shares his excitement about acquiring and revitalising HARO, a beloved platform for connecting journalists with expert sources. HARO is a legacy brand and one of the first platforms to link experts with journalists. His commitment to breathing new life into this iconic brand underscores his dedication to facilitating the exchange of knowledge and empowering experts to become go-to resources.

Key Insights on Pursuing Passion and Profile Building from Brett Farmiloe:

Brett's own audacious career, from helping Hugh Jackman launch a charitable coffee company to his adventures in the early days of digital marketing and even a memorable (and never-to-be-repeated) Hot Pocket-fueled startup phase, showcases the diverse paths passion can lead to. His current focus on Featured and HARO is a clear continuation of his initial drive to provide meaningful outlets for expertise.

Brett's advice for those looking to build their profile while staying true to their passions is to be strategic, focus on the areas where your passion and expertise intersect, and consistently share your unique insights. Platforms like Featured and HARO are invaluable tools in this journey, providing the connections and opportunities to turn your passion into recognized authority.

Brett's enthusiasm for profile building is palpable. His work is more than just business; it's a direct extension of his long-standing passion for helping individuals share their stories and expertise.

Ready to channel your passion into a powerful profile?

Subscribe to HARO here: https://www.helpareporter.com/

This episode of That's Audacious is a captivating conversation with George Hedon, the visionary founder and CEO of Pause Fest and the esteemed Pause Awards. 

Dubbed Australia's flagship innovation festival and a recognised innovation capital, Pause Fest, under George's guidance, has drawn over 80,000 attendees and established itself as a significant benchmark for business excellence. We eagerly delve into the origins and inner workings of Pause Fest and the Pause Awards, uncovering the passion and perseverance behind this remarkable platform.  

George recounts his journey, sparked by a post-university sojourn in Europe that ignited a creative fire within him. Upon returning to Melbourne, he identified a crucial gap in the landscape: a space where individuals with side hustles, nascent ideas, and unconventional projects could connect and share. In a pre-startup boom era, Pause Fest emerged as a "moment in time" for these audacious thinkers to converge.

The conversation beautifully illustrates the evolution of Pause Fest from its initial focus on animation, screen film, and digital culture to the dynamic hub it is today, championing creativity, technology, and business. George candidly shares the challenging early years, navigating the complexities of building something entirely new and finding its commercial footing.

Key Insights from George Hedon:

For those contemplating entering the Pause Awards, George offers a clear directive: articulate your breakthrough in under 1000 words, focusing on the situation before, the tactics employed, the results achieved, and the broader impact. Honesty and a clear articulation of your "interesting" and impactful work are key to standing out.  

As the episode concludes, George leaves listeners with a simple yet profound call to action: "Just be curious. Look up things, engage, go to meetups, find out stuff slowly, meet people. It starts with small steps, and there's this saying, small steps lead to big things." His words resonate with the core ethos of the podcast – to embrace the audacious journey of innovation, one step at a time.

Step into your creativity, be curious, and dare to be audacious!

Ready to explore the world of innovation and perhaps even be seen and noticed for your own breakthroughs? 

Discover more about Pause Fest and the Pause Awards here:

In this engaging episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes the insightful Nic Hayes, a media professional with an impressive three decades of experience spanning broadcasting, podcasting, storytelling, writing, and communication. Nic takes us on a fascinating journey, recounting his unexpected pivot from the discipline of the army and the Victorian Police Force to the vibrant realm of media.

Nic's story underscores the often unpredictable paths that lead to fulfilling careers. His initial foray into media intelligence, monitoring the pulse of the news provided him with a unique perspective on the media landscape. He talks about the increasing pressure on media outlets to find credible experts and commentators and his pivotal observation that sparked the audacious idea for Media Stable, now a thriving business in its fourteenth year, connecting media professionals with trusted experts across various fields.

Lauren and Nic delve into the significant transformations within the media industry over the years. From the era of faxes and the nascent stages of email to the seismic shift brought about by social media and the 24/7 digital world, Nic shares his firsthand experience of these changes, highlighting the paradox of our time – that we’re more connected globally yet increasingly disconnected on a personal level.

The conversation navigates the challenges of the overwhelming volume of content and the constant emergence of self-proclaimed experts, requiring established relationships and trust.

Key Insights from Nic Hayes:

Nic also sheds light on Media Stable and the Expert Registry platform that serves as an accessible entry point for those beginning their media journey, offering training and a profile visible to the media. Media Stable connects vetted experts with media professionals actively seeking credible sources and runs “Meet The Media’ events around the country.

As the conversation draws to a close, Nic offers a powerful piece of advice: "Put your hand up. Say that you're ready. You are an expert. You are an award winner. Get out there and do it. Don't regret anything." His words serve as an empowering call to action for anyone ready to share their knowledge and make their mark in the world of media.

Don't just be knowledgeable, be audacious! Get your voice heard.

Find out more here:

https://expertregistry.com.au/

In this episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett interviews Angela Dion, the founder of Simple Breastfeeding and the creator of the revolutionary Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow. Angela shares her inspiring journey of turning her own breastfeeding challenges into a groundbreaking product that is helping mothers worldwide.

Angela's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Frustrated with the inadequate solutions offered to her, she took matters into her own hands and created a product that addresses the real needs of breastfeeding mothers. Her dedication to quality and her willingness to seek out unconventional solutions have led to the creation of a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those who have identified a problem and are passionate about creating a solution. Angela's journey is a reminder that with tenacity and a willingness to think outside the box, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.

Key Takeaways:

About Angela Dion:

Angela Dion is the founder of Simple Breastfeeding and the creator of the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow. Her innovative product is designed to provide comfort and support to breastfeeding mothers. Angela's dedication to improving the breastfeeding experience has made her a respected figure in the parenting community.

Don't let your frustrations hold you back. Turn them into innovations!

Find out more about Anglea Dion of Simple Breastfeeding and the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow here: https://simplebreastfeeding.com/