In this episode, I interview Diana Williams - Founder of Fernwood Fitness. Driven by her love of strength training, Diana opened Australia's first women-only gym in 1989. Today, Fernwood has grown to more than 70 clubs nationwide, supporting over 90,000 Australian women. 

Throughout the episode, Diana reflects on her decision to franchise and the rapid growth and publicity that came with launching a women-only gym. She discusses her leadership style, how the fitness industry has evolved over the past 40 years, and the ways that she's adapted to both the market and women’s needs and how they've changed. 

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In this episode, I interview Kristina Karlsson - Founder of kikki.K and Dream Life. Opening her first stationery store in 2001, kikki.K became a global brand with over 100 stores and customers in over 150 countries. Today, she channels her creativity and passion into Dream Life, a print-on-demand stationery brand and digital coaching program designed to help people create and live their dream lives.

Throughout the episode, Kristina talks about the rapid growth of kikki.K and its challenges, including COVID pandemic and parting ways with the business she built. She also highlights her goal to inspire and empower 101 million people worldwide to pursue their dreams through her new business.

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In this episode, I interview Troy Sawdy - Founder and CEO of Titan Ind. Starting the company in 2019, Titan provides maintenance solutions for the mining industry across the country. In just six years, Troy has scaled Titan to almost $100m in revenue and a team of 350 employees nationwide. 

Throughout the episode, Troy shares the key lessons he learned to become a better leader and the importance of workplace culture, both of which align with Titan's core values of communication, integrity and accountability. He also reflects on his experience in the business world, emphasising that success isn’t defined by background because everyone is working together towards a shared goal.

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends. 

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In this episode, I interview Stuart Clout - Founder of thedocyard. Starting his career as a lawyer, Stuart bootstrapped his company before going through a merger, IPO and ultimately securing a $250 million private-equity exit. Today, he channels his expertise as the founder of GTM Garage and co-founder of Mulga Defense Corporation.

Throughout the episode, Stuart discusses the important decisions behind leaving his job in law and starting a company. He talks about his achievements, including optimising internal operations and M&A. Stuart also highlights navigating the post-exit transition, particularly the challenge of autonomy in your business. 

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.

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In this episode, I interview Sarah-Jane Kurtini - Co-Founder of Tinybeans and Founder of PitchSlap. Creating Tinybeans in 2011, S-J bootstrapped the family photo-sharing app and by the time of its IPO, Tinybeans had grown to over 1.5 million users worldwide reaching a market cap of $80m. Exiting in 2020, Sarah-Jane went on to launch PitchSlap, where she now advises founders and CEOs on growth and strategy.

Throughout the episode, S-J discusses her experience of launching Tinybeans from fundraising and growth to acquisition and an IPO. She also reflects on how she managed to balance family commitments and moving countries while building the business.

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.

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In this episode, I interview Rich Coombes - a four-time founder including companies such as Will & Co Coffee and Batlow Cider Co. Having co-founded and exited several businesses across consumer goods and tech sectors, Rich has established himself as a leader in the entrepreneurial scene. Now, as a Partner at Nexus Advisory, he works directly with businesses to help them find funding solutions.

Throughout the episode, Rich shares insights into scaling businesses, raising capital, and managing exits. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and building a strong management team, both of which have been cornerstones of his success in business.

 If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.

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Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ff

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In this episode, I interview Quirin Schwaighofer - Co-Founder of MadeComfy. MadeComfy was founded in 2015 and has become Australia's largest professional short-term rental network. With over 1,300 properties under management, the company reached a major milestone this year when it was acquired for more than $50 million.

Throughout the episode, Quirin discusses setting the goal of starting a company with the intention of exiting in ten years. He shares the challenges of growing MadeComfy including the significant loss of revenue caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. Quirin also emphasises the crucial role of networking in successfully raising capital.

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.

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In this episode, I interview Jim Penman - Founder of Jim's Group. Since launching Jim's Mowing in 1982, Jim's Group has become Australia's largest franchise network, spanning more than 50 service divisions and over 5,500 franchisees. As of 2025, Jim’s Group generates over $1 billion in annual turnover.

Throughout the discussion, Jim shares his early experience of completing his PhD before facing the challenge of finding a career in academia and choosing to grow his mowing business instead. He highlights that his franchisees are his top priority. He explains how he works closely and directly with them to help them succeed and he also discusses the importance of people in business who are hands-on and curious.  

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a 5-star review and share with family and friends.

Jim also shares his book recommendations list, which can be accessed at https://jimpenman.com.au/book-recommendations/

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In this episode, I interview David Hyman - Co-Founder and CEO of Lendi Group. Since founding the company in 2013, Lendi has become Australia's leading digital mortgage broker and online home loan platform. After acquiring Aussie Home Loans in 2021, Lendi Group now has over $100 billion dollars in loans and 5 million customers on their platforms. 

Throughout the episode, David discusses the process of combining the digital and human experience for their customers. He talks about the commitment to become AI native. David also shares his leadership philosophy, including the importance of teamwork and radical transparency in scaling a high-growth company.

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a 5-star review and share with family and friends.

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In this episode, I interview Steve Chapman - Founder of Hyro and Co-Founder of Shine. Steve scaled Shine to become a major name in the beverage industry in over 7,000 stores and $60m in retail sales. Now, Steve is building Hyro, a wellness brand creating hydrating electrolyte drinks, with a mission to become a $100m company.

Throughout the episode, Steve shares his journey growing Shine, including the challenge of navigating sales and supply chains with major retailers like Coles and Woolworths. He highlights the key lessons he's carried over from Shine to his current venture, Hyro. Steve explains why he chose to build a business around hydration.

If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends. 

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Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ff

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