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This episode is the first in a seven-part series exploring the themes of my forthcoming book ‘Bigger Isn’t Better, Better is Better’. Joined by Evolution Partners coaches Andres Zylberberg & Richard Peake, the discussion introduces the central premise: that for owner-led companies, increasing size does not necessarily deliver greater freedom, wealth, or fulfilment. Instead, I propose a framework built around compounding improvements in five core areas—team, customers, offering, financials, and life by design.
The series aims to provide leaders with practical insights, real-world examples, and guidance on building a better business and a more meaningful life.
Takeaways
Details of my new book:
Bigger isn’t Better, Better is Better: Avoiding the pressure of endless growth to build a better business (and better life) https://evolutionpartners.com.au/bigger-isnt-better/
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Putting profit first isn’t just a financial tactic, it’s a mindset shift that helps entrepreneurs build businesses that thrive without burnout. Celebrated author and small business advocate Mike Michalowicz shares how flipping traditional business thinking on its head can lead to lasting success. Mike built and lost multimillion-dollar businesses before discovering the frameworks that now help millions of founders avoid burnout and build sustainable companies.
He breaks down how to identify your business’s most critical function to creating a team that thinks and acts like owners. He introduces concepts like the Queen Bee role, the Business Priority Pyramid, and the power of psychological ownership, while driving home his mission to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty.
Takeaways
Follow Mike Michalowicz
https://mikemotorbike.com/
https://mikemichalowicz.com/
Mike’s books
Profit First https://amzn.to/46hE4JB
Clockwork https://amzn.to/46g8ImC
All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams https://amzn.to/3TSTnRE
The Pumpkin Plan https://amzn.to/4kN1ZE7
Get Different: Marketing That Can't Be Ignored! https://amzn.to/3IXfYtN
Surge: Time the Marketplace, Ride the Wave of Consumer Demand, and Become Your Industry's Big Kahuna https://amzn.to/4kSgneC
Fix This Next https://amzn.to/417zJ8e
The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur https://amzn.to/3TTnsAr
The Recession Response https://amzn.to/40xAGqm
Book recommended
Reset by Dan Heath https://amzn.asia/d/9rBvPHe
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter
https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Putting people at the centre of business is the hallmark of the Small Giants community – leaders who choose to be great instead of big. Jean Moncrieff, who stepped into the role of community head in 2025, shares how values-driven leadership transformed his own business and why it continues to shape a global network of purpose-led entrepreneurs.
A longtime member turned coach, Jean discusses the origin of Small Giants, the importance of community, and how businesses are embracing alternative ownership models like ESOPs and employee ownership trusts. He explains the power of vulnerability, the impact of intentional leadership, and how younger generations are reshaping expectations around purpose at work.
Takeaways
Follow Jean Moncrieff
https://smallgiants.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanmoncrieff/
Books recommended on this episode
The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods https://amzn.to/3H2YFHm
Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, 10th-Anniversary Edition by Bo Burlingham https://amzn.to/45dyeGQ
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter
https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cash isn’t just a by-product of profit, it’s the lifeblood of every business. Yet many leaders chase revenue and focus on profit while overlooking the numbers that truly matter. Alan Miltz explains why understanding cash flow is the key to building stronger, more valuable companies.
Alan is the co-founder of Cashflow Story, software used by tens of thousands of businesses in more than 90 countries, and he sits on 15 company boards. With more than 30 years’ experience helping CEOs and boards “speak the language of cash,” he’s become a global authority on turning numbers into strategy.
Alan reveals how small shifts in pricing, margins, and working capital can dramatically transform results.
Takeaways
Follow Alan Miltz
https://www.alanmiltz.com/
https://cashflowstory.com/
Books on this episode
Scaling Up co-authored by Alan Miltz https://scalingup.com/book/
Good to Great by Jim Collins https://scalingup.com/book/
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Great teams don’t happen by accident – they’re built through intentional coaching, clarity, and culture. Leadership coach and best-selling author Mike Goldman returns to explore the deeper drivers of team performance and why growing your people is the most powerful way to grow your business.
Drawing on decades of experience, Mike unpacks a practical five-step framework to strengthen your team, boost engagement, and drive results. From ditching outdated performance reviews to investing more in your high performers, he explains what truly makes a difference and how to measure it.
Takeaways
Mike was previously on episode 4 of The Evolution Partners podcast. Please listen here: https://evolutionpartners.com.au/podcast/03-building-a-breakthrough-leadership-team-with-mike-goldman/
Follow Mike Goldman
https://www.mike-goldman.com/
https://strengthoftalent.com/
Books on this episode
The Strength of Talent: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Profit by Mike Goldman https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Talent-Grow-People-Profit/dp/1774585855
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier https://amzn.to/4eA6TD8
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
True success comes from aligning purpose, values, and peace—not just chasing profit. Keith Roberts blends ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern business strategy to help entrepreneurs lead with clarity and intention. Through the Oak Journal, he offers tools rooted in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to guide intentional living and ethical leadership.
Keith shares how understanding suffering, embracing accountability, and letting go of ego can radically shift how we lead and live. His approach encourages leaders to prioritise time, peace, and purpose – building better businesses by focusing on what truly matters rather than just revenue or growth.
Takeaways
Follow Keith Roberts
https://keithrobertsiii.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OakJournalMethod
https://www.instagram.com/theoakjournalmethod/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenman/
Books on this episode
The Zen of Business: Ancient Wisdom to Help Modern Leaders Lead with Intention, Clarity, and Purpose by Keith Roberts https://amzn.to/3I7k1n5
The Eternal Flame: Ancient Wisdom for Today's Modern Leader by Keith Roberts
https://amzn.to/4lzsfD2
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie https://amzn.to/40y1eaL
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AI and demographic shifts are transforming business faster than ever, demanding relentless execution, constant adaptation, and a focus on capturing market share over simply chasing growth. That’s according to Greg Crabtree, a speaker, entrepreneur, and author known for helping business owners gain financial clarity and scale profitably.
Drawing on data from 100 mid-market U.S. companies, Greg reveals the economy is flatter than official reports suggest, with necessary businesses growing while discretionary ones decline. AI is rapidly replacing jobs, challenging traditional business models and creating a unique “street-fighter economy” focused on market share, not growth.
Greg advises leaders to plan quarterly, prioritise execution, and build strong moats around their companies. He also warns that as AI compresses margins, businesses must adapt faster than ever, combining profitability discipline with the agility to rethink strategies in a changing landscape.
Takeaways
Greg was previously on episode 12 of The Evolution Partners podcast. You can listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EnYdhakoFOHqz4ab0lGqQ?si=DUJGxjxKT2S9ODwoOnzxog
Follow Greg Crabtree
https://www.simplenumberscri.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplenumberscri/
https://www.facebook.com/CRISimpleNumbers
https://x.com/SimpleNumbrsCRI
https://www.instagram.com/crisimplenumbers/
Greg’s Books
Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential https://amzn.to/4a70X0I
Simple Numbers 2.0 - Rules for Smart Scaling: A Play by Play Analysis for Pure Growth https://amzn.to/4bkMwXP
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jason Ross, co-founder of Time Under Tension, Australia’s first generative AI experience agency, explores the rapid evolution of AI and its transformative impact on business. He discusses how AI agents are already automating complex workflows, assisting with hiring, and redefining customer interactions.
Jason outlines the importance of engaging entire teams in AI adoption, prioritising education and experimentation over fear. He also explains how companies can minimise hallucinations by combining intent detection with trusted data sources. Reflecting on exponential progress, he highlights why creativity and curiosity will determine success in an AI-enabled future.
Takeaways
Follow Jason Ross
https://www.timeundertension.ai/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsnrss/
https://timeundertension.substack.com/
Books on this episode
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick https://amzn.to/4khOnk5
AI-related websites mentioned on this episode
AI 2027 https://ai-2027.com/
HeyGen (AI-generated videos) https://www.heygen.com/
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Green is a globally recognised leadership coach, author and speaker who works with CEOs and executive teams to build accountable, high-performing cultures. Mark shares why fear – whether driven by ego, scarcity or failure – is the biggest hidden blocker to performance and accountability.
He outlines the three elements of accountability, the power of role clarity, and how tolerating underperformance can erode credibility and culture. Mark also explores the transformation that happens when leaders stop trying to be liked and instead focus on being respected. From feedback to core values, he explains how great leaders lead by example – and why empathy, not ego, is the foundation of real leadership.
Takeaways
Follow Mark Green
https://mark-green.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmarkgreen/
Books on this episode
Creating a Culture of Accountability by Mark Green https://amzn.asia/d/ftBa0FJ
Activators: A CEO’s Guide to Clearer Thinking and Getting Things Done by Mark Green https://amzn.asia/d/8a1JaXr
A podcast which Mark recommends:
The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish https://open.spotify.com/show/1VyK52NSZHaDKeMJzT4TSM
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travis Luther is a sociologist and entrepreneur who spent a year interviewing terminally ill individuals – many of them fellow entrepreneurs – to uncover what really matters when people confront their own mortality. The result is a set of powerful life lessons drawn from those facing the end: live authentically, act with urgency, and define success on your own terms.
Travis also created the Time Traveller Method, a framework to help people move beyond past trauma and live with greater purpose. He shares insights on closing the gap between our lived and unlived lives, the emotional cost of denying our true selves, and how confronting death can inspire deeper presence, connection, and clarity about what matters most.
Takeaways
Follow Travis Luther
https://travisluther.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisluther/
https://www.youtube.com/@TravisLutherMA
https://x.com/travisluther
https://www.facebook.com/travisscottluther/#
https://www.instagram.com/travisscottluther/
Books on this episode
Travis’s book, What We Learn When We Learn We Are Dying, will be released late July 2025.
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing https://amzn.to/4jSD5Tq
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners
Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/
Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth
Enjoying the show? Leave a review
Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the publisher's feed
A place for the world’s leading thinkers, planners and doers.
The Evolution Partners is a weekly podcast hosted by Brad Giles. Join Brad as he engages in conversations with some of the world’s sharpest minds, learning a bit more about them and delving into what makes them tick.