The Growth Concept With Keoni Upton

In this episode of The Growth Concept, I sit down with Richard Detering for one of our most real conversations yet.

We start in an unconventional way: no business talk, no social media tactics — just personal stories and the side of Richie most people never get to see. From there, get into personal branding — not the fake polished version, but what actually builds trust, connection, and growth online.

We break down what mattered most in his journey (quality vs quantity vs consistency), the mistakes that slowed him down, and the mindset shift that changed everything.

If you’re trying to build impact online, grow your brand, and stay authentic while doing it, this episode gives you both the strategy and the perspective to do it properly.

Richard is the founder of Richard’s Muscle Lab, an online coaching brand positioned around helping FIFO workers stay consistent with training, nutrition, and accountability despite roster challenges. On his website and social profiles, he emphasizes FIFO-specific coaching systems, mindset, and long-term transformation

Richards LINKS...
Website: https://richardsmusclelab.com/
Coaching/Services: https://richardsmusclelab.com/services/
FAQ: https://richardsmusclelab.com/faq/
Instagram (Richard): https://www.instagram.com/ric_hyy/
Instagram (Brand page): https://www.instagram.com/richardsmusclelab/
Richards Muscle Lab App (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trainerize.richardsmusclelab

In this episode of The Growth Concept, I sat down with Shil Shanghavi — a public speaking and storytelling specialist, and former Head of Speaker Coaching for TEDxPerth.

We got into what really creates presence when you speak: authenticity, building trust before you even say a word, and how to start reading body language so you can tailor the way you communicate — whether you’re in a casual conversation with friends, a professional setting, a sales environment, or delivering a speech to a room full of people.

Shil’s story adds real depth to everything he teaches. He grew up with a severe stutter, and still went on to become a global speaker and coach — which makes this conversation even more powerful if you’ve ever struggled with confidence, fear of judgement, or feeling like you’re not “naturally” good at speaking.

If you want to speak with more clarity, show up with stronger energy, and learn the non-verbal cues that change everything — this one’s for you.

Connect with Shil:
Website: https://shilshanghavi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakershil/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shilshanghavi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chatterboxps/

Keywords:
public speaking, communication, storytelling, authenticity, body language, stuttering, personal growth, audience engagement, emotional connection, self-improvement

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
03:12 Who is Shil Shanghavi?
05:49 Childhood Challenges and Stuttering
09:04 The Journey to Public Speaking
11:59 Understanding Communication and Body Language
15:12 The Power of Authenticity in Speaking
18:11 Techniques for Engaging an Audience
21:04 The Importance of Connection in Communication
24:04 Navigating Professional vs. Casual Interactions
26:57 The Role of Silence and Non-Verbal Cues
29:47 Lessons from Public Speaking Experiences
32:59 Final Thoughts and Advice
36:13 Perth Unfiltered and Community Storytelling

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the show and share this episode with someone you care about most to elevate them in their public speaking journey.

And in return, I will do my best. I’ll keep improving this show every single day — and I will not stop. I’ll continue bringing the guests you want on and having these real conversations to elevate your growth, my growth, and yours.

Thanks for tuning in. This is The Growth Concept.

In this episode of The Growth Concept, I sat down with Niro Thambipillay, the founder of Investment Rise, to have a real conversation about property investing — without the fluff.

Niro’s been in the property game for over two decades, and what I love about his approach is how data-driven and simple he keeps it.

We talked about the biggest traps beginners fall into, why owner-occupier demand matters more than hype, and the mindset shift people need if they want property to become a genuine wealth-building tool — not just an expensive gamble.

If you’re a first-time investor (or you’ve been thinking about getting started but feel overwhelmed), this episode will help you think clearer, move smarter, and avoid a lot of the common mistakes.

• Why most people were never taught how to make money work for them
• The biggest misconceptions beginners have about investing
• Why owner-occupier demand is a key filter (and what happens when it’s missing)
• How Niro thinks about growth vs cash flow
• The role of debt as a tool (when it’s used with a plan)
• A simple way to evaluate areas without overcomplicating it

• Don’t buy based on a “cheap entry point” alone — demand is everything.
• If an area is mostly investors buying, that’s a red flag worth paying attention to.
• The goal isn’t just owning property — it’s building financial certainty over time.
• Keep it simple: do people actually want to live there long-term?

• “You don’t learn about how to make money work for you.”
• “If you think you’re going to work hard, pay taxes, and save your way to wealth, you’re probably in for a rude shock.”
• “The biggest thing I was missing was owner-occupier demand.”
• “Keep it simple: Do people want to move to this area?”

00:00 Introduction to Property Investing
01:36 Meet Niro Thambipillay
05:09 From Employment to Property Investment
11:13 The Emotional Side of First-Time Investing
17:40 Owner-Occupier Demand (the game-changer)
21:08 Common Property Investing Misconceptions
25:34 Cash Flow vs Growth
30:59 Debt and Wealth Creation
36:08 Climate Risk & Property Value
40:16 Final Thoughts: It’s Not Too Late

Niro started investing in property in 2002 and has spent over a decade helping others invest in residential property through his company Investment Rise. He’s focused on building trust, using research-backed decision-making, and helping everyday people create long-term financial security through smart acquisitions.

• Website: https://www.investmentrise.com.au/about-us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investwithniro/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@investwithniro
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirothambipillay/

In this episode of The Growth Concept, wellbeing coach Jules Sullivan shares a deeply honest conversation about navigating burnout, mental health challenges, ADHD, and major life events that reshaped her perspective on success, energy, and self-worth.

Jules reflects on how burnout forced her to reassess her career and values, how an ADHD diagnosis helped her better understand her energy levels, and why self-awareness is the foundation of sustainable wellbeing. She also opens up about the importance of rest, creating space for emotions, and letting go of external expectations.

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder — sometimes it comes from listening more closely to what you need.

This episode marks the final instalment of the Podcast on the Streets of Perth series filmed at Kings Park. Recorded outdoors in a space known for reflection and calm, this conversation brings the series to a grounded and intentional close. Natural background sounds are part of the experience, capturing the atmosphere of the moment and the authenticity of the conversation.

In this episode of The Growth Concept, Coach Nas shares his journey as both a personal trainer and a musician, exploring how transformation starts from within. With over 14 years of experience in personal training, Nas reflects on how physical training became a gateway to deeper self-belief, discipline, and purpose.

He opens up about navigating mental health challenges, how music became an outlet during difficult seasons, and why self-acceptance is the foundation for lasting change. This conversation moves beyond aesthetics and performance, focusing instead on the inner work required for real growth.

At its core, this episode is about self-discovery, responsibility, and learning to believe in yourself — even when the path forward isn’t clear yet.

This episode continues the Podcast on the Streets of Perth series, where we step outside the studio to capture conversations in their most natural form. You’ll hear the world moving around us — intentionally kept to preserve the rawness and presence of the moment.

In this episode of The Growth Concept, Sam G shares his journey from being an insecure teenager to becoming a fitness coach dedicated to helping others build confidence through training, nutrition, and mindset.

Sam opens up about the pressures he faced in high school, his struggles with body image, and the negative influences that once held him back. He reflects on a pivotal turning point that forced him to reassess his direction and commit to a more purposeful path.

We dive into the realities of social media, dealing with hate, building a personal brand through authenticity, and why creating real value matters more than chasing attention. This conversation highlights consistency, community, and the power of showing up — even when confidence isn’t there yet.

Episode 3 continues the Podcast on the Streets of Perth series, where we step out of the studio and into real environments. You’ll hear the city around us — people, movement, and everyday life — kept intentionally to preserve the authenticity of the conversation.

This episode continues our Podcast on the Streets of Perth series, where conversations happen in real-world settings rather than studios. You’ll hear the city around us — movement, life, and energy which we’ve intentionally kept to preserve the authenticity of the moment.

In this episode of The Growth Concept, Simran Virk — a public speaking coach — shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal challenges and finding purpose through helping others find their voice.

Simran opens up about facing bullying in high school, the resilience it built within her, and the pivotal role a supportive teacher played during a difficult chapter of her life. We explore how confidence is built (not born), why mistakes in public speaking matter far less than we think, and how social media can distort self-worth if we’re not intentional.

This conversation is about mindset, purpose, confidence, and taking life one step at a time — even when the path feels uncertain.

This episode marks the first instalment of our new series, Podcast in the Park — recorded outside to bring a more raw, relaxed, and natural feel to the conversations. Because of the outdoor setting, you’ll hear some background noise throughout the episode. We embraced it as part of the experience, and we hope you enjoy the authenticity.

In this episode of The Growth Concept, Callum Lane sits down to share his journey from a young kid who loved building cubby houses to becoming a passionate trade specialist at Bunnings.

Callum opens up about the influence of his family, the challenges he faced in school, and how finding purpose through work helped shape his mindset. We dive into what the Australian Dream means to him, the role mentorship has played in his development, and why real-world experience often matters more than formal education.

This conversation is about passion, hard work, creativity, and building a life you’re proud of — brick by brick.

In this solo episode, I sit down to reflect on 2025 without a doubt one of the most transformative years of my life. I share 25 lessons shaped by real experiences across personal growth, building a podcast, launching a media company, relationships, discipline, failure, and long-term thinking.

This episode isn’t about perfection or overnight success. It’s about the process learning to sit with discomfort, embracing failure as feedback, and understanding that consistency and discipline will always outperform motivation.

I dive into the power of mentorship, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how communication, personal branding, and community have played a massive role in opening doors I never thought possible.

We close with a strong focus on the future aligning daily actions with long-term goals, investing early (in mindset, skills, and finances), and intentionally becoming the person your future requires.

If you’re heading into a new year wanting clarity, direction, and grounded perspective this episode is for you.

• 2025 forced growth — personally, professionally, and mentally
• Failure isn’t something to avoid; it’s something to learn from
• Discipline will always beat motivation in the long run
• Life moves fast — waiting for the “right time” is a trap
• Rest isn’t weakness; it’s part of sustainable success
• Daily reflection compounds clarity and self-awareness
• Your environment and circle directly shape your outcomes
• Mentorship accelerates learning and shortens mistakes
• Communication is a skill that pays dividends everywhere
• Personal branding is leverage, not ego
• Time, technology, and community are tools — use them wisely
• Investing early (in yourself and financially) changes your future
• Who you become daily matters more than what you say you want

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Growth Concept, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how environmental change is already reshaping our financial future and what that means for your wealth!!!

Financial educator Lacey Filipich breaks down the difference between wealth creation and inflation, while unpacking a powerful and often overlooked reality: by 2035, up to 1 in 10 properties is projected to become uninsurable. This shift may have major implications for property shares and super.

You’ll learn how climate risk is translating directly into financial risk through rising insurance costs, declining asset resilience, and long-term uncertainty and why these factors matter just as much as interest rates or market cycles.

• Clear insight into how environmental risk impacts future wealth
• Understanding why some properties may lose insurability and value
• A more realistic perspective on property as a long-term investment
• Awareness of the financial blind spots most people aren’t prepared for
• Smarter ways to think about resilience, diversification, and protection against inflation

This conversation is designed to help you think beyond traditional education, ask better questions, and make financial decisions that hold up in a rapidly changing world.

Laceys resources:

Website: https://www.moneyschool.net.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyschoolorg/

Book(Money School): https://www.amazon.com.au/Money-School-financially-independent-reclaim/dp/1760890227/ref=asc_df_1760890227?mcid=4a79b3d3fee23d5dbd53ba9253893416&tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=712273987816&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5029180709675600156&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9070530&hvtargid=pla-936849537967&psc=1&gad_source=1

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. The views shared are general in nature and do not consider your personal circumstances. Always seek advice from a qualified professional before making financial decisions.