The Growth Equation

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I’m joined by Leah Grinter, founder of Brindle, an agency that evolved from a sole trader marketing consultancy to an omnichannel media performance powerhouse. Leah shares her unique journey from being a CMO licensing her own loyalty program to launching and growing her own boutique agency in a competitive, ever-changing media landscape. We dive deep into how she navigated the challenges of staffing, managing a boutique team fully in Australia, and the critical importance of diversification—lessons that became especially sharp during the pandemic when many clients suddenly vanished.

Leah also sheds light on the complexities of omnichannel marketing, why “niching” isn’t always about industry but often about the client type and service focus, and how her team blends digital and traditional media strategies to maximize ROI for clients. We unpack her perspective on maintaining strong internal culture with flexible hybrid work models, how she approaches AI technology in media execution, and her honest reflections on what it takes to sustain growth without overextending resources.

If growing an agency or navigating the modern media agency landscape is top of mind, Leah’s practical insights and candid stories will leave you inspired and better equipped.

Connect with Leah Grinter

Company Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/brindle-co/?originalSubdomain=au

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahgrinter/?originalSubdomain=au

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Catherine Toms, co-founder of Marketing Growth Academy and recently AI Growth Academy. Catherine shares a compelling journey of transformation, pivoting their business from traditional corporate marketing training to an innovative public AI education offering. She dives into the real challenges and rewards of running a family business, especially when both partners are fully involved.

We explore how Catherine and her husband navigated the risks of reliance on a single major client, embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, and later shifted to meet growing demand for AI skills in marketing. Catherine explains why adopting AI in marketing is not just about technology but understanding human motivation and psychology in reaching customers. She offers practical insights on building scalable systems for a consumer audience while balancing ongoing corporate work.

Listeners will gain valuable lessons on business pivots, the importance of role clarity, and how AI is reshaping marketing teams from the inside out. Catherine’s passion for making AI accessible to all shines through, providing encouragement for entrepreneurs ready to embrace the future. Check out the AI Growth Academy for free resources and courses to start your AI journey.

Connect with Catherine Toms

Website: https://aigrowthacademy.com.au/about/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinetoms/?originalSubdomain=au

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sit down with Robin Hunuki, the founder of RH Media, to unpack how genuine connection and adaptability can outpace the biggest ad budgets. Robin shares how his journey from tech-savvy sports hopeful to business owner saw him discover that building strong relationships delivers more results than relying solely on campaigns or automation. We dig into why small and agile teams are still the secret weapon in today’s fast-moving market, and what it actually takes to grow a business in a landscape full of noise and change.

We discuss how RH Media has stayed at the front of innovation—serving large clients with a lean crew, constantly seeking out new tech, and never sacrificing the human element for scale. Robin gets candid about juggling a young family, lessons learned through hard knocks, and how humility and self-awareness have fuelled his resilience as a founder. We also break down practical approaches to customer experience, team culture, and why relationship-building is set to become the next “unfair advantage” as automation and AI tools flood the industry.

If you’re a business owner who values directness, wants to turn mistakes into momentum, and believes that tech should serve relationships—not replace them—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas. Find links to RH Media’s tools, Robin’s socials, and further resources in the show notes.

Connect with Robin Hunuki 

Website: https://rhmedia.io/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhunuki/?originalSubdomain=au

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Some people dream of working from anywhere. Hanna Groves lives it—and built Divergent Media so she could run business on her terms, whether that's from a coffee shop in Medellín or a park in Brisbane. When Hanna and I finally connected (after everything from hammer drills to hurricanes tried to throw us off), I realised her story was more than a playbook—it’s a full-on invitation for business owners to challenge their own limits.

In this episode, Hanna gets brutally honest about the highs and lows of building a remote-first agency. She reveals why she left behind a career as a police officer, what drove her to design a business that could thrive through chaos, and how ‘escape from the crowd’ became more than a tagline—it’s become a life philosophy. Hanna shares the moments when it all nearly fell apart (losing $20k/month revenue during COVID, surviving a devastating divorce), and exactly how she rebuilt by doubling down on mindset, self-development, and choosing clients who value real impact over big promises.

For anyone tired of glossy stories and eager for tried-and-tested strategies, Hanna opens up about empowering staff across borders, sharing her simple but effective onboarding systems for clients and team members, and how she’s fostered loyalty despite distance and difference. We break down practical steps for managing global teams, onboarding remote freelancers, and even the tech stack that keeps everything humming. If you’re prepared to rethink business as usual, Hanna’s story proves you don’t need permission—just grit and a readiness to learn from every mistake.

Connect with Hanna Groves:

Website: https://www.divergentmedia.com.au/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-groves/?originalSubdomain=au

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

This episode spotlights Joe Romeo’s inspiring evolution from uncertain job hunts in Adelaide to helming Melbourne’s award-winning Aperitif Agency. Joe’s story unpacks the true grit required to transition from early agency gigs and client-side challenges into building his own fast-growing business, all while juggling leadership and family life.

You will also discover how Joe used hard-won lessons from his time at Airwallex and working across top agencies to shape Aperitif’s philosophy: hire slow, document everything, build smart systems, and never compromise team culture for quick wins. The conversation delves into the realities of agency growth, from the rush and nerves of going full-time at Aperitif, through expanding his team to nine, to crafting rituals for presence with his young son and co-founder wife. Joe also reveals how partnering with complementary businesses, openly sharing learnings, and entering industry awards boosted Aperitif’s reputation and referrals, fueling sustainable growth.

Hear behind-the-scenes strategies for managing onshore and offshore teams, building progression plans that truly motivate staff, and navigating tough client situations with honesty. Resources like Notion, Loom, ScribeHow, and One Life Club get practical shoutouts for founders keen to streamline operations and learn from others. Packed with relatable moments, real setbacks, and triumphs, this episode delivers genuine, actionable insight for ambitious Australian entrepreneurs ready to scale — while keeping their values front and centre.

Connect with Joe Romeo:

Website: https://aperitifagency.com.au/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-romeo/?originalSubdomain=au

IG: https://www.instagram.com/aperitifagency/#

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand from Nathan Farmer, partner at One Picture—a firm that’s navigated over two decades of market turbulence without losing its human edge.

Nathan’s story isn’t just about riding the highs of business. It’s about weathering life’s curveballs—capital crunches, shifting markets, and the kind of partnership dramas you never see on LinkedIn. We pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep four partners on the same page, all while embracing rapid shifts in technology (AI included) and evolving how insight and strategy work gets done.

If you reckon business is only about numbers, think again. Nathan talks openly about the trust that holds his partnerships together, the tough calls made when revenue models change overnight, and why human relationships remain front and centre—even when processes go digital.

This episode isn’t here to sugarcoat things. Instead, you’ll find the grit, humour, and clarity that make the journey worth it, including practical takeaways for business owners learning to adapt in a market that doesn’t sit still.

Listen to the full episode on The Growth Equation podcast.

Connect with Nathan Farmer:

Website:  https://onepicture.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-farmer-25542b5/?originalSubdomain=nz

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

This episode is a ripper for anyone riding the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Tristan gets real with Steven Gringlas, founder of Picos Media, about what it takes to build, break, and rebuild a thriving marketing agency in today’s e-commerce game.

Steven kicks things off, recounting his humble beginnings: launching the agency from his dad’s spare office, turning café trips with his charismatic dog Maddie into client wins, and rolling up his sleeves in social media marketing. But business isn’t all belly rubs and lattes—the story takes us through Steven’s learning curves: scaling up to a team of ten, confronting the harsh reality of swelling wage bills, and making tough calls to reshape his team around what actually drives results.

You’ll hear how shifting from a “do it all” creative agency to a focused, performance-driven model transformed Picos Media’s growth, profitability, and client impact. Steven shares game-changing insights about hiring for expertise, letting go of daily hands-on tasks, and finding the right people for the right seats. 

We dig into the nitty-gritty of using tools like Slack and Monday.com to streamline operations, and how embracing processes, structures, and mentorship—think EOS, EO Accelerator, and the Agency Mentor Community—helped Steven break plateaus and regain his confidence.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling for the next big leap, Steven’s honesty about seeking advice, staying resilient, and sharpening your strategy offers plenty of inspiration and lessons you can apply straight away. Want to get in touch with Steven or learn more? Head to picos.com.au or search @picos.media on social. This one’s a must-listen for every Aussie founder ready to tackle their next challenge with a bit more grit and a solid plan.

Connect with Steven Gringlas:

Website: https://www.picos.com.au/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-gringlas/?originalSubdomain=au

IG: https://www.instagram.com/picos.media/?hl=en

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Ever wondered what it looks like to genuinely rebuild from scratch and come out stronger, even after a curveball or two? In this episode of The Growth Equation, I dive deep with Ben Jones, the brain behind Titan Marketer. 

Ben’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary: from buying and growing 34 online businesses (and flipping a fair few of them) to surviving seismic Google algorithm updates that threatened to shut it all down. Through every twist, he’s managed to reinvent, adapt, and find new ways to thrive, whether launching successful agencies, leveraging YouTube advertising when others were giving up, or even tackling the wild west of actual gold mining.

If you’re ready to get real about business growth, ready to adapt, and keen to dig for a few hidden gems, this episode’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Ben Jones reveals how he rebuilt after major business setbacks and why reinvention is a key to long-term success.
• The episode highlights the lesson that “traffic is king” regardless of the business type—online or offline.
• You’ll discover why putting all your eggs in one basket (one platform or tactic) is risky for growth.
• Ben shares his proven frameworks for leveraging YouTube ads and paid marketing to keep results coming, even when the rules suddenly shift.
• Insights into building teams and systems that let you step back without losing momentum—plus a glimpse into Ben’s surprising gold mining venture.

Ready to get started? Listen now.

Connect with Ben Jones:

Website:  https://titanmarketer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben09/?originalSubdomain=au 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.jonesofficial/?hl=en

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

You don't need a big city to build a big vision.

I sat down with Phil Robinson, founder of Back 9 Creative, who is proving just that from his home base in Invercargill.

His story is a masterclass in what happens when you decide to back yourself, no matter your zip code. He proves you can build something meaningful far from the city skyline.

We cut the fluff and get straight to the lessons.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why narrowing your offer delivers bigger results than being everything to everyone.
• How to make the tough calls on team changes and finances.
• The truth about remote hiring and using AI to stay sharp.
• Why every asset, especially your website, needs to work as hard as your best employee.

This is for every leader of a small or regional business who wants a real-world playbook. No buzzwords, just honest strategy that works.

Ready to get started? Listen now.

Listen to the full episode on The Growth Equation podcast.

Connect with Phil Robinson:

Website: https://www.Back9.co.nz/team/phil-robinson/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-robinson-189b5736/?originalSubdomain=nz 

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Justin Meadows built a 25-person remote team in the Philippines. He's the only non-Filipino on the roster.

How did he do it?

In this episode, he shares his exact playbook for building and managing a high-performing offshore team from the ground up.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ The Hiring Blueprint: The step-by-step process to find, test, and onboard A-players.

✅ Attitude > Skill: How to screen for motivation and character, not just technical ability.

✅ Remote-First Culture: The systems that keep a remote team connected and performing at a high level.

✅ Leadership Lessons: How to manage across cultures and turn hiring missteps into growth.

✅ This episode is a practical roadmap for anyone looking to scale with an offshore team.

Connect with Justin Meadows:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://tunedwp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-meadows 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.meadows/ 

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Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow