In this episode, I sit down with Dan Moussa, founder of Thirdway Advisory and host of the Founders Fire podcast, to unpack what it really takes to make the right senior hire inside a founder-led business.

We talk about why founders operate differently, the pressure that comes with building a business, and why the wrong executive hire can create more problems than it solves.

Dan shares his approach to executive search, including why businesses need to do the “pre-season” work before going to market, how to get internal alignment before hiring, and why the best person for the role often isn’t the one with the flashiest CV.

We also cover:

This is a great conversation for founders, business owners and leaders who are thinking about growth, leadership structure and the people decisions that shape the next stage of business. 

Thirdway Advisory - https://www.thirdwayadvisory.com.au/ 

Dan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moussa-thirdway/

The Founders Fire Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkbhxwzNFnazB69Udj3 

The HR Cartel - https://www.hrcartel.com/ 

In this episode, Tim is joined once again by Phil DiBella, founder of Di Bella Coffee and The Coffee Commune, for a raw and direct conversation about the pressure facing Australian small businesses, employers and the hospitality industry.

Phil shares his perspective on why the current political and economic system is making it harder for micro, small and medium businesses to survive, let alone grow. From payroll tax and fringe benefits tax to rising wages, shrinking margins and declining disposable income, this conversation breaks down how government decisions are flowing directly into the day-to-day reality of business owners and workers.

The discussion also explores why Phil believes Australia needs more accountability in politics, why business owners are feeling increasingly handcuffed, and why the next generation may be losing the desire to start businesses of their own.

In this episode, Tim Dive explains why internal corporate HR teams are heading for a major reckoning over the next three to five years.

Register now for our wage compliance tool webinar: https://streamyard.com/watch/jPxSyeMqD5Aq 

Cartel.OS - The HR Cartel HR management platform https://www.hrcartel.com/cartel-os 

Learn more about The HR Cartel https://www.hrcartel.com 

The Fair Work Commission says AI is overwhelming the system. We say that's a lie.

Show notes: 

https://www.hrleader.com.au/law/26146-fwc-saw-27-increase-in-lodgments-in-fy24#:~:text=By%20Jerome%20Doraisamy%20%7C%20November%2001,on%20the%20previous%20reporting%20period.

www.hrcartel.com/contact or Phone 07 5651 0066 to speak to our advice team.  

Tim Dive hosts a no-holds-barred episode covering a fresh joint ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman crackdown on contracting arrangements, the industries under scrutiny (construction, road transport, cleaning, IT and more), and how sham contracting risks are being pursued.

He also discusses rising AI disruption and union demands, the push for work‑from‑home rights, and Australia’s energy vulnerabilities, plus practical next steps, a webinar link and how to contact the HR Cartel for help.

www.hrcartel.com/contact or Phone 07 5651 0066 to speak to our advice team. 

HR Cartel Contractor Webinar recording - https://streamyard.com/42metdgbsbaqjjnt

FWO and ATO Joint Press Release - Targeting contractor Arrangements - https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2026-media-releases/march-2026/20260313-sham-contracting-media-release 

Before you hire anyone else, listen to this episode! Tim explains how small and growing businesses should approach organisation design using strategy as the guide, why it matters, and when to act.

The episode highlights common growth milestones (5, 10, 15, 25, 50+ employees), tells you how to spot problems (broken communication, duplicated roles, shared accountabilities), and contrasts functional versus divisional structures.

Practical advice covers future workforce modelling, identifying skill gaps, protecting customer experience during growth, and simple next steps to avoid expensive restructures.

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Tim Dive outlines the top risks Australian employers should prepare for in 2026, focusing on AI being used by employees in disputes and investigations, growing contractor and sham‑contracting exposure, and the rise in Fair Work claims and flexible working disputes.

He offers practical advice on record‑keeping, when to settle versus fight, the high‑income opt‑out for contractors, and urges employers to seek experienced HR/IR support to manage compliance and reduce risk.

Visit The HR Cartel www.hrcartel.com   

Host Tim Dive explains the shift that has occurred over the previous 4 years, and why Leadership styles must change to support small businesses dealing with individual-employee-centered issues, created by new regulations and positive duty obligations.

He outlines five human elements leaders must consider, Physical, Psychological, Social, Philosophical and Capability, and offers practical advice on one-on-one leadership, flexible systems, and family-friendly workplaces. The episode also includes a member shout-out to Eden Retreat - check the links for more. 

Member Shout Out - Eden Retreat - www.eden.com.au 

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Tim makes 3 bold predictions for 2026; DEI will die, the ALP and Unions will continue their rampage on the IR framework to win back popularity, and HR Consultants will try to convince us all they’re leadership experts.

The December 2025 tragedy has resulted in most of the nation finally admitting its government is lacking significant capability. The failures in the IR portfolio are becoming visible everywhere, and the ALP now has two years to win back support.  

What does this mean for workplaces, HR and IR? More change, upheaval and chaos, with a growing cohort of “HR Experts” that are finding themselves ill-equipped to assist employers handling the fall out.

Follow us on our links to get updates and snippets of gold. 

Show notes: 

Gender Pay Gap Myth - Senate Enquiry Clip https://youtu.be/tQnUCY-b9U8?si=GJ5VpXo_487kiZfw 

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Episode 90 reviews the year and outlines major workplace risks ahead for employers, focusing on wage theft legislation, Fair Work Ombudsman actions, and mounting payroll compliance challenges.

Tim discusses upcoming changes, Payday Super, the NES review (including potential reproductive leave and reduced work hours), the rise in compliance burdens, and how businesses may respond with redundancies, offshoring, and technology.

Practical steps and cautionary examples are offered for small and medium businesses to prepare for investigations, undertakings, and the shifting relationship between unions, government and industry in 2026.

Show links: 

Donations to the ALP: https://donation.watch/en/australia/party/ALP/donors 

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