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Are you tired of losing sleep over your financial future? In this empowering episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, hosts Kate and Sam are joined by seasoned financial strategist Gayle McKew, who reveals how to transform financial stress into strategic confidence.
Gayle shares her journey from a career in banking to becoming an independent financial planner. Her journey shows us how taking control of your financial decisions, even when they're difficult—can lead to both ethical alignment and financial freedom.
After leaving the banking world twice due to values conflicts, Gayle built a practice that proves you don't have to choose between doing what's right and building wealth at the same time.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by financial decisions, confused by conflicting advice, or worried about your retirement security, this episode shares:
Sam also shares a personal update after a few episodes away, and the trio explores what it means to take control of your financial future with integrity and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Spotlight – Gayle McKew: Gayle is a financial strategist who specialises in helping people move from financial anxiety to financial freedom. With over 25 years of experience in banking and financial planning, she's passionate about providing the strategic guidance that transforms financial stress into confident, values-aligned wealth building.
Connect with Gayle: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylemckew-financial-strategist-retirement-agedcare-successionplanning/
Thanks for tuning in!
If this episode helped you feel more confident about your financial future, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to take control of their financial destiny.
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | Digital Systers
Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
Welcome to another episode of Thriving Business podcast, real stories and innovative insights to help you grow a business that truly thrives.
Today, Kate and Sam share an open, thoughtful, and at times surprising conversation about the rapid evolution of AI — how they’re using it today, how it’s impacting their decision-making, and where it’s all heading next.
They also take a deep and personal dive into the field of Human Design and how it's helping them both rethink how they structure their work, energy, and business offerings.
Highlights:
Tools & Resources Mentioned:
This episode blends tech, intuition, and personal reflection in a way that feels fresh, relevant, and deeply human. Whether you’re AI-curious or totally overwhelmed by it, there’s something here for you.
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | Digital Systers
Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Thanks for listening!
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate, or share the podcast with someone who’d love to hear it. Until next time, keep growing, keep aligning, and keep thriving.
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
This week, Kate was honoured to sit down with Dee Skillicorn, founder of Digi-Secure, “your trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of digital assets”. Dee is on a mission to demystify cryptocurrency, making it simple, accessible and safe for everyone. Dee and her husband have built their wealth through cryptocurrency and love helping others to do the same.
With over 30 years of hands-on experience in business, finance, system analysis, and implementation, Dee has honed a sharp eye for what works in the digital currency landscape.
In our discussion, Dee shares her personal journey from being a newcomer to the world of crypto to living off it with her husband, and how they built a secure financial future outside traditional banking systems.
Dee sheds light on the common myths surrounding crypto, explaining how it’s not as complicated as people think — if you treat it like any other currency. She talks about her transition into crypto in 2017, the mistakes she made along the way, and how those mistakes led to creating a course to help others navigate the complex world of digital assets safely.
We also discussed the differences between traditional finance (Fiat) and decentralised finance (DeFi), and how blockchain technology is quietly revolutionising the financial system worldwide.
From security concerns to tokenisation and the rise of real-world assets in the crypto space, Dee provides practical insights for anyone interested in getting involved in cryptocurrency. Plus, she talks about the upcoming regulatory changes and what it means for the future of crypto. If you’re ‘crypto-curious’, don’t miss this!
Episode Highlights:
If you’re ready to dive into the world of crypto, but need help navigating its complexities securely, head over to Digi Secure to learn more about protecting your digital assets. Don’t let fear hold you back—empower yourself with knowledge and get the tools to make smarter investments in this exciting new world.
And, of course, if you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to The Thriving Business Podcast and share it with a friend who might find this topic interesting!
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The Business Implementor
Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Email: [email protected]
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
It’s refreshing to hear the raw and honest truth about what it really takes to build a successful business. In this episode of The Thriving Business Podcast, host Kate De Jong sits down with serial entrepreneur and systems wizard Eddie Zhang, founder of Zhamatix, to unpack his rollercoaster journey from a disillusioned corporate worker to a five-times business founder.
From selling viral charcoal masks to launching a lean consultancy that “supercharges productivity” for small businesses and SMEs, Eddie shares real stories, raw lessons, and honest truths that every business owner can benefit from. What we loved was his honesty around the business failures he’s made, and how he’s learned from those to create a thriving consulting enterprise here in Subiaco, WA — Zhamatix.
Eddie observed that scaling businesses is tough, especially when technology, people, and processes don’t play nicely together. Many SMEs don’t have in-house expertise to navigate a digital transformation, “leaving them stuck in a cycle of manual tasks, wasted time, and dissatisfied employees and annoyed customers as a result”. And this is where Zhamatix steps in to help businesses implement systems that are “smart, seamless and slick”. They’re practical, innovative and future-proof – “the kind that make a real impact.”
If you’ve ever hit a wall in your entrepreneurial journey, or wondered how to bounce back from failure with more fire and wisdom, this episode can give you some key insights from someone who’s built a successful business from the ground up. We hope you benefit from Eddie’s wisdom and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.
Highlights
Eddie shares his stories of:
Hard Lessons That Hit Home
From failed partnerships and knockoff competitors to ego clashes and emotional decision-making, Eddie doesn’t hold back on the mistakes he made—and the growth that came from them.
What Makes Matics Different
Eddie explains how his consultancy strips out the red tape to deliver fast, functional, and fun process improvements for organisations craving real change.
What’s Next
Eddie teases not one—but three—new projects in the pipeline, including a product-based business, a subscription model, and a secret fashion venture. Did we mention he’s a “serial entrepreneur”?!
To learn more about Zhamatix, go to https://www.zhamatix.com/
Listen now. Learn more. Grow faster!
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The Business Implementor
Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Email: [email protected]
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
In this episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, host Kate Dong interviews Mitchell Levy, a global credibility expert, executive coach, and TEDx speaker from Silicon Valley, USA.Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
In our latest episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, Kate was honoured to sit down with James Bryden, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) expert and creator of the ‘Wisdumb’ Model. In our humble opinion, ‘Wisdumb’ is the greatest gift you can give yourself, your business and the people in your life — and in this episode we discuss how you can cultivate it.
After a career as a footballer, eventually becoming Head Coach of an Indonesian soccer team and reaching ‘celebrity status’ in South East Asia, James then went on to become a business owner. After experiencing a devastating bankruptcy, James had to dig deep to learn more about himself and how to develop and manage others. He embarked on a mission to understand the role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in developing people, both individually and in team environments, to create thriving workplace cultures, develop and retain good employees, and boost overall productivity and business profitability.
James shares some great nuggest of wisdom that we know you’ll enjoy! If you want to achieve higher levels of fulfilment and success in business and life, don’t miss this episode.
Highlights:
To get a copy of James’ eBook THE WISDUMB WAY, go to this link: https://productivitycoach.com.au/ebook/the-wisdumb-way/
If you found today’s episode insightful, don’t forget to subscribe to the Thriving Business Podcast so you never miss an episode!
Want to hear more from James? Drop us a comment or leave a review with your thoughts. Tune in now!
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
Did you know that almost half of all small businesses in Australia have experienced a cyber attack of some kind in the last year, and the average cost of those attacks is $40,000 AUD?
In this episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, hosts Kate De Jong and Sam Morris welcome Peter Treneman from GroupSupport IT to discuss the critical role of IT and cybersecurity in small business. Together they explore the necessity of consistent data backups, the value of building a relationship with IT professionals and the ongoing rise of cyber attacks that are crippling small businesses across Australia. Through real-life case studies, Peter shares some of the critical ways you can protect your business from expensive disruptions to ultimately safeguard your operations and reputation.
Takeaways:
For more information, please go to these links:
Essential 8 Framework for Cybersecurity
https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/essential-cybersecurity/essential-eight/essential-eight-explained
Practical tips to protect your business
https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn-basics
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The Business Implementor
Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Email: [email protected]
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
This week, Kate sat down with Louise Matson, founder of the iconic shoe brand ‘Louise M Shoes’ to discuss her journey from a seasoned flight attendant to creating a successful and exquisite line of shoes tailored specifically for airline crew and corporate women, combining both comfort and style. Louise shares her experiences in the shoe industry, the art and science behind authentic shoe making and the challenges of an online retail business. The conversation delved into the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the importance of carefully choosing business partnerships, and her recent decision to change tack in business altogether.
Kate and Louise explore the signs that tell you it’s time to change direction, touching on the transition from direct sales to B2B opportunities, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and the power of acknowledging your progress and achievements. Louise shares the relief of letting go of certain business pressures, the excitement of new opportunities, and the lessons learned throughout her extensive entrepreneurial journey; including the fact that changing direction is not a failure but a part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Highlights:
To learn more about Louise M shoes go to: https://www.louisemshoes.com
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The Business Implementor
Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Email: [email protected]
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
In episode 47 of the Thriving Business podcast, Sam and I discuss the unique business planning processes we’ve implemented for 2025. After nearly a decade of experimenting with different business planning methods and approaches, we’ve both come up with our own approaches: both a little different, but powerful. Our hope is that our insights inspires you to think differently this year also, with the intention to grow and expand more than ever before.
Highlights:
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, clarity, and embracing change in both business and life.
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The Business Implementor
Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Email: [email protected]
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send a question or message to Kate & Sam
In this episode, hosts Sam and Kate were honoured to interview Matthew Wyatt, founder of Tech Torque and an expert in helping software and technology companies scale through strategy, sales, and marketing. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, including starting 10 successful businesses, running 4 national companies and two international organisations, Matt shares his incredible journey from selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door at age 17 to creating and scaling several multi-million-dollar companies.
Matt discusses the power of resilience and training in sales, how modern businesses need to evolve their strategies to meet the demands of today’s buyers, and the mindset shift he experienced from chasing financial success to focusing on lifestyle and family. He also emphasises the importance of learning from failures and treating marketing campaigns as "hypotheses" — testing, learning, and iterating for better results.
Key Takeaways:
Listen to this inspiring episode packed with practical advice and insights from a seasoned entrepreneur who’s learned to evolve, grow, and thrive in the ever-changing world of business.
To learn more about Matt’s work, go here: https://techtorque.com.au/
Connect with the Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
Website: https://katedejong.com/
Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness
Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The Business Implementor
Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/
Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach
Email: [email protected]
Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/
Thriving Business Launchpad 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/thriving-business-launchpad
Connect with Your Hosts:
Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business
🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/
📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Sam Morris | The O8
🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/
📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew
✉️ Email: [email protected]
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