You've heard the saying happy wife, happy life. This not only applies to marriage but also to business leaders. We go into business looking for more freedom, money and happiness. But before too long you find yourself working long hours, stressed, overwhe
EOS Implementers Debra Chantry-Taylor, Jeni Clift & Adam with clients & experts!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor explores why leaders flying blind can put an entire business at risk, and how the right data can give leadership teams the visibility they need to make better decisions.Debra explains why businesses rarely fail without warning. Before major problems appear, there are usually subtle signals hiding in the numbers, from declining sales and increasing debtor days to changes in customer behaviour and operational performance. The challenge is knowing which numbers actually matter and using them early enough to do something about them.A key focus of the episode is the difference between leading and lagging indicators. Revenue, profit & customer loss tell you what has already happened, while measures such as sales calls, proposals sent & other activity-based indicators can provide an early warning of what is likely to happen next. Debra explains how leaders can reverse engineer their desired outcomes to identify the activities that will influence future results.Debra also explores why a Scorecard should work like a car dashboard. It does not need to tell you exactly what has gone wrong, but it should alert you to where you need to look before a small issue becomes a major problem. Keeping the leadership Scorecard to five to fifteen critical numbers makes it easier to spot trends without overwhelming the team with unnecessary data.Ultimately, this episode is about replacing hope & hindsight with visibility and action. A strong Scorecard gives leaders the information they need to spot problems early, investigate what is really happening & make course corrections before issues become catastrophic.If your leadership team is making decisions based on gut feel, outdated financial reports or numbers that tell you what happened rather than what is coming next, this episode will help you build a Scorecard that keeps you from flying blind. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra.chantry-taylor@eosworldwide.com►EOS Worldwide Website: Debra Chantry-Taylor | EOS Implementer | EOS Worldwide Ep 289 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:47 – The Purpose of Data 07:58 – Leading and Lagging Indicators 13:40 – The Pitfalls of Bad Data 18:03 – Managing People with Numbers 23:25 – Common Scorecard Mistakes 27:00 – Building an Effective Scorecard
Brenden is the founder of MasterTalk, a coaching business he started to help ambitious executives & business owners become TOP 1% communicators in their industries so that they can accelerate their success in the workplace & companies.He also hosts a successful YouTube channel by the same name with over 11,000 subscribers.He has coached many executives from companies like Salesforce, Amazon, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Blue Cross, J. Walter Thompson, Deloitte, Verizon and the list goes on."HOST'S DETAILS:___________________________________________►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Professional EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►See how she can help you: https://www.businessaction.com.au/____________________________________________GUESTS DETAILS:____________________________________________►Website: https://www.rockstarcommunicator.com/
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Bobby Rouse to explore the risks of picking and choosing EOS tools instead of embracing EOS® as a complete operating system. Bobby shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Idaho to becoming a serial entrepreneur and Professional EOS Implementer®. His experiences across management, technology & business helped him recognise the value of EOS as a practical framework for creating clarity, discipline & stronger leadership teams. A key theme throughout the conversation is that EOS works because the tools are designed to work together. Bobby explains that businesses do not change simply because they introduce a Level 10 Meeting® or a Scorecard. Real change happens when the people within the organisation change how they think, communicate, make decisions & hold one another accountable. Debra & Bobby discuss why businesses that self-implement often fall into the trap of picking and choosing EOS tools. A leadership team might adopt Level 10 Meetings or create a Scorecard while overlooking foundational tools such as the Accountability Chart® and People Analyzer®. While this can create some improvement, it rarely delivers the full transformation EOS is designed to create. Bobby & Debra also unpack the importance of keeping Scorecards simple. Using a scuba diving analogy, Bobby explains that leaders do not need hundreds of numbers to understand whether a business is healthy. They need the handful of critical numbers that tell them whether they are heading in the right direction. The episode goes beyond business implementation too, with practical advice on staying in your designated seat, using your calendar to architect your life & taking regular Clarity Breaks when pressure and uncertainty increase. Bobby also shares the “Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?” framework as a useful way to challenge the stories & communication patterns that can affect both teams and individuals. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra.chantry-taylor@eosworldwide.com►EOS Worldwide Website: Debra Chantry-Taylor | EOS Implementer | EOS Worldwide___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Bobby Rouse – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-rouse-2887613/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide – Bobby Rouse | EOS Implementer | EOS Worldwide Ep 288 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:14 – The Impact of Traction 31:44 – Becoming an EOS Implementer 31:56 – Space Learning and Implementation Mastery 32:09 – Self-Implementation vs Professional Help 32:19 – Effective Data and Scorecards 41:26 – Essential Business Tips
Alicia Butler Pierre is the owner & CEO of a company called Equilibria Inc. They specialize in building operations management, specialising in sort of diagnosing, and designing business infrastructure and processes. Discover her three D's and three R's top tips in this episode.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Mathis Young, a former dog grooming franchise owner and now Professional EOS Implementer®, to explore his journey from struggling to scaling a business.Mathis shares how he went from struggling with the day-to-day demands of running a dog grooming franchise, including managing appointments, grooming dogs & dealing with the stress of being constantly needed, to building the largest franchise in the USA.A major turning point came when Mathis recognised that he could not continue doing everything himself. Hiring his first manager, Steve, gave him the support & perspective he needed to step away from the operational side of the business and focus on growth. Mathis explains how having the right people in the right seats became a crucial part of his journey.His experience with Vistage during the challenges of COVID-19 eventually introduced him to EOS®. Although initially sceptical, Mathis discovered how the EOS framework could bring structure, accountability & clarity to his growing business. Through tools such as the Level 10 Meeting®, Accountability Chart® & Scorecard, his leadership team developed stronger communication, clearer priorities & greater ownership.The conversation also highlights the importance of asking for help, surrounding yourself with a supportive network & being willing to learn from others. Mathis shares how mentors, peer groups & the EOS community helped him achieve not only greater business success but also more peace & fulfilment.If you're feeling stuck in your business, doing too much yourself, or wondering what it takes to scale successfully, this episode offers an honest & inspiring look at what can happen when you ask for help, build the right team & create the structure needed to grow.CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra.chantry-taylor@eosworldwide.com►EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/debra-chantry-taylor/___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Mathis Young – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathisyoung/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide – https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/mathis-young/ Ep 287 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:32 – Mathis Young's Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:33 – Mathis' Entry Into the Dog Grooming Franchise 05:23 – The Turning Point: Hiring a Manager 08:48 – Joining Vistage and Discovering EOS® 11:42 – Implementing EOS® and Its Impact 25:14 – Transitioning to an EOS Implementer®31:11 – Mathis' Approach as an EOS Implementer® 34:31 – Challenges and Successes with Clients 40:54 – Mathis' Personal Reflections
Financial wellbeing is one of the single biggest causes of stress for Kiwis. And money is a very emotional thing.Having forged a career as a tax specialist, business owner and Chartered Accountant, Jono Bredin is the proud CEO of Enable.Me - a business whose core purpose is to change the financial lives of hardworking New Zealanders.Enable Me has been around for the last 14-15 years and is the brainchild of Hannah McQueen, an amazing human who revolutionised the way Kiwis think about their finances. Jono shares how Hannah is a Visionary, with all the incredible ideas at rapid pace. He stepped in to run alongside her & help her with some of the heavy lifting, so that she could focus on what she is best at.That's what really brought EOS to the front of his mind as a tool that could take Enable Me to that next level - being able to harness the absolute best of Hannah in an organised way. He shares how they started implementing with 15 people on their leadership team, and through EOS introducing more rigor and accountability to these roles, they now have a leadership team of 6.Not only is Jono the CEO & Integrator, he is also a customer of Enable.Me."What sticks with me, as I went through my journey, was that I thought I was good with money. I was an accountant. But when you actually turn up the dial, what are you frittering away each week? And how could we be using that to get you ahead faster?For people who've got family, how do we help them achieve the goals that they've got for their children and for the next generation?We are ultimately trying to build out a personal or a family's cash surplus, that's the first stage of the journey. Then it's how do we put that surplus to work? How can it be multiplied by doing things in a certain way?"Every person in New Zealand can use financial literacy and financial accountability to get ahead faster. Even those people who think they are good with money, Jono included, can benefit from a layer of accountability that Enable Me provides.In his spare time, Jono is a National Rugby Referee, having also officiated Netball to the highest international level. Jono's biggest challenge is being the proud Dad of three kids 5 years old and under!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor explores why another year on the Scorecard should never be treated as just another set of numbers. Instead, it can be an opportunity to recognise progress, strengthen culture & understand what is helping a business succeed. Debra challenges the tendency for leadership teams to focus almost exclusively on what is going wrong. Red numbers, missed targets & Rocks that have fallen off track naturally attract attention, but when leaders only notice failure, they can unintentionally teach their teams that problems get recognised while consistent success simply becomes expected. As her own business approaches its 21st anniversary, Debra reflects on the years of decisions, challenges, mistakes, relationships & achievements that build a business over time. She explores why celebrating success does not mean lowering standards or handing out praise for the sake of it. Genuine recognition is about noticing meaningful results, incremental improvements, courageous behaviours & people living the organisation's Core Values. The conversation also looks at how leaders can use their Scorecard differently. Instead of treating it purely as an exception report for problems, Debra encourages teams to examine what is going well & ask why. When a person or team consistently delivers strong results, understanding what they are doing differently can help turn individual success into a repeatable system that others can learn from. Debra also explores what success looks like in family businesses, where commercial results are only one part of the picture. Healthy succession conversations, clearer boundaries between family & business, and next-generation family members earning their roles through merit can all represent significant wins that deserve recognition. At the heart of the episode is Debra's idea of carefrontational leadership. Great leaders need the courage to address underperformance, but they also need the awareness to acknowledge excellence. By asking questions such as “What are we proud of from the last 90 days?” & “What are we doing now that we used to find difficult?”, leadership teams can create a culture where progress is noticed as well as problems. This episode is a reminder that another year on the Scorecard is more than a collection of targets & results. It is a story of what the business has learned, what its people have achieved & what can be celebrated as it continues to grow. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ Ep 286 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:23 – The Importance of Noticing Success 05:00 – Lessons from Twenty-One Years 06:50 – Defining Genuine Recognition 08:19 – Using the Scorecard Effectively 12:41 – Building Culture Through Values 14:03 – Success in Family Businesses 16:36 – Implementing Better Leadership Habits
In 2009, while battling breast cancer, Kim Sorrelle's love, Steve, received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. After six great weeks together, Kim held Steve as he took his last breath. Her first book, Cry Until You Laugh, chronicles that journey through laughter and tears and laughter again.The back-to-back cancer diagnosis led her youngest son, Noah, to change his trajectory and earn a Ph.D. as a cancer researcher. With a focus on breast cancer, Noah has made significant discoveries that have already helped with other research and continue to move the needle on the survivor rate.Kim's second book, Love Is, came from a desire to know the true meaning of love. Love Is, chronicles her year-long quest to discover the true meaning of love, a sometimes funny, sometimes scary, always enlightening journey that led to life-changing discoveries found mostly on the streets of Haiti.Today, Kim lives in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, a regular radio, television, and podcast guest, Kim speaks to audiences all over the world. Inspirational and educational, Kim entertains CEOs, industry leaders, company staff members, educators, parents, women's groups, and more.With first-hand experience, Kim also speaks for The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Koman.A coach is always a coach and Kim is no different. Working with individuals and teams, Kim helps people succeed not only in business and family life but in every aspect of life, leading to greater fulfillment and happiness while teaching the secrets to working less and playing more.When she is not writing, broadcasting, coaching, speaking, or serving, Kim enjoys her life-long and newer friendships, hanging out with the grandkids, reading, playing tennis and pickleball, painting (she's no Bob Ross!), traveling, meeting new people, and an occasional stick of black licorice.HOST'S DETAILS:___________________________________________►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Professional EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►See how she can help you: https://www.businessaction.com.au/____________________________________________GUESTS DETAILS:____________________________________________►Book: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Yearlong-Experiment-Living-Corinthians/dp/0825446740/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=love+is+kim+sorrelle&qid=1629861751&sr=8-1►Website: https://www.kimsorrelle.com/
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by an experienced EOS Implementer®, Mirko Roettgers to explore how to go from losing money to 20%+ Profit with EOS®. The conversation begins with Mirko's journey from digital transformation in Queensland's tourism industry to entrepreneurship, where he discovered EOS® while working with a Martech startup. At the time, the business was struggling with negative profits. After implementing EOS, it transformed into a company generating more than 20% profit margins.A major part of that turnaround came from focusing on the right things. The leadership team introduced a disciplined Scorecard®, identified the numbers that genuinely drove performance, & made sure the right people were in the right seats. Debra & Mirko also discuss the Accountability Chart®, why it can be confronting, & how it helps leadership teams clarify ownership, uncover gaps & resolve confusion around accountability.They also explore the value of leading indicators, the challenge of being an Integrator pulled into constant firefighting, & why sustainable growth requires a strong leadership team underneath the Integrator role.The conversation then turns to the opportunities ahead for Queensland, including the 2032 Olympic Games & major infrastructure investment. Rather than simply hoping for growth, Debra & Mirko discuss why businesses need to build the structure, people & systems now so they are ready when those opportunities arrive.Drawing on the discipline of ultra-marathon running, this episode is a powerful reminder that business growth rarely comes from one dramatic effort. It comes from consistent execution, clear priorities, disciplined habits & the willingness to keep moving when things get difficult.A valuable listen for business owners who feel stuck, want to improve profitability, or need to prepare their organisation for the next stage of growth.CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Mirko Roettgers – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirkoroettgers/ ► Website – Mirko Roettgers – https://www.mirkoroettgers.com.au/ Ep 285 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – Mirko's Professional Journey 05:36 – The Power of EOS Tools 09:54 – Developing Effective Scorecards 14:23 – Challenges of the Integrator Role 18:58 – Transitioning to EOS Implementation 22:50 – Economic Outlook and Scaling 27:07 – Clarity and Business Discipline
Wyndi (Rodokal) Tagi is a Visionary who is passionate about enhancing the mana of Māori and Pacifica People, with a vision to impact the lives of 10 million.Wyndi took an idea, convinced her husband to start a business and things were going well. Then they were told by one of the big 4 accounting firms that they should stop spending so much time & money with their community & with their family - that their culture didn't differentiate them. It was demoralising but also a big turning point for Wyndi & her husband Eli.Hear how they took this, what it prompted in them & how they built this into a purpose-led business across several countries.Wyndi is now one of my EOS clients. We connected on LinkedIn initially and just chewed the fat over a walk & talk. Later on, she contacted me having read the EOS books & wanted to talk to me to see if I could help them. She shares what EOS has done for the business & their family, how they went from 47 goals down to 6 & how they manage to employ family in the business without any issues.More about Wyndi:On her mother's side, she is from Ati-Hau-Nui-A-Paparangi, on her dad's side, she is of NZ European descent from England and Greece.After her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2017, she decided that she wanted to ensure she lived her best life and she wasn't interested in dying with regret. So she's been living into her purpose, which is to better the statistics of Māori and Pacifica people. WE Accounting is one of the many vehicles she drives for doing just that."At WE, WE don't just believe in a better future, WE are building it. Our Accounting Practice provides support, guidance and opens growth opportunities to small and medium-sized NZ businesses. WE know that SME's are the backbone of the economy and when they thrive, so too do families, communities and our economy."
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Dr Michael Filosi, former owner of Fullarton Park Dental, to explore his remarkable journey from doing everything to almost nothing in the business he built.Michael began his career as a dentist after graduating from Adelaide University in 2006. For years, he was deeply involved in the clinical side of the practice, personally generating around 40% of its revenue. But as his interest in business, strategy & leadership grew, he began asking an important question: how could he build a successful business that no longer depended on him?That question led Michael on an intensive journey of business education. He read around 100 business books in three years, including Traction by Gino Wickman, & began applying what he learned to his practice. Over time, he reduced his clinical contribution from 40% of revenue to just 0.6%, creating a business that could operate successfully without relying on any single person.Michael shares how clear expectations, strong recruitment, accountability & the right Visionary/Integrator relationship helped him build a more scalable & dependable organisation. With a strong leadership team around him, he was able to move away from doing everything himself & focus instead on vision, growth & the bigger picture.Debra & Michael also explore some of the harder realities of business ownership, including dealing with underperforming team members, maintaining high standards, learning from mistakes & creating a culture where people feel comfortable giving honest feedback. Michael explains why reducing key-person dependency is one of the most important things any owner can do to protect the long-term value of their business.The conversation also dives into financial resilience. Michael shares why business owners need to prepare for difficult periods while things are going well, from maintaining a rainy-day fund to understanding cash flow & making thoughtful long-term investments. Having experienced economic uncertainty firsthand, he explains why planning for the unexpected is essential for both financial security & peace of mind.CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS:► Dr. Michael Filosi – LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/michaelfilosi► Website – Fullarton Park Dental : https://www.fullartondental.com.au/Ep 284 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction03:29 – The Importance of Business Education and Planning06:57 – Building a Scalable and Dependable Business08:06 – Challenges and Lessons in Business Ownership08:37 – The Role of Leadership and Team Dynamics08:49 – The Impact of Business Ownership on Personal Life09:32 – The Journey to Success and the Importance of Resilience11:32 – Preparing for the Worst54:38 – Top Tips for Business Success
Jack Martin is the Co-founder of 52TEN, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, Father & Husband.In this episode, he talks us through how he founded 52Ten, 6 years ago & has built it up to over 25 people. He share the challenges he has faced & how he overcame them, plus where that name come from.But most importantly he shares with us how he keeps his family 7 children & particularly his wife happy & how he brings Andrea on the EOS Journey.Jack's top 3 tips:1. Read the book Traction, before you buy or start a business. And find yourself an EOS Implementer2. Stay in your superpower 80% of the time3. Learn how to let go
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Nathan James, Creative Director at The Attention Seeker, to share his honest story on the EOS® system that changed a creative agency, & the lessons every entrepreneur can learn from failure, resilience & growth.Nathan's career began in London's creative industry in 1995, where he worked with some of the world's leading advertising agencies, including Mother & R/GA, before taking his expertise across Stockholm, New York, Amsterdam & eventually Auckland. Along the way, he built an impressive career creating campaigns for global brands & later launched his own content production & advertising business.Despite his creative success, Nathan's business ultimately failed. Poor financial management, inconsistent cash flow & the absence of a reliable sales pipeline led to bankruptcy. Rather than allowing the experience to define him, Nathan chose to learn from it. He openly shares the hard lessons he discovered about cash flow, networking, business strategy & the importance of separating creative talent from sound business management.Nathan eventually joined The Attention Seeker, where implementing EOS® transformed the way the business operates. With clear accountability, structured Level 10 Meeting® rhythms, transparent communication & defined roles through The Accountability Chart®, the agency reduced politics, strengthened collaboration & built a more profitable, stable business. Nathan explains why structure does not limit creativity. It creates the freedom for creative people to do their best work.Debra & Nathan also explore the importance of company culture & core values, discussing how transparency, daily recognition of team members & hiring based on shared values have helped create a high-performing team. Nathan shares why reporting to someone younger than himself became a valuable lesson in humility, proving that great businesses are built on merit, not hierarchy or ego.Throughout the conversation, Nathan offers honest advice for entrepreneurs who are facing setbacks. He encourages business owners to never stop learning, let go of ego & remember that material possessions do not define success. Instead, lasting success comes from building a healthy business, maintaining strong relationships & creating a life that is fulfilling both professionally & personally. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Nathan James – LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/nathanjames-cooper ► Website – attn:seeker : https://www.attnseeker.com Ep 283 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – Nate's Background and Early Career 09:17 – Transition to Digital and Freelancing 17:27 – Joining The Attention Seeker 21:41 – Impact of EOS® on Business Structure 34:33 – Cultural Values and Team Dynamics 39:22 – Reducing Ego and Embracing Structure 47:37 – Lessons Learned from Business Failures 47:46 – Advice for Entrepreneurs
Per Sjöfors is the Founder and CEO of Sjöfors & Partners Inc, Los Angeles. He used pricing as the lever to turn around several European and US companies in his 25 years of executive management experience. Per believes that what business schools teach about pricing is too abstract for executives to act on and has made it his life's work to make pricing practical and actionable.Per has a unique appreciation for the importance of optimal pricing and brings with him his international experience of pricing practices from a global perspective. He has helped over 600 clients substantially increase sales and profits by bringing understanding of how pricing affects sales volume, adding billions to their bottom line.HOST'S DETAILS:___________________________________________►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Professional EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►See how she can help you: https://www.businessaction.com.au/____________________________________________GUESTS DETAILS:____________________________________________►Website:https://www.persjofors.com/►Books:1. The Price Whisperer: A Holistic Approach to Pricing Power: https://www.amazon.com/Price-Whisperer-Holistic-Approach-Pricing/dp/16373511782. 7 Easy Steps To Successfully Increase Prices: ...And Keep Your Customers Happy: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Steps-Successfully-Increase-Prices-ebook/dp/B015GOOMJY/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1663298761&refinements=p_27%3APer+Sjofors&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Per+Sjofors
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Certified EOS Implementer® Jeff Starin to share the remarkable story of how he grew his business by 484% after implementing EOS® & transforming the way he led his company. Jeff's entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary. After leaving college to become a professional pool player, he started an auto parts business with the simple goal of earning enough money to one day open a pool hall. Over the years, he built the company into a successful business, but after reaching around $5 million in revenue, growth completely stalled. For four consecutive years, sales remained virtually unchanged, leaving Jeff searching for a better way forward. Everything changed when Jeff discovered the Entrepreneurial Operating System®. Like many business owners, he initially chose to self-implement after reading Traction. While the tools helped, he quickly realised that trying to facilitate the process himself limited the results. Bringing in an experienced EOS® Implementer became the turning point, giving his leadership team the accountability, structure & objective guidance they needed to gain real Traction®. One of the biggest breakthroughs came through redesigning The Accountability Chart® & clearly defining the Visionary & Integrator roles. Jeff explains how understanding his natural strengths as a Visionary & finding the right Integrator to drive execution allowed him to stop being the bottleneck in the business. By learning to delegate effectively & empowering others to lead, the company experienced dramatic improvements in both performance & culture. Debra & Jeff also discuss the power of EOS® tools such as Level 10 Meeting® & IDS®. Jeff shares why helping leadership teams identify the real issue, instead of treating symptoms, transforms the quality of conversations, accelerates decision-making & creates a stronger culture of accountability. They also explore why difficult conversations become much easier when leadership teams have clear data, defined expectations & a proven framework for solving problems. Throughout the episode, Jeff shares practical leadership lessons that extend beyond EOS®, including why businesses move at the speed of their decisions, the importance of understanding what customers are truly paying for, & why happiness often lies on the other side of the difficult conversations leaders avoid. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business, overcome the plateau many companies experience, & discover how EOS® can help build a stronger leadership team, create greater accountability & unlock sustainable long-term growth. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Jeff Starin – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffstarineosimplementer ► Website – Entrepreneurs Organization - Los Angeles Valley: https://eolavalley.com Ep 282 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:57 – Building a Business by Accident02:02 – Discovering EOS and Achieving 484% Growth06:03 – Visionary vs Integrator: Finding the Missing Piece08:02 – The Difference Between Visionaries and Integrators22:20 – Helping Businesses Grow Is the Greatest Reward44:34 – Jeff's Top Three Business Lessons
"Being an excellent husband, father, friend & entrepreneur is a choice. Easy to say, hard to do." That's how Corey describes himself on his LinkedIn Profile & when you listen to this podcast you'll understand how he achieves all of these.Corey works as the Co-Owner & President of All Volleyball Inc - a family-owned business that has been running for many years.Just 2 years ago, after trying to implement many other business systems, the family business decided to go with EOS & use a professional implementer to help them.In that time they have survived & thrived throughout a pandemic & grown the business to 5x its revenue. However, it hasn't been without its challenges.Find out why they chose to go with EOS, what it has done for the business & how they went from 5 family members on the leadership team down to just one but how they still all get along & love each other.Their story is VERY inspiring & if you're a family business owner or part of a family business, you will take a lot from this episode.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Kris Snyder, Chief Advocate at Ninety.io, to explore how EOS® Powered by AI is helping leadership teams work smarter, run better meetings & build scalable businesses.Kris shares his journey from building five software companies & surviving the dot-com crash to becoming an EOS® Implementer & one of the driving forces behind Ninety.io. Today, the platform supports more than 18,000 companies & over 300,000 users, while staying grounded in the core principles of EOS®.A major focus of the conversation is how AI is transforming the way businesses use EOS®. Kris explains that AI is not replacing the EOS® process or the role of the EOS® Implementer. Instead, it removes administrative work, surfaces insights & helps leadership teams spend more time solving real business issues.Debra & Kris discuss how AI-powered tools within Ninety.io can improve meeting preparation, identify patterns, provide visibility into team performance & help leaders ask better questions. They also explore how Ninety.io is balancing innovation with the simplicity that makes EOS® so effective.Beyond technology, Kris shares why exit planning should begin long before a business owner is ready to sell. He explains how EOS® helps businesses become less dependent on the founder by building stronger leadership teams, clearer accountability & systems that allow the business to thrive independently.Throughout the episode, Debra & Kris reinforce that while AI can improve productivity & efficiency, lasting business success still depends on clear leadership, disciplined execution & meaningful human relationships.This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs & leadership teams who want to understand how EOS® Powered by AI can improve meetings, strengthen accountability, simplify operations & build a business ready for the future. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer® | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Kris Snyder – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissnyder/► Website – Kris Snyder: https://krissnyder.com/ Ep 281 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction47:04 – Transition to EOS and Ninety.io47:19 – Changes in Ninety.io and EOS Purity47:33 – Impact of AI on EOS and Ninety.io47:47 – Challenges and Opportunities in EOS Implementation50:11 – Planning for Exit and Personal Growth50:44 – Advocacy and Community Building53:26 – Final Thoughts and Tips
Do you have an exit strategy?Because guess what, we are all going to exit our businesses one day, simply because we are human. That's the bottom line.Most people don't think about who the most important investor is in their business, which of course is themselves. Even if they're 100%, shareholder, they are the most important investor in the business. So thinking about somewhere down the track, how you're going to move on from that business is essential.Kerry Boulton is a professional EOS Implementer, a certified exit planner and a certified value builder. In this episode, she discusses the necessity of having an exit strategy, even if you're planning on staying in the business for decades to come. She shares the 5 questions you must ask yourself to put an exit strategy in place and why it's important to think about these things to be in control.Listen to find out how you can strategise now to exit on your terms, in your timeframe.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Niki Wilson, founder of Snapline Systems and Professional EOS Implementer®, to explore the challenges of attempting to self-implement EOS and why many leadership teams ultimately realise they need external support.Niki shares her journey as the first employee of a fast-growing software company, where she worked closely with an inspiring Visionary owner to help scale the business. As the company grew, clarity around roles, priorities & accountability became increasingly difficult.Together, Niki & the owner recognised that EOS® was exactly what the business needed. Like many leadership teams, they initially chose to self-implement, believing they could learn & apply the tools themselves.While self-implementing EOS® created significant improvements, Niki explains that it also revealed its limitations. Leadership time that could have been focused on growing the business was instead spent facilitating sessions, learning the process & keeping everyone aligned.Eventually, they realised that bringing in an objective EOS® Implementer could accelerate progress, challenge assumptions & allow the leadership team to focus on leading rather than facilitating.A major theme throughout the conversation is the power of the Accountability Chart®. Niki describes it as one of the most transformational EOS® tools because it creates clarity around roles, responsibilities & expectations. Rather than organising people around job titles, the Accountability Chart® helps leadership teams build the structure the business actually needs to achieve its vision.The discussion also covers the impact of the Level 10 Meeting®, the EOS® Proven Process & why consistent execution is far more valuable than trying to customise or shortcut the system. Throughout the episode, Niki emphasises that EOS® is not simply a collection of business tools. It is a complete operating system that delivers the greatest results when followed as designed.This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs considering self-implementing EOS®, leadership teams looking to create greater clarity & accountability, & business owners who want to understand when bringing in an experienced EOS® Implementer can dramatically accelerate their journey towards Vision, Traction, Healthy™. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Niki Wilson – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-t-wilson/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: Niki Wilson, EOS Implementer, New Orleans | EOS Implementer | EOS Worldwide Ep 280 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction00:51 – Nikki Wilson's Background and EOS® Journey 03:22 – Challenges of Self-Implementing EOS® 03:36 – The Role of the Accountability Chart® 05:22 – The Impact of EOS® Tools and Meetings 10:55 – Focus Day and the EOS® Proven Process 18:59 – The Role of an EOS® Implementer 21:39 – The Visionary–Integrator Dynamic 27:36 – The Power of the Issues Solving Track (IDS) 31:33 – Top Tips and Tools for Success
Liam Forde is the founder & CEO of The Zone, which empowers people to integrate their head and their heart, unlock their whole person and unleash the collective intelligence of their organisations and teams. In this podcast, we talk about the lessons he has learned from building his own company up to 600 staff & $30 million revenue as well as the lessons he has worked with some of the largest companies around the world.Who am I?What do I stand for (or against)?Where am I going?What is my mission/purpose?Leadership, culture and sustainability are defined by your answers to these questions. Life is a balance between your inner world and your outer world.How you define yourself is one of the most important tasks you will ever undertake because this directs how you will interact with the world, with others, your family, friends and work colleagues.As a leader, we create big ripples. We create ripples as much by how we are being as what we are doing. What legacy do you want to leave?Do you want to be a net Giver or a net Taker?This is how Liam introduces himself on his LinkedIn Profile. He has worked in over 35 countries in dozens of different settings from Africa to Australia, Asia to America, the Middle East to Europe....in mud huts and in corporate towers.His mission is to show leaders how to be masters of their own destiny, and to pay that forward.By making organisations more human, they unlock performance, talent, value, and happiness. Be better, do better. Make your organisation more human. Make the world more sustainable.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with AI expert & “AI Whisperer” Severin Sorensen discuss about how AI isn't replacing you, but it's making you more valuable.Severin shares his remarkable journey from writing an entire book with AI in just five days to becoming a leading advocate for the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Rather than seeing AI as a replacement for people, Severin believes its real power lies in amplifying human capability, helping leaders think better, solve problems faster & create greater value. One of the biggest ideas in this conversation is the power of using multiple AI models instead of relying on just one. Severin explains how different AI platforms have different strengths, & how leaders can orchestrate them together to create a powerful “thinking team” that challenges ideas, improves decisions & produces stronger results than a single model working alone.This philosophy forms the foundation of his latest book, Claude Conductor, which explores how AI can be used as an intelligent orchestrator, not just a chatbot. Debra & Severin also discuss practical ways to improve AI efficiency. From writing better prompts & defining tasks clearly before execution to converting PDFs into markdown files to reduce token costs, Severin shares techniques that can help leaders increase productivity while reducing unnecessary AI expenses. The conversation also tackles one of the most important topics surrounding artificial intelligence today: ethics. Severin explains why businesses must develop & use AI responsibly, ensuring it strengthens human judgement rather than replacing it. He encourages leaders to treat AI as a trusted thinking partner that asks better questions, challenges assumptions & supports more informed decisions. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, business owners & leadership teams who want to move beyond basic prompting & unlock the true potential of artificial intelligence to build a better business & a better life. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Severin Sorensen – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/severinsorensen ► Website – ePraxis: https://www.epraxis.com Ep 279 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:39 – Ethical AI and Personal Efficiency 04:53 – Becoming the AI Whisperer 10:29 – The Role of AI in Coaching and Business 15:29 – Ethical Considerations and the Future of AI 41:03 – Practical Applications and Efficiency in AI Use 53:44 – The Impact of AI on Business and Society 56:45 – Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
Scott's book is called, "The Entrepreneurs Field Guide - Design your life before someone else does it for you!" but in fact, you could insert any other phrase in there - 'your year', 'your day', 'your business' etc.Success isn't rocket science. It's all about getting clear on what you want and focusing on it. Take a moment and ask yourself, what would happen if you set huge ambitions and designed your life around making these things real?So, as we head into the New Year, have you planned out what you want that year to look like.Are you serious about what is truly important & have blocked time out for it in your calendar?Do you know the optimal number of days that you want to work in the year?Have you planned out all your holidays & family events?Are you choosing the people you spend time with?Do you fire friends who don't share the same values?Do you use the delegate & elevate tool to decide what's important to you in your personal life?In this episode, Scott shares how he plans out his year to suit his life, how he uses the EOS People Analyser to decide which family & friends fit into his 5, 15, 150 model & how he uses the Delegate & Elevate tool to understand what he should spend his time doing.If you're ready to this year your best year yet then you listen in & hear how the EOS tools can help you to design your year before someone else does it for you!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Darryl Dillon-Shallard, Chief Growth Officer at Butterfly, to explore how AI is making custom software affordable again. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in the digital industry, Darryl shares his journey from graphic designer to digital strategist, including the development of the My Stable app for horse trainers and his work helping organisations build custom digital solutions that solve real business problems. The conversation explores how AI is fundamentally changing software development. Darryl explains that artificial intelligence is dramatically reducing the time and cost required to prototype new ideas, making custom-built applications more accessible than ever before. Rather than forcing businesses to adapt their processes to off-the-shelf software, organisations can increasingly develop solutions tailored to the way they already operate. While AI presents exciting opportunities, Darryl cautions against rushing into development without proper planning. He explains why investing time in discovery, understanding user needs, creating a detailed project brief, and choosing the right development partner are all essential to delivering scalable, maintainable solutions that provide long-term value. The episode also looks at the evolution of digital technology, from the early days of Flash websites and mobile apps to today's cloud-based web applications powered by artificial intelligence. Darryl shares why many organisations are shifting towards browser-based applications that streamline internal workflows, improve productivity, and solve operational challenges more effectively than traditional mobile apps. Whether you're considering a custom application, exploring AI opportunities, or simply trying to understand where technology is heading, this conversation offers practical insights into how businesses can innovate with confidence while avoiding costly mistakes. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Darryl Dillon-Shallard – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-dillon-shallard/ ► Website – Butterfly: https://www.butterfly.com.au/ Episode 278 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – Introduction and Overview of Digital Transformation 05:36 – Evolution of Web and App Development 09:51 – Challenges and Pitfalls in Digital Development 18:04 – Comparing Quotes and Making Informed Decisions 18:24 – Examples of Successful Projects 25:42 – Future Trends in Digital Development 26:29 – Final Thoughts and Tips for Listeners
Sara is on a quest to help owners get what they want from their family business and build lasting legacies. As the former director of the nationally recognized Family Business Center at the University of Saint Thomas, a Certified EOS Implementer™ and the founder of The Sage Pages she helps her clients get real, simple results.In this podcast Sara shares many real-life stories & tips from working with hundreds of family businesses.As her name suggests, Sara knows how to B Stern with her family clients to ensure that they get the next from their business & their life & she has had many successes in this area.Sara's top 3 tips are based on the Harvard Business School's Three-Circle Model of the Family Business System.She recommends getting clarity on the Vision for each the 3 points:OwnershipFamilyBusiness
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Brendan Lee, founder of Conversions Today, to uncover one of the biggest marketing mistake business owners make: building marketing around what they like, instead of what their customers actually need. Brendan shares his journey from corporate life to building a specialist marketing agency that helps businesses in complex industries such as law, accounting & medical technology generate measurable growth. Along the way, he discovered that successful marketing is not just about creativity. It is about understanding people, tracking the right data & making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions. A key theme throughout the conversation is the danger of vanity metrics. Brendan explains why likes, clicks & impressions can create a false sense of success when they are not connected to real business outcomes. Instead, he advocates for tracking the full customer journey, including offline activity such as phone calls, direct mail campaigns & letterbox drops. Debra & Brendan also explore the growing role of AI in marketing, including how it can improve efficiency, speed up content creation & support smarter decision-making, while still needing a clear plan behind it. Listeners will learn why effective marketing requires consistency, patience & a structured approach. Brendan also shares practical insights into ROI reverse engineering, helping businesses understand the true value of a customer before deciding how much to invest in acquisition. This episode is packed with practical advice for business owners who want to stop guessing, avoid costly marketing mistakes & build a marketing system that consistently supports long-term business growth CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Brendan Lee – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanlee/ ► Website – Conversion Today: https://conversions.today/ Episode 277 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – Marketing Strategy and Introduction to Brendan Lee 27:26 – Brendan's Agency and Marketing Approach 27:53 – Effective Marketing Strategies and Mistakes to Avoid 29:11 – The Role of Data and AI in Marketing 41:50 – Practical Tips for Improving Marketing Effectiveness
Ryan Goodwin is the founder of Mode Group, an award winning renovation and new home custom builders in Melbourne, Australia.Ryan has been an entrepreneur since the age of 14 years old, mowing lawns and all the usual stuff that teenagers do.He started his business, Mode Group, about 13 years, but he only really stepped back into it about five years ago with no guarantees that it was going to work out but his most important driving factor was about creating something that was right for his family.He blended coaching, performance management and consulting with his current skills and decided to take on some larger roles.Five years later, they're now a multi-award-winning builder in Melbourne, they have a fantastic showroom and interior designers on staff.He has the mantra of doing what you are passionate about & doing what you love with people you love - the EOS Life!In this episode, Ryan discusses the balance he created between work and family. How he enjoys life, delegating and trusting his staff with all the responsibilities assigned to them and also the challenges they faced.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor & Adam Harris explore why Visionaries can become bottlenecks, and what leaders can do to break free from the behaviours that hold their businesses back. Drawing on their experience as EOS® Implementers, Debra & Adam unpack the powerful relationship between Visionary & Integrator leadership styles, including why clarity, trust, self-awareness & healthy conflict are essential for long-term business growth. They discuss one of the most common challenges entrepreneurs face: letting go. Many Visionaries know they need to step back from day-to-day operations, but fear, control, past experiences or a love of chaos can keep them involved in areas where they no longer add the most value. The conversation explores why Visionaries need a strong sounding board, how the “golden penny” problem pulls leaders away from priorities, and why a clear vision is very different from simply having lots of ideas. Listeners will also gain practical insights into strengthening Visionary & Integrator partnerships, improving leadership alignment, and creating a business that can grow without being dependent on one person. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Adam Harris – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-harris-eos/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/adam-harris Episode 276 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:34 – Understanding the Visionary and Integrator Roles 05:30 – Defining the Visionary and Integrator Roles 11:18 – Challenges of Being a Visionary 27:15 – Balancing Visionary and Integrator Roles 30:07 – Identifying Great Ideas vs Distractions 41:40 – Overcoming Common Pitfalls 41:58 – Building a Strong Visionary–Integrator Relationship 51:24 – Addressing Relationship Issues 53:55 – Tools and Resources for Visionaries
Shelley Woodrow is a certified EOS Implementer who walks the EOS life - doing what she loves, with people she loves, making a huge difference while having time to pursue other passions. Born and raised in an entrepreneurial family, she learnt how to run & own your own business and lead people effectively. Working extensively in media then following her passion for coaching, she discovered EOS and fell in love. In this episode she shares her favourite tools and case studies of how EOS has transformed the businesses & leadership teams she's worked with. People, especially entrepreneurs, tend to over-complicate things, making it harder than it needs to be. Find out how you can simplify to optimise, isolate & delegate what you don't love to do and have the right people in the right seat - including yourself! "Get great energy that's derived from the things that you like and love to do. You're focused on your strengths & talents, and you're able to focus in the business where you want to add the most value. And so you get to live the EOS life. Part of the joy for me is helping you see beyond the business results. What kind of life do you want to live?"Looking to figure out what your definition of EOS life is or how you can live it? Don't miss the full episode!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor explores how EOS and AI can give your team 10 hours back every week with AI strategist, author, and CEO of Bizukka, John Munsell.As AI continues to reshape the way organisations operate, many businesses are rushing to implement new tools without the governance, training, or strategy needed to use them effectively. John explains why this approach creates significant risks and often prevents companies from achieving the productivity gains they expect.Drawing on his experience as CEO of Bizukka and creator of the AI Strategy Canvas, John introduces the concept of the 10 Levels of AI Mastery, a framework designed to help organisations build AI capability in a structured and responsible way. Rather than jumping straight into advanced automation, he argues that businesses must first develop collective expertise, clear processes, and strong AI governance.Throughout the conversation, John shares practical examples of how AI can dramatically improve efficiency when implemented correctly. One standout case study reveals how a CEO used AI to streamline complex RFP responses, reducing a three-week process to just three days and saving more than $70,000 in the process.Debra and John also discuss the growing security concerns surrounding AI, including phishing attacks, autonomous agents, and the risks of employees using AI tools without proper oversight. John warns that poor AI adoption is not simply a technology problem. It is a leadership problem that requires education, accountability, and clear policies across the organisation.The discussion covers how businesses can integrate AI into every department, the importance of upskilling employees, and why organisations that invest in training can unlock 10 to 12 hours of productive time per employee every week.John also shares insights into advanced AI tools, practical implementation strategies, and the importance of balancing innovation with governance. He introduces his AI Impact Analysis tool and explains how businesses can assess their readiness for AI before making significant investments.This episode is essential listening for business owners and leadership teams who want to harness the power of AI while avoiding the costly consequences of poor AI adoption, ensuring technology becomes a competitive advantage rather than a business risk.CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► John Munsell – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwmunsell/► Website: Bizzuka: www.bizzuka.comEpisode 275 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction00:40 – Impact of AI on Businesses04:23 – Levels of AI Mastery12:54 – AI in Business Operations17:50 – Common Mistakes in AI Implementation26:11 – AI Governance and Security34:41 – Tools and Resources for AI Implementation35:00 – Practical Tips for AI Adoption35:16 – Community and Support for AI Implementation37:17 – Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Danny Mishek is President and Visionary of VistaTek, a family owned full-service manufacturing company in the US. One of his proudest achievements is recently publishing a children's Christmas book that gets everyone talking about their fondest, warmest memories. In business, he puts innovation at the heart of VistaTek. They strive to be world-class innovators, not just competing in the Midwest, or the US. He shares how EOS has helped him delegate and elevate, freeing him up to do what he's best at & loves doing - connecting with people and discovering growth opportunities. In life, he consistently pushes himself outside his comfort zone, like riding a real bull or writing and self-publishing a book. He discusses the importance of sharing your personality and true character, which in turn opens you up to interesting conversations and deeper relationships.Find out why he wrote a Christmas book seemingly out of the blue, his experience in a family business that went through a merger & EOS implementation and what it actually felt like to ride a bull!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Rajesh Nagjee to explore the connection between the business you build and the life you ultimately create. Rajesh, founder of the CEO Business Growth Programme and creator of the CEO Freedom Operating System, shares his remarkable journey from working in his family business to building a 450-bed trauma care hospital that transformed healthcare outcomes in his region. Along the way, he discovered that business success is not simply about strategy, systems, or execution. It is about aligning the inner game and outer game of leadership. Throughout the conversation, Rajesh explains that while frameworks such as EOS and Rockefeller Habits can produce exceptional business results, sustainable success requires leaders to develop the mindset, self-awareness, and emotional resilience needed to drive those systems effectively. Without this inner work, many founders achieve external success while sacrificing personal fulfilment, relationships, and wellbeing. Drawing on lessons from healthcare, entrepreneurship, and decades of coaching business owners, Rajesh highlights the importance of time-criticality, intentional leadership, and creating businesses that are aligned with personal values. He shares how fear, doubt, anxiety, and limiting beliefs can quietly undermine performance, even when a business appears successful on the surface. The discussion also explores the difference between the fruits of success and the experience of success. Rajesh challenges founders to think beyond revenue, growth, and achievement, and consider whether the business they build is actually creating the life they want to live. Rajesh introduces the CEO Freedom Operating System, a framework designed to help entrepreneurs align personal purpose with business outcomes, creating both commercial success and personal fulfilment. He explains how focusing on the inner game allows leaders to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and create lasting impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that the business you build should not come at the expense of your relationships, health, or happiness. Instead, it should become a vehicle for creating freedom, fulfilment, and a meaningful legacy both inside and outside the business. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Rajesh Nagjee – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeshnagjee/► Website: LevelUp Management Consultancy: https://www.levelupmentor.ae Episode 274 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction00:37 – Purpose of the Podcast02:47 – Rajesh Najee's Background and Early Career06:05 – Lessons from Running a Hospital14:31 – The Inner Game of Business18:07 – Case Study: American Express Saudi Arabia23:13 – Identifying Stuck Founders25:27 – The CEO Freedom Operating System28:05 – Advice for Founders and CEOs28:50 – Conclusion and Contact Information
Greg Lipschitz is founder & CEO of Summit Internet, a telecommunications company that owns and manages their national network. Through innovation & customer-oriented service, they're challenging the way their competitors do business - as a result, Summit Internet is one of Australia's fastest growing internet providers. Greg has been a business owner for over 22 years and he is most proud of growing & maintaining a high performing team. He loves seeing his team succeed & completely trusts them, knowing that he can step out of the business and they will continue to strive & achieve amazing things. Earlier this year, he actually had to take 6 weeks off due to a broken collarbone & didn't have to do a thing. He could & did walk away knowing full well that everything would run exactly as it should. In this episode, Greg shares insider tips & tricks to points hacking – being smart about where & how you spend your money to get some extra perks. “We all work so damn hard as business owners and we sometimes forget about the things that we can take out of the business that might not be financial. It might just be being able to travel in style.” So one of the things he's focused on over the last 22 years is how he can points hack through business and get that extra value & additional benefits to enjoy life even more. And one of these benefits can be travelling up at the pointy end of the plane! He shares the differences between points and status & how you can leverage both to your advantage. Not only that, you can use these points to reward amazing staff – for example, picking up their flight costs when they go on holiday. Listen to the full episode to find out how you can change your spending habits to get you the biggest rewards. It may be something as simple as changing where you put petrol in your car!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor and Adam Harris explore AI & its implication for businesses, leadership teams, and the future of EOS. The conversation dives into how AI is rapidly moving from being a “future issue” to something businesses must actively integrate into their daily operations. Debra and Adam discuss the growing role AI can play in productivity, accountability, communication, and leadership support, while also acknowledging the risks and limitations that come with it. Debra shares her personal experiences using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, explaining how AI can dramatically improve efficiency when used properly. At the same time, she highlights the importance of human oversight, noting that AI still lacks the empathy, emotional intelligence, and human connection required for many leadership and people-focused roles. Throughout the episode, Debra and Adam explore whether AI could ever replace EOS implementers, leadership teams, or integrators. While they believe AI will continue transforming workflows and automating repetitive tasks, they argue that trust, empathy, coaching, and difficult conversations still require human interaction. The discussion also touches on the fears many employees and leaders have around AI replacing jobs. Debra emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment people, not remove them, freeing teams from repetitive work so they can focus on higher-value thinking, creativity, and leadership. Adam and Debra also discuss the importance of businesses integrating AI intentionally, rather than simply chasing trends. They highlight the need for training, communication, experimentation, and involving the whole organization in the AI journey to avoid resistance and confusion. This episode is a thought-provoking conversation about the future of work, leadership, and EOS, and how businesses can thoughtfully integrate AI in a way that improves efficiency while still protecting the human connection that great businesses are built on. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Adam Harris – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-harris-eos/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/adam-harris Episode 273 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to AI and EOS Implementation 03:49 – Debra's AI Tools and Initial Insights 08:10 – Human Connection and AI's Limitations 09:24 – AI's Role in EOS Implementation 22:00 – Challenges and Opportunities with AI 31:26 – AI's Impact on Business Culture and People 34:57 – Future of AI in Business 39:58 – Conclusion and Next Steps
Adam Harris is Frank and Fearless. As a leadership coach, consultant and facilitator, he applies this approach in all areas of his professional and personal life.In this episode, he discusses why so many great companies miss out on their potential and shares the important questions all business owners must ask themselves. He stresses the importance of having difficult conversations - avoiding them is a disservice to everyone involved. Despite the discomfort, disagreement and uncertainty then creates opportunity.His mission is to create the space to have the right conversations, at the right time, with the right people. Having worked with 25 businesses to implement EOS, he also tells us his favourite EOS tools and how they've transformed his clients.Find out how leaning into being frank and fearless has taken him to incredible and challenging new heights, both figuratively and literally!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor explores the power of EOS and AI Together with guests Peter and Philipp from Success.co. After scaling a software company to more than $40 million, Peter and Philipp share how discovering EOS completely changed the way they operated their business. Before EOS, their company was growing rapidly but felt chaotic, with leadership spending more time reacting than creating clarity and alignment. Everything shifted when they implemented EOS properly. The structure, accountability, and discipline helped them organize the business, improve communication, and scale far more effectively. But along the way, they became frustrated with the existing EOS software options, finding them clunky, outdated, and lacking the integrations modern businesses needed. That frustration led them to build Success.co, an EOS-focused platform designed to combine the simplicity and purity of EOS with the power of modern technology and AI. Throughout the conversation, Peter and Philipp discuss the importance of staying true to EOS principles while using AI to enhance execution, visibility, and accountability. They explain how their software includes features like real-time updates, mobile accessibility, AI-generated insights, and automation to help leadership teams make better decisions faster. Debra, Peter, and Philipp also explore the future of AI in business, discussing how AI can augment leadership thinking, automate repetitive tasks, improve meetings, and provide deeper operational insights. Rather than replacing people, they believe AI becomes a powerful tool for helping teams work smarter and stay aligned. The episode also highlights the importance of having an EOS implementer, trusting the EOS process fully, and separating facilitation from participation so leadership teams can focus on solving real issues instead of managing meetings. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs interested in the future of business operations, leadership alignment, and how combining EOS and AI together can create more efficient, scalable, and accountable businesses. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Philipp Maucher – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-maucher-42747798/ ► Website – Success.co: https://www.success.co/ ► Peter Coppinger – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercoppinger/ ► Website – Success.co: https://www.success.co/ Episode 272 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:39 – Introduction and Overview of AI and EOS 02:21 – Peter's Journey and Initial Challenges 03:47 – Transition to Success.co and Philip's Role 07:34 – Implementing EOS and the Role of an Implementer 10:52 – Challenges with Existing EOS Software 11:17 – Developing the Success.co Software 19:33 – Benefits of Using EOS Software 32:52 – AI and the Future of EOS Software 40:38 – Final Thoughts and Tips for Implementing EOS
You will know CocoVinny from Shark Tank and The Profit - his passion for his company Coco Taps is contagious! CocoVinny Zaldivar has been an entrepreneur since 16 years old. Through his experiences, he narrowed down his three non-negotiables. Whatever he did next needed to be good for people, good for the planet, and it had to be fun. With Coco Taps he found his life-long passion, building something of value that continues to create value. In this episode, he shares his ups and downs through the pandemic and how he's never had an exit strategy. Despite the uncertainty and losing several million dollars revenue in the lockdown, CocoVinny used this time to focus on what was really important for the future of his business and stepped on the gas. He went full steam ahead on the development of a new machine, reached out to potential investors and got creative with marketing strategies. He shares that EOS helped Coco Taps respond to COVID with agility. "It's probably one of the best things that happened to us during COVID. We did everything remote, but it was still helpful to go through these processes and still learn how to pivot and learn how to adapt."Fortunately, he was able to keep all his staff. The lockdown helped his team focus and re-focus. With all their future planning, they were able to bring ideas forward and use this difficult time as an opportunity to innovate. He also shares that the way Coco Taps is run is so tied to their core values that they don't have to fire people, they just self-select out if they're not in alignment.Listen to the full episode to find out how CocoVinny approaches business, life and the beautiful future of Coco Taps!
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor explores why having your best year in business can actually become one of the most dangerous moments for a leadership team. Drawing on both her experience working with entrepreneurs and the research from Jim Collins, Debra explains how success often creates complacency, weakens discipline, and slowly introduces the behaviours that eventually lead businesses into decline. She walks through the five stages that many businesses experience after a major period of success. From arrogance built on past wins, to chasing growth without focus, explaining away problems, searching for a saviour, and eventually giving up quietly, Debra highlights how decline is rarely sudden. Instead, it happens gradually when leadership teams stop asking hard questions and start avoiding uncomfortable truths. Throughout the episode, Debra shares why the businesses that continue scaling successfully are the ones that stay humble, disciplined, and curious, even after major wins. She explains how leadership teams often begin to lose traction when meetings become too polite, scorecards are ignored, and difficult conversations stop happening. Debra also discusses the dangers of relying on “saviour hires” to fix deeper systemic issues, and why true growth comes from maintaining strong leadership discipline, accountability, and honest communication across the business. This episode is a powerful reminder that success should never reduce focus or discipline. The businesses that continue to grow after their best year are the ones willing to stay honest, challenge themselves, and keep evolving long after the celebrations are over. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ Episode 271 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:39 – The Danger of Success in Business 02:24 – Stages of Decline After Success 05:16 – Preventing Decline After Success 06:09 – Ad Lib Questions and Answers 10:22 – Spotting Early Signs of Decline 12:12 – Final Advice for CEOs
Mel Rowsell is a leadership coach & facilitator, as well as co-founder of Vend, a tech startup with rapid growth. Affectionately known as camp mother, she managed People & Culture as Vend grew from 0 to 250 employees. In this episode, Mel discusses the constant feeling of imposter syndrome while wearing the many, many hats founders & entrepreneurs are required to wear. After leaving day-to-day operations to start her coaching practice, she was surprised at her own resilience and resourcefulness. She shares how she overcame imposter syndrome and the ups & downs of a founder's journey.An expert at human connection in the workplace, she also shares tried and true advice on creating a curious & empathetic workplace culture. Find out if you're inadvertently rewarding behaviour that's harming your company and how to lead in the Fourth Imagination Age.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles one of the biggest barriers to scaling: the conversations leadership teams avoid that could unlock growth. Debra exposes the “polite meeting trap,” where teams stay comfortable, avoid conflict, and leave meetings with no real decisions or progress. While it may feel safe, this behaviour quietly stalls growth and erodes accountability. She makes it clear that politeness does not build great businesses, effectiveness does. The episode dives into why leaders avoid hard conversations in the first place. Fear of conflict, protecting relationships, and power dynamics all play a role. When the most senior leader avoids tough topics, the entire team follows, leading to side conversations, misalignment, and slow execution. Debra explains how EOS provides the structure needed to make these conversations easier and more productive. With clear roles, accountability, and objective data, teams can separate people from problems and focus on solving real issues without emotion taking over. She also shares practical strategies to shift from avoidance to action, including eliminating sidebar conversations, bringing issues into the room, and regularly assessing whether team members are aligned with core values and truly fit their roles. If your leadership team feels stuck, overly polite, or avoids the real issues, this episode is a direct call to step up, have the conversations that matter, and create the clarity needed to grow. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ Episode 270 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – EOS Thinking and the Importance of Honest Conversations 02:46 – The Polite Meeting Trap 04:17 – The Founder and Power Dynamic Problem 05:58 – The Role of Structure in Facilitating Hard Conversations 06:49 – Ad Lib Questions and Answers 11:44 – The Real Cost of Polite Meetings 13:59 – Structures That Make Hard Conversations Safer 15:43 – The Importance of Regular Reflection and Conversations
The last in our series for Season 2 & a special for Australia & New Zealand, who are in lockdown.Justine is the Visionary / Founder at Your Virtual Assistant. The company has around 30 virtual assistants & Virtual Business Managers, based all around New Zealand.She came across EOS a few years ago & tried to self-implement. I'll let her tell you why it didn't work, however, she came to me back in March 2020, just before the lockdown in New Zealand hit. We were excited that I could help her to implement it into her business. However, once lockdown was announced, she came to me & said she wanted to pause.We had a discussion and fortunately, she decided that there probably wasn't a better time to be starting - given all the uncertainty that comes with a global pandemic.16 months later & Justine & her new Leadership team have smashed all their goals & are continuing to achieve their rocks each quarter.In a time when many businesses are struggling, the Your VA Leadership Team has Clarity, they have Simplified their business & they are achieving their Vision.And most importantly, Justine is back doing what she loves & takes her weekends off, without feeling even a little bit guilty.If you'd like to understand how she did this, then take a listen.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Amanda Barkey to explore the difference between using EOS vs running a business on EOS, and why that distinction changes everything. Amanda shares her journey from self-implementing EOS in her Soccer Shots franchise business to becoming a certified EOS implementer. Starting with limited support and plenty of early struggles, she and her husband turned their business around by applying EOS tools and disciplines, eventually scaling and successfully selling multiple franchises. A key insight from Amanda is that simply using EOS tools is not enough. Real transformation happens when you fully commit to running your business on EOS with consistency, discipline, and accountability. She highlights how tools like the Level 10 Meeting, People Analyzer, and clear compartmentalisation improved communication, strengthened team health, and drove results. The conversation also dives into the importance of the visionary and integrator relationship. Amanda credits having a strong integrator as a major factor in their success, helping maintain structure and execution while the visionary focused on growth and direction. Beyond business, Amanda shares how she applies EOS principles in her family life, using tools like a family VTO and core values to create alignment and reduce conflict. She also discusses her nonprofit work in Cameroon, funded by her business success, demonstrating how EOS can support not just better businesses, but better lives. If you are currently “using” EOS but not seeing full results, this episode will challenge you to step up into truly running your business on EOS. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Amanda Barkey – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-barkey-409908107/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/amanda-barkey/ Episode 269 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – Amanda Barkey's Entrepreneurial Journey and EOS Implementation 02:21 – Amanda Barkey's Background and Business Journey 12:36 – Challenges and Successes with EOS Implementation 15:10 – The Role of an Integrator and Implementer 34:20 – EOS in Family Life 47:18 – Amanda's Future Plans and Nonprofit Work 47:30 – The Power of EOS Tools 47:43 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs
Emily is the owner of SideMark, which she started 7 years ago. It is a highly successful company & she puts its success down to implementing EOS (The Entrepreneurial Operating System) into the business.Apart from the successful business, Emily is living her dream career life which she has crafted intentionally over time. She has just recently written a. book called Growth Junkies Unite – A Simple Guide to Invigorate your Journey.In this episode, she shares with us what being a growth junkie really is & how she has created a multi-faceted career, as co-owner of the business, a Professional EOS Coach & Business Coach, a published Author & a peer-group facilitator, as well as enjoying a full life outside of business.After implementing EOS to help them run their business 5 years ago and seeing tremendous success, Emily launched her EOS coaching practice to help other entrepreneurs and leadership teams get more of what they want from their business.She describes herself as the poster girl for EOS as she has run a business without EOS & with EOS. And she wishes she had found it earlier."When I first got into entrepreneurship, I didn't know what I was doing. It's not like I went to school and learn how to run a business. And at the time, I found this business was in need of a turnaround situation, it was a $13 million office furniture dealership down in the southwest part of the United States. And it was just so much fun to dig into. And yet I could have done it better now that I know what I know, it would have been easier and faster. And so when I moved into the opportunity to buy in as third owner of a $15 million office furniture dealership, my two partners and I quickly realized that we really wanted to come together and figure out our vision for where we wanted to take the company. And so luckily, at that time, I was a part of a peer group. And in that group, I heard about EOS, which is the entrepreneurial operating system. It's a way of operating and running a business more effectively and efficiently so that you can get more out of the business and actually enjoy the business more."Emily shares her journey to bring EOS into the business & how it changed not only the business but her life too.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor and Adam Harris go deeper into what it really takes to get a business unstuck, moving beyond surface-level fixes to uncover the root causes holding companies back.They explore why so many businesses face the same issues again and again, and why most teams jump to solutions too quickly without properly identifying the real problem. Using tools like the EOS Issue Solving Track (IDS) and simple but powerful W questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why), they explain how to dig deeper and solve issues properly the first time.A major theme in this conversation is clarity. Without it, teams become reactive, communication breaks down, and founders feel increasingly overwhelmed as the business grows. Debra and Adam highlight how lack of clarity around roles, expectations, and outcomes leads directly to stagnation.They also discuss the importance of accountability, structured meetings, and consistent practice. High-performing teams don't just talk about issues, they build the muscle to solve them through repetition, trust, and open, honest conversations.The episode also tackles tough topics like having the wrong people in key roles, unproductive meetings, and early warning signs that a business is losing traction. Founders are encouraged to step back, take a clarity break, and seek external support such as coaches, mentors, or peer groups to gain perspective and momentum.If your business feels stuck in cycles of the same problems, this episode provides practical tools and mindset shifts to help you regain clarity, fix root causes, and move forward with confidence. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Adam Harris – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-harris-eos/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/adam-harris Episode 268 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Why Businesses Get Stuck: Introduction and Initial Thoughts 02:48 – Exploring the Root Causes of Repeated Issues 13:35 – The Importance of Teamwork and Practice 18:47 – Identifying the Wrong People in Key Roles 23:47 – Unproductive Meetings in Growing Companies 35:58 – Communication Breakdown and Reactive vs Proactive Behaviour 38:53 – Overwhelm Among Founders and Lack of Clarity 41:27 – Early Warning Signs of Businesses Losing Traction 41:39 – The Role of Lack of Clarity in Business Stagnation 44:28 – First Steps for Founders to Take When Recognising Symptoms
Sam Stubbs is the founder of the nonprofit KiwiSaver fund Simplicity. A reformed investment banker and stockbroker his career also spans politics, philosophy and technology. His mission is to make the finance industry a force for good as a source of profit which he thinks can be achieved by companies embracing long-term thinking, sustainability and full diversity.He set up Simplicity with the aim to disrupt the KiwiSaver model, in the midst of a midlife crisis. It was never about the money for him but the money he can create for other people!What is Simplicity and what is its mission and vision?‘We're a nonprofit fund manager. If you're overseas you might have heard of Vanguard… the vanguard of New Zealand… wouldn't be too far wrong. Our main aim is to give people dignity in retirement and how we do that is we give them choices. People who have choices in life have dignity.We run as a nonprofit fund manager, which charges the lowest fees and making people richer. Simplicity is a charity, a social enterprise, a nonprofit, a whole lot of things! We give 15% of the fees we do earn to charity.We've been running for almost five years now and we manage about $3 billion on behalf of over 60,000 members, in total we're giving away about $100,000 a month to charity, and making extremely good returns.'In this podcast, Sam talks about the journey from Westie to Corporate & back to fighting for the people. Simplicity was an idea developed by four guys at a pub with a piece of paper. Sam shares how he got the right people into the business & some of the challenges along the way.Why the title of the Podcast? Sam shares that he didn't start Kiwisver to make money - rather help other people have dignity in retirement, however, he also shares how cash flow really is king in building a business & how you should treat every last dollar as if it were your own.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor and Adam Harris dive into what it really takes to get a business unstuck and moving forward again with EOS. They explore the hidden forces that cause businesses to stall, particularly fear and complacency. Fear often shows up as indecision or hesitation, while complacency creeps in when things are going well and leaders stop pushing for growth. Together, these can quietly bring momentum to a halt. A key theme in the conversation is how founders themselves can become the bottleneck. Without self-awareness and clear accountability, visionaries can drift back into day-to-day operations, slowing the business instead of leading it. Adam highlights the importance of rediscovering your “mojo” and finding where you truly add value as a leader. Debra and Adam emphasise that getting a business unstuck is less about strategy and more about execution. That means having a clear vision, strong accountability structures, and consistent communication rhythms. Tools like the accountability chart and regular leadership meetings ensure alignment and keep everyone moving in the same direction. They also discuss the powerful role of external facilitators, who bring objectivity, challenge thinking, and hold founders accountable in ways internal teams often cannot. If your business feels stuck or slow, this episode offers practical insights to help you regain clarity, rebuild momentum, and lead with confidence. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Adam Harris – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-harris-eos/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/adam-harris Episode 267 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction00:36 – Why Businesses Get Stuck and How Founders Can Address It 25:33 – Common Reasons Businesses Get Stuck 28:49 – Founders Becoming Bottlenecks 29:06 – The Role of Accountability and Vision 29:39 – The Importance of Clarity and Execution 33:05 – Misalignment Among Leadership Teams 41:42 – Founders as Bottlenecks 46:39 – The Role of External Facilitators 47:15 – The Importance of Regular Communication 47:35 – Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In this podcast episode of Better Business, Better Life, Daniel Davis shares some tips on what the EOS life really is & how you can live the EOS life as an Entrepreneur or Business Owner.Daniel has a 20+ year history of building companies, and his obsession is helping entrepreneurial organisations to clarify, simplify and achieve their vision. He has been a founder, owner and leader in six successful companies in varying industries, and is now responsible for bringing the tools of EOS®, The Entrepreneurial Operating System®, into Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.In this podcast, Daniel talks about:His love for fast cars, what he learned as life as an IGA owner in the Blue Mountains, how he discovered EOS & his 'twin' Gino Wickman, how he uses EOS in his personal life, how something can be simple but not easy!Daniel's passion to help others is evident in this podcast - you don't want to miss this episode!Daniel's EOS Life:When I read the book Traction by Gino Wickman, I loved it so much that I made it my mission to bring EOS® to Australia.EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System®, is widely used in the USA and Europe by tens of thousands of companies, and we want to see as many companies as possible enjoying the benefit of the EOS tools across Australia and beyond.Since 2017 the team at EOS Worldwide has entrusted me with the honour of representing and expanding the EOS brand here in Australia and New Zealand, and the wider Asia Pacific Region, where we are building a thriving community of entrepreneurs who are running their businesses using the EOS Process, Model, and Tools. As the regional Community Leader, I train and prepare EOS Implementers for a successful journey to EOS Mastery.At EOS Worldwide, we are devoted to finding, training and supporting like-minded entrepreneurs who want to become master EOS Implementers and live the "EOS Life":Doing what you love to doGrowing with people you enjoyMaking a significant differenceBeing compensated appropriatelyWith time to pursue other passions
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by EOS expert and Rocket Fuel co-author Mark C. Winters to explore the power of the visionary integrator relationship and why it is critical for entrepreneurial success. Mark shares his journey from corporate life to building and advising over 15 businesses, and how discovering EOS transformed the way he understood leadership, growth, and team dynamics. At the heart of the conversation is the visionary integrator partnership, a relationship that, when done well, creates clarity, momentum, and sustainable growth. They unpack the common traps entrepreneurs fall into, including the “entrepreneurial seizure” and the “success trap,” where business growth comes at the expense of personal fulfilment. Mark explains how visionaries must reconnect with their intrinsic genius rather than feeling “put out to pasture” once the business stabilises. The episode also dives into practical tools and frameworks, including the 10 pillars of greatness for visionaries and the Rocket Fuel Power Index, which helps assess and strengthen the health of the visionary integrator relationship. Mark emphasises the importance of self-awareness, role clarity, and healthy friction between visionary and integrator as the engine that drives real progress. If you are a visionary struggling to let go, or an integrator trying to create alignment and traction, this episode offers powerful insights to help you build a stronger partnership and a better business. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Mark C. Waters – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcwinters ► Website – Mark C. Winters: https://www.markcwinters.com/ Episode 266 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – Entrepreneurial Traps and Introspective Work 02:35 – Mark C Winters' Journey and EOS Involvement 05:02 – The Concept of Visionary and Integrator 07:01 – The Visionary's Role and the “Put Out to Pasture” Feeling 10:24 – The 10 Pillars of Greatness for Visionaries 12:38 – The Importance of Understanding the Business and Role Clarity 23:46 – The Role of Integrators and the Importance of Healthy Friction 31:26 – The Visionary's Personal Operating System and Domains of Freedom 37:51 – The Entrepreneurial Seizure and Success Trap 40:22 – Supporting Integrators and the Rocket Fuel Power Index 45:27 – Final Tips and Tools for Visionaries
In this podcast episode of Better Business, Better Life, Renee Russo talks about how she worked with her husband to turn around the business, finding her superpowers & the power of focus, discipline & believing.Renee Russo is a highly respected entrepreneurial business coach dedicated to helping people get more out of their businesses. Effective in teaching leadership teams a proven methodology and tools that empower them to get Vision, Traction, Healthy.She prides herself on creating ripples & positive change! She discovered EOS whilst helping her husband run his business. Since then she has become a Certified EOS Implementer & now also coaches other EOS Implementers.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Erik Dodier to explore the power of the Visionary/Integrator relationship and how it can completely transform a business. Erik shares his journey from growing Pixel Media from zero to $15 million without EOS to an impressive $75 million after implementing it. The turning point? Fully embracing EOS, particularly the visionary-integrator dynamic, which brought clarity to roles, improved decision-making, and reduced the chaos that often comes with rapid growth. He dives into how separating visionary and integrator responsibilities allowed both leaders to play to their strengths, creating a more aligned and accountable leadership team. Erik also highlights the impact of key EOS tools such as the accountability chart, quarterly rocks, and Level 10 meetings, along with the use of platforms like Ninety.io to keep the business focused and connected. The conversation also covers how EOS helped the company navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19, maintain strong communication, and continue scaling through strategic acquisitions. Erik reflects on lessons learned, including the importance of fully committing to EOS rather than partially implementing it. Now an EOS implementer himself, Erik works with businesses of 10 to 500 employees, helping them achieve the same clarity, structure, and growth he experienced. If you're looking to scale your business without losing control, this episode offers practical insights into building a strong leadership partnership and leveraging EOS for long-term success. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST'S DETAILS: ► Erik Dodier – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikdodier/ ► Website – EOS Worldwide: https://eosworldwide.com Episode 265 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Introduction to Visionary Integrator and EOS 05:30 – Erik's Journey with EOS 05:44 – Challenges and Benefits of the Visionary Integrator Concept 09:06 – Implementation of EOS Tools and Software 09:31 – Impact of EOS on Business Growth and Structure 09:41 – Erik's Transition to EOS Implementer 09:58 – Challenges and Mistakes in Implementing EOS 26:44 – Impact of EOS on Business Communication and Accountability 36:31 – Erik's Experience with Clients and EOS Implementation 41:17 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Owners
In this episode I am talking to Suzi McAlpine on the launch of her new book - "Beyond Burnout - a New Zealand Guide. How to spot it, stop it and stamp it out." A leadership coach, award-winning blogger and keynote speaker, Suzi works alongside CEOs, managers and executives to facilitate clarity, direction and optimal performance in the areas people need it most. Suzi McAlpine is a Leadership Development Specialist and author of award-winning leadership blog, The Leader's Digest. She writes and teaches about accomplished leadership, what magic emerges when it's present, and how to ignite better leadership in individuals, teams and organisations. Suzi has been a leader and senior executive herself, working alongside CEOs and executive teams in many guises. Her experience has included being a head-hunter and executive coach, and a practice leader for a division at the world's largest HR consulting firm. Suzi provides a range of services as a Leadership Development Specialist, including executive coaching, leadership workshops and leadership development programmes for CEOs, leadership teams and organisations throughout New Zealand. She has worked with IAG, Weta Workshop, The Department of Conservation, Contact Energy, Merchant (Overland) Footwear, BDO Accounting, and Nelson Airport to name a few. In 2012, Suzi started The Leader's Digest, now an internationally acclaimed blog, which provides tips and insights to CEOs and executives around the globe. The blog has been named in CMOE's Top 100 Socially-Shared Leadership Blogs, Serve To Lead's Best 21st Century Leadership Blogs, Charles Specht's Top 50 Global Leadership Bloggers, Hubworks Global Top 25 Leadership and Management Blogs and MP Star Financials' global Top 25 Leadership Blogs for Small Business. In 2018, she launched an online leadership programme for emerging leaders, The Leader's Map. The programme fills a void in the leadership arena, teaching leadership skills and providing support to people who are thrust into roles in which they must lead. The programme gives emerging leaders the necessary tools to succeed in their role. Suzi has used her expertise in the leadership space to write a book on burnout and how leaders can create environments in which people, as well as profits, thrive. In this podcast, she shares some insights, actionable tools & practical tips for Leaders & businesses of all sizes.
In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with AI expert and CEO of Bizzuka, John Munsell, to explore how businesses can move beyond basic AI usage and into true capability and scale. John shares his journey from financial services to becoming a leader in AI strategy, and introduces powerful tools such as the AI strategy canvas and scalable prompt engineering. These frameworks help businesses integrate AI into their operations in a structured, repeatable way rather than relying on ad hoc experimentation. Through real-world examples, including a case where AI reduced a three-week project to just three days and saved $70,000, John demonstrates the tangible impact of doing AI properly. He explains why using multiple AI models, structuring prompts effectively, and building knowledge-based documents are critical for achieving consistent, high-quality results. The conversation also tackles common barriers to AI adoption, including fear, lack of training, and unclear use cases. John outlines how organisations can elevate their teams by moving up the levels of AI mastery and embedding AI into everyday workflows across marketing, HR, finance, and operations. If you want to turn AI from a novelty into a true business advantage, this episode offers practical insights, frameworks, and next steps to help you scale smarter and faster. CONNECT WITH DEBRA: ___________________________________________ ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________ GUEST's DETAILS: ► John Munsell – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwmunsell/ ► Website – Bizzuka: www.bizzuka.com Episode 264 Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – Background of John Munsell 02:56 – John's Journey into AI and Business Applications 06:23 – John's Book and Certified Implementer Programme 13:23 – AI Adoption and Business Efficiency 20:15 – AI in Different Business Functions 28:58 – AI Tools and Best Practices 47:36 – AI in Meetings and Note-Taking 50:06 – John's Tips for AI Implementation 50:21 – Conclusion and Future Plans
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