Founders who've scaled. Founders still striving. What could you achieve if you knew the secrets and strategies of the Founders who've already achieved scale? Join Sean Steele as he interviews the Founders who've made it, learns from industry experts, and
This week, Sean speaks with Dawid Naude, Founder of Pathfinder.ai, who shares how service business Founders can move beyond the AI buzz and start leveraging real-world tools and strategies to scale faster, reduce costs, and create new revenue streams.In this ScaleHQ Podcast episode, Sean sits down with Dawid Naude, Founder of Pathfinder.ai, one of Australia's fastest-growing AI service providers. David grew his business from 2 to 20 staff in just 16 months, not by building complex tech, but by getting practical with tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity and unlock new revenue opportunities dramatically.If you're a service business Founder wrestling with how to use AI in a meaningful way, this episode is for you.Sean and Dawid discussed:The AI adoption journey every Founder goes through: How Founders move from skeptical dabbling to full-scale AI integration across their business, and why most get stuck in the “tinkering” phase.Why most “AI experts” are only using 5% of the tools: The critical difference between casual prompting and true ChatGPT proficiency and why features like Custom Instructions, GPT creation, and multi-model use are the real unlocks.The low-hanging fruit for AI wins in services businesses: How service businesses can save hours (or days) by automating proposal writing, competitor research, and sales briefing packs, plus how to train AI to make go/no-go decisions on tenders.Creating scalable revenue with AI-powered agents: Why AI allows you to productise your deep domain knowledge into custom bots, SaaS-like tools, or subscription services without needing to code, hire developers, or raise capital.The 3 AI personas every business should be using now: Dawid's proven framework for using AI as a smart grad (Assistant), a strategic thinker (Advisor), and a scalable creator of content, tools, and customer experiences.The mindset shift Founders must make to unlock real ROI from AI: Why trying to make AI do what you already do faster is a mistake, and how rethinking delivery, pricing models, and client interaction will create a true competitive advantage.If you're still wondering where to start with AI or how to turn it into real profit instead of just another tech fad, this episode will give you the roadmap, the mindset shift, and the practical tools to get moving fast.-----------------------------------------------------Watch or listen to the full episode on:Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WAApple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuwScaleHQ website: www.Scalehq.com.au/124 -----------------------------------------------------
In this episode, Sean chats with Terry Tran, former fund manager and Founder of The Freedom Trader, about smart strategies for Founders to diversify wealth, minimise risk, and invest with confidence outside of their business.In today's episode, Sean sits down with Terry Tran, Founder of The Freedom Trader, a former fund manager with over 30 years in the financial markets.Terry shares powerful insights into why business owners often default to property investment and what hidden costs they might not be factoring in. More importantly, he explains how Founders can safely diversify, preserve wealth, and create financial freedom without the usual hype and pitfalls.If you're a Founder who wants to future-proof your personal wealth and create financial freedom beyond your business, this conversation is essential listening.Sean and Terry discussed:Why business owners love property (and what they're missing): The hidden risks, leverage traps, and liquidity problems you need to know.Why shares can be a gamechanger for Founders: How stock investing offers diversification, low entry costs, and true liquidity advantages.How to value investments properly: Terry's simple approach to finding undervalued stocks (like buying real estate below market value!).Real investment results: How Terry's system consistently beats market returns while managing downside risks.Practical wealth building tips for 40s-50s Founders: Why liquidity matters more as you approach exit, and how to structure your portfolio.If you're thinking about or want to optimise your assets to make sure you get the best possible outcome in the future, then this one is for you. Hit play now to listen!-----------------------------------------------------Watch or listen to the full episode on:Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WAApple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuwScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/123 -----------------------------------------------------
In this episode, Sue Hirst unpacks why Founders can't afford to ignore the power of a virtual CFO. Discover how financial clarity, strategy, and a few smart decisions can unlock hidden profit, improve cashflow, and drive enterprise value without adding stress or overhead.In this episode of the ScaleHQ Podcast, Sean dives into the world of virtual CFOs with Sue Hirst, Co-Founder of CFO On-Call. Too many Founders rely solely on bookkeepers and tax accountants, leaving a dangerous gap when it comes to financial clarity and forward-looking strategy. Sue explains how virtual CFOs fill this gap, acting as a financial co-pilot to help Founders avoid common pitfalls like unplanned growth, cashflow squeezes, and pricing mistakes. If you're a Founder navigating the challenges of scaling a $1m-$10m business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on why financial strategy, not just compliance, is critical for growth and profitability.Sean and Sue Discussed:Why Founders outgrow their accountant: The critical difference between compliance accounting and strategic financial leadership, and when your business needs a virtual CFO to drive growth, not just count it.The hidden dangers of unplanned growth: How scaling without financial clarity leads to cashflow squeezes, profit erosion, and the risk of "growing broke," and how a virtual CFO helps you grow sustainably.Unlocking profit through smart pricing and cost control: Real-world examples of how small changes in pricing, cost of goods, and operational efficiency can add millions to your bottom line and enterprise value.Systems, automation and reducing overheads: Why investing in the right systems at the right time can prevent overhead blowouts, streamline operations, and increase business value without adding stress.The virtual CFO advantage: How having a financial co-pilot provides strategic insights, accountability, and confidence, plus what Founders need to know to get maximum ROI from a virtual CFO engagement.If you're feeling the pressure of growth, unsure about your cashflow, or simply want to extract more value from your business, this episode will show you how a virtual CFO can help you scale smarter, not harder.-----------------------------------------------------Watch or listen to the full episode on:Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WAApple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuwScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/122 -----------------------------------------------------
This week, I break down the key reasons I made the move to Cyprus and why it might be the perfect place for Founders looking for more freedom, better weather, and financial benefits.In today's ScaleHQ podcast episode, I'm diving into one of the most common questions I get asked: why did I move to Cyprus?This episode isn't just about me... it's for the Founders out there who dream of stepping back from their business, gaining more freedom, or making a bold move to a new country. If you've ever thought about living overseas, either for a few years or permanently, you're not alone. Many Founders are looking for the perfect location that balances lifestyle, cost of living, and business advantages. But here's the thing: moving countries is a big decision, and it's not for everyone. There are trade-offs, challenges, and unexpected surprises. In this episode, I break down the 7 key reasons why Cyprus works for me and why it might (or might not) work for you.This episode covers:The sweet spot: Why Cyprus hits the sweet spot for infrastructure with fast internet, good healthcare, but old-school bureaucracyThe cost of living benefits: How Cyprus compares to Australia, the UK, and EuropeNon-stop sunshine: How the Mediterranean lifestyle and flexible work culture change the gameTax incentives and business benefits: How Cyprus stacks up financially without being a tax havenThe reality of expat life: Why Cyprus still feels authentically local compared to other expat-heavy hubsWho Cyprus is perfect for: And who it's not suited toThe travel advantage: How Cyprus gives me easy access to European travel while keeping a work-friendly time zoneIf you're a Founder thinking about an international move or just curious about how to design a business and lifestyle that works for you, this episode is for you.#EntrepreneurLife #ExpatLife #Cyprus #BusinessGrowth #ScalingABusiness #DigitalNomad #WorkFromAnywhere #SeanSteele #ScaleHQ-----------------------------------------------------Watch or listen to the full episode on:Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WAApple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuwScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/121-----------------------------------------------------
In today's ScaleHQ podcast episode, I unpack my tried-and-tested five-point framework...the exact principles I've used time and again to make Big Bets that have paid off without blowing myself up in the process.This week, I'm unpacking how to take Big Bets in life and business without risking it all. Big risks can lead to big rewards, but only if you know how to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios. Listen and learn how to make high-stakes decisions with confidence and control.This episode was inspired by the Founders I know who have taken big risks to get to where they are, whether it was starting a business, making a major investment, or making a massive life change. These decisions aren't just one-offs. They're repeated turning points that can dramatically change the course your scaling success.But here's the challenge: when the next big opportunity comes along, many people, including Founders, hesitate, caught in the "what ifs." And while the fear of getting it wrong can be paralysing, but only if you let it.This episode covers five key principles: How to weigh up big decisions and assess trade-offs, so fear doesn't hold you back The worst-case vs. best-case scenario approach, and how to reverse-engineer risk before committing How to mitigate downside risks during the planning phase, so you can minimise the risks in your business decisions Why waiting for “perfect conditions” is a trap, and how taking action creates clarity How to tell if you're making a calculated risk or a reckless bet, and what to do about itIf you're at a crossroads in your business or personal life, this episode will help you weigh up the risk, prepare for the leap, and take bold action with confidence.#BusinessGrowth #ScalingUp #BusinessStrategies #ScaleHQ #LeadershipDevelopment #BigBets-----------------------------------------------------Watch or listen to the full episode on:Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WAApple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuwScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/120-----------------------------------------------------
Welcome back to the ScaleHQ podcast. I'm kicking 2025 off by sharing three unexpected yet powerful lessons I've learned from playing golf that apply directly to scaling a business. One important takeaway that I've learnt is that scaling a business is humbling, and just like golf, the parallels are undeniable. This week, I'm sharing three surprising lessons from the golf course that reveal new ways to approach scaling your business. How can patience, smarter decisions, and the right support change your 2025 strategy? Tune in to find out! As you listen, these lessons will help you rethink your approach to growth in 2025. Whether you're feeling the pressure to chase short-term wins, trying to decide if you should take a big risk or play it safe, or wondering how to implement systems that actually work, I've got you covered. What you'll learn in today's episode: Lesson 1: The long game: Why patience is critical for sustainable growth How small, deliberate steps compound into significant long-term Lesson 2: Course management over golf bombs: The risks of chasing "hero shots" in business Why playing it smart often delivers better outcomes than going all-in without evidence Lesson 3: Frameworks and support: How the right frameworks and guidance can accelerate your results Why learning from proven strategies beats trial-and-error every time Remember, scaling a business isn't about swinging for the fences but about making smart, consistent moves that compound over time. The lessons I've shared today are ones I wish someone had told me earlier in my journey. I hope they help you avoid some of the mistakes I've made and set you up for success in 2025. Let's scale smarter, together! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/119 -----------------------------------------------------
This week, I challenges Founders with five critical questions that can uncover growth bottlenecks, identify profit opportunities, and set the stage for exponential business success in 2025. Ready to make 2025 a transformational year for your business? In this final ScaleHQ episode of 2024, I reflect on five brutal but pivotal questions every Founder should ask before the year ends. These needle-moving questions are designed to help you reflect, strategise, and plan for the year ahead. Whether you're aiming to scale, improve profitability, or step back from day-to-day operations, these questions are your guide to transformation. What you'll learn in this episode: Identify growth bottlenecks: Learn how to pinpoint and address the biggest barriers to your growth, from improving your sales process to optimising team efficiency Double your profits with simple strategies: Explore actionable ideas like raising prices, cutting inefficiencies, or introducing high-margin premium offerings Transform your leadership: Understand why upgrading your own leadership style and letting go of control can drive better business outcomes Create exponential results with big moves: Discover the impact of strategic partnerships, subscription models, and focusing on larger, high-value contracts Stop tolerating what holds you back: Examine toxic clients, broken processes, and ineffective spending to free up resources and create capacity for growth This must-listen episode is packed with real-world examples and frameworks to help you contextualise these questions for your own business. Tune in and discover how a few hours of reflection can lead to a year of remarkable growth. Thank you for an incredible 2024! Signing off for the year, but I'll be back in 2025 with more insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you scale your business. Happy Holidays! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/118 -----------------------------------------------------
This week, I share why traditional position descriptions are outdated and how success profiles can empower your team to thrive. In this episode of the ScaleHQ Podcast, I dive into why traditional position descriptions are outdated and how they may be holding your business back. I introduce the Success Profile, a practical tool designed to give leaders clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes for team members. If you're a Founder or business leader wanting to improve your team's clarity, performance, and alignment, this episode provides actionable insights and tools to implement right away. In the podcast, I talk about: Why position descriptions fail: I explain why the task-based approach of position descriptions doesn't define success or foster growth Introducing success profiles: A simple, powerful framework that aligns individual roles with business objectives Attributes and behaviors matter: How to address team dynamics and accountability through behavioral expectations Leading and lagging indicators: How to use these to set clear monthly success benchmarks OKRs for alignment: How to define objectives and key results to create a cascading strategy that empowers your entire team Ready to replace outdated methods with a framework that drives empowerment, growth, and alignment? Listen now! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/117 -----------------------------------------------------
This week, I talk about transforming your business with the Scale Scorecard: a tool to identify and close gaps in your business so you can achieve your goal of stepping up for investment, stepping back to install management, or stepping out for a full exit. In this episode, I introduce the Scale Scorecard, a diagnostic tool I've developed to help Founders self-assess their business's scalability, sellability, and overall growth potential. I have identified 35 key ingredients critical for successful scaling and put these into a free tool that gives Founders clarity and actionable steps towards achieving their dreams of attracting investment, stepping back from daily operations, or preparing for a profitable exit. In the podcast, I talk about: Why Founders hit growth ceilings:Founders often reach a point where business growth becomes unsustainable without foundational improvements. I discuss how weak systems, lack of delegation, and undefined roles limit scalability. Strengthening these foundational elements prevents Founder burnout and sets the stage for a smooth, profitable scale-up or exit. The Scale Scorecard: The 35-question diagnostic tool that evaluates seven key areas, including strategy, execution, leadership, team, financials, offer, sales, and support, revealing strengths and pinpointing areas for improvement. Real-world application - Sam's story: I introduce "Sam," a $14M business owner who uncovered critical insights about his business's execution, sales, and support systems. After taking the Scale Scorecard & a free Growth Audit, Sam was able to identify gaps in his business and prioritise his next moves, resulting in greater scalability without burnout. Growth Audit insights: Completing a Scale Scorecard unlocks the option for a free 45-minute Growth Audit with me. Through this Audit, Founders receive tailored advice on their top priorities for the next 90 days and beyond, translating insights from the scorecard into actionable steps. Don't miss this impactful episode. Listen now! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/116 -----------------------------------------------------
Discover how Adam Evans leveraged bold decisions, innovative technology, and strategic partnerships to transform his company and navigate the challenges of scaling a service-based business in the defence industry. In this week's ScaleHQ Podcast interview, Sean speaks with Adam Evans, the visionary Founder behind Anywise's strategic growth. Adam shares his journey from working in defence to building a purpose-driven business that thrives on bold decisions. He discusses the strategic pivots that led to massive growth, including walking away from guaranteed revenue and taking risks that paid off. If you're a Founder looking to scale, this episode offers a wealth of insights on overcoming the challenges of growing a service-based business. Sean and Adam discussed: The decision to walk away from 30% of revenue: Why Adam and his team turned down a significant client and how it sparked unexpected growth. Scaling with purpose: How Anywise shifted from typical consulting to managing larger projects and developing their own technology. Innovating through crisis: Leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to streamline processes, empower the team, and boost profitability. The power of saying no: Understanding the importance of focusing on core values and how learning to say ‘no' can drive real growth. Collaborating to scale: Adam's approach to building partnerships and managing risk without raising capital in the early days—and what he'd do differently now. Don't miss this insightful episode. Listen now! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: https://www.ScaleHQ.com.au/115 -----------------------------------------------------
In today's episode, Sean continues his deep dive into the 8 critical mistakes that holds Founders back from scaling, exiting, or stepping away from their business. These stumbling blocks not only hinder growth but can also jeporadise long-term success, keeping you from achieving the financial freedom you've worked so hard for. Whether you're looking to attract investment, step back from day-to-day operations, or prepare your business for sale, understanding these mistakes—and how to avoid them—is key. Key topics covered include: Mistake #5 - Financial visibility and working capital: How poor financial visibility and insufficient working capital hinder growth, decision-making, and investor confidence. Mistake #6 - Offer design and margins: Strategies for creating a differentiated, bold offer to maximize margins and lifetime value. Mistake #7 - Lead generation and sales process: Building a scalable lead generation and sales ecosystem to support predictable revenue growth. Mistake #8 -External advisory and peer support: The importance of building a strong external network to navigate strategic challenges. Bonus mistake: The value of mentorship and peer support in avoiding costly missteps and accelerating growth. Tune in to discover actionable insights for avoiding these common pitfalls and positioning your business for success! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/ -----------------------------------------------------
In this episode, Sean dives into the eight critical mistakes that prevent Founders from scaling their businesses, successfully exiting, or stepping back. These are the very issues that can block your progress, whether you're looking to take on investors, sell your company, or install management and reduce your day-to-day involvement. From identifying leadership gaps to clarifying strategy and improving execution, Sean breaks down real-world examples from his experience in corporate and due diligence processes, highlighting the actionable steps you need to take to position your business for success. Key Takeaways: 1. The Holy Trinity of options: Step up, step out, or step back. Learn what path Founders are striving for in the next 3-5 years 2. Mistake #1: Lack of a clear strategy and aligned execution plan 3. Mistake #3: Not having a capable leadership layer that inspires trust and retains top talent 4. Mistake #4: Failing to enable individual success through clear expectations and support 5. Mistake #5: Poor financial visibility and insufficient working capital 6. Real-life example: A million-dollar business run by two Founders failed to scale due to leadership and culture issues, making it risky for investors Don't miss this 2-part series! Tune in now! ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/113 -----------------------------------------------------
This week, we speak with Drew Horsell, the mastermind behind Horsell's explosive success. Discover how Drew leveraged an advisory board to triple his company's size while innovating and navigating the challenges of scaling a service-based business. In this ScaleHQ podcast episode, we sit down with Drew Horsell, the dynamic Founder and managing director of Horsell, a veteran-owned professional services firm that has achieved remarkable growth in just a few short years. For Founders looking to scale their businesses beyond seven figures, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and hard-won lessons. Drew shares his journey from military life to entrepreneurship, revealing how he overcame the challenges of scaling a business in a highly competitive industry. Whether you're a service or product-based business owner, this conversation is full of actionable advice that can unlock your company's potential. Key Discussion Points: 1. The Power of an Advisory Board in Scaling Growth: Drew shared how he leveraged an advisory board to triple or even quadruple his business growth. He explains the strategic role the board played, not just in decision-making but in challenging his ideas, refining strategies, and providing the confidence to pursue bold initiatives. If you're considering whether an advisory board could take your business to the next level, this episode offers a clear roadmap. 2. Innovation Without Proportional Headcount Growth One of the biggest challenges for growing businesses is scaling operations without exponentially increasing costs. Drew discusses how he used technology to improve service delivery and increase efficiency, allowing Horsell to manage more projects with the same or fewer resources. This approach is particularly relevant for Founders looking to optimize their operations and drive sustainable growth. 3. Letting Go to Grow: A Founder's Journey: Drew candidly shared the emotional and practical challenges of transitioning from working in the business to working on the business. His journey of trusting others with his "baby" and focusing on the strategic direction of the company is something every Founder can relate to, especially those struggling to let go of control as they scale. 4. Building a Values-Based Business in a Profit-Driven World: In an industry often focused on profits over people, Drew discussed the importance of maintaining a values-based approach, where customer outcomes and employee satisfaction take precedence. This philosophy differentiates Horsell by building a loyal client base and a committed team—key ingredients for long-term success. Tune in to hear Drew's inspiring story and discover how you can apply these strategies to scale your own business effectively! Watch or listen to the full episode on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: https://www.scalehq.com.au/112 #businesspodcast #scalemodel #revenuegrowth #SeanSteele #DrewHorsell
Join us this week as we dive into an insightful conversation with Siimon Reynolds. Learn how to overcome entrepreneurial challenges and achieve sustainable growth with his proven methods. In this episode, Sean sits down with renowned entrepreneur and business mentor Siimon Reynolds. Siimon shares his extensive experience and insights into scaling businesses, enhancing productivity, and mastering the entrepreneurial mindset. Here are the key topics covered in this episode: The Journey of an Entrepreneur: • Siimon reflects on the lessons he learned over a decade of building and growing businesses, and the importance of resilience and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial journey. Focus Areas for Business Growth: • Siimon discusses the critical areas he focuses on in his one-on-one coaching sessions, including business growth strategies, productivity enhancement, mental performance optimization, and the need for entrepreneurs to use their time effectively. Combatting "Zombie Entrepreneurship": • Siimon discusses the concept of "zombie entrepreneurs" – those who have lost their passion and drive but continue running their businesses out of necessity and strategies to maintain enthusiasm and prevent burnout, ensuring long-term business success. Maximizing Potential and Performance: • Siimon highlights the importance of functioning at full potential and not settling for mediocrity in business operations. He offers practical advice on eliminating negative thinking and fostering a positive, productive mindset. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice and inspiring insights, perfect for Founders looking to scale their businesses and elevate their entrepreneurial game. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the industry. Watch or listen to the full episode on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: https://www.scalehq.com.au/111
Join us for this week's ScaleHQ Podcast with Luke Nolan as he shares his transformative insights on building the world's largest student accommodation marketplace and provides practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses. In this ScaleHQ episode, Sean sits down with Luke Nolan, the visionary Founder of Student.com, the world's largest student accommodation marketplace. With operations in over 40 countries and close to $3 billion in transactions, Luke shares his journey from startup to global success, offering valuable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are some key points discussed in the interview: • Genesis of Student.com: Luke recounts the "aha moments" that led to the creation of Student.com. As an international student himself, he identified a massive opportunity to simplify the student accommodation process. His unique perspective and firsthand experience fueled his passion for solving this problem on a global scale. • Scaling through Technology: Luke emphasises the importance of leveraging technology to scale the business. He shares how early investments in tech helped Student.com expand rapidly, particularly in large markets like China. By focusing on creating a seamless user experience, the platform was able to cater to millions of students worldwide. • Overcoming Challenges and Pivots: The journey wasn't without its hurdles. Luke discusses a major pivot that involved reducing operational costs and laying off 42 employees in a single day. This painful but necessary step was crucial for the company's long-term sustainability and growth. • Leadership Transition: Luke talks about his recent transition from CEO to a more strategic role, bringing in a new CEO to lead the company. He shares the steps taken to ensure a smooth transition and the importance of building a strong leadership team to drive the business forward. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Luke Nolan's strategies for scaling a business, navigating challenges, and creating a global impact in the student accommodation industry. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: • https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: • https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: • https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: • https://www.scalehq.com.au/109
Sean Steele reveals the secrets to creating a profitable, saleable business. This week, Sean guest stars on Jackson Millan's podcast show, the “#FinancialFreedomSecrets Show,” to discuss scaling for success. Together, they discuss essential strategies for making your business irresistible to potential buyers. Whether you're a Founder wanting to scale or looking to exit your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will transform your company into a saleable powerhouse! Key takeaways include: Preparing for Sale: Establishing a business with robust leadership and scalable systems to ensure a successful sale. Crucial Metrics: The importance of profitability and tracking leading indicators to predict and drive future growth. Empowering Teams: Transitioning from a hands-on technician to a strategic CEO and the impact of mentoring on building a strong leadership team. Strategic Acquisitions: Exploring effective acquisition strategies to increase business growth and value. Tune in to learn from the experts! Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: https://www.scalehq.com.au/109 #BusinessPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Wealth
This week, we catch up with Jackson Millan's LIVE episode on “The ScaleHQ Podcast.” In this exciting discussion, Jackson revealed his game-changing strategies for turning business profits into personal wealth, offering actionable steps to aspiring entrepreneurs. In this episode, Sean sits down with Jackson Millan, the "Wealth Mentor" and co-founder of Aureus Financial, to talk about the mechanics of building personal wealth through business success. Jackson shares his experiences and strategies, from overcoming personal debt to guiding entrepreneurs on their path to financial freedom. His practical advice and wealth-building techniques provide invaluable insights for business owners looking to optimize their financial future. His key points include: 1. Transition from financial advisor to a wealth mentor: Jackson shares his journey from starting as a financial advisor to founding Aureus Financial, driven by his desire to help people like his parents who struggled with money despite running successful businesses. 2. The importance of financial structure: Jackson explains the need for a solid financial operating system, highlighting the use of multiple bank accounts to manage cash flow and ensure profitability. 3. Creating a personal wealth strategy: He discusses the significance of turning business profits into personal wealth and outlines a strategic approach to achieving financial freedom within ten years. 4. Principles for business success: Jackson emphasizes the importance of having clear business principles and values, such as focusing on progress over perfection and creating value for clients, team, and the business. 5. Acquisition as a Growth Strategy: Jackson talks about the benefits and challenges of business acquisitions, explaining how strategic acquisitions can significantly accelerate business growth and increase overall value. Listen now to learn and apply Jackson's strategies to ensure successful scaling and personal wealth-building. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: • https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: • https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 ScaleHQ website: • https://www.scalehq.com.au/108.
This week, Samantha Hurst guest stars on the ScaleHQ Podcast to share her inspiring journey from launching a lingerie business to building Click Start Digital, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of e-commerce entrepreneurship. In this engaging episode, Sam Hurst, Founder of Click Start Digital, talks about her transformative journey from a corporate career to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur. Sam shares her story of creating and scaling her businesses, emphasising the importance of mindset, resilience, and the right support system. Her insights provide a roadmap for aspiring Founders looking to make their mark in the digital world. Here are the highlights from this week's episode: 1. Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneur: Sam recounts her shift from a corporate career to starting her lingerie business, which she scaled and sold before founding Click Start Digital. 2. Building Click Start Digital: She explains the mission of Click Start Digital, which is to help new entrepreneurs start e-commerce businesses with ready-made stores, training, and coaching to avoid common pitfalls. 3. Overcoming Challenges: Samantha shares the tough lessons learned, including dealing with rapid business growth, managing client expectations, and the critical need for a strong management team. 4. Mindset and Resilience: She emphasises the importance of having the right mindset, staying persistent, and continually adapting to overcome obstacles and achieve success. 5. Planning for the Future: Samantha discusses her future goals for Click Start Digital, including scaling and preparing the business for a potential sale and the importance of financial preparedness for long-term sustainability. Tune in now to hear the journey of another up and coming scaler, Samantha Hurst. Enjoy! Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: • https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: • https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 ScaleHQ website: • www.ScaleHQ.com.au/107 • https://www.scalehq.com.au/107 #ecommerce #businesspodcast #podcast #SeanSteele
This week on the ScaleHQ podcast, learn how Ant Botica transitioned from a corporate banker to creating unforgettable yacht experiences with Solamoré Events, offering practical guidance on building a lifestyle-aligned business and overcoming entrepreneurship challenges. In this episode of the ScaleHQ podcast, I speak with Ant Botica, Founder of Solamoré Events, to hear his extraordinary journey from the corporate world of banking to becoming the "Superyacht Guy" known for creating exciting luxury yachts events. Ant shares his story of perseverance, passion, and his quest to build a business that aligns with his lifestyle and values. Here are the key points we covered: 1. The Journey from Banking to Entrepreneurship: Ant recounts his decision to leave the banking industry after a life-changing visit to Croatia, which inspired him to pursue a more fulfilling and adventurous career path. 2. Creating Solamoré : We dive into how Ant built Solamoré , a referral-based business that organises exceptional yacht events in multiple countries, emphasising the importance of creating unforgettable customer experiences. 3. Challenges of Scaling: All Founders experience challenges, and Ant is no different. He discusses the difficulties he faced in the early stages of his business, including financial struggles, the 2008 financial crisis, the impact of COVID-19, and how he overcame these obstacles. 4. The Importance of Passion and Adaptability: Ant highlights the significance of loving what you do and being willing to adapt and pivot your business model as necessary to ensure long-term success. 5. Leveraging Personal and Professional Networks: Ant underscores the value of having mentors and a robust support network to navigate the complexities of scaling a business. Tune in now to unlock your journey of successful scaling. Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: • https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: • https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: • https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/106
New Beginnings: How Living in Cyprus Transformed My Approach to Life and Business In this week's solo ScaleHQ podcast episode, I discuss the transformative lessons I learned during my first 100 days living in Cyprus. Like any big move, I have learned to adapt and overcome a series of unexpected challenges and discoveries that impact my family life and offer profound insights into my approach to business. Here are the key lessons I have learned: 1. Embracing uncertainty: Relocating to a new country has heightened my awareness of balancing certainty and uncertainty. This lesson is vital for founders and entrepreneurs who must constantly navigate the unpredictability of business, providing insights on maintaining flexibility without losing sight of stability. 2. Importance of support systems: The move underscored the critical role of maintaining strong relationships during periods of significant change. I reflect on the importance of being present for my family and creating spaces that foster connection and support, paralleling the need for robust networks and support systems in scaling businesses. 3. Time management and realistic expectations: I share my realizations about time—specifically, that everything worthwhile takes longer than expected. This lesson is crucial for business leaders, emphasizing the need for patience and proper pacing when embarking on new ventures or scaling existing operations. 4. Reflection and adaptation: Finally, I stress the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, whether adjusting to a new country or adjusting business models to meet evolving market demands better. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing or contemplating significant life or business changes. It offers inspiration and practical advice on navigating these challenges. Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: • https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: • https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: • https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: • www.ScaleHQ.com.au/ #ScaleHQ #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #LifeLessons #Podcast
This week, Sean guest stars on Guillaume Jouvencel's podcast show, “The Podcast Gurus” to discuss the key questions Founders need to ask themselves when scaling, offering practical guidance on overcoming challenges while preparing for maximum scale and exit optionality. In this episode, Sean joins “The Podcast Gurus” podcast to talk about the principles of scaling a business and the common challenges, while offering his strategic and seasoned insight. In the conversation, Sean unpacks: The characteristics of a successful scaler, differentiating between the skills needed for starting a business versus scaling one, emphasizing the importance of vision, strategy, and the ability to execute long-term plans without sacrificing the quality or integrity of the business model. Tailored scaling strategies and how they vary significantly between industries, such as digital versus brick-and-mortar, highlighting the universal principles that guide his approach to scaling any business. The dangers of rapid scaling, including the potential pitfalls of scaling too quickly without proper foundations. Role of peer networks in scaling, highlighting the importance of having a robust support network, mentors, and advisors who provide invaluable resources and perspectives that aid in navigating the challenges of scaling a business. Tune in now to unlock your journey of successful scaling. #PodcastGurus #BusinessScaling #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment
This week, I explore the revolutionary outcome-aligned pricing model , revealing how this dynamic strategy can heighten your business to new levels of success. In this week's solo ScaleHQ podcast episode, I dive into the game-changing strategy of outcome-aligned pricing and how it can spark significant growth and differentiation for businesses. I share why this model is critical for any founder looking to navigate their next growth phase while exploring the advantages of using the model, such as: ✓ Enhancing differentiation, ✓ Accelerating customer acquisition, ✓ Improving margins, ✓ Fostering loyalty, and ✓ Generating referrals To help you explore this model for your own business, I also provide essential questions to consider and a success checklist to ensure your outcome-aligned pricing strategy is sustainable while effectively manages risk. IN THIS EPISODE, I COVER: • How outcome-aligned pricing is a powerful tool in a founder's toolkit to enable growth and differentiation. • Real-world examples from various industries (e.g., education with Lambda School, real estate with Place Real Estate in Brisbane, government tender processes, and digital marketing) to illustrate the application and success of outcome-aligned pricing. • How you can develop an outcome-aligned pricing model for your business to ensure sustainability and managed risk. • The importance of shared risk, where businesses take on more risk for greater rewards, enhancing trust and loyalty with clients. • How the innovative pricing approach can differentiate your business from your competitors while also aligning your business's success with your customer's success, fostering a partnership rather than a transactional relationship. This episode isn't just about rethinking pricing; it's about deepening connections with customers by becoming true partners in their success, creating meaningful relationships built on shared risks and rewards. #PricingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #Podcast
This week we're talking with Jaemin Frazer, the visionary behind "The Self-Permission Method," to uncover his controversial yet potentially transformative approach for fulfilling Founder potential. In ScaleHQ's latest podcast episode, we sit down with Jaemin Frazer, the award-winning mindset coach and author of "The Self-Permission Method: How to Succeed in Life Without Using Self-Discipline." Dive into our compelling discussion that challenges the conventional belief that self-discipline is the cornerstone of success. But what if self-discipline is only the key to unlocking 70% of your desired outcomes? Jaemin introduces his groundbreaking perspective suggesting the last 30% comes not from pushing harder but from getting on better terms with yourself through self-permission which removes barriers and enables flow. In this enlightening conversation, Jaemin unpacks: The common misconceptions around self-discipline why it might not be the magic fix for motivation and success we all thought it was. An introduction to the Self-Permission Method, Jaemin's revolutionary approach that encourages evaluating what's creating resistance and why, to allow a mental repositioning that allows a state of flow. Practical insights on how listeners can apply the Self-Permission Method to achieve their goals and actually enjoy the ride, boosting their happiness and contentment along the way. Real-life examples and actionable tips from Jaemin on weaving this approach into your day-to-day and big decision moments around your business and personal life. By the end of this episode, you'll be looking at motivation and performance through a new lens, realising that hitting 100% of your potential is more about getting yourself out of the way, rather than just hard graft and pushing sh#t uphill. Tune in now to start your journey toward unlocking that elusive 30% of your potential that self-discipline alone can't reach. Here's Why' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or our website:
TBU
100th episode! Today I reveal my 6 biggest takeaways from 100 interviews with successful Founders and experts on scaling. And a little update on my crazy move to Europe. After 2 years of speaking to successful Founders, experts on many aspects of business you need to master to scale, we have finally reached the 100th episode! (woop woop). This week, I summarise my 6 biggest takeaways from the first 100 episodes. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the ScaleHQ Podcast, this is one you won't want to miss this very special episode if you want to scale to 8 figures + . Oh.. and I add a few special updates on new episode formats for 2024 AND an update on my recent crazy, life-changing move to Europe. The highlights from this week's episode:
After co-founding then exiting Australia's largest buyers agency Cohen Handler, Ben founded Buyers Agent Institute. In just 5 years, he scaled it into a high profit, 8-figure business. This week, I interview him to find out what his secret is to building a successful, high-growth business. After amassing 3 billion in residential and commercial property purchases in just 9 years, Ben Handler decided it was time to exit his role as Co-Founder and CEO of Cohen Handler, Australia's largest buyers agency and start the Buyer's Agent Institute (BAI). BAI is an education business focused on helping people become buyers agents. He scaled it to 8-figures, and high levels of profitability in just 5 years. In this episode, Ben reveals his secrets to building a lean, variable-cost business model and his approach to building predictable, scalable sales funnels that consistently produce high growth rates. Some of the best bits: 04:06 - “Building a business with someone else is more exciting than going it alone” 26:41 - “The best marketers are expert in only one platform, do revenue shares and don't take many clients” 31:54 - The intricacies of designing scalable sales funnels 37:09 - “People can copy your website, but they can't copy your story” 48:29 - “The more fulfilled you are outside your work, the better your growth will be” Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/99 #EducationBusiness #GrowthStrategy #SalesFunnels
This week, Talila Kroy is back to reveal how you can use strategic partnerships to take your business growth to the next level. Customers buy from people they trust, and they like. But how do you short-cut the inevitable time it can take to develop trust with a new customer? Strategic partnerships is one incredible way. Why? Because recommendations from partners of your work instils instant trust in that customer, and saves you having to establish it for yourself. Strategic partnerships are like planting an orchard of fruit trees, rather than going to the shops to buy fruit each day.. which would be like direct sales. Yes.. it's quicker initially to just buy that fruit directly and there's nothing wrong with that, but it's tiring and requires a higher workload over time. If you plant an orchard, there's more work upfront, but if you then nurture that orchard and allow it to grow, and mature.. that orchard (strategic partnership) will deliver ongoing, high quality fruit exactly the way you like it, season after season, after season. This week, I have Talila Kroy from the award-winning emple (experts in developing repeatable client acquisition systems) back for a third time on the ScaleHQ podcast, sharing her secrets on how to set up enduring strategic partnerships that deliver value for both parties, in an authentic and genuine way that protects your and their brand and your respective customers. You'll love learning how to use strategic partnerships as a key channel that enables your business growth. Here are the highlights of this week's episode: 04:46 - The benefits of strategic partnerships over direct sales 08:36 - The typical conversion rates in partner-delivered leads 18:15 - The ingredients that make strategic partnerships flourish 26:33 - Different ways of creating value for each partner (and their clients) 36:08 - The rhythms that matter in the partnership as it matures 48:05 - The things that can go wrong and how to avoid them Watch or listen to the full episode on:
How do you add 200m in revenue in 2.5 years? This week Sean interviews Ben Marsonet the Group CEO of Altus Traffic to understand their rapid transformation. Ben Marsonet's had an incredible journey. From Traffic Controller at 18, to Group CEO of ANZ's largest traffic management business. 2.5 years ago they had $140m in revenue, under new ownership and Ben's leadership they now have $350m in revenue having completed 4 acquisitions in just 12 months. You'll love this week's humble and inspiring guest on the ScaleHQ podcast. Join us as we unpack Ben's story, and the secrets behind this rapid growth. Some of the highlights from this week's episode: 03:55 - The current scale of Altus. 10:00 - The pivotal inflection points that have led to the significant transformation. 14:15 - When is the right time to take on private equity investment. 22:12 - The biggest challenges under private equity ownership. 26:51 - The ingredients that led to the 140m-350m. transformation. 35:42 - Ben's biggest learning as a new CEO. ----------------------------------------------------- Watch or listen to the full episode on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: [www.ScaleHQ.com.au/97] (https://www.scalehq.com.au/97) #growthjourney #scaleups #ceotips
From Startups and Success to Burnout: A 15-Year Entrepreneurial Journey Only 2.3% of businesses successfully scale beyond $10 million. And of those, even fewer manage to succeed in building 4 successful companies in a 15 year period. But that's exactly what Ryan Trainor has done. Since the age of 24 Ryan has founded and led or co-founded, a labor force company, three successful education businesses and the largest video game and entertainment venues business in the southern hemisphere. But these sorts of achievements unfortunately can take a significant toll on your physical health and your relationships with those around you. Ryan, after burning out in 2022, realised he had to take a look at how he was managing his ambitions, his health and his relationships. You'll love hearing both the strategies that helped him succeed as a serial entrepreneur, and how he's grappling with the impacts of his burnout. Here are this week's best bits from the full episode 02:18 - The foundations of Ryan's repeated successes 07:48 - The issues that arise when you start assigning genius to what you've done 11:47 - Was building to step back a plan, or an accident? 17:25 - How to manage financial risks when you step back from CEO 23:07 - What happens when you ignore the signs on the way to burnout 33:28 - How to find success at home when you're used to finding it in your business Watch or listen to the full episode on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/96 #BusinessGrowth #Burnout #Relationships
This week, Sean deep dives into unique approaches to events as a potential (and often ignored) way to bring potential clients through your pipeline. Just wrapped up a ScaleHQ podcast episode with Morgan Ingram (4x LinkedIn Top Sales Voice who's helped Salesforce and Zoom revolutionise their sales effectiveness), that's a goldmine for any business leader looking for a unique way to bring prospects into, and through their pipeline.
Sales expert Talila Kroy breaks down her secrets to recruiting sales people, to help you take your customer acquisition to another level. Roughly 50% of sales campaigns fail, you can't just hire a few people off LinkedIn with “Salesperson” as their role and hope to see your profits increase. When it comes to hiring salespeople, you need to find someone with the right motivation and mindset. This week, Talila Kroy from emple returns to the ScaleHQ podcast. Talila is an expert when it comes to recruiting and managing sales teams. This episode, she breaks down her secrets to recruiting sales people, to help you increase the likelihood that you'll end up with a high performance sales team. Here are the best bits of this episode: 07:24 - Finding the right motivation behind salespeople 18:41 - Why your culture matters so much in the hiring process 22:43 - Mastering writing the job advertisement (it matters more than you think!) 29:17 - Setting expectations about remuneration when hiring 34:46 - Designing your first and second interviews 42:56 - When do you assess your applicants? Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/94 Free 20 minute session “Are You Sales Hire Ready?”: https://pages.emple.com.au/saleshireready #BusinessPodcast #ScaleUpBusiness #businessgrowth
How can you maximise the performance and potential of your team? This week, Sean breaks down one of the best and most simple talent management tools around, the 9-Box Grid. To maximise the performance and realise the potential of your team, you need a structured approach to how you assess that performance and potential, and a clear plan on how to maximise it. Or to move them on! Whatever the right decision is. The 9-box grid is a commonly used framework by leaders around the world. It's a simple diagram that allows you to assess your team members based on two important factors: their current performance and their future potential. In this episode I unpack the 9-box talent grid, how it works, the pros and cons, and what to do with people once you've assessed where they fit! Here are the most important parts of this weeks episode: 04:31 - What does the 9-box grid look like? 08:08 - The pros and cons of the 9-box grid 11:29 - How to assess performance and potential using the grid 18:51 - How to optimize your professional development budget Watch or listen to the full episode on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/93 #BusinessPodcast #businesspodcast #businessgrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment
Growing your company purely through word-of-mouth is a great way to build your brand, and it is a key indicator of a good business when you are able to get to 7-figures. But if you want to scale to 8-figures and beyond, you'll need a scalable customer acquisition system. And that means if you're in a B2B business - you'll likely need sales people. It's not just as easy as hiring a salesperson and expecting them to implement an effective sales process into your business. Unfortunately, they just do not, and will not come with that. You'll need to build it yourself or get help from someone to do so, so that you can set those salespeople that you hire up for success. This week, I interview Talila Kroy an expert when it comes to building and refining sales process that leads to better conversion rates in all types of businesses but particularly B2B. This is the first of two episodes - this week is about ensuring you have the foundations in place before you start recruiting, next week we'll unpack the recruitment and assessment process. Here are the best bits of this episode: 04:59 - The most common mistake Founders make when hiring salespeople 11:26 - Massively improve speed-to-competence by developing a success model first 15:08 - Sales remuneration design.... have I accidentally made them lazy? 21:04 - Getting the sales targets and KPIs right (and they're two entirely different things) 30:11 - How to effectively manage performance of your salesperson 37:13 - Getting onboarding right builds both confidence, and competence 43:32 - Insights into building a capability assessment model ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/92 Visit our guest: Website: www.emple.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emple-australia/ Unlock your sales potential with a FREE 20-minute session at • https://pages.emple.com.au/saleshireready
When you are scaling your business, its easy for alignment that you once had to start to become loose. Priorities start taking tangents. The left hand stops talking to the right. Then you apply MORE growth pressure and all of a sudden you have a dysfunctional business that's not aligned. That's a quick way to undo all your good work. Creating alignment (and re-alignment) is a critical leadership practice when you're in a growth business. Ignore it at your peril! This week, Sean interviews Karen Traversi Kovaleski. Karen has created alignment in companies from start-up to More than $100 million. In this episode, Karen breaks down her 5 step method to realigning a business that's veering off track. Here are the best bits of this week's episode: 04:58 - The challenge of alignment (and what happens when you apply growth pressure) 14:31 - Karen's 5 Steps to alignment framework 20:41 - Unpacking Step 3, “Motivate” 24:04 - The role of feedback loops in being able to evaluate alignment effectively 34:48 - Removing the fear of failure in your team 37:26 - What CEOs struggle with the most when trying to create alignment ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to the full episode on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/91 Visit our guest: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karentraversikovaleski #businesspodcast #businessgrowth #podcast
When the growth in your business has stalled, it's time for new leadership and a new strategy. General Manager Alena was appointed and she tripled her business by doubling down on product and culture... Axial Training's growth had stalled. But by appointing a new General Manager who had a vision for what the business could become, Axial had it's growth potential unlocked. In the following 8 years, Alena Smith doubled down on product and culture, which led to 350% growth and material competitive advantages in it's market. I don't know many owners who would be unhappy with those kinds of results from a General Manager they'd appointed! This week, I interview Alena's to extract the lessons she learned in turning Axial around. Here are the highlights of this week's episode: 05:04 - Alena's story 07:01 - The Axial business model 14:31 - Differentiating on “how” you deliver, when you can't on “the what” 20:07 - What did Alena double down on to build a competitive advantage? 30:28 - The importance and challenge of saying no to opportunities when scaling 33:29 - Stepping back and letting your team find solutions 45:46 - Figuring out what type of leader you want to be ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/90 Visit our guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alena-smith-02106541/ Website: www.Axial.edu.au #BusinessPodcast #GrowthStrategy #BusinessDecisions #Leadership
How do you start again? After scaling a successful services company, Esha Oberoi found herself starting all over again as a brand new start-up founder. This week I find out what lessons she integrated into this next journey. 1 in 2 Australians will face mental health illness sometime during their life. 1 in 7 Australians are on anti-depressants, whilst 1 in 3 psychologists do not have capacity to accept new clients. The increasing need for mental health support is not an isolated issue in Australia, this is a global pandemic. We need solutions to aid the under-resourced mental health workforce we already have. This is inspired Esha Oberoi to act. The original Founder of AFEA Care Services (one of Australia's most successful private in-home aged and disability care services) has now stepped back onto the AFEA board, and is now the Founder inspiring and driving the dynamic team behind Leora.ai, a wellbeing and self-care support bot helping companies step up support for their teams. This week, I delve into her experience leaving a successfully scaled business to start all over again. Some highlights from this week's episode: 02:10 - Unpacking Leora.ai 06:18 - The challenge to be solved when it comes to mental health 12:24- Taking the steps to founding a new company 21:29 - The importance of self acceptance during a step-back or exit 30:08 - Important lessons brought forward from the success of AFEA, into Leora 37:22 - Tips to scale your business to 8-figures and beyond ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/89 Visit our guest: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/eoberoi/ • Website: www.Leora.ai #businessgrowth #businesspodcast #softwareengineer
How many people do you need to scale to 3 million? 50? 10? How about just 2. Every year the average household receives around 10 handwritten items in the mail. Every single item is almost guaranteed to be opened by the recipient. That means you have 100% open rates... this idea is what led Patrick Gaskin to build Cardly. With a team of just 2, Cardly managed to scale year on year up to 3 million in revenue. What is the secret to a feat like this? This is what I'm looking to find out this week. Here are some of the highlights: 02:50 - How cards build engagement 15:19 - What inspired the creation of Cardly 22:06 - How Cardly build a competitive advantage through personalisation 25:25 - Cardly's customer acquisition model 28:25 - Capital raising 33:09 - Cardly's scale constraints 43:07 - Patrick's most important piece of advice to scale sucessfully ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/88 Visit our guest: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/patrick-gaskin Website: www.cardly.net
Markets get crowded. So how do you differentiate? This week, I interview Rowan Kunz, who has managed to scale his business in a market with super-low barriers to entry - its as crowded as you can get! Rowan's the Founder of Art of Smart Education, a 14-year old tutoring and mentoring business that helps high school students navigate the tricky world of succeeding academically WHILST navigating their way into the course and career pathway best suited to them. Art of Smart have achieved 5x firsts in Australian education and built a strong competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace and this week, I wanted to find out his secrets to success so you can leverage those principles in your own business. Here are the highlights this week: 16:28 - Tackling differentiation in a crowded, low-barrier-to-entry market 25:35 - Overcoming scale constraints 30:48 - The 3 C's that helped Rowan scale 42:14 - If you could change anything about the education system, what would it be? 46:54 - Expected impacts of AI in education ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/87 Visit our guest: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowankunz/ • Website: artofsmart.com.au #qualitycontent #businesspodcast #businessgrowth
How are you managing key risks in your growing business? Burying your head in the sand works... until it doesn't. This week I interview Dianne Gilbert, an expert in risk management for small to medium businesses. She helps Founders identify and mitigate risks to ensure they can continue to enjoy the business growth they're experiencing, and avoid ending up in court, bankrupt or dealing with unnecessary pain. This week, we explore 3 critical risk areas in small to medium businesses and how to evaluate and mitigate them. If you want to know where to start to address cybersecurity, privacy and sham contracting risks in your business, then this is the episode for you. Here are the highlights this week. 07:23 - 14:45 - Practical steps and examples to help you mitigate cybersecurity risk 22:31 - 35:40 - Practical steps and examples to help you mitigate privacy & data breach risks 39:25 - 47:00 - Practical steps and examples to help you mitigate sham contracting risks 47:01 - 49:12 - Dianne's 4 key priorities to help you self-assess and reduce your business risks ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/86 Visit our guest: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianne-gibert/ • Website: https://www.certex.com.au/ #businesspodcast #dataprivacy #privacymatters
If you are looking to turn uncertainty into a growth opportunity, then you need to tune in this week. Where Kerryn Fewster breaks down the secrets to... 18 years ago, Kerryn Fewster co-founded Change 2020, a company dedicated to helping CEOs navigate uncertain environments and build high performing cultures in their businesses. This week, I interview her to explore her perspective on how CEOs can build high performing culture's WHILST navigating difficult and uncertain environments. Here are some of the highlights this week: • 05:20 - An example of a CEO successfully navigating a difficult environment • 11:01 - Fully remote vs in-office vs hybrid - what does success look like? • 20:43 - Kerryn's framework for building high performing cultures • 28:20 - Redefining success during uncertain times • 33:17 - The very first steps to take when you hit crisis or significant uncertainty ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/85 Visit our guest: • LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kerryn-fewster-90940b5 • Website: https://change2020.com/ ------------------------------------------------------
How do you build a competitive advantage? This week I break down John Knights secret to building a competitive advantage, by focusing on... How can you create a competitive advantage for your business? This is a question a lot of business owners ask themselves on a daily basis... Nine years ago, John Knight approached this same challenge, he decided to tackle it from a different angle to most - he decided to build a customer oriented business model. By collaborating with other networks, he was able to build a business model that allows him to maximise his businesses problem solving abilities. This week, I get the chance interview him and try to get into the heart of what makes his business model tick. Here are the highlights of this weeks episode: 06:50 - The genesis of the businessDEPOT business model. 17:28 - How to align interests when you have many subsidiary partners. 21:53 - Inherent challenges in a diverse services business model. 26:06 - How businessDEPOT plans to evolve over the next 10 years 31:53 - Unexpected benefits. 34:04 - How businessDEPOT has tackled workplace flexibility. 39:10 - How to entrench values and behaviours in the organisation. 44:36 - How John expects AI to impact the business ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/84 Visit our guest: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakknight/?originalSubdomain=au • Website: https://businessdepot.com.au/ #BuildTrust #ProblemSolving #BusinessGrowth
How do you get more customers in the door? This week, Cham Tang breaks down his 3-Step Process to boost customer acquisition. At the end of the day, the thing that keeps your business afloat is your customers, they are the ones who provide the money that drives your business. One of the most important things to master in order to scale, is customer acquisition. If you want to do that, you need to know how to build trust with your potential audience as first they have to like you, then trust you, then they'll buy from you. This week I interview Cham Tang, marketing master and Co-Founder of Authentic Education. Together we break down the secret science of customer acquisition, using Cham's 3-Step Process that you need to know to convert clicks into loyal customers. Here are the highlights of this weeks episode: 08:11 - What is Cham's Framework for customer acquisition? 13:44 - What do you have to get right to convert customers? 17:28 - The Seven Marketing Methods 26:21 - How to quickly build trust with your target customer 33:25 - What does a good conversion rate look like? 43:27 - How should you present your offer? ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/podcast/83 Visit our guest: Cham's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamtang/?originalSubdomain=au Authentic Education Special Offer: www.authentic.com.au/scaleup #customeracquisition #buildingtrust #marketingstrategy
How do you ensure maximise the chance of success when launching a new product or service? This week, Sean finds out from product management expert, Mike Smart... When it comes to launching a new product or service, you don't want it to underperform. The worst feeling after launching a new product or service is realising you haven't hit the right pain points, or you haven't designed it correctly and it flops. If you want to make sure your product and service launches find their mark every time, then this week is for you. On this week's episode, Sean interviews Mike Smart, Founder and Managing Principle at Egress solutions, to figure out how you to get your research right so you nail your next launch. Here are some of the most valuable bits this week: 06:57 - The benefit of sales experience when developing product 10:53 - What to ask yourself before spending ANY money on a new product or service 15:23 - Just because they have a pain, will they actually pay to solve it? 21:51 - What's more powerful? Solving a pain, or helping a customer achieve a goal? 31:43 - A fantastic and clever way to test your new product or service 42:12 - How to sort the good ideas, from the great ones ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw • ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/podcast Or contact our guest at: • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masmart/ • Website: https://egresssolutions.net/about-us/#SalesConversion #ProductTesting #ProductLaunch
How can you leverage your IP? This week Sean interviews Tina Tower to learn the secrets of turning your knowledge into more scalable growth... Tina Tower is a multi-business founder who has sold multiple successful businesses, is an author, a speaker, and a podcast host. She is a master at packing your knowledge into an online course and getting it out into the world. This week, I interview her to learn how you can leverage your knowledge into a more scalable approach that propels business growth. If you want to learn about how you can build a course and turn it into a scalable asset for your business, then you need to tune in this week. Here are some of the best bits this week: 06:26 - What is the most common obstacle that business owners face after passing $1 Million? 08:16 - What percentage of revenue should you allocate to your team? 12:16 - The inspiration for Tina's business model 23:59 - How can B2B Founders leverage their IP? 31:23 - How do you manage community at scale? 37:12 - Where do you see the short-term implications of AI? ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/podcast Tina's website: https://www.tinatower.com/ Tina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-tower-b28a5136/?originalSubdomain=au #CourseCreation #ScaleYourKnowledge #BusinessGrowth
Sean uncovers the science behind making the perfect hire with recruitment expert Roheel Ahmad. Roheel is the Managing Partner at global talent and recruitment business Forsyth Barnes, who specialise in mid to executive level recruitment. By mixing relationship building with investments in AI and tech, they help to attract the right talent for businesses. This week, I try to break down what you need to know to make the right decisions when recruiting for your business. Here are some of the best bits: 08:10 - How to ensure diversity in a recruitment process 11:05 - Common mistakes Founders make on their first key hire 23:04 - How to get them to prove their skills, not just tell you they can do it 32:33 - How to set a new key hire up for success 39:42 - Example of a simple but outstanding way to make an offer 45:10 - How will the world of recruiting great people change with AI ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/podcast Roheel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roheelahmad/ Forsyth Barnes website: https://www.forsythbarnes.com/ #talentacquisition #businessgrowth #businesspodcast
What secrets can I learn from a digital marketing leader about how to reduce my cost of acquiring customers? Find out this week. Most businesses in the 2-20 mil range don't have a senior marketing person. Instead they find themselves meandering through marketing ideas and strategy, just trying to get a feel for what works. But it doesn't have to be that way when you can leverage the knowledge of experts. This week, I interview Ryan Jenkins, a marketing expert and Co-Founder of The HypeSociety. Ryan is an expert when it comes to marketing in the 7-8 figure range. Here are the best bits this week: 17:09 - How HypeSociety reduced cost-per-lead by 70% for a client 24:14 - Unconventional marketing tactics 27:39 - Marketing mistakes made along the way 31:15 - Key priorities to reduce your cost of acquisition 36:28 - Implications of AI next 12-18 months ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuwScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/podcast You can reach out to connect with our Host directly via: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ To connect with this week's guest: Ryan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjenkins88/?originalSubdomain=au The Hype Society: https://www.thehypesociety.com.au/ #businessgrowth #businesspodcast #marketingdigital
What's the best support model when scaling? This week, I break down Advisory Boards and Governance Boards, to help you find the best model for your business. This week I unpack a high level summary of Advisory Boards and Governance Boards. We explore their roles in providing support to Founders who are scaling, their pros and cons, and then explore how they can work together harmoniously in a decision making ecosystem to help your business scale sustainably. I've been a Director on the Governance Board of 5 companies, as an Executive Director. I'm also an Advisory Board professional - a Certified Chair, Fellow and Member of Faculty with the ABC - the peak body for Advisory Board Professionals globally. This gives me a unique perspective into the benefits and disadvantages of both. So if you're looking to professionalise your company and formalise your support but wondering which model is best for you, then this week's episode is for you. Here are the best bits this week: 01:31 My personal experience with both models 02:45 The role of an Advisory Board and where it fits best 04:20 Pros and cons of Advisory Boards 05:42 The role of a Governance Board and where it fits best 06:23 Pros and cons of Governance Boards 08:01 A great analogy for how they can work effectively together ------------------------------------------------------ Watch or listen to the full episode on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw ScaleHQ website: www.ScaleHQ.com.au/podcast You can reach out to connect with our Host directly via: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ For further information on this topic visit: Blog post on Advisory Boards: https://www.scalehq.com.au/blog/advisory-boards Article on Governance Boards: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-signs-suggest-now-might-right-time-establish-board-sean-steele
Sean breaks down 3 metaphors and 2 important mindset shifts you can use to when facing turbulence in your business. Sometimes times get tough, your business might be facing headwinds right now, and it might feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. If you are feeling demoralised or doubting how things are going to turn out, then this weeks episode is for you. This week, I talk about weathering the storm. With 3 important metaphors and 2 mindset shifts you can use to help you see beyond the troubles right now, and understand the bigger picture. Here are some of the best bits this week: 2:10 - Metaphor 1: Think of a business like a set of undulating hills 3:41 - Metaphor 2: Think of business like a stock chart 5:00 - Metaphor 3: Think of business like seasons 10:45 - Zooming out with your mindset ------------------------------------------------------ If you got value from today's episode, you can subscribe, or review us on Apple Podcasts. Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw You can reach out to connect with our Host or our guest directly via: • Sean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ • Sean's website: www.seansteele.com.au #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset
Sean breaks down 12 reflective questions to help you plan for an outstanding next financial year. Time is ticking - the financial year end in Australia is almost here. Have you crafted your business game plan for the next 12 months yet? Well you know what they say - the path that got you here won't necessarily take you there... so it's time to hit the pause button, ask yourself the right questions, set your priorities straight, and chart your course towards success. This week Sean unpacks 12 killer questions you need to consider to build a plan that takes your business to new heights. Here are the important parts of this weeks episode: 03:37 - Getting your mindset right before you start planning 04:33 - 4 questions to gathering learnings from the past year 06:29 - 4 questions to take stock of what's happening right now 12:00 - 4 questions to help you look into the future and plan out your priorities ------------------------------------------------------ If you got value from today's episode, you can subscribe, or review us on Apple Podcasts. Watch or listen to full episodes on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw You can reach out to connect with our Host or our guest directly via: Sean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ Sean's website: www.seansteele.com.au
This week I make a guest appearance on The Silicon Valley podcast. Hosted by Shawn Flynn, we reveal insider secrets to buying and selling businesses that will help you navigate a potential sale in the future with greater skill to maximise your outcome. If you want to know the ins and outs of making the right moves, what to look out for in due diligence and what tricks investors play then have a listen. Here are the best bits of this week: 03:47 - How do you cover all aspects of your business as a founder? 06:51 - How do you find the right company to scale? 10:55 - 5 things you need to make the right acquisition 19:22 - What you need to know about due dilligence 24:45 - Growing a company from 3 to 50 million in four years 30:23 - What was the most difficult change to make in a business? 39:52 - Key learnings about mergers and acquisitions ------------------------------------------------------ If you got value from today's episode, you can subscribe, or review us on Apple Podcasts. Watch or listen to full episodes on: Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw You can reach out to connect with our Host or our guest directly via: Sean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ Sean's website: www.seansteele.com.au
This week Sean speaks to Anita and Paul, Co-Founders of Nexacu, about how they built their business and achieved a $20M exit. This week we're diving deep into another Founder success story. This time I'm with Paul and Anita from Nexacu, a company that I started working with personally back in November 2020. Founded in 2013, Nexacu offers practical, instructor-led training for Microsoft end-users in applications like Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI and more. If you want to learn what it took to scale Nexacau to what it is today and hear about their experience of selling their business then you need to be tuned in this week. Here are the best bits of this episode: 07:24 How did Nexacu grow? 14:48 Pushing through tough times with a company 21:19 How do you prepare to sell a business? 25:24 Elements that can be overlooked when negotiating 32:35 Making sure you are selling at the right time 36:05 How has the experience changed their perspective on business 41:59 How working as a team has helped them during tough times ------------------------------------------------------ If you got value from today's episode, you can subscribe, or review us on Apple Podcasts. Watch or listen to full episodes on: • Spotify: https://loom.ly/NuK50WA • Apple: https://loom.ly/-oy8jL4 • YouTube: https://loom.ly/u_vibuw You can reach out to connect with our Host or our guests directly via: • Sean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ • Sean's website: www.seansteele.com.au • Anita's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-panebianco-436aa28/ • Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-panebianco-1b21b02b/ • Nexacu: https://nexacu.com/
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