Sell Less. Mean More.

Who wouldn't love to wave a magic wand over Australia's workplace culture?Meet Ali Drew-Forster, Director of Workology, author of 'The ABC of Exceptional Workplace Culture' and all-round workplace culture nerd. In today's gregarious podcast, Iolanthe and Ali discuss the importance of workplace culture and how it can impact business success. Ali shares her journey from practicing employment law to focusing on proactive approaches to workplace culture, emphasizing the need for genuine listening and action when it comes to employee feedback and  the cost of ignoring employee concerns. Ali also discusses the impact of workplace culture on employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Whether you're about to hire your first contractor or you're thinking about gaining a better understanding of what makes your organisation tick, this podcast is a ripper.Learn more about Workology here.Grab Ali's book 'The ABC of Exceptional Workplace Culture' here.Learn more about Iolanthe here. Learn about Iolanthe's media agency Ruby Assembly here. Grab Iolanthe's book '100 Days of Brave' here. And ... why not cowork with Iolanthe at her professional workspace, Good Axe?

In the season finale of "Sell Less Mean More," host Iolanthe Gabrie chats with Natasha Hannah, seasoned lawyer, Mama of twins and co-founder of her own practice, inhouse nous. Natasha reflects on her journey from government to private practice and finally launching her own firm with a focus on authenticity and values alignment. Rejecting the pale, male and stale legal mold, Natasha and her business partner Paige prioritize human connection over profits. They advocate for flexible work environments, especially crucial for caregivers in high-stress professions like law. Natasha candidly discusses the challenges of balancing parenthood with a legal career, highlighting systemic barriers and gender disparities in the workplace. This insightful conversation sheds light on reshaping professional norms and empowering individuals to embrace their true selves in business and life. It's a Game of Law Mums. You win ...  or you build your own #newlaw practice that values diversity and flexibility.LINKS:My businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  My book:100 Days of BraveConnect with Natasha HannahWebsite: https://inhousenous.com.au/Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/YouTube: Ruby Assembly

On today's episode I'm joined by Jenny Stilwell, author of The 7 Percent Club. This book deciphers the reasons many businesses struggle to surpass the 2 million threshold, and that's what we're going to discuss today! Jenny's background is as diverse as it is fascinating. From her initial role in sales and marketing, she carved out a niche in the corporate world, later embarking on an entrepreneurial journey. She shares her experiences from running a marketing consultancy during a recession to stepping up as the CEO of a publicly listed company during the dot-com boom.She noticed that while there are plenty of resources that help businesses achieve 7 figures, there were very few to help them grow beyond that point. Seven figures is an incredible achievement but it then takes a whole new strategy, and different resources and skillsets, to grow to $2M and beyond. In fact, only 7% of Australian businesses reach this benchmark.So why exactly do businesses find it so hard to join the 7 percent club? Well, Jenny explains that while reaching a million might be achieved on a shoestring budget, scaling beyond that requires a different mindset. The inherent complexity that comes with growth necessitates a change in business operations, a point many entrepreneurs miss.Jenny also makes it clear that relentless growth isn't always desirable. She emphasises the significance of business serving as an enabler for a better life, rather than becoming a draining obsession. We discuss the importance of nurturing client relationships. It's essential to be able to understand clients' challenges and offer solutions that aren't strictly tied to current products or services.This episode is perfect for businesses aiming to reach the elusive 2 million mark and beyond. Jenny shares so much wisdom and will leave you with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of business scaling. LINKS:My businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  /  mode.lawMy book:100 Days of BraveConnect with Jenny StilwellWebsite: jennystilwell.com.auBook: https://jennystilwell.com.au/the-7-percent-club/Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

In today's episode, we explore the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of two inspiring women entrepreneurs, Chelsea and Marianne.Chelsea is the owner of Ms. Jay's, a trendy hair salon that's been making waves in the industry. She is a driven businesswoman and a loving mother to her son, Phoenix. She shares her insights on the salon business and how she managed the transition into motherhood.Marianne is the co-founder of Legalite, a legal services company known for its innovation and forward-thinking approach. She is a powerhouse in the business world and a mother who has successfully juggled entrepreneurship and parenthood. She offers her perspective on being a parent and a business owner.Chelsea and Marianne kick off the episode by candidly discussing the challenges they faced during the first three months of motherhood. They highlight the emotional rollercoaster, sleepless nights, and the unexpected struggles they encountered while trying to meet their babies' needs. Chelsea shares her experience of returning to work and the importance of having space during those tough early days.They also provide vivid accounts of their birthing experiences, highlighting the unexpected challenges they encountered. They discuss their recoveries and the importance of support during this period.Both entrepreneurs delve into how they've balanced their roles as parents and business owners. They talk about the impact of the pandemic on their businesses and the strategies they've employed to find equilibrium.Chelsea and Marianne reveal their approaches to childcare. They discuss when and how they made these decisions, highlighting the importance of flexibility and support from family and caregivers.This episode provides an intimate look into the lives of two remarkable women who have mastered the art of balancing parenthood and business ownership. Chelsea and Marianne's stories are a testament to the resilience, determination, and adaptability required to thrive in both worlds. They remind us that while challenges may arise, they are merely seasons, and with the right mindset, we can navigate them successfully.LINKS:My businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  /  mode.lawMy book:100 Days of BraveConnect with Chelsea JohnsonMiss jays Nails and Beauty - http://www.missjaysnailsandbeauty.com/Connect with Marianne MarchesiLegalite: https://legalite.com.auConnect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

In today's episode, we delve into the dynamic world of business coaching with the vibrant and insightful Suz Chadwick. A seasoned coach, mentor, and branding expert, Suz brings a wealth of experience to the table, sharing her valuable insights on improving businesses, enhancing branding, and differentiating oneself in the coaching landscape.Suz takes us through her journey, starting with her background in corporate sales and branding, which led her to establish her own business in 2015. She elaborates on the pivotal moments that drove her to evolve from a business and brand strategist to a certified life and mindset coach. She emphasises the interplay between strategy and mindset, highlighting that while having effective tactics is essential, a strong belief in one's capabilities is equally crucial.Suz underscores the importance of clear messaging and branding to attract the right clients and shares her journey of refinement, aligning her visual brand with her desired brand position. Suz's goal of "building courageously bold brands for women who want to get out of their own way," resonates with clients seeking to overcome self-doubt and build impactful businesses.We also discuss her multi-pronged approach to launching and selling. She recommends a balanced mix of live launches, evergreen strategies, and monthly energised marketing offers. This approach ensures consistent revenue and reduces reliance on a single income stream.Suz provides valuable advice for individuals seeking coaching services. She emphasises the significance of aligning with a coach whose methods and expertise match your desired outcomes. Thorough research, assessing client testimonials, and seeking referrals from past clients will help you make an informed decision about which coach is the best fit for youSuz shares so much great advice in this episode and I know you'll find heaps to take away from it. Enjoy! LINKS:Connect with Suz ChadwickWebsite:         https://suzchadwick.com/Instagram: @suzchadwickMy businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  /  mode.lawMy book:100 Days of BraveConnect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

In this episode I talk with the incredible Emma Edwards of The Broke Generation, a platform focused on financial well-being and improving our relationship with money.  Emma has successfully curated a brand that not only supports her but also resonates with her audience. She believes it is important to go into business with clear and intentional goals to guide you. In this episode we discuss the importance of building a personal brand and the reality of monetizing it. She emphasises the need to be seen and create content consistently to attract opportunities. Emma shares how intentionality in monetizing her platform from the beginning alienated some people who believed that all content should be free. However, she recognized the value of her platform and the opportunities it could bring, and she was determined to make it commercially viable.She also provides insights into her monthly income activities and the systems and processes she uses to keep her business running smoothly.As the digital business landscape continues to evolve, entrepreneurs must remain adaptable and open to new opportunities. This episode will share how, by embracing intentionality, diversifying income streams, and implementing effective systems and processes, entrepreneurs can build successful and sustainable brands. Key Takeaways:Building a personal brand requires being seen and creating content consistently.Having multiple income streams is important for financial stability in a personal brand business.Success in building a brand takes time and requires intentionality.Systems and processes should be tailored to individual needs and preferences.Visibility and consistency are key to attracting opportunities and building a successful brand.LINKS:My businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  /  mode.lawMy book:100 Days of BraveConnect with Emma & The Broke GenerationWebsite:          thebrokegeneration.comInstagram:@the.brokegenerationPodcast:         The Broke GenerationConnect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

Today's conversation is all about unleashing your creative genius and making bank while you're at it. Our special guest is spilling the beans on how to crack the code of developing a pricing strategy and transforming your career from undercharging to unstoppable success.We're thrilled to bring you Jasmine Designs, also known as Your Pricing Queen. Jasmine has been in the creative design business for 15 years and has seen both sides of the industry - running her own business and working as an employee. She brings a unique perspective to the table, fuelled by her ADHD brain, which gives her the amazing ability to see creative opportunities as solutions to problems.Jasmine's motivation stems from her desire to leave a lasting legacy in the creative industry. She wants to provide a space for creatives, freelancers, and designers that she wished she had when she first started her career. Her goal is to help others transition from a mindset of undercharging to one of sustainable success. Jasmine firmly believes that creativity is all about crafting something that didn't exist yesterday - something that can genuinely make someone's life easier, better, faster, or smarter.We take a dive into pricing strategy, an absolutely critical element for any business' success or failure. Jasmine breaks it down for us into three key elements: structure, strategy, and solution. She unpacks these components for us and shares practical tips on how to approach them and why it matters so much to reach your goals. It's absolutely crucial to remember that your clients aren't just buying you as a person – they're buying all of your experience, creativity, ideas and skills. You have so much value so don't undersell yourself and your services! Jasmine helps us explore our own value and shows us how to confidently set our prices and communicate them effectively with clients. Now, every client is unique and may need a different approach. Jasmine highlights the importance of developing different identities in different spaces. She wears both hats - a pricing queen and a designer - and intentionally keeps these identities separates to create a specialised experience for each client. By doing so, she can serve different needs and establish herself as an expert in both areas.Believe me, you'll love this conversation. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to attract clients that truly value your expertise and gain confidence to set prices that align with your incredible skills. Key Takeaways:Pricing should be seen as a tool, not the end goal. It's about understanding the value you bring and the outcomes you can deliver.Embrace the mindset that you can always make more money. Your mindset determines your ability to generate wealth.Niching is powerful and allows you to establish yourself as a leader in a specific market. It doesn't mean excluding others; it means specializing in a particular area.Communicate your pricing confidently and be prepared to negotiate. Understand the reasons behind your rates and be able to explain them to clients.LINKS:My businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  /  mode.lawMy book:100 Days of BraveConnect with Jasmine, Your Pricing Queen:Website: https://jasminedesigns.com.au/learn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourpricingqueen/Masterclass:  https://jasminedesigns.com.au/product/nua-mc/Raise your Rates Challenge: 

This is our final episode for the year! I think it's appropriate after such a strange and momentous year that we reflect on the challenges, the amazing bits and the wins.In this episode, I share what each of my businesses and my personal life looked like and the learnings I'm taking away from what has been a really big year!There have been many highs - I had a book published, signed onto a lease for our new business Good Axe and enjoyed family holidays and cosplay! But it's also been hard - there has been illness (a lot of illness!), stress and being knocked back time and time again.I share my year in some detail in this episode because I think there's value in that. I hope that your year has been full of as much useful truth as you can manage and I'm really glad for all my listeners, (including in Europe!). I wish you a wonderful 2023 and some deep nourishing rest over the holiday period. I hope you're able to keep living life on your own terms and negotiating your way forward bravely.LINKS: My businesses:Good Axe  /  Ruby Assembly  /  mode.law My book:100 Days of BraveBusinesses mentioned that I love:23W  /  Nudo Weddings  /  Purpose Productions  /  Hatch Labs  /  Cargo Crew  /  Kenny Lover Ice Cream & Hot Chips  /  Confetti Rebels  /  Play Nook  /  Porridge Comms Events mentioned:Geelong Small Business Festival  /  @iamellesteele @ TEDx Cecil Street  /  Pax Articles/resources:Frankie Magazine Strictly Business article!100 Days of Brave Advent Calendar Previous episode mentioned:Ep 15 - How We Built a Coworking SpaceConnect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

I have a brand new business which is a project I've been working on with my husband and business partner, Yule Guttenbeil, for the entire year. Today I share a conversation with Yule about Good Axe, our new co-working and professional workspace brand, which we are incredibly excited about. We take a deep dive into the process of opening a new business that has more overheads than any previous business that I've run before.We share why we decided to open a co-working space and the opportunities and risks involved in this venture. There were certain assumptions we made that served us, and others that didn't. We talk about what these looked like, particularly how we navigated financial uncertainty, difficulty finding investors and the challenges of finding the right site. Good Axe was born out of our own need for a high end workspace close to home. And, being community minded people, it was really important for our business to benefit our local community. We talk about the values that underpin Good Axe, why they are paramount to us and the future iterations of the business we envision down the track. I hope you enjoy this episode as we share the journey of building a baby business from scratch, from ideation, through all the challenges and assumptions to the doors officially opening. LINKS: goodaxe.com.au Sheree McIntyre CoWorking Counsel https://coworkingcounsel.com.au/ Simon D'Arcy Cucumber Offices https://www.cucumber.work/ Connect with Yule Guttenbeil: Website:https://mode.law/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/CkxDEpmyYnY/Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

Today we're in conversation with Yule Guttenbeil from mode.law (with a word to the wise, Yule is actually my husband and business partner). Over the last two years mode.law has been through a seismic change and has now relaunched under a new corporate structure. This is, truly, a phoenix story.As many of you will know, when you consult with trusted advisors, they ask you to reflect on an exit plan for your business. But it's rare to hear a real story of what a business breakdown and resurrection looks like. Yule reflects on the fact that it often isn't planned for well enough or understood.A business breakdown can be traumatic. Yule's advice is to seek out trusted advisors. Your accountant, lawyer and your mental health professional are all essential. As Yule explains, It's often really hard to see the writing on the wall, so they'll help you understand where you are at, and what to do about it.Now that Yule is out the other side of it, mode.law is better for all of it and his positive experience of relaunching a business provides some really interesting learnings. Yule shares that getting experts in the field of insolvency is particularly helpful, as well as having watertight contracts. Not only do these ease any difficulties that may be associated with the changeover of the asset but they provide a framework for dispute resolution.Finally, Yule steps us through how mode.law, an online platform to help businesses do their own legal work, can help businesses. mode.law offers granular and detailed templates for legal documents, as well as the opportunity to book in with a lawyer to discuss legal matters. Yule also shares a free offer that's available to Sell Less.Mean More listeners!Dive in for a detailed breakdown of what it looks like to resurrect a business - there is so much to learn.LINKS: Listening to: Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford  /  50 Things that Shaped the Modern EconomyWatching: Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of CuriositiesPlaying: Zelda Breath of the Wild  /  The Witcher 3  /  God of War Eat: Blue Stone American BBQArtist: @questlove Connect with Yule Guttenbeil:Website:    https://mode.law/Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/p/CkxDEpmyYnY/Connect with me:Instagram:    @rubyassemblyWebsite:    https://rubyassembly.com.au/        https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:    Ruby Assembly

My guest today is Vix Maxwell, known to many as New Age Hipster. Vix is an author of spiritual books and young adult fiction, a tarot reader, spiritual development teacher and she joins me to talk all about intuition in business. I connected with Vix a few years back on Instagram and it's been amazing to witness her business journey. As a business owner, creative and intuitive, Vix has so much wisdom to share about the creative development process, and in this episode, we explore the intuitive tools she uses in her life and business and together we deconstruct some of the negative connotations attached to tools such tarot and spiritual readings. We talk about how Vix got started in business, beginning with a desire to blog about her spiritual journey and offering tarot readings on Etsy. Knowing nothing about business, Vix learned everything on the go and we talk a little about what that process looks like for a lot of business owners. Whether you come from a hard business background, you consider yourself a spiritual seeker or you're somewhere in between, it's my hope that this episode shines a light on the benefits of tuning in with your inner voice, and the intuitive tools that are available to help you in business. LINKS:Connect with Vix Maxwell:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/newagehipster333/Website:https://www.newagehipster.co/Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/YouTube:Ruby Assembly

Today I'm speaking with Elle Steele - a champion Paralympian, intuitive healer and corporate consultant. That's a pretty diverse pool of expertise but let me tell - Elle is all of that and more.This episode focuses on Trimester 1 of 100 Days of Brave, focused on ideation and intuition, and Elle is just the right guest to talk to about this!Elle explains how she incorporates the use of intuition in her life and how tapping into her inner knowledge across her 12 years in business has allowed her to refine her offering. We discuss that determining your offering, developing your brand and launching products are not things we do once but need to do regularly over the lifetime of our businesses.Intuition is often tied to all things woo woo but we discuss how it can be thought of as resulting from all the knowledge we gather from our life. The tools of divination are merely ear horns to yourself. Elle shares with us the four kinds of intuition, and how you can test your intuition for veracity.We also discuss how starting a business involves a shift in identity and the importance of safe and collaborative spaces to test your intuition and offerings.Elle's work is all about empowering, emboldening and supporting women in business, and this conversation does exactly that! Jump in to soak up her incredible energy and wisdom as we explore ideation and intuition in business.LINKS:Rich Witch Connect with Elle Steele: Website:    https://www.iamellesteele.com/Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/iamellesteele/Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/iamellesteeleaustraliaPodcast:    https://www.iamellesteele.com/the-psychic-lounge-podcastConnect with me:Instagram:    @rubyassemblyWebsite:    https://rubyassembly.com.au/   /   https://little-mirrors.com/

In today's episode, we have a big-hearted conversation with Julie Davis, who owns and runs the real estate coaching business, Agent Dynamics. Julie's purpose is to help people find their greatness so they can show up, contribute their best and feel like an integral part of their team.The turnover in the real estate industry is second only to hospitality. Julie explains how the ‘full pockets, empty heart' concept contributes to this high turnover. This concept underlines how important it is to an individual's happiness and team cohesiveness that staff find their place of contribution.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore the impact of a single high-performing ‘gorilla' in a team and the often overlooked factor of accountability.Julie shares two of her favourite books, which have inspired her to think more about her legacy, and the concept of essentialism - doing less but better. Julie explains her way of working as a positive doer, and how her husband's death has shifted what she is doing in her current season of life.Doing the work is not about being in the hustle, it's about ‘choosing your hard' and doing work that is passion and purpose-driven. Julie's work is focused on enabling people to be the best version of themselves, and I think after listening to this conversation you'll be inspired and more empowered to do just that.LINKS:Books mentioned:Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - Greg McEwanFour Thousand Weeks - Oliver BurkemanConnect with Julie Davis:Website:    https://juliedavis.com.au/Company website: https://agentdynamics.com.au/Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/julie_davis_aaa/Connect with me:Instagram:    @rubyassemblyWebsite:    https://rubyassembly.com.au/   /   https://little-mirrors.com/

Today's podcast is part of a project I'm working on called ‘The Divorce Playbook'. I know that doesn't sound like a whole gaggle of giggles but it is important. It's something that has touched my life and I'm sure it's touched your or your family and friends' lives in some way too. The process of a woman leaving a marriage is a lengthy one with lots of time spent waiting in the wings, hoping and coping. I share with you some key happenings that you can expect in the first two weeks of leaving a marriage. We discuss the tipping factor - the event that precipitates the leaving, the emotional rollercoaster that gets women to the tipping point in the first place, the threats and love-bombing that come once a woman decides to leave a relationship and the importance of defining boundaries. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll hopefully be prepared to make a safe and sane exit into the next chapter of your life. I say in advance to you: congratulations. I want you to know that it will get better. It got better for me, and it got better for many of my friends that have gone down the same path. Take heart, you will get through this. Be safe, be smart and bon courage!LINKS: Blog post: The First Two Weeks: What Happens When You Leave A MarriageBlog post: The Divorce Playbook: Introducing the ProjectWhite Ribbon Australia has a great list of support services to aid you in this process.Factoids on marriage and divorce via Damien Greer.1800 RespectBeyond BlueLifeline Connect with me: Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/

This is my story of writing a book. I recently launched my first book, “100 days of Brave” and the thing I'd love you to take away from today's episode is what the reality of writing a book is like.Becoming an author isn't just a magical gift from heaven.It was always my goal to author a book. Research, literature and a love of the written word are my heartlands. So it wasn't a surprise that I ended up becoming a commercial writer. But being a commercial writer and being a published author are two very different things.In this episode, I unpack the process of writing a book and demystify several aspects of it. What I really want you to know is that writing a book isn't magic. It's training yourself to write, giving yourself the space to write, and investing in the resources to do it properly. I discuss how being an artist is work, and we need to create space in our lives to do that work. It's from the regularity and commitment to our work that larger pieces of contribution such as books are born.There is definitely an element of inspiration in writing a book, but it is also a focus on becoming an expert that gives you the authority to write meaningful work for others.And the biggest part of the work of having a published book is not really the writing. It's about finding a publisher that matches your values. This is the thing that took the most effort. So, I want you to know - you can do it. If you've got the story, please do write it.Visit 100daysofbrave.com to learn more about my brilliant book, check out our kickass playlist to power you through the three trimesters, the private Facebook group for support, and the really awesome playbook for download.LINKS: My new book: 100 Days of BraveNaNoWriMo - a nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices and achieve creative goals.Major Street Publishing - the perfect home for me as an author Connect with me: Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/ 

Imagine running a business while both partners go on maternity leave at the same time. That's exactly what happened with my guests today, Aimee Maud and Annalise Romer from Romer Maud Family Lawyers.Aimee and Annalise are co-partners in their Melbourne based family legal practice and both women became pregnant at the same time. We talk today about their journeys throughout pregnancy, birth, and motherhood and how they have successfully kept their business running throughout it all. We talk about the core things Aimee and Annalise put in place in their business to prepare for maternity leave and how they both managed the juggle of business, morning sickness, fatigue, and life with a newborn baby. Aimee and Annalise both share openly about their birth stories, and the complications they both faced which left their babies in nursery care while they recovered from c-sections. We discuss the fact that integrating into motherhood is an ongoing journey and one that you can never be fully prepared for. The journey into motherhood is filled with unknowns and a huge learning curve for every woman. We talk about the additional challenges that passionate professionals face in order to keep pursuing their career goals while navigating the new territory of parenthood. It was an honour to have this conversation with Aimee and Annalise, two women who took on challenges that life brought their way. resourced themselves to keep running their business successfully and continue to support each other along the journey. LINKS:Romer Maud Family Lawyers website: https://www.romermaud.com.auConnect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/ 

My guest today is Tom Peasnell from The Keys in Preston. Tom is a chef by trade and in the last 8 years has been running several different types of hospitality venues. Tom and his partner have designed The Keys for themselves after achieving so much success and wisdom from opening and operating various locations. They absolutely love old bowling alleys with their atmosphere, architecture and nostalgia so they wanted to bring that experience to everyone with a one of a kind menu. In this episode, we're discussing Tom's journey through setting up and running different venues and the lessons he learned along the way. He talks about finding gaps in the market to start new ventures and pivoting when Covid started. Finding amazing staff that were the right fit for The Keys was another challenge and he shares the biggest hiccups and delays during the building process. Through Tom's knowledge and experience setting up and operating so many projects, he was able to take a bigger risk in building, launching and running The Keys. You can hear his passion to create a truly unique bowling alley with incredible nostalgia that takes you right back to the 50s. This episode is full of Tom's useful nuggets of wisdom that you can reflect on in your own business. Click over to The Keys to marvel at what they have created today! LINKS:Connect with Tom: Instagram: @thekeys.leisureWebsite: www.thekeys.com.au Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/ 

While divorce can feel like the end of so many things in your life, it can actually represent the beginning of the next new and exciting part of your life. Your world can open up with opportunities to step into new roles, environments, friendships, and relationships. This episode is part of The Divorce Project series which looks at different aspects of separation and divorce. I'm very grateful to be chatting today with Josie Galati, the director of an award-winning real estate practice in Melbourne. Josie openly provides insight into her experience and shares with the hope of helping other women who are struggling with their journey. She talks about the little things in her marriage that didn't feel right, raising children with an absent father, the empowering decisions she made to reclaim her and her children's future and much more.Even though her divorce felt very dark when she was going through it, she now feels it was a blessing in disguise. She has built a remarkable life for herself and her children and enjoys every moment.LINKS:Connect with Josie: Instagram:@hockingstuartpreston  Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/ 

You may have a general awareness surrounding the concept of market research but are unsure of the details. Perhaps you've heard that it can be used to help you identify your target market to ensure you're investing in the right areas. Well, you're in luck! Today we're going to explore all facets of market research and how you can use it effectively in your business. I'm very excited to be bringing you the CEO of Quantum Market Research, Imogen Randell. In this episode, we are talking about how market research impacts businesses and enables a deeper understanding of the tensions that customers face when making decisions. Imogen will run us through the best ideas small businesses can utilise to gain a thorough understanding of their customers. You can incorporate effective market research to develop creative outcomes to the pain points your audience may be experiencing. We have an enlightening in-depth discussion about the impact of Covid and how we have to approach different opinions with empathy and awareness to have a productive conversation that doesn't boil down to a stand-off. Imogen explores how the Australian culture, housing affordability, immigration, and wage growth have changed over time. We talk about how fragmented Covid has made the Australian society and if we all try to treat each other with respect and compassion we will reinforce the fundamental Australian value of inclusivity. Check out the Quantum Market Research website to read more and see the contributions they made to the Australia Now report. LINKS:Connect with Imogen: Website: https://qmr.com.au/ LinkedIn: Quantum Market Research | LinkedInFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuantumMR/  Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/ 

I have had the incredible pleasure of bringing you so many amazing and inspirational entrepreneurs' journeys and experiences so far on Sell Less, Mean More. Today I wanted to do something different.  I am so excited to share with you my first solo episode. I am chatting about my childhood, tertiary education, living overseas, my own professional journey and how I became a business owner.  I have learnt so much through the growth of my business. I had no business background when I began my first business, I had to learn everything throughout my journey. Ruby Assembly is the culmination of over a decade working with social media, working in communications and copywriting, and working with an amazing team of experts.  I feel so grateful to work with such amazing clients who focus on helping people. I am so proud of the business I have grown and the incredible people I work with everyday.  Check out this episode and head over to Instagram to let me know how you began your business and the learnings you have encountered along the way. I'd absolutely love to hear from you. Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/https://little-mirrors.com/ 

I'm talking today with the lovely Veronica Sanderson from the Birth Photography Collective about her work as a birth photographer, business owner and her journey so far. Birth is often associated with fear and too many unknowns, but Veronica helps women by capturing the beauty in those sacred moments. In this episode, Veronica shares her journey getting started in photography, why birth photography captivated her and she talks about the Birth Photography Collective, a team of like minded and passionate photographers. Veronica shares how she educates her clients on her process, how she goes about respecting different people's birth choices and when she knows a client isn't the right fit for her. We talk about the realities of running a business, the hard work involved and how her mistakes have been the biggest teacher.We also discuss Veronica's biggest learning, which is to know her value and charge accordingly. This is certainly something I see many women struggle with and we talk about the need to shift the thinking behind what drives this.LINKS:Website: https://www.veronikasandersonphoto.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/veronika.sanderson/https://www.instagram.com/veronika.sanderson.birth/https://www.instagram.com/birthphotographycollective/ Connect with me: Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/

My guest today is a local legend here in Melbourne. Chelsea Johnson is the owner of Miss Jay's Nails and Beauty, which is more than your typical nail salon. Filled with eclectic art, pink walls and body-positive messaging, Chelsea has created a space that is inclusive of all people and all backgrounds to be embraced for who they are... and walk out with some pretty fabulous nails too. In this episode, I speak to Chelsea about her journey as an entrepreneur and how Miss Jay's came to be. We talk about the values behind her business, why inclusivity is so fundamental and how she works to ensure her salon is a safe space for people of all gender and sexuality. We talk about how Chelsea maintains balance in her life by having a supportive network around her and making sure she books time out as prevention for stress rather than a cure. Having worked incredibly hard to build her business up from the ground, Chelsea is now in a position to start thinking about her personal goals and we talk a little about abundance, fighting the feeling of being greedy and placing a vote of confidence on yourself. We also talk about the practical side of business, finding the right employees that align with her values and why having trusted advisers around is so essential. If you're in Melbourne, definitely book yourself in for a visit at Miss Jay's. It's an experience you won't forget.LINKS:Website: http://www.missjaysnailsandbeauty.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missjaysnailsandbeauty/ Connect with me:Instagram: @rubyassemblyWebsite: https://rubyassembly.com.au/

My guest on the show today is Rochene Hawley, owner of not one, but three Melbourne based businesses in the fitness industry. It was my absolute pleasure to sit down with Rochene as we chatted about her triptic of successful businesses and her enthusiastic approach to life as a business owner, woman and mother. Rochene is the owner of Barbell Babes Brigade, Women In Strength and Women Who Lift and her mission is to build strength with women, in and out of the gym. In this episode, Rochene talks about her journey into strength training, the evolution of her businesses and the stimulation of having multiple things on the go. We talk about operating in flow and what that looks like for Rochene, that there's no map to success and how the etymology for passion has helped Rochene stay focussed on the long game and sit with negative emotions.  Rochene and I also talk about what it's like as a woman in a male dominated industry, the definition of success and the importance of being flexible to adapt as our lives and desires change. Rochene shares about her relationship with abundance and how things changed for her when she recognised that money was a vehicle.  This was quite the chat and we certainly cover a lot of bases in this one. It stood out to us both that no matter what industry you're in, the underlying matters we face as business owners really are the same.LINKS:Rochene's Instagrams:@barbellbabesbrigade @womeninstrength_ @womenwholiftapparel  Rochene's Websites:https://barbellbabesbrigade.com.au/https://www.womeninstrength.com.au/https://womenwholift.com.au/  Connect with me:Instagram:@rubyassemblyWebsite:https://rubyassembly.com.au/

Running a service-based business - like domestic cleaning - requires a SHED LOAD of moving pieces and variables. From the recruitment of cleaners through to office staff, training for best practice, ensuring you're insured to the eyeballs, assuaging the worries of customers and dealing with the whole 'being in other people's homes' thing - it's a lot. It's also what Edward Clayton of Maid to Clean does on the daily. I interviewed Ed during the height of Australian COVID-19 isolation, and we discussed the impact of pandemic on his business and the big pivots and reality-checks they had to take as an organisation. Ed's an interesting guy; while he runs Melbourne's leading cleaning business, it is business excellence itself that he's most concerned with. I think you'll enjoy this interview; I sense it will prove a bit of a time-capsule. To learn more about Maid To Clean, follow https://www.instagram.com/maidtoclean_au or visit https://www.maidtoclean.com.au/. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Michael Love helps people move. On the face of it, he's a third-generation estate agent at the helm of leading Melbourne network Love&Co. Mike blows the stereotype of what an agent is out of the water; way, WAY out of the water. An intrepid young business owner in a fiercely competitive category, this episode of Sell Less, Mean More sees Mike and Iolanthe discussing the import of being present in our business dealings, why being in flow is at the heart of leading colleague or clients ... and why there are fewer women in the Australian real estate category than men. To learn more about Michael Love, follow https://www.instagram.com/michaellovere/ or visit https://www.lovere.com.au/ To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Leila Sturt and Kim Low co-founded Partnerships for Protection after becoming aware of the plight of Sumatran elephants. Like so many of Sumatra's extraordinary animals, elephants are being pushed into extinction by habitat loss and the resulting human-elephant conflict that sees them poisoned, snared and shot. Just 1200 elephants remain in the wild and they are likely to disappear in the next decade unless rapid action is taken to save them. In this episode of Sell Less, Mean More, Iolanthe, Kim and Leila discuss a variety of subjects - from the challenges of being a NFP in startup, to working closely with a business partner and overcoming fundraising fatigue. To learn more about Partnerships for Protection, visit http://bit.ly/38tRtwQ. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Julie Gibson is a technologist at heart. She's the CEO and Co-Founder of Australian B Corp Hitnet, who connect people in hard-to-reach places with technology. She's a true adventurer, who develops responsive products that respond to indigenous communities' needs and preferences. Hitnet's Community Hubs with Wi-Fi hotspots enable people to connect to online services and access interactive health, social and cultural information. In this podcast, Julie discusses growing an academic project into a sustainable business, recovering from business mistakes, identifying technology in all its guises and gauging how it is one knows their business is really working. To learn more about Hitnet, visit hitnet.com.au. To learn about the ancient fish traps in south-west Victoria mentioned in this podcast, visit https://ab.co/36jI3nx To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Yule Guttenbeil is the Director of Mode.Law, a newlaw tech platform that empowers entrepreneurs to take control of their legal needs. Yule's an interesting guy: he's practiced law in both NZ and Australia, he has deep knowledge of lawyering in the startup space, and he's a musician. This episode of 'Sell Less, Mean More' offers a neat window into the foundational experience of being a tech platform in the very early days of startup. Yule is unflinchingly honest about the challenges of working with developers, the counterbalance of creativity, coping with competition, and the project of connecting with his customer. Every empire has its foundation: this is the story of Yule's. To learn more about Mode.Law, visit their website. Listen to Ulysses Wulf here. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Ellyn Martin of Business Growth Strategies is a coach ... and so much more. I fortuitously met Ellyn as we shared a couch and looked out over the city, both finishing our day's work. I could tell within minutes that Ellyn was a wise empath - they very kind of person you easily want to share with. In this episode of Sell Less, Mean More, Ellyn and I discuss the power of intimacy and connection in successful business, avoiding the compulsion to hustle, business boo-boos and more. It's a charmer. Enjoy! To learn more about Business Growth Strategies, visit their website. To read: Where To Play by Marc Gruber and Sharon Tal. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Max Paterson is the CEO and Co-founder of Settify, a groundbreaking, award-winning tech tool that helps family lawyers better connect with their clients. He's also a top fella whose history includes time as a family lawyer at a premium leading firm, and launching a theatrical production company for lawyers. In a wide-ranging and warm conversation, Iolanthe and Max discuss being in flow with our clients, the magic alchemy of collaboration in commerce, and the key differences between a criminal ... and an entrepreneur. To learn more about Settify, visit their website. Bottled Snail Productions: A Production Company for Lawyers To read: Bad Blood by John Carreyrou So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson On Fyre: Business Lessons from Fyre Festival by Iolanthe Gabrie To watch: Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened by Chris Smith To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Michelle Errichiello puts the real in real estate, that's for sure. In this episode of 'Sell Less. Mean More' Iolanthe speaks with Michelle Errichiello, who gets down to some serious myth-busting about the real estate category. Whilst Michelle is a Director at leading real estate practice Raine&Horne Essendon in Melbourne, Australia - she is one of very few agents who is also a Paralympian ... with an official Wikipedia page. World record-breaker, OFI-name taker ... Michelle will change your feelings about estate agents forever. To learn more about Michelle Errichiello, visit Raine&Horne Essendon or follow @rhessendon on Instagram. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Rachel Service knows how to light up a room. A the helm of global training company Happiness Concierge, Rachel helps people to ace work and life. In this sweary, jolly, real-talk podcast, Iolanthe and Rachel talk comparison traps, abundance and the critical import of competence in business. To learn more about Rachel Service, visit HappinessConcierge.com or find Rachel on Instagram. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.

Clara Santaera is an extraordinary woman. Head roaster at Melbourne's RICCI Coffee, Clara's unique wood-roasting methodology is as nuanced as her approach to business success. In this Sell Less, Mean More podcast, Iolanthe and Clara discuss a career calling, quotas, the import of symbiotic client relationships, and a return to 'origin' for our daily cuppa joe. This is a podcast with the lot - vulnerability, stovetops, International Women's Day 2019 and more. Enjoy! Follow RICCI Coffee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riccicoffee

In Sell Less Mean More's pilot podcast, your host Iolanthe Gabrie takes you away from the business hustle and towards connection in her funny, takeaway-packed interview with coach and healer Elle Steele. It's magic. To learn more about Elle Steele, visit iamellestelle.com. To learn more about Iolanthe Gabrie, visit iolanthegabrie.com or follow @rubyassembly on Instagram.