The Lazy CEO Podcast with Jane Lu

Doing it all on your own? It's overrated.This week, Jane sits down with Kelly McCarren - marketing consultant, beauty expert, and co-host of You Beauty - to talk about why going solo isn't the flex we think it is.From business to friendships to life in general, they unpack how building a strong support circle can change everything and why it's one of the smartest (and most underrated) moves you can make.Plus, they get into what's been trending in the beauty world, including their take on the Rhode x e.l.f. deal and what it means for the future of celeb beauty brands.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFind Kelly here: @kelly_mccarren Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode dives deep into a story that starts long before today's guest was even born - one of resilience, reinvention, and the legacy of pubs, people, and a little chaos.Jane sits down with Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel Group, a fourth-generation hospitality leader whose family fled Russia during the pogroms and ended up building one of Australia's most iconic venue groups - behind The Sheaf, The Clock, Opera Bar, Chiswick, Aria, and more.Elliot shares how the business has evolved across generations - how his dad ditched law to work in pubs, how changing the menu overnight didn't go as planned, and how Elliot stepped up as CEO at 30. Now juggling 1700 employees and three kids under three, Elliot opens up about what it really takes to lead a legacy - through expansion, reinvention, and staying emotionally objective in a deeply personal business.This one's got family drama, business grit, and a whole lot of pub wisdom.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Elliot on Instagram: @elliotsolomonFollow Solotel on Instagram: @solotel_group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not all advice is good advice. Especially when it's trying to make you blend in.In this solo episode, Jane gets real about the well-meaning (but completely off-brand) advice she's glad she ignored when building Showpo. From industry “rules” to branding tips that would've diluted everything she was trying to do, Jane shares the decisions that helped her stand out and why playing it safe was never the plan.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's extended Help My Small Business episode is packed with real talk and practical advice for product-based founders. Jane is joined by interior designer and business mentor Emma Blomfield to review Bek's business, Luckies - the knickers that ditch the shame around discharge.Together, they unpack some of the most common (and costly) mistakes early-stage brands make - from building a website that doesn't convert to relying on a product range that's too niche to grow. Emma and Jane get honest about what makes a business actually investable, sharing tips on how to pitch for funding, what investors want to see, and why investing in your own business can sometimes be a smarter move than giving away equity too early.They also reflect on their own experiences starting out, including the tough lessons, mindset shifts, and business pivots that made the biggest difference. If you're a founder who's hit a plateau, this episode will give you the insight (and reality check) you didn't know you needed.Want your business featured on the pod?Send us a 30 to 90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help. You might just be our next spotlight. Email your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Emma Blomfield: @emmablomfield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Help My Small Business episode, Jane is joined by Tori Clapham and Chris Hole - founders of Peaches Pilates - to help out Nikolina, the founder of I See by Nikolina, an Australian-made fashion brand that blends style with spiritual connection.The big question on Nikolina's mind? When is the right time to start running ads and investing in SEO?Tori and Chris break down how to know if your brand is ready to scale with paid ads, and what groundwork needs to be done first - think product, website, and conversion rates. From understanding your margins to refining your brand experience, this is a must-listen for anyone itching to hit "launch" on their digital marketing.Want your business featured on the pod?Send us a 30 to 90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help. You might just be our next spotlight. Email your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Follow Tori on Instagram: @toriclapham Follow Chris on Instagram: @chrishole Follow Peaches Pilates: @peachespilates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Tori Clapham and Chris Hole, the husband-and-wife team behind Peaches Pilates, the mat-based Pilates brand shaking up the fitness world.In this episode, Tori and Chris dive deep into how building from their client community helps create loyal staff and reduce turnover. Tori opens up about the mindset shift she experienced as a mentor, learning to accept that staff will eventually outgrow the business, and why that's a sign of good leadership. She also shares how becoming a mother shifted her priorities, giving her new perspective and setting clearer boundaries between herself and the business. As owners and franchisors, they talk honestly about being involved in everything and the challenge of learning to delegate more effectively. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of scaling a business as a married couple with two young kids, offering leadership lessons for thriving through fast growth rather than just surviving it.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Tori on Instagram: @toriclaphamFollow Chris on Instagram: @chrisholeFollow Peaches Pilates on Instagram: @peachespilates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling like you're doing everything and still getting nowhere? In this solo episode of The Lazy CEO, Jane shares 9 time-saving habits that actually help when you're overworked, overwhelmed, and barely keeping up. These habits are all about working smarter, not harder - because no one has time for burnout.Jane breaks down how she structures her day to avoid falling into reactive mode, the mindset shift that helped her stop glorifying being busy, and how she approaches her to-do list to get real results without the fluff. You'll hear how multitasking might be killing your focus and what to do instead, and the underrated trick that helps protect your time when everything feels urgent.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like your product is great, but no one's seeing it? You're not alone.In this Help My Small Business episode, Jane is joined by James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, to help Tormina - founder of Lucie & Co, a sustainable pet accessories brand - figure out how to actually stand out online.From learning how to make Meta ads work without blowing your budget, to understanding how to increase your profit margin so you can afford to reinvest in growth, this episode is packed with real advice for small businesses trying to break through the noise.If you'd love your business featured on the podcast, send in a 30 to 90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help. You might just be our next spotlight. Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Follow James on LinkedIn: James Thornton Follow Intrepid Travel on Instagram: @intrepidtravel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people think being CEO means having all the answers. James Thornton would say it means knowing when to shut up and listen.James is the CEO of Intrepid Travel – the world's largest adventure travel company and a certified B Corp that's been walking the talk for decades – but he didn't start at the top. Nearly 20 years ago, he applied for a job at Intrepid, got rejected, and eventually got his foot in the door as a sales rep. Since then, he's worked his way up to the CEO role, crediting his rise to listening, learning, and communicating even when it's uncomfortable. Now, under his leadership, Intrepid is on track to hit $800 million in revenue, but James believes the real key to leading a business across seven continents isn't just strategy – it's communication.In this episode, we dive into what it's like leading a company you didn't found, why purpose and profit aren't mutually exclusive, and the leadership style James calls “casual intensity.”Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Follow James on LinkedIn: James Thornton Follow Intrepid Travel on Instagram: @intrepidtravel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Help My Small Business, Jane is joined by Sophie Hood, founder of Seoul Tonic, to review Glydelle—an anti-chafing brand created by Kristy.Right now, Kristy's content is resonating more with other small business owners than with the customers she's actually trying to reach. Jane and Sophie dive into how she can shift gears and build a community that buys, not just supports.They unpack the importance of brand equity—and how it starts with packaging that makes people feel something. From there, it's all about getting the product into people's hands—using strategies like mass gifting, user-generated content, and real, organic reviews to build buzz. Sophie and Jane also talk about the importance of making your content work hard—leaning into humour, strong visual hooks, and relatable use-cases to stop the scroll and actually drive action.They explore why having a clear expansion roadmap is crucial, even in the early stages—and how to learn from what your competitors are doing right (and wrong). Because it's not just about the next product, it's about building a brand that can grow with purpose.If you've got a good product but it's not gaining traction yet, this episode is packed with practical, founder-tested strategies to try today.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Sophie Hood: @sophiehood1Follow Seoul Tonic: @seoul.tonic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes being naive is the superpower. Just ask Sophie Hood.This week on The Lazy CEO, Sophie—founder of Seoul Tonic—shares how she turned a side hustle into one of Australia's most innovative beverage brands, now stocked in Woolies, BWS, Dan Murphy's, and over 2,000 independents—all without a single full-time employee.With a background in finance and strategy at EY, LVMH, and Red Bull, Sophie had the big-brand experience—but it was her gut instinct, bold thinking, and scrappy execution that set Seoul Tonic apart. She and Jane talk about trusting your gut, getting to market quickly, and why waiting for perfection is often just fear in disguise.Sophie and Jane also dive into the advantages of launching in Australia—why it's a slower, more forgiving market that gives founders the space to test, learn, and pivot on the go. Sophie shares how working full-time allowed her to reinvest every dollar back into the business, how she took calls from the Red Bull office to build credibility, and why prime checkout placement can be more valuable than shelf space.From bootstrapping to winning Food Stars with Gordon Ramsay and Janine Allis, to expanding, this is a crash course in starting scrappy and scaling smart.Note: This episode was recorded at the start of April. Any discussion around tariffs is now outdated and should not be taken as current or applicable business advice.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Sophie Hood: @sophiehood1Follow Seoul Tonic: @seoul.tonic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder how to build a strong, engaged community—without showing your face or having a big following? You're not alone.In this Help My Small Business episode, Jane is joined by Chebbo, founder of Chebbo's Burgers, to offer advice to Bec, the founder of The Food Design Studio, a creative studio that helps food brands stand out.Bec's challenge? She wants to grow her audience and build a genuine community, but she's not comfortable being the face of her brand. Jane and Chebbo talk through the reality of going faceless—why it's possible, but why it also means you have to try 10x harder to stand out. They share tips on how to use voiceovers, storytelling, and tone of voice as powerful tools to create connection without being on camera.If you'd love your business featured on the podcast, send in a 30 to 90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help. You might just be our next spotlight. Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoConnect with Chebbo: @itschebboCheck out Chebbo's BurgersFollow Bec's work: @fooddesignstudio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Chebbo, the founder of Chebbo's Burgers, shares how a viral TikTok series took him from a backyard BBQ setup to a booming burger business with a cult following.Chebbo dives into the power of content—how being consistent, building a community, and leaning into storytelling helped him create a brand that people don't just love, but line up for. He opens up about his early missteps, including an underestimation of his own popularity that led to a chaotic (but unforgettable) first food truck pop-up.From those lessons came key insights on what really matters when growing a service-based business—like personally knowing your customer and creating an experience that keeps them coming back.This episode is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes moments, and practical takeaways for anyone wanting to turn their content into a community and their side hustle into a full-blown business.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoConnect with Chebbo: @itschebboFollow Chebbo's Burgers: @chebbosburgers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you're just winging it, even when your business is thriving? You're not alone.In this Help My Small Business episode, Jane and Anaita Sarkar dive into the all-too-common feeling of imposter syndrome among founders. The conversation kicks off with the story of Cindy Lim, founder of Koko & Kush, who made the bold decision to sell her house and move in with her parents to fund her hemp-based skincare brand during the pandemic. Her journey of taking massive risks while battling self-doubt resonates deeply with many entrepreneurs.Jane and Anaita discuss how imposter syndrome manifests at different stages of business, the pressures of leadership, and strategies to overcome those nagging feelings of inadequacy. If you'd love your business featured on the podcast, send in a 30 to 90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help. You might just be our next spotlight. Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Anaita Sarkar: @sellanythingonlineStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anaita Sarkar—founder of Hero Packaging and the voice behind Sell Anything Online—joins Jane to talk about what's working in marketing right now, how she's handling unexpected US tariffs, and the real, not-so-glam side of running a business.They get personal about the stuff people don't usually say out loud—like the loneliness that can come with being a founder and the pressure to always look like you've got it together.This one's real, raw, and packed with insights for anyone building something of their own.Connect With Us:Follow The Lazy CEO on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Anaita Sarkar: @sellanythingonlineStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, Jane is joined by Adam Schwab, founder of Luxury Escapes, one of the world's most trusted travel brands. They chat about how service businesses can position themselves as the go-to experts in their space, justify premium pricing during tough economic times, and build loyalty that keeps customers coming back.They also dive into Julia's business, Highlight Brows and Beauty—a cosmetic tattooing studio based in Perth. With cheaper technicians entering the market, Julia wants to know how to maintain her premium positioning. Adam and Jane share practical advice on refining her marketing and creating stronger customer loyalty.If you'd love your business featured on the podcast, send in a 30 to 90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help. You might just be our next spotlight. Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Loving these episodes? Let us know by leaving a comment or review.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Connect with Adam Schwab: @adamjschwab Follow Luxury Escapes: @luxury.escapes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Adam Schwab, co-founder of Luxury Escapes, shares powerful insights on building a successful business. He explains how combining brand and scale is a company's superpower, and why having a “cornered resource” — like exclusive hotel deals — gives you a major competitive advantage.Adam also dives into the importance of building switching costs into your brand to keep customers loyal, especially when facing major competitors. He talks about the challenge of winning customers over and the strategy needed to retain them in a crowded market.Finally, Adam shares how stepping away from the business as a founder can give you the perspective needed to come back with fresh eyes and take your company to the next level.This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to scale their business and build a brand that stands out.Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoConnect with Adam Schwab: @adamjschwabFollow Luxury Escapes: @luxury.escapes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Corbin Halliday, the genius behind Three Warriors, to explore how to convert web traffic into sales.In our Help My Small Business segment, we take a deep dive into Glam Theory, a sought-after makeup brush company. We discuss actionable ways to track web traffic, website usability, and how your product price point might be deterring that final sale or affecting basket size.We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help—you might just be spotlighted in an upcoming episode! Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.We want to hear from you! Let us know if you're loving these episodes by leaving a comment or review.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Corbin Halliday: @corbinhallidayFollow Three Warriors: @threewarriors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Lazy CEO! Today, we're diving into the incredible story of Corbin Halliday, the accidental entrepreneur behind Three Warriors—the world's leading certified organic, non-toxic sunless tanning brand.Corbin never set out to build a business. Struggling with chronic health issues, he created a clean self-tanner for himself, not realising it would spark a movement. While still bedridden, word-of-mouth spread, and Three Warriors started gaining traction. For the first three years, Corbin was selling the product from his sick bed, then walking into stores himself—sharing his story, convincing retailers, and proving there was a demand for high-quality, non-toxic tanning.That relentless approach paid off. Without big budgets or flashy marketing, Three Warriors landed in 200–300 retailers purely through Corbin's hustle and word-of-mouth buzz. But the real game-changer? Understanding his audience. Corbin initially thought his brand would resonate with teens and twenty-somethings, but he soon realised his biggest customers were actually 40+. That insight transformed the way he marketed and scaled the business.Now, Three Warriors is a multi-million-dollar brand, with a best-selling product selling every 60 seconds, stocked by major retailers, and setting a new standard for clean beauty.This is a story of resilience, purpose, and the power of knowing your audience. Tune in to hear how Corbin turned a personal struggle into a global brand.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Corbin Halliday: @corbinhallidayFollow Three Warriors: @threewarriors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by hospitality powerhouse Ibby Moubadder to answer a burning Help My Small Business question—how can a growing business streamline its booking system and engage prospective customers?We take a deep dive into Sophie's Slime Factory, a business expanding fast and looking for ways to refine its processes. Ibby shares expert insights on optimising bookings, using data to boost customer retention, and keeping customers coming back.We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help—we might just spotlight you in an upcoming episode! Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Loving these episodes? Let us know by leaving a comment or review!Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoStay updated with Ibby: @ibby.moubadderFollow The ESCA Group: @itsescagroup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey Poddy Fam! Welcome back to The Lazy CEO!In today's episode, we're sitting down with the incredible Ibby Moubadder, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of ESCA Group! From initially moving to Australia to study nursing to now leading one of the country's most innovative restaurant groups, Ibby's story is one of bold decisions, resilience, and trusting his intuition.Ibby is the genius behind some of Sydney's most loved venues, including AALIA, Nour, Henrietta, Ito, Lilymu, and Joji. Since launching ESCA Group, he's expanded to seven thriving restaurants, with four more on the way, won numerous industry awards, and built a team of 270 passionate people.In this episode, Ibby dives deep into the importance of trusting your gut, the power of good food, and the role of PR in building a brand—especially in creating media stories that put your name on the map.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoStay updated with Ibby: @ibby.moubadderFollow The ESCA Group: @itsescagroup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We made it—100 episodes of The Lazy CEO! And to celebrate, we're shaking things up. My good friend Jude Batrac is flipping the script and putting me in the hot seat.In Part 1, we dived into shaking up the industry, the importance of cash flow (because let's be real, it can make or break a business), and took a trip down memory lane where I shared my biggest fuck-ups and best successes.Now, in Part 2, we're keeping the conversation going. We get into the importance of organisation and time blocking—because running a business (and life) without structure is chaos. Plus, I respond to listener questions about dealing with trolling.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoStay updated with Jude: @jude_batrac_mc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We made it—100 episodes of The Lazy CEO! And to celebrate, we're shaking things up. My good friend Jude Batrac is flipping the script and putting me in the hot seat.Last week, I asked you all to send in your burning business questions, and wow, you delivered. In this episode, we dive into shaking up the industry, the importance of cash flow (because let's be real, it can make or break a business), and take a trip down memory lane where I share my biggest fuck-ups and my best successes.So buckle up for Thursday's episode where Part 2 drops, and we keep the conversation going!Connect with us: Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Stay updated with Jude: @jude_batrac_mc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Kyle Hunt from HCPA to explore how to get a seat at the table when launching a new brand.We also dive into Help My Small Business, where we review Awaange Label, a DIY eyelash extension product, offering advice on how to stand out in a saturated market and build an emotional connection with future customers.We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help—we might just spotlight you in an upcoming episode! Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Kyle Hunt: @kylehunt_Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoLet us know your biggest takeaways, and don't forget to leave a review if you love the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey Poddy Fam!!This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Kyle Hunt, the founder of HCPA, a leader in the healthcare and funding space.Kyle's journey is nothing short of inspiring.Growing up in foster care, he faced numerous challenges, but his determination to make a difference led him to build a company that has secured over $2 billion in funding for healthcare businesses and vulnerable individuals.In this episode, Kyle explores his biggest challenge—staff retention. As a service-based business, employees would often leave once they gained valuable, highly poachable skills. Kyle shares how he reinvented his company culture to overcome this challenge, retain top talent, and foster an environment that drives excellence and growth.He also dives into how he cracked the TikTok algorithm and offers valuable insights on how to structure your videos to create an emotional connection with your audience.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcast Follow Kyle Hunt: @kylehunt_ Stay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoLet us know your biggest takeaways, and don't forget to leave a review if you love the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Dani Atkins & Alex Babich, the couple behind Kulani Kinis, to explore how to drive organic traffic to your website as a newly established brand.We also dive into Help My Small Business, where we review Cuddl. Bub, a stylish toddler carrier for the Velcro baby, offering advice on how to build momentum and grow visibility. We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video telling us about your brand and how we can help—we might just spotlight you in an upcoming episode! Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.We want to hear from you! Let us know if you're loving these episodes by leaving a comment or review.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Kulani Kinis: @kulanikinisFollow Alex Babich: @bikinibaronFollow Dani Atkins: @daniatkinsStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey Poddy Fam!!This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Dani Atkins & Alex Babich, the couple behind Kulani Kinis, one of Australia's most in-demand swimwear brands.Back in 2015, Dani (an emergency psychologist) and Alex (a corporate accountant at EY) had zero experience in fashion, manufacturing, or e-commerce. But when a Hawaiian holiday exposed a gap in the market, they didn't overthink it—they just went for it. With their vacation savings, they launched Kulani Kinis, creating swimwear that fit better, felt amazing, and stood out with bold, vibrant designs.Rather than following the traditional path, they focused on organic growth, built a loyal community, and scaled the brand to $3–$4 million in revenue before even running social media ads. Their unconventional strategies helped them scale to be a $100M business, proving that thinking outside the box can be a major advantage. In this episode, they share why being naïve in business can be a superpower, the biggest risks they took, and what they would do differently.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Kulani Kinis: @kulanikinisFollow Alex Babich: @bikinibaronFollow Dani Atkins: @daniatkinsStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by Sally Obermeder from Swiish to explore how to build an organic community and create a brand that truly connects with its audience.We also dive into S'haven, a brand redefining shaving with its Whipped Shaving Foam and razor, who is seeking advice on when the right time is to start running paid ads and how to build a strong community.If you missed Tuesday's episode, we dived into Sally's journey with Swiish, her personal story of resilience, and the highs and lows of building a business while navigating life's challenges. We also answered all your burning questions sent in by listeners—so be sure to check it out!We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video as a link, telling us about your brand and how we can help—we might just spotlight you in an upcoming episode! Send your video to hello@thelazyceo.com.We want to hear from you! Let us know if you're loving these episodes by leaving a comment or review.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with Swiish: @swiishStay updated with Sally Obermeder: @sallyobermederStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we catch up with Sally Obermeder to explore where SWIISH is now, after an incredible year of growth and expansion. But that's not all—we're also answering the hot, burning questions you, our listeners, sent in!We dive into Sally's journey with SWIISH, her personal story of resilience, and the highs and lows of building a business while navigating life's challenges.So grab a glass of wine—just like we have—and join us for an unfiltered, insightful conversation full of real talk.Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with SWIISH: @swiishStay updated with Sally Obermeder: @sallyobermederStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Help My Small Business, we're joined by Amy and Jono Castano to give expert advice to Nikki from Mentwell—a platform offering digital gift cards for health and wellness services!We dive into Nikki's business, exploring how she can scale Mentwell, attract more users, and position her platform as a must-have in the wellness space!Whether you're a small business owner or dreaming of starting your own, there are plenty of takeaways in this episode!If you missed Tuesday's episode, Amy and Jono Castano shared their incredible founder story—building ACERO from the ground up—and opened up about the reality of going from ex-husband and wife to business partners! It's a must-listen, so be sure to check it out!We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video as a link to hello@thelazyceo.com, telling us about your business and how we can help! We might just spotlight you in an upcoming episode!We want to hear from you! Let us know if you're loving these new bite-sized episodes by leaving a comment or review!Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Amy and Jono Castano: @amycastano @jonocastanoacero @aceroStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're joined by the dynamic duo, Amy and Jono Castano, founders of ACERO.Amy and Jono have built a fitness empire with ACERO, a brand that is redefining performance, health, and style. From ACERO Gyms, one of Australia's premier high-performance training facilities, to their global expansion with ACERO Drip—a fitness app offering customised wellness programs—they've been shaking up the industry. In 2023, they also launched Wear ACERO, their athleisure line, bringing functional fashion to fitness lovers everywhere.But in this episode, we dive deep into more than just business. Amy and Jono open up about their personal journey, from being a married couple to navigating life as exes, all while running their successful businesses together. They share the challenges and lessons they've learned in balancing personal relationships with professional ambitions, and how they've made it work despite the changes in their personal lives.Plus, based on your feedback, we're splitting up episodes! Don't miss our “Help My Small Business” segment, dropping every Thursday at 5 AM—your perfect bite-sized dose of business advice! Tune in this Thursday as Amy, Jono, and I give Nikki from Mentwell—a platform offering digital gift cards for health and wellness services—some expert advice!Don't miss BitchCon 2025! Tickets are available now—grab yours and join us for an event that's set to empower and inspire entrepreneurs. Use code "poddyfam" for 20% off! Connect with us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Amy and Jono Castano: @amycastano @jonocastanoacero @aceroStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're sitting down with Zara Seidler, co-founder of The Daily Aus, to hear how she took her side hustle from editing news under her desk at work to running one of the most influential youth media platforms in Australia.We dive into the wild journey of scaling The Daily Aus, proving credibility in a traditional media space, and making serious news actually consumable for Gen Z. Plus, Zara opens up about the challenges of building a media business in today's fast-changing landscape.Plus, we're spotlighting Bad On Paper, a small business creating cheeky, relatable greeting cards that make people laugh the moment they open a gift.We'd love to feature your business on the podcast! Send us a 30-90 second video as a link to hello@thelazyceo.com, telling us about your business and how we can help you. We might just spotlight you in an upcoming episode.Also, don't miss out on BitchCon 2025! Tickets are now available—grab yours here for an event that's set to empower and inspire entrepreneurs.Connect With Us:Follow The Lazy CEO podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceoFollow Zara Seidler: @zaraseidlerFollow The Daily Aus: @thedailyausStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Lazy CEO, we're catching up with Lizzie Waley, founder of Sundae Body, to hear about the wild ride her brand has been on since she last joined us. From major growth milestones to landing on Walmart shelves, Lizzie gives us an inside look at what it takes to scale a business while staying true to your vision.We also dive deep into the power of trusting your gut—knowing when to say yes, when to say no, and how to navigate the overwhelming reality of a busy entrepreneurial (and personal) life. If you've ever felt stretched too thin or unsure about an opportunity, this episode is for you.Plus, we're shining a spotlight on Ice Glow, a small business that's redefining at-home self-care.We'd love to spotlight your business on the podcast! Send us a 1-2 minute video as a link to hello@thelazyceo.com, telling us about your business and how we can help you. We might just feature you in an upcoming episode.Also, don't miss out on BitchCon 2025! Tickets are now available to purchase for the event that's set to empower and inspire entrepreneurs. Get yours here.Connect With UsFollow The Lazy CEO on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Lizzie Waley: @lizziewaleyFollow Sundae Body: @sundaebodyStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Tara Simich, the founder of Mermade Hair, to talk about how she turned a $20k budget and a newborn into a viral sensation.From Kim Kardashian's hairstylist to being stocked in over 6,000 retail stores worldwide, Tara shares the challenges, wins, and her plans to scale Mermade Hair to $50 million in revenue by 2026.This is a must-listen for anyone looking to make waves in the business world.Also, don't miss out on BitchCon 2025! Tickets are now available to purchase for the event that's set to empower and inspire entrepreneurs. Get yours here: BitchCon 2025 TicketsConnect With UsFollow The Lazy CEO Podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Tara Simich: @tarasimichFollow Mermade Hair: @mermadehairDon't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast if you loved it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Antony Stockdale, the mastermind behind The Betoota Advocate, Australia's premier satirical news platform.Antony shares his journey from conceptualising a satirical news outlet to growing it into a cultural icon with over 2 million readers.We delve into the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the strategies he employed to build a brand that resonates nationwide.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a media enthusiast, or simply curious about the story behind The Betoota Advocate, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.Tune in now for an engaging and informative conversation!Connect With Us:Follow The Lazy CEO Podcast on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastStay updated with Jane Lu: @thelazyceoFollow Antony Stockdale: @betootaadvocateDon't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast if you loved it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Lazy CEO, I'm joined by Anaita Sarkar, the incredible founder of Hero Packaging, a trailblazer in sustainable packaging solutions. We're kicking off 2025 with a bang as we dive into all things New Year vibes, from holiday break reflections to big-picture resolutions and, most importantly, how we're putting them into action.But that's not all—this episode also marks the launch of our brand-new segment, Hot Mess to High Success! It's all about transforming chaos into clarity and setting yourself up for a successful year ahead. Anaita and I share our own experiences and strategies for taking on the challenges of 2025 with confidence.To top it off, we take a deep dive into a listener's business, Lunaire, providing an in-depth analysis and actionable advice on how to level up. If you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner looking for insights, this is a segment you won't want to miss.Want Your Business Featured?We'd love to spotlight your business on the podcast! Send us a 1-2 minute video as a link to hello@thelazyceo.com, telling us about your business and how we can help you. We might just feature you in an upcoming episode!Check out Lunaire.Connect With Us:Follow The Lazy CEO on Instagram: @thelazyceo_podcastFollow Anaita Sarkar: @sellanythingonlineStay updated with our host, Jane Lu: @thelazyceoTune in now for an inspiring, insightful, and action-packed episode to set your 2025 off right! Don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast if you loved it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey Poddy Fam! I'm slowly easing back into work this week, taking it easy before diving into full gear. If you're still in chill mode, don't stress—take the break you need, and let's smash out 2025 together!This is my final repost episode before we return to regular programming next Tuesday.To kick off 2025, I'm bringing back one of my favourite episodes featuring my very first guests: the incredible Don and Matilda from STAX. They've built an amazing brand in a crowded space, and my favourite moment from this episode is when Don opened up about the time he thought he might lose it all—it still gives me chills every time I listen.I'll see you back next week with fresh episodes and an incredible line-up of guests for 2025. @thelazyceopodcast @staxoffical_ @donnrobertson @matilda_murray_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year Poddy Fam! I'm currently on a well-deserved break (because, wow, 2024 was a marathon), so I'm reposting one of my favourite episodes. This week's feature is my conversation with Cassey Ho, aka Blogilates, the founder of Poplex. Cassey is an incredible creator with nearly 20 million followers across her socials. Her product storytelling is unmatched, and in this episode, she gets real, opening up about the challenges she's faced along the way. It's a must-listen!Stay tuned for another favourite repost next week, and we'll be back with fresh episodes on 14 January. @blogilates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas Poddy Fam! Since I'm on a family holiday in Noosa, I'm revisiting one of my favourite episodes! This week's guest is Lizzie Waley, founder of Sundae Body. She already had an incredible business at the time of filming, but since then it's exploded—she's even gotten into Walmart!Lizzie is one of the nicest people ever and one of the many amazing friends I've made through this podcast. There'll be two more favourite reposts over the next two weeks, but we'll be back to regular programming on 14 January with some incredible guests lined up for 2024.@sundaebody @lizziewaley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wow, what a year it's been! In this special episode, I'm looking back at the year that was. From the biggest trends and pop culture moments to the lessons I've learnt along the way, we're covering it all.Plus, I'm sharing my personal tips for self-reflection and focusing on the positives—because let's be real, we could all use a little more of that in our lives.So grab a glass of bubbly, kick back, and let's wrap up the year together. You won't want to miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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I'm welcoming back a very good friend of mine. As soon as I decided to change up the format, I was like, I need to get Han back on cos we can have some fun. Hannah is the founder of Peppermint Grove and Moss St Fragrances - which most people have at their homes - I'm always so proud every time I see it, which is like literally everywhere. Hannah's built it to a $40 million business and also vertically integrated into a perfumery business which is seeing phenomenal growth. We're uploading our episodes on YouTube now - so if you want to watch these conversations, head on over! https://www.youtube.com/@thelazyceo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm thrilled to be joined by a true industry pioneer who's reshaped the world of freelancing and online financing - Matt Barrie. Matt is the founder of Freelancer.com, the world's largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace. Freelancer has empowered and connected 77 million of professionals and businesses worldwide. Freelancer is a listed company that has reached a market cap of over $1 billion. In addition to that, his other business Escrow.com has revolutionised secure online transactions, Escrow.com is the world's largest escrow company. It's like paypal but for big ticket items. $7 billion of volume. Buying boats, business, airplanes. Like when facebook changed their domain to meta.com they bought the domain and trademarks through Escrow.com, instagram.com to instagram, uber.com to uber, you name it.And lastly, his third business Loadshift, which is Australia's largest heavy haulage transport marketplace, which moves as much freight in distance from the earth to the moon, everyday. Matt's an old friend of mine that helped me in the early days and has always been a big supporter of entrepreneurship so I'm super excited to catch up.Actually btw - Matt doesn't do anything in halves and likes to go against the grain, which is why he's so brilliant, so we're going to go rogue and change up the format Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by one of the most influential people in PR in Australia - Roxy Jacenko! Roxy is a powerhouse entrepreneur and the founder of many successful ventures, including what's probably the most well known PR agency in the country, Sweaty Betty PR, as well as Ministry of Talent. On top of that she has built her own personal brand into a household name. Roxy is a woman that's lived many lives, and has had more than her share of ups and downs and I'm so excited to chat to her about it all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining me today, all the way from the US, is Alexandra Zatarain, Co-Founder and VP of Brand and Marketing of Eight Sleep - the world's first sleep fitness company. Not only has Eight Sleep created a category, it's used by the likes of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Lewis Hamilton. Alex has built the company from $0 to 9-figures in revenue and its current valuation exceeds half a billion dollars! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Today I'm chatting with the amazing Hannah Spilva, the co-founder of LVLY. I think it's pretty safe to say that everyone listening has either received, gifted or seen a co-worker receive a gorgeous bundle of LVLY Flowers and Gift Package. LVLY started 8 years ago and has not only become a household name here in Australia but has also become a global business - which is no easy feat for you're doing same day gifting of fresh flowers!Han has recently sold her business for a valuation of $35 million and now she sits on the board of LVLY and is diving right back in with 2 new startups in the world of beauty and self-care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to part 2 with Robert Herjavec. He recently sold his cyber security business Cyderes for almost a billion dollars and is of course one of my fellow Sharks on Shark Tank Australia, and also US Shark Tank and Canadian Dragon's Den. Make sure you listen to part 1! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My next guest needs no introduction, but here's one anyway. It's none other than my fellow Shark on Shark Tank, Robert Herjavec. Robert is one of the most renowned entrepreneurs globally and is an OG Shark from the US Shark Tank, Canadian Dragon's Den and of course Shark Tank Australia. From humble beginnings as a poor refugee, he built and sold his first company for $600,000. From there, he started a software business that he sold to AT&T Canada for $32M. From there, he built his next business Cyderes in cyber security which he recently sold for almost a billion dollars. (That's in USD, so he's technically a billionaire in Australia dollars though.)Robert is literally one of the funniest, kindest and most interesting people I know, and you guys are absolutely going to love this chat! Alright let's get into it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.