Troubleshooters Podcast

In the wrap-up of Season Two of the Troubleshooters podcast, host Michael McGrath highlights key insights from various episodes. Kelly Jamison of Edible Blooms discusses the importance of learning from mistakes and the benefits of limited capital. Matt Stillone of Protein Supplies Australia emphasizes the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and relationships in business. Tom Waterhouse shares his journey from bookmaking to online betting and his experiences with mentorship. Tom Hardwick talks about scaling businesses and the impact of the GFC. Tim Hutchinson from Skills GPT AI discusses the practical applications of AI in workforce management and the importance of security and continuous improvement. The podcast aims to inspire and motivate listeners with real-life business stories. The post The Troubleshooters Podcast: Season 2 Wrap up! first appeared on Oasis Partners.

In this episode, Frank Li, a China market specialist, shares his journey from arriving in Australia unable to speak English at age 10 to becoming the Dux of his Catholic school by year 12! He discusses his career path, including his MBA from AGSM and his transition to China in 2004. Frank founded 31Jiu, a beverage distribution company, and later secured distribution rights for Bundaberg ginger beer in China, which became a huge success. Despite challenges, including a severe lockdown in Shanghai, Frank sold his business to Jebsen Group in 2022. He now consults Australian brands entering the Chinese market, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and strategic partnerships. The post Frank Li, From Migrant to Dux to Deal Maker first appeared on Oasis Partners.

In this episode, Tim Hutchinson, co-founder and CEO, shares his journey from studying zoology to leading SkillsGPT, a pioneering generative AI business. Tim discusses how SkillsGPT is helping organisations adopt AI strategically, enabling them to adapt to change and gain a competitive advantage. Tim provides examples of AI's current and potential impact on work, emphasising the need for a 'lifelong learning' approach for all employees. He offers listeners a thoughtful perspective on ethical considerations, how AI is reshaping the workforce and how successful AI adoption should be led “from the boardroom, not the server room.” Tim illustrates SkillsGPT's role in helping 75,000 Australian regional SMEs adopt AI through the Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN), a Federal Government-supported initiative. Focused on SMEs in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and clean energy, ARAIN and SkillsGPT guide successful AI adoption with free access to tools, education, and insights. For FREE early access to ARAIN's AI adoption resources, register at arain.com.au The post Tim Hutchinson, Unlocking AI first appeared on Oasis Partners.

Nick Armstrong, an entrepreneur since university, launched his latest venture, Chirp, which uses AI to enhance sales pipeline conversion. Nick discussed his journey, starting with GreenTriCity in 2005, which was acquired by AGL. He then founded Co Zero, Australia's fastest-growing company in 2011, before pivoting to Identity, a neobank addressing anti-money laundering challenges. Identity listed on the ASX in 2018, but Nick moved on to Chirp, targeting B2B SaaS companies with 5-20 sales reps. Chirp uses AI to qualify deals, automate research, and suggest next steps, aiming to improve win rates and productivity. The post Nick Armstrong, Unlocking the Power of AI first appeared on Oasis Partners.

Sheree Sullivan, an entrepreneur since age 19, discussed her journey from cheese making to hospitality and electro-enhanced beer. She highlighted her parents' entrepreneurial influence and the challenges of starting a business. Sheree transitioned from a goat dairy to a cheese factory, eventually selling 90% to a Japanese trade buyer. She then scaled Grunt Brew, a hospitality venue, and introduced E Beer, a low-carb, high-flavour beer with unique brewing techniques. Sheree emphasised the importance of financial sustainability, leveraging products over time, and the value of fun in business. The post Sheree Sullivan, Turning Grit into Gold first appeared on Oasis Partners.

Tom is an experienced CEO and entrepreneur. He has demonstrated a history of scaling businesses both organically and through acquisitions. The post Tom Hardwick, From Suits To Start Ups first appeared on Oasis Partners.

Tom Waterhouse is an experienced investor and businessman, hailing from the illustrious Waterhouse family.

Hortense is a successful author and executive coach. She unpacks her take on leadership, including the importance of making peace with the past.

Brendan Green has been running his company for 18 years, and along with these two directors has built GCG into one of the leading independent health, safety, and hygiene companies in Australia and they are not done yet. This growing business is reinventing the way the industry delivers its services through tech enabled innovation. GCG is a great example of what happens when talented people get together and play the long game.

Episode Description: Mark Holloway is a working class guy from Birmingham in England, who is not just football crazy, but is himself a very decent centre-forward. His life changes direction when Sydney Croatia spots him and bring him to Australia to play semi-professional football. At that point, this cryogenics engineer switches to sales and becomes a very effective troubleshooter, nicknamed Mr. EBIT, for his consistent ability to make profit! He then gets to work on building a very successful eyewear company. He is currently the owner and director of Shades of Pale-sourcing antiques for over 20 years in France, Belgium, Sweden & beyond. About Mark: Mark Holloway is the owner and director of Shades of Pale- Sourcing antiques for over 20 years in France, Belgium, Sweden & beyond. They specialise in French antiques, homewares, interiors, architectural & garden pieces. Follow them @shadesofpalestore on Instagram. Contact Mark: markholloway@shadesofpale.com.au Points of interest: Life journey from football to eyewear entrepreneurship. (0:10) Upbringing, sports, and business success. (1:21) Career progression from engineering to sales management to business ownership. (3:16) Leadership and company issues. (7:43) Liquidation and survival in the fashion industry. (11:50) Overcoming business challenges in the eyewear industry. (16:35) Selling a business to a supplier. (21:13) Business ownership and sale. (25:37) Selling a business and transitioning to a new role. (31:17) Turnarounds, brands, and entrepreneurship. (36:33)

Episode Description: Mat Stillone started his first business Protein Supplies in his garage! So successful was it, that it eventually took over the whole house. This bold startup initiative, in the ‘better for you food' sector, followed a period of deep reflection by Mat, who had suffered from anxiety in his late teens and early 20s. Mat felt he needed to express himself and do more of what mattered to him. Since then, he has started three more companies, all of which have become successful. Listen to this inspiring story of how Mat overcame adversity, built strong resilience, and found what really matters in life. About Mat: Mat is the Managing Director of Integrity Food Co, Protein Supplies Australia, Botanika Blends & Flexible Foods. He was the Business News Australia's Young Entrepreneur Awards Winner - Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution in 2021! Contact Mat: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-stillone-b4797a41/ Points of Interest: The “AHA” moment for Mat. (0:30) Food industry, entrepreneurship, and product quality. (3:35) Starting and growing a supplement business, quality control issues, and manufacturing products. (7:38) Starting a contract manufacturing business and creating a brand. (12:09) Entrepreneurship, innovation, and plant-based nutrition. (16:36) Managing stress and purpose in business ownership. (23:29) Entrepreneurship, resilience, and relationships. (31:52)

Episode Description: Straight from the ready fire aim to school of hard knocks, Mick Spencer started his first business at age 22. On-the-go, a sports branded apparel business started literally in his garage and became a multi-million-dollar business challenging the status quo in a traditional market. Just when he thought he cracked it, COVID appeared and put pay to his plans of world domination, rather painfully, Mick had to call in the liquidator. Yet, even after all that he managed to get back on the horse in true troubleshooter fashion and started his latest venture Gravity Seltzer, a company which is thriving. Points of Interest: Getting started at age 21 2:09 The role of Tech 8:41 Shark Tank 9:25 Next steps & scaling up 11:47 Covid ramifications 14:30 Survival long term amid rising tensions 17:12 Difficult but amazing long-term learnings 18:24 Being a sole founder is lonely 23:49 Writing a book-start before you're ready 24:33 Bouncing back 26:10 Why I am not the CEO of Gravity Seltzer 30:00 Taking a family break 36:00 What's next? 37:00 About Mick: Mick Spencer is the Co-Founder & Chairman of high growth Seltzer brand Gravity Seltzer Co. He is also author of best seller Start Before You're Ready! Get in touch with Mick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickspencer247/ Gravity Seltzer: https://www.gravityseltzer.com/

Mike sits down with Kelly Jamieson, the co- founder, and MD of Edible Blooms for a chat about their 18 yearlong success story alongside her sister Abbey. Their online gifting business that delivers delicious bouquets of chocolate, among other things to homes and offices (every 2 minutes) is the #1 gift delivery business in Australia. Points of Interest: When your business partner is your sister 1:30    Country girl at heart-lessons from your mum! 2:40 An online business in 2005! 4:15 Start a business or buy a house? 6:00 Raising money as a startup 9:14 Making mistakes is gold! 10:42 Fast paced business world-trial and error 12:45 The Blackberry, iPhone, and Google 15:24 The Telstra Business Awards-there's no way a little start up, 4 years in can win it? 18:00 Female entrepreneurs-the ups and downs of navigating business 19:30 Edible Blooms and Sustainability 24:00 The future of Edible Blooms 27:50 About Kelly: Kelly is the co-founder and Managing Director of Edible Blooms. She started the company with her sister in 2005 and they have won numerous awards including, 2022 Canstar #1 Online Gift Delivery Company for Australia, Telstra Business of the Year for Australia and SA Businesswoman of the Year! Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-jamieson-871aa73/ Website: www.edibleblooms.com.au

Episode Description: The Deal Doer's Deal Doer Mike sits down with John Willcox-Jones, founder of Oasis Europe for a chat about all things deal-doing. John has been responsible for literally hundreds of transactions, mainly acting for business owners seeking a successful exit from what is often their life's work. About John: John has worked in industry since 1972 holding management positions in sectors as diverse as building products, retail furnishing and horticultural machinery. During the early 1980s he was actively involved in the City advising companies on behalf of several stockbrokers and issuing houses in connection with stock market flotations and on the board of several public companies. He relinquished these appointments in 1984 to specialise in mergers and acquisitions work. He regularly lectures on Corporate Finance matters throughout the UK as well as in Europe and North America. Contact John- john@oasiseurope.com Website: www.oasiseurope.com Points of Interest: Introduction to John's story-0:10 How to market to a wider audience-5:47 How to sell your business-11:23 Highs and lows of the process-16:03 Be forthright and straight up with the advice-22:49 The importance of diversity of interest in business-25:34 John's advice to other investors-37:00 What do you like to do outside of work-44:00

Pat Farmer the Ultra troubleshooter. Our first guest for the new season of the Troubleshooters Podcast is Pat Farmer. Pat is an Australian Legend - famous for his ultra running feats, including running from the North Pole to the South Pole in 2012. Pat is an inspiration and an Ultra Troubleshooter. Leaving school at 14, Pat became a household name as an ultra-marathon runner in the 1990s, setting a number of Australian and world records. He later became the federal member for Macarthur South, becoming the Junior Minister for Education, Science and Training. At age 60 Pat shows no signs of slowing down. He is about to embark on yet another endurance test – running around the continent to bring attention to the upcoming referendum on The Voice. Starting in April Pat will be running 80km per day for six months in an effort to raise awareness for the referendum to enshrine and Indigenous Voice to the Parliament in the Australian Constitution. Check out my conversation with him which talks about how he got started, how important service is to him, and what keeps him going. It is guaranteed to give you a lift. If you want to become a corporate sponsor to support Pat in his upcoming Event for The Voice-Email: pat.farmer@live.com The Voice https://voice.niaa.gov.au/# Pat Farmer https://www.patfarmer.com/ Some points of interest: Pat Farmer: Influenced by parents' values (3:58-6:06) Pat Farmer: The Early days (6:17-8:07) Inspired by Cliff Young (9:27-15:36) First run round Australia (37:51-45:01) The least educated member of Parliament (49:02-54:33) Dedicating time to yourself (58:12-1:00:29) The only man to run from the North to the South Pole (1:00:34-1:08:26) & (1:16:43-1:18:43) Running for a purpose (1:09:53-1:00:12) The value of family (1:12:39-1:16:42) The most significant event he will ever do (1:25:45-1:31:16)

Episode Description The Troubleshooters Podcast: Season 1 Wrap up! In this episode we have wrapped up Season 1 of the Troubleshooters Podcast with some highlights of each episode. Mikes only goal when he started this podcast was to bring you the insights from everyday heroes who have had a go, genuine business troubleshooters, who've overcome adversities and dealt with whatever life has thrown at them. It's been his pleasure to interview our guests this season. 12 episodes of genuine troubleshooters each with their own unique stories. Listen to the Best bits by clicking above and if something resonates then find full episodes on the website or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. In the meantime, lookout for Season 2 coming soon.. About our guests: Please find below a list of guests this season in order of episodes & their LinkedIn profiles. More information about each guest is available in the full episode descriptions.  Robert Silver-Tesserent https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertasilver/ Stanislav Roth-Source Legal https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanislavroth/ Stuart Edgedly-Emerald Planet https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-edgley/ David Astone and Peter Gordon-Design to Production https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-astone-1891612a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gordon-60807260/ Richard Skarzynski- Coraggio https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardskarzynski/ Keitah Matens-shaw B.OKideas https://www.linkedin.com/company/bokideas/ Kunal Sawhney KALKINE https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunal-sawhney-6a63a346/ Hannah Chipkin & Pippa jospeh Merch Girls https://www.linkedin.com/company/merchgirls/ Jacinta McCombe Nectar Cold Pressed Juices https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-mccombe-865b51a9/ Luke Cook-Cuppa.tv https://www.linkedin.com/in/cookluke/ Scott Fry-Loving Earth https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-fry-74813a34/ John Florey- Loving Earth https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-florey-maicd-17271913/

Episode Description: In this episode Michael speaks to John Florey, CEO of Loving Earth; a bean-to-bar chocolate and functional food business based in Melbourne. In our last podcast, we spoke to Loving Earth's co-founder, Scott Fry who alluded to an exciting future initiative, well John Florey the CEO joined us to talk more about the opportunity to invest. Listen & discover how you could own your very own chocolate factory-or at least part of one! Watch the following video and if minded, be sure to register your interest using this link without obligation: https://www.birchal.com/company/lovingearth * Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing. About John Florey: John Florey is the CEO of Loving Earth and joined the company recently. After running and managing many large food and beverage corporations, he was attracted to the brand because Loving Earth's passion for the environment was REAL. He believes they have gone beyond sustainability and are now focused on being regenerative! John enjoys being involved in a company that are genuinely giving back to the planet. Investment EOI campaign https://www.birchal.com/company/lovingearth * Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing. John's email: john.florey@lovingearth.net Johns LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-florey-maicd-17271913/ Loving Earth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loving_earth/ Loving Earth Website: https://lovingearth.net/

This month Michael speaks with founder and co-owner of Loving Earth, Scott Fry. Loving Earth do things a little differently; namely they put the environment first and have a clear vision for supporting the communities that they work with. Scot speaks to Michael about the challenges he has faced building his business from scratch as well as what the future looks like for Loving Earth. It's a fascinating story that I hope you will enjoy. Scott announces at the end of the episode that he and the other owner of Loving Earth, Martha Butler, are going to be doing a Crowd Source Funding exercise where they will be seeking investment from customers and others to help them further scale the business. Watch out for the announcement in early October 2022 and if you are minded, be sure to register your interest. Scott's email: scottfry@lovingearth.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loving_earth/ Website: https://lovingearth.net/ Crowd-Source-Funding Information: Available in next week's "special" Episode Netflix documentary: Rotten/Season2/Bitter Chocolate: https://www.netflix.com/mo-en/title/80146284

This month, Michael speaks with entrepreneur Luke “Cookie” Cook. Together Michael and Luke discuss the challenges Luke faced with his previous business, FUNLOCKA, and how the ending of that business put him on to road to helping thousands of others through his new venture Cuppa.tv. Luke speaks candidly about his own mental health and the importance of wellbeing – an important lesson we can all learn.

In this month's episode of the Troubleshooters Podcast, Michael speaks with Jacinta McCombe, the owner and founder of Nectar Cold Pressed. As a juice brand that was exposed mainly to the food service industry prior to the pandemic, Jacinta's business was heavily impacted by the shutdowns in early 2020. Instead of succumbing to business challenges of the time, Jacinta and her team worked hard and found a way to survive when many around them couldn't.

Michael McGrath speaks with co-founders of MerchGirls Pippa Joseph and Hannah Chipkin who Mike describes as the ‘dream team'. Listen to these founders share their inspiring story of how they came together to start their company (from a bedroom), and how they have developed their start-up into the successful merchandising company it is today servicing many large enterprises.

An inspiring episode with Michael McGrath who speaks with Kunal Sawhney, founder of equity research company, Kalkine.

In this month's episode of the Troubleshooters Podcast I speak with the CEO and founder of B.Okideas, Kietah Martens-Shaw. Kietah shares with us her truly inspiring story of how overcoming cancer inspired her to start her own business. Resilience, passion, determination – Kietah is the epitome of an entrepreneur and troubleshooter.