Business Essentials

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour - and empathy isn’t a “soft” skill. In this week’s episode, two innovative business thinkers explore strategies for avoiding exhaustion while cultivating meaningful connections that elevate both personal and professional performance.

First, Tim Jack Adams, founder of greenx7, introduces Energised, his practical guide to restoring sustainable energy through slee...

Is your workplace culture empowering people or quietly silencing them - and could poor experiences be driving customers away faster than you realise? In this week’s episode, leadership expert Marnie Brokenshire, cofounder of Uncapped Potential, unpacks the growing risk of culture slipping into “cult-like” control and why psychological safety matters. Then Greg Nicolle, Group Manager of Client Success at Thryv Aust...

What really drives success in today’s workplace - and are we focusing on the wrong things? In this episode, Professor Darius Pfitzner, Academic Dean at the Australian Institute of Business, shares lessons from his extraordinary career journey, from Navy aircraft engineer to leading business academic, highlighting the value of failure, humility, and customer focus.

We then turn to Emotional Intelligence Specialist Amy Jacobson...

Australia’s small business landscape is being reshaped by some major forces right now – including the need for AI training, and a proposed new Small Business Charter. We explore both in this week’s episode. First up, Freshworks Australia’s Vice President, Andrew Phillips, talks us through the widening gap between businesses adopting AI and those holding back. Andrew warns business leaders about the risks tha...

There are two major forces shaping how businesses operate right now: intergenerational pressures, and hefty tax debts. In this week’s episode, leadership expert Marnie Brokenshire explains why managing five generations in one workplace is pushing managers to their limits - and why employees in their 50s may be the most underutilised asset in your organisation. Marnie also outlines the emotional-intelligence skills needed to t...

Strong partnerships and loyal customers are both essential to business success – and this week’s episode explores how to bolster both. Greg Nicolle, Group Manager of Client Success at Thryv Australia, explains why retention often outperforms acquisition – and he shares six clever, underused follow-up tactics that turn one-time buyers into long-term loyalists. Then psychotherapist Tom Skotidas, founder of Everpath,...

In this episode, we dive into two pressing challenges facing today’s leaders and businesses. Gus Gilkeson, CEO of Grow Capital, discusses how Donald Trump's sweeping US tariffs are shaking up global trade, with real impacts on Australian SMEs. He offers strategic advice to help businesses stay resilient, plan long-term, and adapt to increasing uncertainty. Then leadership expert Michelle Gibbings unpacks the real meaning behi...

Are you the type of person who clings to stability while the world around you changes? Then you might be taking a huge risk for your business. Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings argues that calculated, strategic risk-taking is now essential for organisational resilience. Michelle explains why doing nothing can be the riskiest move of all and offers practical advice for business owners on building a culture that supports wise, delib...

A generation vital to the workplace, Millennials, or Gen Y’s, are now approaching their mid-40’s. As lovers of technology, they’re not fearful of AI, but rather engage with it to seek workplace improvement and explore how it can improve the world around us. Leadership expert, Dr Paige Williams, explains how to nurture and value this vital, next generation of leaders.

Business Essentials Daily is produced b...

How emotionally intelligent are you and your workplace? Are you being held back by toxic or unproductive relationships? Emotional Intelligence Specialist Amy Jacobson says hers is a skill anyone can learn, and that it can transform businesses. Amy outlines five practical steps to build an emotionally intelligent workplace, from self-awareness and emotional accountability to empathy, communication and decisive action.

Busine...

If you’re wondering how other businesses are handling their teams working-from-home, you might be surprised that most people are coming back to the office. But not everyone – a significant percentage are working a hybrid arrangement. Roxanne Calder, Managing Director of boutique recruiting firm, EST-10, says implementing a successful hybrid model requires understanding individual needs and aligning them with the busines...

As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates, a new divide is emerging between owners and employees embracing the technology, and those being left behind. Andrew Phillips, Vice President of Freshworks Australia, a company delivering AI software for customer and IT services, explains why it’s now time for small and medium business leaders to become AI-literate. He explains how some simple, accessible tools can improve produ...

Who wouldn’t like to double their business? Well, according to Melissa Browne, Founder of Mel Browne Money, it might sound like a fantasy but it’s entirely possible if you focus on profit, not just sales. Melissa shares practical tactics to increase profitability, from improving customer retention and average spend to streamlining costs and finding quick wins that make a big impact. She explains why too many business ow...

Most of us at some stage will suffer from imposter syndrome – that feeling of fraud -like inadequacy, despite having a reputation for success. According to behavioural expert Charlotte Blair, recognising and naming imposter syndrome is the first step to managing it. Charlotte is a partner at The Strengths Partners, a company dedicated to strength-based development of individuals, teams and organisations. She is also author of...

Brands are increasingly being copied by "dupes", and while consumers may enjoy cheaper alternatives, the impact on business owners can be devastating. But the Director of Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Rod Curtis, says businesses can stay ahead by doubling down on quality, innovation and authenticity to protect their brand and thrive in a competitive market. He also explains how smart marketing, strong customer relationshi...

It’s natural to be apprehensive – even fearful – of the uncertainty that envelopes us when we face challenges. But, if we push through a particular challenge and get through the other side, we’re the better for it. Emotional fitness expert Joe Pane has identified three universal fears that hold us back from living the life we want or having the business we desire: the fear of not being enough, the fear of no...

The rise of artificial intelligence promises great new advantages for SMEs, but AI also brings major security risks. The Managing Director of Cyber Matters, Saaim Khan, says confidentiality and integrity are critical concerns when using AI tools. He says businesses need to be cautious about sharing sensitive information and he outlines practical steps to protect businesses including setting clear policies and guidelines for accepta...

How many of your employees are using AI without your knowledge? As generative AI tools like ChatGPT start to become ubiquitous in the workplace, many employees are quietly using them to boost productivity, secure promotions, and even enjoy their work more. Andrew Phillips is Vice President of Freshworks, a company delivering AI powered software for customer and IT services, and he explains why ignoring AI is no longer a viable busi...

Great coaches – like great leaders – are able to support teams and individuals, allowing them to perform at their best. Professor Martin Bean, is CEO of The Bean Centre, and co-author of ‘Toolkit for Turbulence: The mindset and methods that leaders need to turn adversity to advantage’. He discusses how meaningful, one-on-one conversations, focused on achievements, development, enjoyment, and partnerships, al...