Business Essentials

When it comes to innovation and productivity, the challenge for the Australian government remains the inability to turn good ideas into long-term economic growth. In this episode, Kate Whitehead, MD of strategic grants and government funding advisory, Avant Group, explains what the proposed changes to the R&D Tax Incentive could mean for SMEs, innovation investment and Australia’s broader productivity problem.

Then, leade...

What if the biggest threat to your business is already unfolding - and you can't see it yet? And what do you need to be thinking about ahead of tax time?

In this episode, we hear two expert perspectives on getting ahead of small problems before they become serious ones. First, executive coach Chris Power explains why “leadership inflection points” can become dangerous moments for organisations, and how strong leaders re...

How can businesses stay future-ready in the age of AI - while keeping compliance under control? In this episode, CEO of Practice Connections Advisory Alan FitzGerald outlines the tech trends every business owner should watch to future-proof their company. He explains how to review outdated systems, choose the right technology, and balance AI-driven efficiency with human expertise.

Then, Ilona Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of HR Consu...

What’s more important when it comes to building a successful business: Discipline or vision? And what happens when the next generation can’t even get a foot in the door?

In this episode, founder, CEO and author Dane Hudson joins host Grace Jennings-Edquist to explain why vision alone won’t scale a business. Dane shares why disciplined execution, systems, and leadership maturity are what truly drive growth.

Then, r...

Hate the idea of self-promotion - and feeling constantly overwhelmed and burned out at work? In this week’s episode, personal branding strategist Rosie Chong explains how to share your wins authentically by focusing on value, storytelling and connection - not ego.

Then, leadership coach and author of The Overachiever’s Reset, Fleur Marks, unpacks the "overachiever cycle" that drives burnout, and shares practical ways to...

The Federal Budget has just been handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers - so what does it mean for small businesses and the wider economy? In this episode, economist Professor Robert Brooks from Monash University unpacks the balancing act between inflation, growth, interest rates, housing affordability and recession risk - and what it means for SMEs.

Then, tax advisor Michael Jones, a Partner at Forvis Mazars, explains the proposed ...

Is your workplace ready for what’s coming next - and are you confident enough to lead through it? First in this week’s episode, futurist Gihan Perera explains what it really means to be “future-ready” - from embracing AI to building adaptable, inclusive cultures and developing skills like sense-making in a rapidly changing world 

Then, award-winning CEO, author and keynote speaker Colleen Callander shar...

Struggling to stay focused in an ‘always-on ‘work culture? In this episode, productivity and time management expert Donna McGeorge explains how constant busyness drives burnout - and why building a 15% buffer, setting boundaries, and reducing digital distractions can boost performance and decision-making.

Then, personal branding strategist Rosie Chong shares why your brand is more than social media: it's your reputation...

Two challenges many businesses face are: how do we build a culture of honesty? And how do we create client experiences that truly build trust?

First up, Dominic Thurbon, author of To Be Honest and director at Alchemy Labs, explains how disinformation shows up inside workplaces. He also outlines why honest cultures drive performance and innovation.

Then, serial entrepreneur and founder of Reputable, Karl Schwantes, shares how to cre...

Two questions entrepreneurs often face are: should I write a book? And how do I actually scale my business?

First up in today’s episode, business book publisher Lesley Williams – from Major Street Imprint at Rockpool Publishing – outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus commercial or traditional publishing. She outlines the strategic trade-offs between the two options – including distribution, ti...

Feeling busy but still falling behind? In this episode of Business Essentials, we explore smarter ways to work and compete in a changing business landscape. First, time management expert, bestselling author and speaker Donna McGeorge explains why classic time-management advice often fails busy leaders – and what works instead. She tells host Grace Jennings-Edquist why protecting your best hours and attention is what actually ...

What do employee disconnection and customer reviews have in common? This episode’s guests say both can pose a threat to trust – but handled well, they can really supercharge business performance.

Melinda McCormack, founder of Impact with Empathy, first joins host Grace Jennings-Edquist to explore the rising crisis of emotional disconnection at work. Melinda outlines the links between disconnection and trust, employee we...

Is physical retail really booming again? And separately, what can family businesses teach us about longevity?

In this episode, CEO of the Family Business Association Catherine Sayer shares insights on governance, communication, succession, and how successful family enterprises modernise without losing their DNA. She tells host Grace Jennings-Edquist about the power of next-generation thinking, innovation, and a striking reality: fa...

What does it really take to build a successful business – and could your marketing budget be working against you?

First up in this week’s episode, entrepreneur Dorry Kordahi shares his journey from humble beginnings to launching DKM Blue in his parents’ garage and growing Swanky Socks into a global brand. He unpacks the mindset behind sustainable growth, the value of hard work, and why entrepreneurs must be mental...

Are you tracking the right metrics - and having the right conversations? In this week’s episode, digital marketing expert Jason Le explains why many businesses rely on “vanity metrics” that look impressive but don’t reflect real performance. As Founder and Director at JNRY Digital, Jason shares how to refocus on the metrics that really reflect growth ... and explains what LTV:CAC ratio means (and why you nee...

Is your business ready for AI - and your team ready for growth?

Our first guest on this week’s episode, AI enthusiast and business strategist Kelvin Wiggins, explains why failing to adopt AI puts businesses at risk - including from rising costs and shrinking customer expectations. As CEO of AI Connections for Business, Kelvin also shares several practical “quick wins” using AI to free teams from repetitive...

Building eco-friendly brands and tackling the downsides of AI are timely issues in the business world – and we’ve got both covered in this week’s episode.

First, we dive in with Olympian-turned-founder Bronte Campbell, who shares how frustration with traditional activewear led her to co-found sustainable activewear brand Earthletica. She also explains why consistency, discipline and feedback – essential skil...

Mindset, manifestation, and building a strong advisory board: they’re three very different approaches that can all play a role in success, as our guests this week explain.

To kick this episode off, serial entrepreneur Hilton Misso shares his remarkable career journey: from suburban law firm to major wins across law, real estate, and childcare. Drawing on insights from his new book How to Manifest Success, Hilton discusse...

Just how important is networking in the age of AI - and what's the business case for environmental investing? Two business thinkers weigh in on these timely themes in this week’s episode.

First, Roxanne Calder of EST10 Recruitment explains why genuine human connection matters more than ever in an AI-driven hiring landscape. She shares practical tips for building authentic relationships through curiosity, generosity and &ldquo...