In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes Peter Deans, a finance expert turned start-up advisor, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs. Peter shares insights from his new book, The Start-Up Toolkit: A Step-By-Step Guide for Founders, which outlines 120 key steps to launching a successful business. They explore common start-up pitfalls, such as failing to validate market demand, financial miscalculations, and emotional attachment to an idea. Peter emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, testing, and adapting based on customer feedback. He also discusses modern tools and resources available to start-ups that make launching a business easier than ever. Tune in to gain valuable insights on setting up a business for long-term success.

Get Peter's book here: www.goruworld.com

Peter Deans is currently Chair and Non-Executive Director of NerdWallet Australia, NonExecutive Director of the start-up equities trading platform Trade for Good, and Board Member of the global industry body for RegTech, The RegTech Association. Peter is also an advisory board member for several fintechs and start-up companies. Peter Deans is a former Chief Risk Officer and is today an industry leading risk management and strategy advisor through his firm, Notwithoutrisk Consulting. Peter is a regular contributor to a range of strategy, risk and finance publications including Company Director Magazine (Australia), Director Today (India), FINSIA (Australia) and The Asian Banker (Singapore). Peter was awarded Australian Banking & Finance magazine’s Chief Risk Officer of the Year award in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Peter is also the Creator & Founder of the 52 Risks® management framework (www.52Risks.com).

Email pdeans@notwithoutrisk.com

Phone +61 402 222 193

Website www.notwithoutrisk.com

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X @deans_risk

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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes turnaround expert and entrepreneur Mike Dunlop, who has successfully revived over 34 struggling businesses. Mike shares his journey from arriving in America with just $300 to building and restoring multi-million-dollar companies. He dives into the key elements of business turnarounds, emphasizing strong leadership, a positive company culture, and strategic decision-making.

Listeners will learn:

• Why leadership is the number one factor in business success
• How to foster an engaged, motivated team that sticks around
• The psychological aspects of turnarounds, beyond just financial restructuring
• Why a business owner must confront brutal financial realities to move forward
• The importance of vision, confidence, and communication in guiding a business to success

Mike’s insights, drawn from decades of experience, challenge common excuses and provide actionable strategies for business owners looking to thrive in any economic climate. Whether you're facing challenges or simply looking to build a stronger business, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom.

Mike Dunlop has helped to restore 34 companies in various stages of financial demise back to profitability. He has worked in the aerospace sector for over four decades and has built a number of aerospace component manufacturing companies, both in Europe and the United States.

The largest company he founded is QPM Aerospace, which grew to $30 million in sales in the first ten years. Dunlop designed and founded Net-Inspect, the most widely used aerospace quality-management system in the world. Dunlop has lived in Seattle, Washington, since he moved to the United States from the United Kingdom in 1973.

He is a holder of four US Patents and has been passionate about airplanes since his first flight on a Vickers Viscount in 1955 at the age of seven.

Dunlop is an experienced public speaker, and he’s offering his wisdom and stories on his weekly podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube.

Check out Mike's book, blog and podcast here: The Art of the Turnaround: A Comprehensive 10-Step Guide

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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Amer Tadayon, founder and CEO of Lucihub, to explore the game-changing role of AI in video production for small and medium businesses. Amer shares insights on how Lucihub streamlines video creation, blending AI tools with human expertise to produce professional-quality content at a fraction of the traditional cost. He discusses the growing demand for video storytelling, the challenges businesses face with expensive and time-consuming production, and how Lucihub’s hybrid approach provides a scalable and efficient solution. Whether it’s marketing, employee stories, or learning and development, businesses can leverage this innovative tool to create impactful videos without the steep learning curve and restrictive costs.

Amer Tadayon, Lucihub's Founder & CEO, is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the media and technology sectors. With a successful track record as an executive and entrepreneur, he has held leadership positions in prominent companies like IBM, Cognizant, and frog design. Amer’s exceptional leadership skills have driven growth and fostered innovation throughout his career. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of the media and technology landscape, he’s been the driving force behind the innovation at Lucihub.

“Lucihub is an award-winning, next-gen video production platform that turns smartphone footage into high-quality videos—quickly and affordably. Our AI-powered tools help plan scripts and shot lists in seconds, while professional human editors ensure a polished final cut. With a cloud-based system for easy uploads and built-in collaboration tools for seamless revisions and approvals, teams can create professional videos in hours, not weeks.”

Links:

www.lucihub.com

Amer's LinkedIn

LuciHub LinkedIn

LuciHub Instagram

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In this episode, Paul Sweeney talks with Dr Aaron Bazin, author of The Vision Advantage: How to Curb Quiet Quitting, Build Resilience, and Create Growth. They explore the growing phenomenon of "quiet quitting"—what it is, why it happens, and how it impacts businesses. Dr Bazin argues that quiet quitting is often a symptom of poor leadership and a lack of a clear vision within organizations. He introduces the "CREATE" framework for building effective organizational visions, emphasizing the importance of leadership in aligning team goals and fostering a sense of purpose. With real-world examples and practical tips, this conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders looking to prevent burnout, improve team performance, and cultivate resilience.

Get the book here: The Vision Advantage: How to Curb Quiet Quitting, Build Resilience, and Create Growth

Dr Aaron Bazin From the tribal regions of Pakistan to the capitals of Europe, Dr Aaron Bazin has been at the forefront of strategic decision-making for almost twenty years, overseeing the development of sixteen high-level visionary documents for large global organizations and numerous start-ups and nonprofits. His unwavering passion lies in crafting forward-thinking visions that empower organizations to achieve sustained, positive growth.

With a portfolio of over thirty publications, his expertise ranges from organizational psychology to strategic mindset and vision. His achievements include orchestrating the 2010 withdrawal of 100,000 services members from Irag and spearheading long-range visionary initiatives for NATO, the US Army, and US Special Operations Command. As an accomplished strategist with a remarkable track record, he has navigated over 400 combat missions, including the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad, earning the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Email aabazin@gmail.com
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Bruce Gleeson, an insolvency expert from Jones Partners. Together, they explore the financial challenges facing SMEs, including rising tax debt, insolvency risks, and the importance of cash flow management. Bruce shares practical strategies for debt relief including how to avoid financial pitfalls, such as understanding costs, managing accounts receivables, and maintaining a clear separation between business and personal finances. The episode highlights actionable insights to help SMEs navigate economic pressures, plan for sustainability, and thrive in challenging times.

Check out these other episodes featuring Bruce Gleeson, plus resources to assist your business:
Ep 116 - Director Penalty Notices & the ATO
Ep 50 - 10 Essential Steps to Take Now if Your Business is in Crisis
Ep 47 - What Should I Be Doing When My Business is Impacted by Crisis?
Ep 10 - Signs You Need to Monitor to Avoid Financial Distress
Get the free guide 10 Crisis Management Steps for Businesses in Financial Distress

Bruce Gleeson is a Director and Owner in Jones Partners, a Firm that provides tailored solutions to companies (particularly small to medium enterprises) and individuals in financial difficulty or that require restructuring assistance, exit planning advice or general strategic advice.

He has in excess of 25 years in corporate insolvency, restructuring, exit planning and bankruptcy experience. Bruce has also held roles in commerce with several Top 100 Companies (James Hardie and AMP) to further add to his professional skills in areas such as compliance and project management.

Bruce is a Registered Liquidator, Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).

www.jonespartners.net.au

https://www.jonespartners.net.au/resources/

https://www.jonespartners.net.au/director-penalty-notices-2/

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In this reflective episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney recaps key insights from 2024 and provides actionable advice for setting your business up for success in 2025. Paul emphasizes the importance of revisiting your business's purpose and strategy, systemizing operations, leveraging technology like AI, and empowering your team to achieve their best. With highlights from discussions on avoiding burnout, improving team accountability, and aligning efforts with a crystal-clear strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to make the new year your best one yet.

Check out some of the 2024 episodes here:
153 - From Strategy to Sales: Weekly Sprints for Business Growth
152 - From Burnout to Brilliance: Transforming Workplace Culture
151 - Breaking Free from Day-to-Day Operations: Systemise Your Business
150 - Building Wealth Beyond Business: Property Strategies for Business Owners
149 - Cracking the Code: Quality Certification Simplified
148 - Why 80% of Marketing Fails: The Strategic Missteps Businesses Make
147 - Scaling with Structure: Garrett Delph on Fixing Chaos in Business
146 - From Overworked to Architect: Bradley Hamner’s Blueprint for Business Freedom
145 - Using AI for Business Success
143 - Spotting Employee Red Flags: Navigating Employment Challenges in SMEs
141 - The Great Wealth Transfer
139 - Mastering Business Storytelling with Video Marketing
137 - Adapt or Vanish: Navigating Business Disruption in the Age of AI
136 - Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Business in Uncertain Times

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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes Simon Severino, founder of Strategy Sprints, to discuss actionable sales strategies for small and medium-sized businesses. Simon shares insights from his 22 years of experience in sales strategy, including methods he used to generate over $2 billion in additional sales for his clients. Key topics include identifying your ideal client, the importance of clear strategies, and breaking down goals into manageable weekly sprints to achieve sustainable growth. Simon also highlights common mistakes in sales, the value of inbound marketing, and the need for consistent execution to achieve lasting success.

Simon Severino has created +2B in additional sales for his clients over the last 21 years. As an advisor who became CEO, he had to learn the importance of working ON the business more than IN it. Now, he shares his proven templates with high-ticket entrepreneurs. They reclaim 14 hours per week using the Strategy Sprints™ Method and enjoy sales that soar. Author of "Strategy Sprints", Podcast Host Ranking Top 2,5%, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, Triathlete. Has appeared on over 1300 podcasts. When he is not supercharging sales, you'll find him swimming, biking, running and tricking his 3 kids into outdoor activities so they can't escape his annoying shrinky questions.

www.strategysprints.com

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Book - Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth in an Agile Business

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In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney discusses the pervasive issue of burnout with leadership expert Trudy MacDonald of Talent Code HR. Together, they unpack how COVID-19 transformed workplace dynamics, fostering exhaustion and disengagement among employees and leaders alike. Trudy identifies the root causes of burnout, including lack of role clarity, inadequate connection in hybrid work settings, and imbalances between empathy and accountability.

She shares actionable strategies to mitigate burnout, from conducting team "resets" to redefining accountability as a team-oriented practice. Trudy also highlights the evolving role of leaders, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and fostering high-performance cultures. Packed with insights and practical tips, this episode empowers leaders to create sustainable, connected, and high-performing workplaces.

Trudy MacDonald has worked extensively with Boards, leaders and leadership teams over the past 20 years and is a sought-after coach to leaders across industries.

She is an experienced CEO, an established business leader and thought leader in the areas of strategy, people, and culture. She specialises in empowering organisations to become great by maximising the performance and productivity of their people.

She is a multi-award-winning speaker having been honoured as “Speaker of the Year” by the world’s largest CEO network – The Executive Connection (TEC). Trudy is a regular speaker to Leaders and Boards and regularly presents on the topics of strategy, high performance organisations and leadership at Industry Associations, Conferences and Corporate Events. Her career is founded on an education in Organisational Psychology and spans Australia, New Zealand, the USA and parts of Asia.

Website: https://www.talentcodehr.com.au/
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