This week, Kate sat down with Louise Matson, founder of the iconic shoe brand ‘Louise M Shoes’ to discuss her journey from a seasoned flight attendant to creating a successful and exquisite line of shoes tailored specifically for airline crew and corporate women, combining both comfort and style. Louise shares her experiences in the shoe industry, the art and science behind authentic shoe making and the challenges of an online retail business. The conversation delved into the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the importance of carefully choosing business partnerships, and her recent decision to change tack in business altogether.

Kate and Louise explore the signs that tell you it’s time to change direction, touching on the transition from direct sales to B2B opportunities, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and the power of acknowledging your progress and achievements. Louise shares the relief of letting go of certain business pressures, the excitement of new opportunities, and the lessons learned throughout her extensive entrepreneurial journey; including the fact that changing direction is not a failure but a part of the entrepreneurial journey.

Highlights:

• Louise's journey began as a flight attendant struggling to find suitable shoes that were both comfortable and stylish.
• Navigating the challenges of the shoe industry requires innovation and resilience.
• Shoe making is both an art and a science, requiring attention to detail.
• Business partnerships must be aligned in vision and goals.
• Finding joy in business is essential for long-term success.
• Transitioning from B2C to B2B can open new opportunities.
• Letting go of certain business pressures can lead to personal relief and positive change across the board.
• New opportunities lead to exciting ventures.
• And lots more!

To learn more about Louise M shoes go to: https://www.louisemshoes.com

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In episode 47 of the Thriving Business podcast, Sam and I discuss the unique business planning processes we’ve implemented for 2025. After nearly a decade of experimenting with different business planning methods and approaches, we’ve both come up with our own approaches: both a little different, but powerful. Our hope is that our insights inspires you to think differently this year also, with the intention to grow and expand more than ever before.

Highlights:

• Navigating Major Life Changes: Kate opens up about her emotional life journey of divorce in 2024 and the challenges of transitioning to a new way of life with her children.
• A Unique Approach to Business Planning: After a decade of experimenting with different business planning techniques, both Kate and Sam discuss the unique approaches they’ve developed to create solid business plans for 2025.
• Quiet Confidence: Both Kate and Sam reflect on the deep, internal confidence they have finally cultivated, allowing them to embrace their true strengths and grow in their businesses.
• And lots more!

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, clarity, and embracing change in both business and life.

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In this episode, hosts Sam and Kate were honoured to interview Matthew Wyatt, founder of Tech Torque and an expert in helping software and technology companies scale through strategy, sales, and marketing. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, including starting 10 successful businesses, running 4 national companies and two international organisations, Matt shares his incredible journey from selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door at age 17 to creating and scaling several multi-million-dollar companies.

Matt discusses the power of resilience and training in sales, how modern businesses need to evolve their strategies to meet the demands of today’s buyers, and the mindset shift he experienced from chasing financial success to focusing on lifestyle and family. He also emphasises the importance of learning from failures and treating marketing campaigns as "hypotheses" — testing, learning, and iterating for better results.

Key Takeaways:

• The critical role of training and resilience in sales success.
• The importance of adapting sales strategies to modern buying behaviors.
• Why hands-on experience often trumps formal education in the business world.
• The mindset shift from chasing financial goals to prioritising lifestyle and family.
• And lots more!

Listen to this inspiring episode packed with practical advice and insights from a seasoned entrepreneur who’s learned to evolve, grow, and thrive in the ever-changing world of business.

To learn more about Matt’s work, go here: https://techtorque.com.au/

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In this latest episode, Kate was honoured to sit down with Elizabeth (Elle) Hack, founder of The Canine Care Hub and author of the bestselling book “Fetch More Clients: Effectively Market and Grow Your Canine Business in 6 Weeks”.

Elle was a client of Kate’s back in 2020, just before the COVID lockdown, when Elle was first starting her business. Elle has since gone on to grow a thriving business dedicated to helping dog grooming and dog care businesses to establish a loyal customer base. Her mission is “to help canine specialists thrive by taking the pain and stress out of running a profitable, successful and fulfilling dog business.” Elle’s story highlights the power of focusing on a specific niche, especially one you’re personally passionate about.

The two discussed Elizabeth's journey from just a business idea to a successful coaching platform for dog professionals. The conversation covers key growth strategies including the importance of local marketing and the value of community engagement. Elizabeth shares insights on pricing, client acquisition, and her experience in publishing her book, emphasising the need for authenticity and connection in business.

Takeaways

• Canine Care Hub's origin
  Canine Care Hub was conceived during the lockdown as a brainstorming session, allowing Elizabeth to turn a challenging time into an opportunity to help others in the dog care industry.
• Local marketing and niche focus
  Local marketing is often more effective than broad online strategies, and narrowing your niche helps forge stronger connections with clients, ensuring a more tailored and impactful approach to business growth.
• Importance of pricing with value
  Elizabeth stresses knowing your worth when setting prices, ensuring that services reflect the true value provided while maintaining financial sustainability for dog care professionals.
• Managing overwhelm with time boxing
  Time boxing is a powerful tool that helps manage overwhelm by allotting specific periods to focus on key tasks, improving productivity and preventing burnout in a busy business environment.
• Building a community in dog care
  Creating a supportive community for dog care professionals is essential for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and providing mutual support in a competitive and challenging industry.

To learn more about Elle’s work, go to: https://caninecarehub.com/

To get her book, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Fetch-More-Clients-Effectively-Business/dp/1068737905

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In this episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, Sam and Kate dive into the world of marketing through the lens of the recent US election. While politics is at the forefront of many conversations, this episode discusses how successful political campaigns mirror successful marketing campaigns.

What You'll Learn:

• The power of consistency: Kate and Sam break down the impact of consistent messaging in both politics and business. They explore how Trump’s repetitive messages, despite being controversial or factually inaccurate much of the time, became a powerful marketing tool. Consistency in business messaging — across social media, branding, and communications — is key to building authority.
• Marketing vs. policy: The hosts discuss how in politics, as in business, the marketing often outweighs the policy. No matter how good the policies are, if a candidate’s message doesn’t resonate with the audience, they won’t win. This holds true for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses: Having a strong, resonant message that meets their genuine needs is more impactful than simply having a great product or service. Knowing your audience's true pain points is essential.
• The importance of listening: The hosts explain why adapting your message to your audience is vital. Just as Harris' unchanging message failed to land with voters, businesses need to adapt their messaging based on audience needs and reactions.
• Understanding "Why" in Marketing: Kate and Sam draw upon Simon Sinek's concept of "Start With Why" to explain how Trump was able to connect with working-class Americans by positioning himself as an outsider who would dismantle the corrupt system.
• Perception vs. Reality: The hosts discuss how perception — shaped by effective marketing — often wins over reality. While many Americans felt their lives were better under Trump, the factual economic impacts under both his administration and Biden’s have been more complex. Understanding and managing perception is critical for businesses looking to communicate their value effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Repetition breeds recognition: The more you communicate your message, the more likely it will resonate with your audience.

Consistency works: Like political campaigns, businesses need to have a consistent message across all platforms to build their brand.

Adaptability is crucial. While consistency is important, businesses should also be flexible in how they present their message depending on their audience.

Strong messaging is essential for standing out—whether in politics or business. Don’t assume that just because you said something once, your audience has heard it.

Resources Mentioned:

• Simon Sinek's Start with Why (book)
• The Golden Circle framework

Join the Conversation: What marketing lessons have you learned from the political world? Do you agree with Kate and Sam’s takeaways? Reach out to us on social media and share your thoughts!


Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In our most recent episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, we were honoured to sit down with innovation and commercialisation expert Daniel O'Connor. Daniel is on the UN Task Force for Innovation and Competitiveness and has been helping inventors and R&D teams to commercialise their ideas for more than 40 years, so he knows a thing or two about funding start-up ventures! Together we broke down some of the myths and misconceptions that set many start-up founders on the wrong track. We explored the key elements of what it really takes to successfully commercialise innovative ideas and attract funding for start-up ventures.

From his early days of first commercialising a novel telephone accounting system through to the creation of his esteemed Inventors Academy, Daniel reveals the truth behind funding and debunks the myth of the "wealthy investor" who is sitting around, waiting to write a big cheque. He unpacks the top six things that investors are really looking for in a start-up venture. And hint, it’s not the ROI!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Daniel first commercialised his own tech product in the 1980s, overcoming early challenges.
• The role of the UN Task Force in fostering innovation in developing economies.
• Why the myth of the “wealthy investor” can derail your start-up’s growth and how to shift your focus.
• The top six things investors really care about (and why ROI is not number one on the list).
• Key lessons from Daniel’s Inventors Academy on how to approach funding and minimise risk for investors.

Key Takeaways:

• Funding doesn’t always come from wealthy individuals—it’s about finding the right partner who shares the same market needs.
• Investors care more about risk mitigation than return on investment. Learn to talk about how you can reduce risk, not just promise high rewards.
• Successful commercialisation is about strategy, timing, and understanding the landscape—what works for big companies might not work for startups.

If you’re a startup founder or inventor looking to scale, subscribe to the Thriving Business Podcast for more actionable insights from industry experts.

Links & Resources:

Get a FREE copy of Daniel’s book FUNDING EARLY STAGE INNOVATION here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k9dx4ofwmlnrtyxgcsr4d/FUNDING-EBOOK.pdf?rlkey=bve7ir0llq59oeyaxoo6q30x7&e=1&dl=0

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review if you love our show, it helps us a lot!

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Kate and Sam dive into a discussion of how they’re using AI in business as a tool for organisation, strategy, and even as a coaching assistant. They discuss some of the most recent AI developments that are impacting businesses in previously unimaginable ways. They discuss the continuing implications of AI-generated content, how it can be embraced positively, and the importance of discernment in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

1. Using AI to Help with Overwhelm and Task Management: Sam discusses her feelings of overwhelm due to numerous unfinished tasks and the need for better prioritisation. Kate and Sam discuss how they’re using AI to help organise tasks and set priorities, and using AI as a personal assistant.

2. The Future of Coaching with AI: Kate and Sam discuss new coaching bots that are being embraced by some coaches. They discuss how, like in all other industries, coaches should not feel threatened by AI, but rather embrace it as a value-add.

3. The Evolution of Podcasting with AI: Kate discusses a new AI-tool she came across that creates engaging podcasts based on existing content, highlighting the rapid advancements in AI.

4. Challenges of Trust and Authenticity in a Digital World: The hosts discuss their concerns about the potential for AI to create content that blurs the lines between reality and fabrication. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and discernment, especially for younger generations consuming content online.

5. The Role of Human Experience: Kate and Sam reflect on how AI, while powerful, cannot fully replicate human understanding and emotional intelligence. Both share insights from their children about the challenges of navigating truth in an age of misinformation.

Subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on business, motherhood, and the impact of technology!

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In this episode, Kate and Sam discuss the enduring challenge of finding time to juggle all the balls as a business owner and specifically, how to make time to work ON your business, not IN it. It's not an easy task to balance client-focused work with the things that help your business grow long-term, like marketing activities — but it's essential. Join them as they talk through each other's experiences with finding the time to stay growth-focused while delivering top-notch service to clients, and more.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Identifying Time Sinks: Understanding where your time is currently being spent and how to evaluate its effectiveness.
• Setting Priorities: The importance of prioritising tasks that align with your business growth goals and vision.
• Delegation Strategies: Tips for identifying tasks to delegate and finding the right team members to support your business.
• Time Management Techniques: Exploring tools and methods to enhance productivity, including time blocking and the Pomodoro Technique
• Creating a Business Routine: How establishing a consistent daily routine can help streamline operations.
• Work-Life Balance: Strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between personal life and business responsibilities.

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com