Business Essentials
Business & Economics Podcasts
Business Essentials features interviews with business experts and industry leaders, providing up-to-date, insightful advice on wide-ranging topics, including winning sales strategies, HR issues, mental health and leadership.
Hosted by Grace...
Location:
Australia
Description:
Business Essentials features interviews with business experts and industry leaders, providing up-to-date, insightful advice on wide-ranging topics, including winning sales strategies, HR issues, mental health and leadership. Hosted by Grace Jennings-Edquist, the goal is to encourage and inspire a new generation of Australian business owners and entrepreneurs to grow healthier, happier and more profitable businesses. Business Essentials is a podcast four decades in the making, from SoundCartel, the producers of the world's longest-running business audio magazine by the same name. Business Essentials is produced by the team at SoundCartel - Nick Schildberger, Grace Jennings-Edquist, Nicole Goodman and Mariah Stonehewer. Technical production by Pete Letts. Listen and follow in your favourite podcast app and make Business Essentials part of your routine for business success. Business Essentials www.bedaily.com.au Business Essentials is produced by SoundCartel www.soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333
Twitter:
@bedailypodcast
Language:
English
Contact:
+61398828333
Website:
https://bedaily.com.au/
Email:
hello@soundcartel.com.au
Episodes
Rethinking time management advice - and should your business consider solar?
4/12/2026
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 drives performance.
Then, Agile Energy CEO Jack Kapoor unpacks the business case for solar and batteries. He outlines how new financing models are helping some businesses cut costs and manage volatility.
If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.
Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:19:04
The leadership disconnection crisis - and how to turn online reviews into leads
4/5/2026
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 wellbeing and performance.
Then serial entrepreneur Karl Schwantes reveals how businesses can transform customer reviews into powerful lead generators without spending on ads. Karl, who is Managing Director of Xennox Diamonds and Founder of Reputable, also shares practical tactics for creating remarkable client experiences, earning more reviews, and even turning negative feedback into opportunity.
If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.
Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:03
Family business challenges in 2026 - and physical retail’s comeback
3/29/2026
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: family businesses dominate the Australian economy and employ half the workforce across the nation.
Then, Vicki Leavy, General Manager of JMK Retail, explains the surprising shift back to in-store shopping, why human connection still matters, and the overlooked fundamentals that keep customers coming back.
If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.
Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:21:08
"Shark" Dorry Kordahi on success as a founder. Plus: is digital marketing worth it?
3/22/2026
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 mentally prepared for failure.
Then, ReferUs CEO Justin Herald explains why digital marketing can become a money pit for many small businesses, and why mastering customer experience, margins and referrals may be far more powerful than chasing clicks and metrics.
If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.
Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:16:45
Tracking the right marketing metrics, and conversations to change culture
3/15/2026
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 need to know your company’s ratio).
Then, leadership consultant Sue Barrett - founder and CEO of Barrett Consulting Group and the Selling Better movement - explores how meaningful conversations can transform workplace culture. She outlines how leaders hoping to shift the culture of their team can benefit from shifting from top-down broadcasting to genuine listening and ongoing dialogue.
If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.
Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:13
The risks of not embracing AI. Plus, communication during growth
3/4/2026
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 work.
Next, Sue Barrett – founder and CEO of Barrett Consulting Group and the Selling Better movement - explores how communication must evolve as organisations scale. Sue highlights the role of empowered team leaders, clear channels and embedded values to keep culture and purpose alive during growth.
If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you.
Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:24:28
Olympian Bronte Campbell on sustainable activewear. Plus, tackling "AI workslop"
3/1/2026
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 skills in elite sport – are just as critical for business success.
Then Neal Woolrich from Gartner helps us navigate the murkier waters of AI at work, unpacking how to tackle low-quality, AI-generated content – also known as “AI work slop”.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:24:01
How to manifest success - and build an advisory board using LinkedIn
2/22/2026
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 discusses the role mindset and intuition have played in his career - and why he views adversity, including chronic health challenges, as a gift.
Then, LinkedIn trainer Karen Tisdell explains how to build a formal or informal “board of advisors” on LinkedIn. She shares practical tips for finding the right experts; staying visible to them; and ensuring you have the right team in your corner to help navigate the changing business landscape.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:33:20
Why AI can’t replace networking. Plus: the case for green investing
2/15/2026
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 “micro touches” - and the biggest networking mistakes to avoid.
Then, Elio D’Amato, co-founder and executive director of EnviroInvest, outlines why environmentally conscious investing is no longer just ethical, but a compelling long-term investment case.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:19:01
Preparing teams for AI and uncertainty - with psychological safety
2/8/2026
Are your people excited about AI, or quietly anxious about what it means for their jobs? And how psychologically safe is your workplace culture when it comes to dealing with this uncertainty?
On this week’s episode, we explore how leaders can help teams navigate rapid change without losing trust or momentum. Suhini Wijayasinghe, Head of HR Solutions at people2people Recruitment, shares new research on why many workers feel unprepared for an AI-driven future. She explains how employers can build AI literacy without fear.
Then, leadership consultant Sue Barrett, of Barrett Consulting Group, explains why psychological safety and clear communication matter most during uncertainty. She shares her top tips on how leaders can guide teams forward, even when they don’t have all the answers.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:21:35
The business case for green investing and people-first workplaces
2/1/2026
Can businesses put people and the planet first - and still thrive? Two business thinkers share how it can be done in this week’s episode, as they explore two defining forces shaping the future of work and investment. First, Elio D’Amato, founder of EnviroInvest, unpacks the case for environmentally conscious investing. He reveals how the global energy transition is creating real opportunities for diversified, profitable returns while reducing carbon emissions.
Next, leadership expert Mirjana Boznovska, founder and CEO of One Beyond Success, shares insights from her book Future of Work: A Blueprint, explaining why people-first cultures, sustainable leadership and intrinsic motivation are now business imperatives. Mirjana also shares her thoughts on what the next decade of work looks like for businesses and leaders alike.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:24:08
Entrepreneurship, unpacked - and the power of advisory boards
1/25/2026
Entrepreneurship today demands more than hustle; it requires humanity, clarity and better support. In this week’s episode, entrepreneurial futurist Andrew Griffiths shares the qualities that underpin long-term success - from resilience and curiosity to embracing what makes you uniquely human in an AI-driven world. Andrew also offers sharp insights on modern marketing, brand differentiation and future-ready skills.
Then, CEO advisor and author Anthony Moss reveals why advisory boards are a powerful yet overlooked advantage. He shares when to introduce one, who to invite, and how the right advisors can help leaders break through growth plateaus and commercial isolation.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:23:09
Why bigger isn't always better. Plus: polishing your LinkedIn presence
1/18/2026
Bigger and louder doesn’t always mean better - in business or on LinkedIn. In this week’s episode, two experts share their insights around focusing on quality over noise. First up, LinkedIn trainer Karen Tisdell explains how business leaders can build credibility and real relationships with a strong profile - without feeling pressured to constantly post content. She shares practical tips for creating a profile that inspires confidence - and avoiding common mistakes (including over-AI polish).
Next, what if chasing a “bigger” business is the very thing holding you back? Brad Giles, founder of Evolution Partners, challenges the business world’s common obsession with growth. Drawing on his new book, Brad unpacks the hidden costs of chasing scale, including toxic teams and disloyal customers.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:21:02
Why empathy and energy are leadership superpowers
1/11/2026
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 sleep, mindset relationships and rhythm, starting with a simple question: how’s your battery?
Then Daniel Murray, CEO of Empathic Consulting, challenges traditional leadership thinking, explaining why empathy is a powerful performance multiplier. Drawing from his book The Empathy Gap, Daniel reveals how real connection can reshape culture, boost influence and drive results in today’s demanding workplaces.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:28:33
When culture turns “cult-like”; plus three customer loyalty tips
1/4/2026
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 Australia, explains why customer experience can outweigh product quality and shares three practical ways businesses can build loyalty and keep customers coming back.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:26:08
Transforming teams with EQ. Plus, Darius Pfitzner's career story
12/28/2025
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, who explains how EQ can transform teams and offers five practical steps to build a more empathetic, accountable, and high-performing workplace. Together, they reveal why great leadership is both learned and deeply human.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:12
AI skills training and The Small Business Charter
12/21/2025
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 that come with inaction. He also provides practical, accessible steps for businesses ready to leverage AI to lift efficiency and stay competitive.
Next, Anne Nalder, CEO of the Small Business Association of Australia, delves into the proposed Small Business Charter and its potential to tackle long-standing structural disadvantages faced by SMEs. She outlines the reforms, protections and support the Charter could bring to businesses navigating today’s challenging conditions.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:19:48
Intergenerational tensions and tackling tax debt
12/14/2025
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 turn generational tension into team strength. Next, CEO of Grow Capital Gus Gilkeson, breaks down this year’s surge in ATO tax debt - and what SMEs must do to avoid financial strain. Gus shares practical steps for early intervention, clear communication and managing tax obligations before they become business-threatening.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:24:54
Fixing founder tensions and deepening customer trust
12/7/2025
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, reveals how fractured co-founder relationships can quietly derail a startup, and how psychotherapy helps rebuild trust before it's too late. Packed with practical insight, this episode helps leaders strengthen their partnerships and their bottom line.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:39
From tariffs to quiet quitting: pressures on modern business
11/30/2025
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 behind "quiet quitting" - a modern term for the age-old issue of employee disengagement. Michelle shares how leaders can spot the signs early and re-engage teams through trust and open communication.
Business Essentials is produced by:
SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:19:09