The Mentor with Mark Bouris

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges. That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it. I’ll continue hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. For our latest episode, we have - Jason Spaull from Gold Coast based business Coastal Asbestos, which is dedicated to safely removing and managing asbestos across Queensland. Like many small businesses, Jason is feeling the pressure of Australia’s economic climate, navigating rising costs, compliance challenges, and an uncertain future. This is about real business owners, real struggles, and real conversations. Let’s get into it. Check out Coastal Asbestos's website here: https://www.coastalasbestosremoval.com.au/ If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: support@mentored.com.au You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Gordon is an entrepreneur, property investor, and host of the Top 1% Podcast, where he shares insights from his journey as a high school dropout to building multiple multi-eight-figure businesses, offering listeners strategies to maximise their potential and impact. In our conversation, we covered how he built his property portfolio, his inspiration from Harry Triguboff, how to identify growth opportunities in real estate, the complexities of scaling a property portfolio, his entrepreneurial journey, and the key lessons he’s learned from speaking with the top 1%. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandon Dodoro and Katherine Tippett, founders of STEPZ, have been innovating the marine industry since 2017, driven by a passion for safety and accessibility on the water, and an emphasis on adventure. Their specialised boat trailer ladders make launching and retrieving vessels easier and safer for boating enthusiasts across Australia. However, as Australia's economy tightens, they're feeling the strain-like so many small business owners, fighting to stay afloat. It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate. My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges. That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries—those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it. I’ll continue hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. For our fourth episode, we have—Brandon Dodoro and Katherine Tippett. Check out the STEPZ website here: https://stepzco.com/ If you want to be on Small Business Callout - Email: support@mentored.com.au You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nathan Grant, founder of SlantBoardGuy, has been pioneering posture and mobility solutions through his innovative slant boards since 2010, driven by a passion for helping people improve their wellbeing and physical health through proper alignment. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting to stay afloat. It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate. My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges. That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries—those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it. I’ll continue hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. And for our third episode, we have—Nathan Grant. Check out SlantBoardGuy's website here: https://slantboardguy.com/au/ If you want to be on Small Business callout email: support@mentored.com.au You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Inglish, founder of Kate Inglish Designs, has been crafting personalised baby hampers and keepsakes since 2010, driven by a passion for sparking joy and preserving precious memories for new mums. But with Australia’s economy tightening, she’s feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting to stay afloat. It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate. My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges. That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries—those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it. I’ll continue hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. And for our second episode, we have—Kate Inglish. Check out Kate Inglish Design's website here: https://kateinglishdesigns.com.au/ Check out their socials here: https://www.instagram.com/kateinglishdesigns/ If you want to be on Small Business callout email: support@mentored.com.au You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small businesses are the backbone of this country, yet too often, owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. And I know many of you tuning in on The Mentor can relate. My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges. That’s why we’re launching the Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel - giving business owners across the country a voice. Every week, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries, from those struggling, from those who feel overlooked, or those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it. I’ll keep hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. And kicking it off is someone who lives and breathes small business - Simon Potts, founder of Boxes for Business. Simon sent a powerful brief to Mentored Studios, outlining the reality for small businesses and what the government needs to do better. Working with business owners daily, he has an unwavering passion for this community. He shared sharp insights on their challenges and the support they actually need. Enjoy! Check out Boxers for Business website here: https://boxesforbusiness.com.au/ If you want to be on Small Business callout email: suppport@mentored.com.au You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Ramsey is the co-founder of STRONG Pilates alongside Mark Armstrong in 2019, has built a global fitness brand that blends traditional Pilates principles with high-intensity, low-impact cardio training. With a Master of Commerce in Marketing from RMIT University and experience owning F45 franchises, Michael has extensive expertise in brand strategy, business development, and digital marketing. STRONG Pilates is rapidly expanding, with recent launches in the USA, Japan, Singapore, and Dubai - and there’s no sign of slowing down. In our conversation, we discussed what makes STRONG Pilates unique, the key lessons Michael gained from his experience with F45 franchises, and the right approach to scaling a business. We also explored the power of building a brand and community, his biggest entrepreneurial insights, and what’s next for STRONG Pilates. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Kelly is the Managing Partner and owner of Hello Social - one of Sydney’s top integrated marketing agencies. Recognised as Campaign Magazine’s Social Media and Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, Hello Social has set the standard in the industry. In this episode, we explore Sam’s journey and what makes his agency stand out. I’ll share key lessons from my own experience with rebranding and refining messaging. We’ll also tap into insights from business icons like Richard Branson and Elon Musk, examine how memes are shaping today’s digital landscape, and discuss the strategies that drive a strong social media presence. Sam and I dive into the crucial elements of launching a brand, when is the right time to enter the market, the founder’s role, and the powerful influence of psychology in marketing success. If you’re serious about taking your brand and social media game to the next level, this episode is packed with real insights and practical advice you can’t afford to miss. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stella Petrou Concha is the Founder and CEO of Reo Group, a leading national talent and executive recruitment agency. Stella is a powerhouse in the recruitment agency world and she's also the author of Stone Heart Light Heart: The Intelligence of Self Mastery. Her self-mastery frameworks are embraced by global giants like Google, TikTok, and Meta. She also shares her expertise as a guest lecturer at leading universities, including UNSW, Macquarie, and UTS. Stella's journey, the demands of a CEO, how to stand out in a competitive job market, the importance of embracing failure, the role of employers in supporting mental health and productivity, her approach to self-mastery, and her plans for the future. Purchase Stella's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stone-Heart-Light-Intelligence-Mastery/dp/1922357189 You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diogo Ferreira is at the helm of Tuga Pastries, a family-run business that has brought the rich culinary traditions of Portugal to life right here in Australia. With an impressive 14,000 pastries rolling out each week, Tuga Pastries has become an icon in Sydney mainly due to their legendary Portuguese tart—widely regarded as the best in the city. In this episode, we explore Portugal’s rich cultural roots and how they’ve shaped Diogo’s journey and approach to business. He takes us through his family’s migration to Australia, the humble beginnings of their bakery, and the challenges of scaling up while staying true to their standards of quality. Diogo opens up about the relentless work hours it took to gain momentum, the cultural significance behind Tuga’s unique creations, and how the balance of tradition and innovation has been the key to their success. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bova, co-founder of The Yard Gym, leads a franchise network of over 50 locations in Australia, with ambitious plans to expand to 200 sites worldwide by 2025. In our conversation, we explored Dan’s journey and early life, his move into gym franchising, the founding of The Yard, and what sets it apart. We also delved into its innovative business model and curriculum, the intricacies of franchising, his strategies for growth, and his bold vision for the future of The Yard. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a massive year on The Mentor. We had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next? Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of 2024. 00:00-12:59 (Radek Sali) 13:01- 25:15 (Eight Sleep) 25:16 - 30:44 (Lia Georgantis) 30:46- 40:37 (Nick Palumbo) 40:40- 50:01 (Jenny Child) Listen to the full podcast via the links below. Radek SaliEight SleepTim DugganLia GeorgantisJenny Child Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a massive year on The Mentor. We’ve had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next? Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of the year. 00:00-10:57 (Lewi Brown) 10:59-16:24 (Jess Sepel) 16:27 - 24:26(Tim Duggan) 24:29- 33:50 (Deanne Stewart) 33:53- 44:57 (Amanda Price) Listen to the full podcast via the links below. Lewi BrownJess SepelTim DugganDeanne StewartAmanda Price Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Baker is the visionary founder of Xolvit, a groundbreaking crowdsourcing app designed to foster student innovation by helping companies tackle pressing social issues. Xolvit's mission is to bridge the gap between socially responsible organisations and the next generation of the workforce. In our conversation, we delved into Helen's inspiring journey, from her upbringing with her adoptive parents in rural Australia to her personal experiences with racism. We explored her impressive corporate career, the challenges she aims to address with Xolvit, and the meaningful work her company is doing. Helen also shared her insights on how businesses should approach employment and diversity, her exciting plans for the future, and much more. To learn more about their Xolvit, check out their website here: https://www.xolvit.io/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Jones is a creative strategist and entrepreneur who co-founded Four Pillars Gin in 2013, transforming it into a multi-award-winning global brand. We had a fascinating conversation about his early career in politics and brand strategy before venturing into the gin business, how he made Four Pillars stand out in a fiercely competitive market, the essence of building a great brand, how they got it so right at Four Pillars, his new book, and what’s next on the horizon. Don’t miss this one if you’re looking to leverage your brand to its fullest potential. Purchase Matt's new book Lessons from Gin: Business the Four Pillars Way here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lessons-Gin-Business-Four-Pillars/dp/1394268378 You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liquid & Larder is the brainchild of two lifelong mates who’ve turned their passion for hospitality into one of Sydney’s most celebrated groups. With four standout venues—Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover, and Alfie’s—Warren and Jimmy have created something special. Warren leads the charge on quality and culture, while Jimmy drives growth as CFO, and together, they’ve built a reputation for execution that matches their authenticity. From The Gidley Burger being crowned the best in Australia and 9th globally, to their steakhouse ranked 24th in the world, these guys have proven they don’t just dream big—they deliver. We unpack their story, their friendship that started in high school, how they’re shaking up Sydney’s dining scene and what's next. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people driving with Uber or delivering with Uber Eats have innovative business ideas they’re eager to launch or grow. In recognition of this entrepreneurial spirit, Uber partnered with Inspiring Rare Birds to develop the Business Booster Program, designed to help those earning with Uber or Uber Eats achieve their business goals. The 2024 program saw over 4,500 applicants, and I was lucky enough to sit down with three remarkable participants to discuss their experiences with Uber or Uber Eats and how the Business Booster Program has supported their journeys to date. Nicholas Brbot (Cat Harness), Simon Pemberton (Workr.co), and Suraya O’Brien (Flow Rider). Our conversations delved into their journeys, small business development, as well as the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. For more information on Uber's Business Booster program with Rare Birds click here: https://www.uber.com/au/en/u/business-booster/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes many of Australia’s most iconic brands stand out is their exceptional branding. The creative process of branding demands relentless effort, strategic vision, and brilliant minds. Hans Hulsbosch is a name synonymous with branding in this country. A renowned designer and branding expert, Hans has been at the helm of projects for some of Australia’s biggest names—Qantas, Woolworths, and Virgin Australia—turning their brand strategies into benchmarks for the industry. As the founder of Hulsbosch Design, he’s been instrumental in shaping the way Australians experience these household names.His son, Jaid Hulsbosch, with over 20 years of global experience, joined the family agency after working in businesses around Europe. Now as Director, Jaid oversees strategy, business development, and culture, driving Hulsbosch’s continued success and creative edge. Together, this father-son duo has propelled Hulsbosch into Australia’s gold standard of branding. Their portfolio includes standout work for organisations like Tennis Australia, Liquorland, Football Australia, Rebel, SBS World, Channel 7, Taronga Zoo, and QMS—just to name a few. Tune in as Hans shares how he crafted the messages of these iconic brands, dives into the creative process behind them, explores the unique father-son dynamic at Hulsbosch Designs, Jaid reveals what the best brands get right, and much more. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mia McLeod is a seasoned digital leader, known for her strategic insight, creativity, and global marketing expertise. With 20 years in the industry, she has excelled in audience engagement, social media, content creation, and digital advertising, holding pivotal roles at top companies like Walt Disney, Sony Music, and Universal Music. Now, she leads Digital Collective Co, where she leads a team in crafting high-impact marketing campaigns that connect with clients and consumers. In this episode Mia dives into the early days of digital marketing, the crucial role of content and how Mia’s career trajectory shaped her expertise. Discover the significance of networking, personal branding, and building a digital agency that drives business growth. Check out Digital Collective Co's website here:https://www.digital-collective.co/ Check out Mia's course here: https://beyondthegrid.teachable.com/p/make-money-with-social-course You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Puchala is not your typical entrepreneur. Her journey, spanning from interior design and construction to property development, reflects a relentless commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and redefining industry standards. After immigrating from Poland, Charlie turned early challenges into opportunities, establishing herself as a powerhouse with ventures like Puch Constructions, Charlies Interiors, and Za Collective. Her debut book, Sex, Control, Money, set to release later this year, offers insights on success, personal growth, and the mindset shifts that fuelled her diverse career. Enjoy! You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.