The Mentor with Mark Bouris

To kick off #fightermonth - a whole month of learning about the business of fighting with some of the biggest names in Aussie combat sports - this week I’m talking to UFC Featherweight World Champion, Alex Volkanovski. In 2011, Alex started MMA training to keep fit while playing rugby, when he got a phone call from MMA fighter Shane Coleman who wanted to train him. Alex knew he had to grab the opportunity with both hands and he started the next day.Fast-forward nine years and Alex became the first Australian-born fighter to win the UFC title, beating Max Holloway to claim the featherweight belt in December 2019. I ask Alex about the business of fighting, what drove him, what specific skills got him to where he is today and how he plans for a fight when things go wrong – just like we’re all experiencing in our business environments at the moment.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no hiding from the fact that we're facing difficult times. As business owners, I know there's a lot of confusion and complexity around what your next steps should be in the face of the COVID19 Pandemic and all the government restrictions and measures in place around the country. So I've sat down for a special podcast to make sense of all the noise surrounding the various stimulus measures.I've been talking to the government regularly, to help clarify the various measures to give you the information in a no-nonsense, straight forward way. I discuss getting access to working capital, cash payments on PAYG withholding, superannuation release, increasing the instant asset write off and business investment incentives and supporting the flow of credit.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s guest Chris Marr, is a former Australian Army officer who spent 20 years in service, including 10 years as a leader and commander in the special forces; during which time he led Australian soldiers on complex missions all over the world, with the consequences for failure very high. Having worked on the front line all his life, Chris was motivated to contribute to something bigger than himself; so along with his two best mates, he created Sonder - the app making the world a safer place by matching emergency service providers to those who need help, making people feel safer across the world.Whether you're being followed walking to your car at night, dealing with an aggressive customer and worried for your safety or having mental health issues, Sonder are there, 24/7 to give support. I ask Chris why purpose was such a strong motivator for the business and how Sonder is a disruptor with a conscience.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s guest, Nick Georgalis, grew up in Canberra, which at the time was seen as ‘the sleepy Bush Capital of Australia.’ With a background as an engineer and project manager, Nick wanted to reshape the way people thought about Canberra and revolutionise property investment in Australia. So, in 2007 Nick founded Geocon, Canberra’s first fully integrated property enterprise with capabilities across development, construction, hospitality management, investment, sales and conveyancing.In 2007 the business had just 5 employees and 5 million in turnover; now there are 800 employees and over 1 billion a year turnover. I ask Nick how starting the business was an organic and intuitive move, and how important the Geocon brand, culture and personality is in Canberra in terms of attracting the right people to deliver the right outcomes.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy Saxelby was a successful charted accountant prior to founding his business Earlytrade, when a trip to New York and a chance blizzard there, changed the course of his career. As an accountant, Guy saw first-hand the strain that late payments could put on small businesses - if they’re not paid on time, they can’t hire, they can’t invest, and they can’t buy the things they need to grow their businesses. So, he came up with an idea to connect suppliers with corporate clients and allow them to offer discounts for early invoice payment.Guy’s mission is to fight for little businesses to get the same benefits that big businesses have always had, and now, over 36 thousand businesses use the Early Trade marketplace for cash flow and working capital. I ask Guy how he managed to build the largest early payment marketplace in the Asia pacific region, and how he can turn chaos, whether in the market place or in his own mind, into something hugely beneficial. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Steven Marks landed a job as a hedge fund manager at a top Wall Street hedge fund at just 23 years old, he thought he had it made. But by 30, he was burnt out and ready for a fresh start, so he booked a one-way ticket to Australia with a dream of starting his own business. 17 years on, he’s the co-founder and CEO of Guzman y Gomez, the Mexican casual-dining chain that had its origins here in Australia.Since starting the business back in 2006 in Sydney, it’s expanded across Australia, Singapore and Japan, with plans for expansion into the US this year.I ask Steven how he transformed Guzman y Gomez from a loss-making fast food chain to a $300 million empire, how he managed to keep the drive to open new restaurants when he was losing money, and why good company culture and team rapport is so important to the success of the business.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chairman of Raiz Invest Australia, Tony Fay, has worked in financial markets since the 80’s, where he held senior positions for several leading investment banks and stock broking firms. Through having his own kids, he saw first-hand how difficult it was for them to save and invest, so Tony jumped at the opportunity to make a difference by starting a business that provides the millennial customer a platform to invest and save, with very small amounts of money – we’re talking as little as $5. Raiz can round up transactions from your bank account and invest the 'spare change' for you; so if you buy a coffee for $3.50, Raiz can round up the transaction to $4 and put the extra 50 cents straight into your Raiz investment account, so that even those on modest incomes can start investing.When the business launched in 2016, they had 3-million dollars of funds under management – now that’s grown to 480-million dollars. I ask Tony how watching his own kids struggle to save and invest their own money drove him to launch the business, why creating their easy to use app has changed the game for young investors and how he’s trying to level the playing field with the big banks.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Model turned “Skintrepreneur” Ryan Channing was living in Paris and pursuing a career in law, when a chance trip to Japan changed the course of his life. While there, Ryan was introduced to activated charcoal skincare products and was inspired to start his own activated charcoal skincare business, The BLAQ Group. Within just a few months, the business was inundated with so many orders that Ryan moved back to Australia to work on the project full-time.Since then, he’s created two more brands under the BLAQ group; Generation Clay and Flight Mode. I ask Ryan how he bullet-proofs his business through various systems and processes, and how seeding his product to influencers around the world and communicating directly with his target market, has made BLAQ the success that it is.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blair James grew up understanding the power and value that Aussie brands have abroad, when at the age of six, his dad moved the family over to the UK to set up shop selling Aussie products. Three years later his dad’s business went under, but Blair’s love of brands and passion for innovation was born. Since then Blair’s made huge waves in the billion-dollar beauty industry with his globally successful self-tanning business, Bondi Sands.Today it’s the number one self-tanning brand in Australia and NZ, with over 60% of the market share as a self-tanning brand. I ask Blair about how watching his dad’s business go under shaped him, why it’s so important to have a strong sense of brand messaging, and what it is about Aussie products that the global market gravitates to.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changing the game for digital marketing in Australia, Sabri Suby launched his digital marketing agency, King Kong, at the age of 27. He’s now on track to turn over 18 million dollars this year. The secret? Sabri promises his clients results, which means if his staff don’t hit their client KPIs, they don’t get paid. I ask Sabri about why he introduced this unique performance guarantee structure, what you should be looking for when building a digital marketing strategy for your own business, and how Sabri’s entrepreneurial journey all started as a kid growing up in Byron Bay, grinding peanuts for some extra cash.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Lawyer turned funtrepreneur” Sarah Davidson was busy climbing the corporate ladder when she started a side hustle with her now husband Nic – a tea business called Matcha Maiden. Within just a few months, they were inundated with so many orders that Sarah quit her office job to work on the project full-time. But over the last few years, Sarah’s personal brand has also become a focus, with her Instagram page Spoonful of Sarah attracting 70k+ followers. She’s also got a podcast of her own, called Seize the Yay. I ask Sarah about how growing up as a professional ballerina taught her the discipline she needed to start her own business and how she’s developed her ability to pivot time and time again throughout her career.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After seeing his sister struggle to buy a home, former Olympian swimmer Grant Brits launched Superestate, the first and only retail super fund in the country to invest in residential property. The concept allows young Australians to get a foot in the property market, while also putting a roof over their future. I ask Grant about how he brought his unique idea to life and how the many hours slogging it out in the pool, have influenced his drive and work ethic in his business today.**** TAKE OUR 2022 SURVEY Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Tulloch started Farmer Jo with his wife Sally in the kitchen of their home. Then, a chance encounter lead to the couple supplying Qantas first and business class with their product - and their overnight success. Now, the brand is stocked in 4500 supermarkets, health food stores and cafes across the country. I ask Scott about how his background in the food industry meant he was in a unique position to spot upmarket foods taking off a decade ago and how he jumped on the rising tide. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest this week is proof that you don't need a university degree to succeed in business. A few years ago, inspired by his son's allergy to traditional bandages, James Dutton launched Nutricare, producing the world’s first 100% compostable, organic wound care solution. Now, they're stocked in 35 countries right around the world. I ask James how he went from leaving school at 16 to becoming to CEO of his own company and how working at JB Hi-Fi taught him everything he needed to know about how to get his product on the shelves.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What digital tools and connectivity do you need for your business to not just survive - but thrive? It may not be something you spend a lot of time thinking about but I know from speaking with thousands of small businesses that having the right technology is an absolute game changer - and now recent research is backing that up too. In this episode, I'm joined by Paul Tyler, Chief Customer Officer for Business at NBN. I want to ask Paul about the impact technology can have on the success of your business and why if you’re not investing in it, you could get left behind. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the plane from Silicon Valley, one of the world's most influential women in tech is in the studio this week. Sarah Friar is the CEO of neighbourhood app, Nextdoor, which launched in Australia just a year ago. We chat about how Sarah's interest in engineering came about as a kid growing up in Northern Ireland and how this innovative digital platform is working to bring back a sense of belonging and connection in the real world, all through technology. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Model and ambassador for David Jones, Jessica Gomes, was told she would never make it in Australia. But as well as modelling, she's now graced Hollywood screens and in 2017, inspired by her jetsetter lifestyle, launched luxury travel skincare brand, Equal Beauty. I ask Jessica about growing up in Perth, the business of modelling and about how learning to network and hustle as a model has set her up for success.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead up to Veterans Health Week, I'm speaking with one of our country's most inspiring heroes, Garth Callender. In 2004, Garth was on a routine patrol in Baghdad, when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device attack, making him the first serious Australian causality of the war in Iraq. Since then, he's founded a consultancy firm called Trebuchet Pivot, applying the same methodology he learnt in the army to risk and crisis management in the corporate world. I ask Garth about the tragic event that left him fighting for his life and how his experience in the army has influenced not only how he runs his own business but advises other businesses too.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After graduating from uni and entering the corporate world, high school mates Robin McGowan and James Wakefield struggled to find suits and shirts that not only fit well but didn't break the bank. So in 2011, they launched InStitchu, selling made-to-measure menswear at an affordable price. I talk to Robin and James about how they made their idea a reality without any experience in the fashion industry and how automated technology has become the backbone of their business, allowing them to cut down on production times and keep their overheads down.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a swimming lesson with an Olympian, to hitting the court with a Grand Slam Champion, FAN+ gives everyday people access to “money can buy” experiences with their favourite sporting heroes. I ask co-founders Rod Harys and Aaron Warburton about how their business started as an idea over a few beers but became a reality when they were accepted into the Qantas AVRO Accelerator Program and how building networks in their previous careers helped them to sign some of Australia's biggest sporting stars up to their innovative platform.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best friends Lauren Emerson and Genevieve Hewson are the co-founders of Sydney-based textile house, Walter G. Together, they work with artisans in India to produce hand printed fabrics and home décor products like cushions, napkins and quilts. In this interview, we talk about how they moved to India to live with a family of traditional hand printers to learn the traditional techniques that are now unique to the Walter G brand and how operating their business as if it was a success from day one, meant that when they did take off overnight, they didn't burst at the seams.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm chatting with Simon Maree and Tim McGann from Hustle Boxing, a new premium boxing studio in Sydney's Potts Point. A while ago, these guys sat across from me to pitch their business idea and they did it so well, I ended up investing in it. I want to talk to Simon and Tim about the best way to pitch when raising capital for a new venture, why they decided Sydney needed another fitness studio and how they're telling their “premium” brand story without making it too exclusive or inaccessible to potential clients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Failure is not an option." Roxy Jacenko started her business empire at just 24 with Sydney-based PR agency, Sweaty Betty. Since then, she's added four more successful businesses to her name, along with a stack of books, an online e-learning course and now a reality TV show, “I am… Roxy!" In this long overdue catch up, I talk to Roxy about the secret behind building not one but five successful brands, her polarising leadership style and how she's overcome the haters.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year in Australia, we lose more than 30,000 lives to cardiac arrest. But one of the most successful ironmen of all time, Guy Leech, is working to change all that. After tragically losing a friend in 2016, Guy launched a business, called HEART180, supplying defibrillators to workplaces, gyms, childcare centres and other organisations right across the country. Guy and I talk about how that one life-changing event motivated him to start his own company and how the years of training to be at the top of his game in sport, have prepared him in business. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we speak to the brother and sister duo running Aussie skincare company, DU'IT. Monique and Jared's mum and dad started the business from their garage in Sydney's Bella Vista more than two decades ago and the business is now making it big not just at home but overseas, too. We talk about the skills Monique and Jared's parents brought to the business, why the siblings initially resisted coming on board, how to develop the right product and pricing for your market and what the secret is behind their expansion into China.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I didn't realise that my whole acting career was leading to this." Gemma "Peanut" Pranita first burst onto our screens playing the character Jade Mitchell on Neighbours. But in 2016, after becoming frustrated with the unpredictability of the entertainment industry, she launched Photography 101, an online course teaching beginner photography. I want to ask Gemma how she made the transition from actress to entrepreneur with no experience - and how she transferred the storytelling skills she developed in front of the camera, to behind the camera and ultimately, to running her own business. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017, Jem Jacinto opened the first poké store to hit Byron Bay, called Finn Poké. Since then he's opened three more stores along the east coast, with another two on the way. With the traditional Hawaiian dish gaining popularity across Australia, I want to ask Jem what his point of difference is in this growing market, how he manages to keep his product both sustainable and affordable, plus we'll find out how a near death experience lead him down the food industry path.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With no experience in the industry whatsoever, Bonnie Hindmarsh, Erin Cayless and Lana Taylor when took a huge risk when they started their boutique renovation company, Three Birds Renovations, in 2014. In just five years, the three best friends have renovated 9 homes, amassed more than 421k Instagram followers and launched an online educational course, called Reno School. I want to ask Erin, Bonnie and Lana how they built a successful business with no experience whatsoever, how they grew their impressive social following and how they've overcome the challenges that arise when you're starting a business with your best mates.  Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world's best-known entrepreneurs, Gary Vaynerchuk first became famous in the late 90s, when he turned his dad's local bottle shop into a multimillion-dollar business. Since then, he's built on that success, with communications company VaynerX, digital agency Vayner Media, 5 New York Times bestselling books and millions of social media followers. As you'll hear, Gary is big in everything he does, and I ask him where that intensity comes from, how his experiences as a child helped to shape his entrepreneurial mindset and what drives him, if it's not the dollar signs.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exercise physiologist Dr Noel Duncan is changing the way we look at our health. His business, SiSU Health, manufactures self-service health stations that allow you to complete your own health check in just 4 minutes, assessing things like blood pressure, heart rate and diabetes risk. I ask Noel how Aussies are taking to this new way of assessing our health, what the opportunities are in the growing preventative health market, whether his revenue model is sustainable and how he builds customer trust when it comes to collecting data.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 650k+ followers on Instagram, Aussie influencer Elle Ferguson is known as a fashion icon right around the world. Last year, she took her social media standing to the next level, launching award-winning self-tanning line, Elle Effect. I ask Elle how having an intimate understanding of her followers led her down the beauty industry path, what sets her products apart from the many other tanning products on the market and what the secret is behind the success of her own personal brand.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Save as much as possible, for as long as possible." Daniel Walsh bought his first property at just 19 years of age, and since then has built a portfolio worth 4 million dollars. Now, he's started his own business, Your Property Your Wealth, helping others to achieve the same success. I ask Daniel how he scraped up enough cash to buy his first property at such a young age and what skills he's acquired in order to launch this new business.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year in Australia, one billion takeaway coffee cups are produced and then thrown in the trash. But our guest this week is changing all that. Rebecca Veksler is the founder of Sol Cups, a business that produces sustainable, re-usable cups and bottles, all made from hand-blown glass. I ask Rebecca what inspired her to come up with the idea, how she's using her business as a platform for educating others on the environment, plus how she amplifies her message to build her brand and more importantly, change the way we think. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I hate losing more than I like winning." After receiving an inheritance of $46k following the death of his grandmother, Malcolm Quinn started his own local newspaper. Going against the mainstream media goliaths, he soon became the most successful independent newspaper publisher in Queensland. Now a media consultant, our guest shares the challenges he faced going head to head with his competitors and the pivotal moments in his life that helped to shape his business mindset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Mentor with Mark Bouris, we're speaking with one of the most legendary players and coaches in AFL history, Paul Roos. I chat to Roosy about how his upbringing helped shape his sense of leadership, and why he's traded in the footy for a career helping businesses build healthy workplace cultures.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The day I came to work in this business, it felt like mine." Host Mark Bouris, sits down with the co-owner of one of Sydney's most loved institutions, Chargrill Charlie's. Saul Cher reveals the story behind how one humble chicken shop became a thriving family enterprise and the importance of finding employees who treat the business like their own.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way we market has changed dramatically – and staying on top of the latest trends is crucial if you want to communicate your message effectively to consumers. So in this episode, I'm sitting down with one of Australia's most up-and-coming leaders in the marketing industry, Caleb Bush. Caleb is the Managing Director and Senior Vice President of experience marketing agency, George P. Johnson. Caleb and I talk about what exactly “experiential marketing” means and why it's becoming a game changer for brands across the globe. Plus, I find out how Caleb went from working as a deck hand for one of the world's most influential families to running a successful business at just 34 years of age.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not your average protein powder. In this episode, I'm joined by Lucas Becker, co-founder of health food company, Grilo Protein. Since 2016, Grilo has been selling protein powder and energy bars – all made from the latest superfood making headlines – crickets. Originally from Brazil, Lucas was working as a chef in Byron Bay, when he, his partner and a couple of friends decided to start their very first small business together, all from their kitchen at home. Find out why Lucas made the unusual choice to include edible insects as the key ingredient in his products, how consumers in Australia are responding to eating them and what the future looks like for his unique business.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I've taught myself everything - it's all out there for you to figure out.” This week I'm joined by Isaac John, a former NRL player who has launched a successful clothing business, called YKTR - an acronym for ‘You Know The Rules'. The business started when Isaac was living with other NRL stars Corey Norman and James Segeyaro, and they started making their own t-shirts for fun. It's since exploded with new ranges released every eight weeks, and over 100 vlogs and podcasts going behind the scenes in their business. We talk about Isaac being completely self taught - from design to websites to marketing - and we dive deep into the YKTR marketing funnel, where every piece of content that Isaac and YKTR makes helps them target their audience and make sales.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Anyone who wants to do it, can do it.” In this episode, I'm joined by an impressive young man, Jack Bloomfield. Jack is 17 years old, and started his first e-commerce business when he was just 12 years old. He's made millions from growing online businesses and digital marketing, and now has started his own training programs to help other aspiring entrepreneurs do the same. We talk about how Jack found himself so passionate about business from such a young age, and how he has managed to reach such successful heights while still being in high school. He's a fascinating guy with a huge future - so make sure you tune in. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stories from the Green Wave: This week I'm joined by Sarah Cichy, who is the founder of a PR company specialising in a rapidly growing industry - cannabis. SHUK Communications tells the stories of various new businesses looking to get into the market with various products, and has worked with some of the biggest ‘green wave' industry companies in the world. It's a minefield for Sarah at the moment - laws are constantly changing and there are many logistic challenges that come with any new industry. We talk about how Sarah got into the PR game, why she launched a new business specialising on the cannabis industry, and what her next moves are from here. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is our Mother's Day special episode, with Kelly Taggart, the Chief Operating Officer of the Roses Only Group. Kelly has been with Roses Only for over a decade, and was one of its first employees when it launched in 2008. We talk about the journey from her early days with the company to being an instrumental part of it growing to over 160 staff with warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I also dig deep about how being a mother has changed Kelly's approach to business - how she responds to issues, deals with staff, and most importantly, relates to customers. It's a great listen, and I learned a lot - so make sure you tune in. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm joined by Dave Sharma, who is currently the Liberal Party candidate for Wentworth, which is former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's old seat. I'm fascinated by Dave - he's an incredibly smart guy who has seen a lot of the world, including recent senior postings in the public service. Dave spent four years as Australian Ambassador to Israel and worked in Papua New Guinea for the High Commission, but is now back in Australia and dipping his toe into politics. We talk about the big questions - why he feels like a good fit for Parliament, and what he believes - but I also dig deep into his background and family life to find out what shaped his life. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Come for the social aspect, stay for the running.” Fitness crazes come and go all the time, but one that has really got some legs is Parkrun. It's a free, 5km social run held every weekend - rain, hail or shine. Parkrun CEO Tim Oberg joins me to talk about how he brought the Parkrun concept to Australia from the UK, and has built it to more than 350 locations holding weekly events with over 500,000 people taking part. We talk about its huge success, what the future plans are for Parkrun, and why Tim decided to make a business out of fitness.  Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We've got the technology that can help save a species.” This week is a very different episode for me - but a really amazing and important story. I'm joined by cricket legend Kevin Pieterson and David Wild, who is the chief technology officer at Cisco Systems, one of the biggest tech companies in the world. They have teamed up to make a documentary called ‘Save This Rhino', which tells the story of how Cisco's incredible technology is helping save an entire species of rhinoceros in South Africa. The two-part doco will air on National Geographic on April 23 and 30, and is a must-watch. On the podcast, we talk about how this project came about, why it was close to Kevin's heart, and how Dave and a big business like Cisco wanted to use their capital and abilities to help with such an important conservation project. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“People at work want something healthy." Conor Reynolds is the founder of Snackwize, delivering healthy snack boxes to corporate clients all around Australia and New Zealand. His business is giving office workers the choice of reaching for a snack with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives for the mid-afternoon munchies, instead of relying on vending machines to get them through the day. We talk about how Conor started the business while he was still working another full time job, and the amount of effort that went into securing his very first client. He’s also about to launch a direct-to-consumer service as well and has big plans for the future - so make sure you tune in. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“What our customers wear has a big impact on their sense of self.” I'm joined by Dean Jones, the CEO of hugely successful fashion rental company, Glamcorner. I first met Dean many years ago on a pitch episode of the podcast, and it's great to hear how the business has grown so much since that time. From the early days renting high-end ball gowns, Glamcorner has launched a subscription service allowing customers to rent three items for a month, including the option to swap items as you go. The user numbers and feedback is impressive, and is really shaking up the traditional concepts of owning clothes, fashion waste and cultivating a sense of style. We talk about everything from how the business started, right through to investment and how they wash 30 tonnes of clothes each month. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“There's no doubt in my mind, the NRL is in the entertainment business.” I'm joined by National Rugby League CEO, Todd Greenberg, who gives us an enormous insight into how he leads the business of the NRL. We talk about how Todd worked his way from a cricket game development officer into the NRL CEO position, how his family life influences his leadership approach, and most importantly, we dig deep into the business approach of the NRL. Todd and I talk about the tapping into the soap opera of sport, the NRL's competitors in the entertainment space, and why fast-tracking the women's NRL competition was one of his smartest moves.  Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Mills is the founder of Shelter, a space that combines fitness classes with relaxation and wellness. Shelter incorporates spin classes and boxing with ice baths, saunas and a custom juice bar - and Ben has big plans. We talk about the story behind Shelter, how to capitalise on the ‘Australian' elements of a brand, particularly with a view to market that internationally, and why Ben wants to take Shelter overseas. We also talk about the name of the brand - and I don't hold back with my thoughts!  Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We want to be the world's biggest digital gym.” The fitness industry is a huge global business - and this episode I'm joined by one of its biggest Australian players, Tobi Pearce. Tobi and his partner, Kayla Itsines, run the online female fitness program, Sweat. The app has been downloaded more than 30 million times, topped the App Store charts in 142 countries, and the business is on track to make $100 million this year. We talk about how Tobi and Kayla combined their personal training businesses to build the Sweat brand, how much they know their users through data, and how they scale their business. Tobi has a massive global business and is nowhere near finished yet! Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.Want to grow your business and stay ahead of the pack? Access Mark Bouris' Masterclasses.Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.