Damien FitzPatrick is the CEO and Founder of PILLAR performance. With an incredible rise to prominence in just 5 years, PILLAR fills the gap in performance supplements, with products for joint health, recovery, energy and immunity.  In this episode, Damien discusses the intersection between pharmaceuticals and sports nutrition. He talks about PILLAR’s unique positioning in the industry and insights about the science-backed products that they offer. Finally, Damien shares his future aspirations to have PILLAR become a leader in performance health globally.   Resources and links: PILLAR Performance website PILLAR Performance on Youtube PILLAR Performance on Instagram PILLAR Performance on LinkedIn Damien Fitzpatrick on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Nathan Chan is the CEO of Foundr, a global media and educational company that connects millions of people to entrepreneurial advice straight from the experts. In this episode, Nathan shares with us the building of Foundr, from its core motivations all the way to where it is now. He emphasises the importance of genuine connections with audiences and how they can pull a business towards success. Touching on the matter, he also defines what success means for him and the evolution it has undergone over the years. Lastly, he gives young entrepreneurs some brutal advice on making it big.   Resources and links: Foundr Website Foundr on Facebook Foundr on Snapchat Foundr on X Foundr on Pinterest Foundr of Instagram Foundr on Youtube Foundr on Tiktok Foundr on LinkedIn Nathan Chan on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Daniel Flynn is a Co-founder of Thankyou, a social enterprise dedicated to ending extreme poverty by selling consumer goods and donating all profits to charitable causes. In this episode, Daniel walks us through the key aspects of Thankyou's growth and mission. He explains their journey, turning retailer rejections into strong partnerships. He also discusses the importance of having a purpose in business and the tensions that manifest between it and profit. Finally, he shares the most impactful stories from the lives he’s helped change.   Business masterclass Book a FREE business masterclass with Sevan   Resources and links: Thankyou website Thankyou on LinkedIn Thankyou on Instagram  Thankyou on Facebook  Thankyou on Twitter  Thankyou on YouTube  Thankyou on TikTok  Thankyou on Pinterest Daniel Flynn on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Marc Blecher is a Co-founder of Orsaro Capital. Orsaro Capital is an investment fund manager specialising in global equities, focusing on identifying and investing in exceptional businesses that compound wealth over the long term. In this episode, Marc emphasises the importance of long-term investing, thorough research, and how to mitigate the psychological impact of market fluctuation to avoid emotional decision-making.   Resources and links: Orsaro Capital website Orsaro Capital on Linkedin Orsaro Capital on X Marc Blecher on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Elise Balsillie is the Head of Thryv Australia & New Zealand. Thryv is a platform that provides small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and software they need to scale up, streamline, and succeed in the modern business world. In this episode, Elise discusses her career journey and how Thryv has helped businesses across Australia and New Zealand modernise and digitise when faced with an overwhelming number of options. She explains that customers are seeking authenticity and highlights the importance of consistent, meaningful, and authentic engagement online and in person. Elise also suggests ways to incorporate AI to enhance workflows, improve customer engagement, and streamline data processing, ultimately delivering a better customer experience.    Resources and links: Thryv website Thryv on Facebook Thryv on Instagram Thryv on YouTube Thryv on LinkedIn Thryv on TikTok Elise Balsillie on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Carolyn “Carri” Crawford is the Co-founder of Bitcoin Treasury Solutions. Bitcoin Treasury Solutions specialises in guiding Australian businesses through Bitcoin adoption to ensure secure custody and compliance.  In this episode, Carri breaks down everything you need to know about Bitcoin, from its origin to its potential uses in business. She also explains the differences between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on the market and why some people are feeling drawn towards cryptocurrencies over traditional banking and finance.   Resources and links: Book tickets for “Bitcoin Basics” session here Bitcoin Treasury Solutions website Bitcoin Treasury Solutions on LinkedIn Carri Crawford on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Neeraj Sharma is the Head of Consulting at AS Consulting Partners. AS Consulting Partners works with business leaders to create and implement strategies for businesses in the retail and wholesale sectors by establishing effective B2B and B2C channels to market, as well as more efficient operations and organisational structures to support growth. In this episode, Neeraj discusses the role of management consultants, how they can help business leaders to improve enterprise value, and explains why all businesses, regardless of size, need to define their own 'vision of success' and emphasises that the challenges faced by SMEs and larger organisations are often the same, with scale being the primary difference. He also shares some of the common pitfalls SME leaders can fall into and how simple tools, such as SWOT analysis, can be used effectively to transform any business.   Resources and links: AS Consulting Partners website AS Consulting Partners on LinkedIn AS Consulting Partners on Facebook AS Consulting Partners on Instagram Neeraj Sharma on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Gus Balbontin is a Director at Neu21. Neu21 is a transformation consultancy, venture studio, and product lab that provides creative ideas and insights to business leaders through times of innovation and growth. In this episode, Gus reflects on how growing up in Argentina and travelling the world taught him the skills he needed to lead an innovative business in Australia. He explains why all businesses need to consider their exit strategy for new systems before implementation even happens and emphasises the need for adaptability, continuous learning and tolerating discomfort as a leader. Gus shares how he applied these principles during Lonely Planet's digital transition in the early aughts and how he embodies these traits personally and professionally.    Resources and links: Neu21 website Gus Balbontin website Gus Balbontin newsletter Gus Balbontin on LinkedIn Gus Balbontin on Instagram Gus Balbontin on X Gus Balbontin on YouTube   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Friska Wirya is a Fractional Change Leader and the Director of the Future Fit Group. The Future Fit Group provides bespoke change management advisory services to help business leaders navigate change successfully and sustainably. In this episode, Friska shares her experiences as a people and change management consultant and how she successfully helped WA Police with restructuring their systems. She also explains the importance of relational intelligence (RQ), the common misconceptions and mistakes leaders make during change, and why you shouldn’t take the biscuits out of the office kitchen.   Resources and links: Future Fit Group website Buy “Future Talk: A conversation card game for teams” here Buy “Future Fit” here Future Fit Group on Instagram Future Fit Group on YouTube Future Fit Group on TikTok Friska Wirya on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Dr Steven Lu is the Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Everlab. Everlab offers preventative health screenings to detect diseases and risk factors early, providing personalised reports and tailored health plans to improve overall wellbeing. In this episode, Steven explains the Everlab process of genetic testing and health monitoring to help you maximise your health capital. He highlights the importance of proactive, preventative healthcare over reactive healthcare, emphasises the role of exercise, nutrition, and sleep in establishing and maintaining good health for better ROI, and shares real-life patient success stories.   Resources and links: Everlab website Book a discovery call with Everlab here Everlab on LinkedIn Everlab on Instagram Everlab on Facebook Everlab on TikTok Dr Steven Lu on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Fameez Haroon is the Co-founder of OTAA. OTAA is an Australian luxury menswear brand which creates stylish, handmade, eco-friendly ties and shirts using recycled materials from the ocean. In this episode, Fameez shares how a negative experience with a salesperson while buying a tie inspired him and his brother to start OTAA and change the experience for men. He discusses the early challenges OTAA faced in getting off the ground, how humour became an integral part of the brand's marketing, and his plans for the future.   Resources and links: OTAA website OTAA on Instagram OTAA on Facebook OTAA on TikTok OTAA on X Fameez Haroon on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Iris Saar Isaacs is the Designer and Creative Director at inSync Design. inSync Design is an award-winning jewellery brand creating high-quality Australian-made, contemporary jewellery that is unique, timeless and affordable from their studio in Melbourne. In this episode, Iris gets candid about her journey of founding and growing her business and how she makes inSync Design stand out in the market. She discusses how she pivoted from wholesale to online retail during the pandemic, how she scaled her business internationally, and the importance of pricing, marketing, and exclusivity for fellow creatives and aspiring business owners.   Resources and links: inSync Design website Iris Saar Isaacs on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Darren Sommers is the Founder of Adventum Legal. Adventum Legal is a boutique law firm specialising in the intersection of law, investment, and innovation to provide solutions to complex problems across technology, commercial, and corporate law. In this episode, Darren explains how he works with tech companies that utilise employee share plans to attract and retain talent and why you might want to consider them as part of your strategic growth plan. He also dives into common legal pitfalls to avoid, how to prepare for employee departures with clearly defined parameters for "good leavers" and "bad leavers" when considering share plans, and how to ensure these plans are effectively implemented from the outset to prevent potential confusion or conflict in the future.   Resources and links: Adventum Legal website Darren Sommers on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

John Vilianiotis is a specialist consultant psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping boards, executives, and leadership teams understand human behaviour. John works both in private practice and as a business psychologist. In this episode, John reveals the red flags that experienced interviewers look for beyond what's on a resume, explains how AI-generated interview responses are already fooling some hiring managers but why they won't work on seasoned professionals, and shares why hiring for character over capability might be the most important decision you make for your business culture.   Resources and links: John Vilianiotis on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

James Pridgeon is the Founder and Director of Steel Window Design. Steel Window Design is one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of steel windows and doors for commercial and residential projects. In this episode, James shares his journey from civil engineer and draftsman to founding his own company. He discusses the challenges he faced building and growing the business, including finding skilled fabricators and balancing cost with maintaining high product standards during the growth phase. He also emphasises the importance of mentorship, networking, and careful delegation for building a successful business.   Resources and links: Steel Window Design website Profile on Steel Window Design on The Local Project   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Kate Whitehead is the Managing Director of  Avant Group. Avant Group is one of Australia’s leading consultancy firms specialising in government grants, business advisory services, technical research, and marketing strategies. In this episode, Kate explains the complexities of government business grants and funding. She highlights the different types of grants, the challenges businesses can face when preparing grant applications, and how specialised advisors can smooth the process for business owners.   Resources and links: Avant Group website Kate Whitehead on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Anders Landberg is an R&D Tax Incentive Specialist at AHL Advisory. AHL Advisory provides expert advice on R&D strategy, eligibility assessments, audit defence, and claim financing for businesses that want to take advantage of the Australian Government’s research and development tax incentives. In this episode, Anders explores how R&D tax incentives allow businesses to innovate and save money. He breaks down the essential eligibility criteria, how to stay compliant throughout the process, and the pitfalls of relying on general advisors for specialist purposes.   Resources and links: AHL Advisory website Anders Landberg on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Josh Murray is the Founder and COO of Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. Josh’s Rainbow Eggs is an environmentally sustainable free-range egg farm supplying grocery stores across Victoria. In this episode, Josh shares how a love of Lego led him to start an enormously successful egg-farming business when he was just 9 years old. He discusses how he scaled his business from selling to neighbours to pitching Australia’s major grocery stores, the importance of product placement in the store, and how you can tell if you’re serious about starting a business.   Resources and links: Josh’s Rainbow Eggs website Josh Murray on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Rony John is an SMSF Manager at Alexander Spencer as part of AS Wealth Advisors. AS Wealth Advisors provides personalised strategic financial guidance and wealth management advice. In this episode, Rony explains what a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is and how he helps his clients understand their options. He shares real client stories of how they’ve used super to build wealth and what to consider before setting up an SMSF.   Resources and links: AS Wealth Advisors website Rony John on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Trang Nova is a Business and Speaking Coach. Trang works with entrepreneurs and aspiring speakers to teach them how to speak with confident authority and be recognised as leaders both on stage and off. In this episode, Trang shares how a snail altered the course of her career and took her from being a physiotherapist to being a speaking coach. She emphasises the value of preparation and authenticity for a good speech and shares advice for working on the foundations of great speakers including articulation, pacing, and vocal melody.   Resources and links: Trang Nova’s website Trang Nova on LinkedIn Trang Nova on Instagram Trang Nova on YouTube Voice for Impact Podcast The Trang Nova Podcast   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Zaffar Khan is the Corporate Strategist for Cocoon SDA Care. Cocoon SDA Care delivers personalised care to help people with disabilities live with greater independence, safety, and an improved quality of life. In this episode, Zaffar lays bare his entire career journey from driving taxis and how that led to his neighbours calling the police to his first business, to bankruptcy, before rebuilding and branching into other businesses. He discusses how those experiences influenced his business philosophy, how he empowers his staff while maintaining accountability, and why vague goals like "becoming a millionaire" are wrong for budding entrepreneurs.   Resources and links: Cocoon SDA Care website Download “8 Pillars of Business Success” here Zaffar Khan on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Aret Muradyan is a Lawyer and retired Sergeant with the Victoria Police. Aret retired from Victoria Police after thirty years of service, and his approach to management today is influenced by the lessons he learnt on the force. In this episode, Aret shares his journey with policing and its impact on his management style. He opens up about how police use “work mode” to manage high-stress situations, the importance of mental health support and peer-to-peer aid in addition to professional help, and emphasises that the best way to build strong teams and create the next generation of leaders is to start training them now. Please note: This episode contains descriptions of violence. Resources and links: Aret Muradyan on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

So you have savings, but they aren’t growing as fast as you’d like. That’s where investing comes in. In this episode, David and Sevan discuss different investment methods and the key differences between defensive and aggressive investment strategies. David also shares the “Rule of 72” with Sevan, explaining how to calculate how long it will take to double your investment through compound interest.   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

In today's episode of The Bottom Line, Sevan is joined by Craig Sanford from Sierra Legal. After spending 19 years at a major law firm, Craig made the bold move to establish his own boutique legal practice with a unique remote-first model long before COVID-19 made it commonplace. In this episode, you'll hear Craig's insights into preparing a business for sale from a legal perspective, how Sierra Legal operates differently from traditional law firms by avoiding personal budgets for lawyers, and fascinating stories from Craig's extensive M&A experience - including how his team completed a $100 million transaction in just one week.   Resources and links: Sierra Legal website Craig Sanford on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn  

You’ll find a lot of newly minted millionaires on social media bragging about their new Lamborghinis and how business success is as easy as wanting it badly enough. By contrast, it feels like every other week we’re seeing news stories about major Australian businesses entering administration, liquidation, or otherwise struggling in the current economic climate. So what’s the difference between a business that succeeds and one that fails? In this episode, Sevan and David discuss the biggest reasons businesses fail. They debunk the unrealistic perceptions of business success perpetuated by social media algorithms and explain why a solid business plan, proper financial knowledge, and strategic partnerships are essential.   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Eyob Yesus is the Chief Events Officer at Icon Corporate Events. Icon Corporate Events is a corporate event management firm with many years of experience planning and executing everything from conferences and exhibitions to galas and Christmas functions. In this episode, Eyob digs into different kinds of corporate events, their benefits, and how they tie into a larger marketing or branding strategy. He highlights the importance of running events with purpose and post-event activities before emphasising the need for face-to-face interactions in building communities and brand engagement in an increasingly online world.   Resources and links: Icon Corporate Events website Eyob Yesus on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn  

David Campbell is a Partner at Brand Rebellion. Brand Rebellion is a brand and workforce consultancy firm dedicated to helping organisations empower their workforce and enhance their brand. In this episode, David discusses why he and his wife founded Brand Rebellion and the lessons they’ve learnt along the way. He expands on the importance of employee engagement, continuous learning, and tailing business strategies for the individual. He also shares practical tips for fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing productivity. Resources and links: Brand Rebellion website David Campbell on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

In today’s episode, Sevan takes a seat in the guest chair as he is interviewed by David Posterino, co-host of The Bottom Line and director of AS Wealth Advisors. Sevan Tuna is the Managing Director at Alexander Spencer and host of The Bottom Line. Sevan shares his journey. He highlights the importance of mentorship and growth opportunities for all team members and how his strategic initiatives led to Alexander Spencer joining the ranks of Australia's top 100 accounting firms. Resources and links: Sevan Tuna on LinkedIn Sevan Tuna on X Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Peter Craig is the Managing Director at ODC Design. ODC designs and constructs innovative, modern offices for businesses. Peter and the ODC team helped to execute the new offices for Sevan and the Alexander Spencer team. In this episode, Peter explains how office design has evolved over the past three decades and the important considerations business owners must consider when refurbishing an office. He also shares the one item he vetoed from Sevan’s office wishlist. Resources and links: ODC Design website Peter Craig on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

David Posterino is the Managing Director at AS Wealth Advisors. AS Wealth Advisors provides personalised strategic financial guidance and wealth management advice. In this episode, David shares his journey from accounting to financial advising. He explains the benefits of having strong insurance policies and the essential nature of understanding client goals to help them reach their financial targets. Resources and links: AS Wealth Advisors website David Posterino on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Frederic Joye is a Managing Partner at Arcanys Ventures. Arcanys Ventures offers investment to innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs to help them achieve their vision in the late-seed and series A stages of tech start-ups. In this episode, Frederic outlines how Arcanys Ventures created a unique investment model that combines talent provision with equity participation. He also provides valuable insights into tech start-up valuations, the importance of effective founders, and the challenges of raising money in the current economic climate. Resources and links: Arcanys Ventures website Frederic Joye on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Dee Madigan is the Executive Creative Director at Campaign Edge. Campaign Edge is a full-service creative advertising agency. In this episode, Dee offers her insights on building strong brands, engaging audiences, and adapting to the evolving digital landscape. She emphasises the importance of creativity and discusses how understanding your brand and what you bring to the table enables you to execute a successful marketing campaign and build an emotional connection with potential customers. Resources and links: Campaign Edge website Dee Madigan on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Robert Nisi is the Director and Co-founder of Astute Theory. Astute Theory aims to help businesses navigate the digital landscape by providing a unique cloud-based enterprise management system and digital implementation strategies. In this episode, Robert shares how businesses can leverage AI and customised software to improve efficiency and gain an edge over competitors. He addresses the challenges of adopting new technology and the benefits of gamification before he shares his advice for businesses looking to innovate and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Resources and links: Astute Theory website Venture Startup Club website Robert Nisi on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

This is part two of our two-part conversation with AI Consultant, Inbal Rodnay, about the impact of AI on small businesses. In this episode, Inbal expands on the importance of developing a workplace AI policy and aims to inspire businesses to make better use of available technology. She also highlights how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can help with tasks to improve workflow without worrying about security concerns. Resources and links: Inbal Rodnay’s website Inbal Rodnay on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Inbal Rodnay is an AI Consultant. Inbal provides guidance and support to businesses as they go through the process of integrating AI and automation into their operation. In this episode, Inbal explains the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and shares her journey of helping accounting firms innovate. She also discusses different types of AI tools and how to integrate them but highlights the importance of upskilling staff while creating an open culture of experimentation. Resources and links: Inbal Rodnay’s website Inbal Rodnay on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Adam Tambakau is the Creative Director at Social Star. Social Star is a marketing agency helping businesses and professionals to build their brands and tell their stories. In this episode, Adam discusses his passion for content creation and the importance of engaging video content for businesses. He explores the evolution of video consumption, common challenges for newcomers to video creation, and practical tips for businesses expanding into video. Adam also shares his personal experience with YouTube virality. Resources and links: Social Star website Adam Tambakau on YouTube Adam Tambakau on Instagram Adam Tambakau on Facebook Adam Tambakau on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Christopher Goodwin is the Principal at Goodwin Property Advisory Pty Ltd. For over 25 years, Christopher has provided tenants with expert real estate advice about leasing commercial office and industrial premises. In this episode, Christopher breaks down the complexities of commercial leasing. He shares his top tips on negotiating lease terms, understanding market incentives, and how proper planning helps business owners succeed in commercial leasing. Resources and links: Christopher Goodwin on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Doris Spielthenner is the Managing Director of SMA Australia. SMA is a global specialist in photovoltaic and electricity system technologies focused on decentralised, digital, and renewable energy. In this episode, Doris discusses the importance of renewable energy for businesses, the growing consumer demand for sustainability, and the practical steps companies can take towards becoming more sustainable. She emphasises the importance of quality products and describes SMA’s involvement in producing inverters and batteries. Resources and links: SMA website Doris Spielthenner on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Hish Kasem is the Director of AS Mortgage Partners. When it comes to finance, Hish is the master and we’re so glad to have him as a part of the team at Alexander Spencer. In this episode, Hish discusses how his personal journey influenced the path his career took and shares a surprising personal connection to Sevan. He also digs into the most important considerations for securing a business loan and buying a business. Hish provides practical advice using real client stories to highlight what works best for securing funding. Resources and links: AS Mortgage Partners website Hish Kasem on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Clayton Bates is the Founder of Inspire Small Business. Inspire Small Business is a registered Shopify expert and helps product-based businesses create or rebuild their websites to maximise conversion from visitors to paying customers. In this episode, Clayton discusses his entrepreneurial journey and how it led him to build and rebuild websites. He shares key considerations when building a website, explains how businesses can balance customer needs with business aims, and underscores how a well-designed user interface can dramatically affect the customer journey. Resources and links: Inspire Small Business website Free video website audit by Inspire Small Business Clayton Bates on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Fletcher Wimbush is the Founder and CEO of Discovered Performance Hiring Software. Discovered Performance Hiring Software combines hiring coaches, AI, and smart software to make the hiring process smoother. In this episode, Fletcher walks through his journey into the recruitment industry while building several successful businesses. He explains why business success relies on recruiting candidates with integrity who match the culture of your workplace. He gives tips for finding new talent and provides some tools you can use to help you determine whether candidates will be the right cultural fit for your business. Resources and links: Discovered Performance Hiring Software website Fletcher Wimbush’s website Fletcher Wimbush on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Jessica Levin is the COO of Abacus Worldwide and Regional Director for Abacus North America. Abacus Worldwide is an international accounting and law firm association. They provide member firms with the resources and information to allow them to grow and better serve their clients. In this episode, Jessica explains what Abacus Worldwide is and the tools it provides to member firms to improve their customer experience. She discusses the importance of culture in running a successful business, the vital role of building relationships and networks, and the challenges and opportunities of global expansion.  Resources and links: Abacus Worldwide website Jessica Levin on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Andrew Baxter is the Founder of 24HR Business Plan. 24HR Business Plan provides strategic consulting services to give business owners everything they need to achieve their strategic planning goals. In this episode, Andrew emphasises why you need a clear business plan from the outset and shares his insights into the challenges experienced by small businesses during the critical execution stage. He also highlights some struggles businesses often experience in acquiring the expertise needed to create and implement a strong business plan. Resources and links: 24HR Business Plan website Andrew Baxter on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Anthony Dobson is the General Manager of Tropical Pines. Tropical Pines is one of Australia’s largest pineapple suppliers and has run a hybrid packing and marketing operation from its sites in rural Queensland for almost 40 years. In this episode, Anthony will break down how supply chain optimisation works. He opens up about managing relationships with retailers and distributors, and how to use technology and innovation for supply chain management and operational optimisation. And he also shares what he believes is the best way to enjoy a sweet, tangy pineapple. Resources and links: Tropical Pines website Anthony Dobson on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Andrew Martin, CEO of Teamgate, transformed his military discipline into business growth, advocating for CRM to streamline customer data as businesses scale. Today, he advises small business owners on the pivotal switch from spreadsheets to CRM, enhancing customer relations and operational efficiency. On today's episode, you'll learn what CRM is and why it's important, find out when to switch from spreadsheets to CRM, and how future communication will affect customer interactions. Plus, Andrew shares leadership lessons from the military that you can use in your business. Resources and links: Teamgate website Andrew Martin on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Jonathan Pease is the Head Coach at Winning The Room and the Author of “Winning the Room: Public Speaking Skills For Unforgettable Storytelling”. Winning The Room is an executive training program designed to improve presentation abilities for better, more confident delivery of any presentation. In this episode, Jonathan explains how to cut through the noise in an increasingly loud world, how to stand out as a communicator, and how his program empowers leaders. He also shares how you can build stronger connections by improving your communication and presentation skills. Resources and links: Winning the Room website Purchase “Winning The Room” here Jonathan Pease on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Today, we have a special "Spotlight Episode" for you. Our curated "Spotlight Episodes" are a selection of the best content from our back catalogue that you may have missed previously. We're shining a spotlight on this one because it truly deserves your attention again. Briony Kennedy is the Founder and CEO of Adorn Cosmetics. Adorn is an all-natural skincare and makeup brand that aims to nourish your skin and protect the planet. In today's episode, Briony shares the story of how she got to where she is today, and how she built her business from the ground up. She details the challenges she faced throughout the creation of her business, how her business took off overnight, and why customers love seeing a face behind a brand. Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Sarah Forrai and Lewis Battersby are Co-founders of Contour Cube. The Contour Cube is the coolest tool in the arsenal of beauty enthusiasts looking to take their skincare to the next level with ice facials while keeping your hands warm and dry. In this episode, Sarah and Lewis discuss the Contour Cube’s origin story, how they used TikTok to grow and document their business, and how Shark Tank gave them the cash infusion and investor expertise to continue expanding. They also touch on the surreal experience of waking up to unexpectedly see the Contour Cube in the hands of one of Instagram’s most influential personalities. Resources and links: Contour Cube website Sarah Forrai on LinkedIn Lewis Battersby on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Todd Foot is the CEO and Co-founder of Hatch Brands. Hatch Brands is a private equity investment firm that acquires and builds up niche e-commerce businesses. In this episode, Todd breaks down the world of e-commerce. He’ll share his insights into how to use e-commerce as part of a growth strategy, how to choose and thrive on the platform of your choice, and what preparations you need to make. Resources and links: Hatch Brands website Todd Foot on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn

Michael Higgins is the CEO and Co-founder of Loopit. Loopit is an all-in-one car subscription, management, and billing platform that allows businesses to flexibly maintain and upgrade their fleets in line with their needs. In this episode, Michael delves into the origins of Loopit, how they chose to pursue venture capital as a strategy for growth, and the nuances of raising external capital. He’ll also share what he learnt about the role of investors and building relationships with them. Resources and links: Loopit Michael Higgins on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn