Podcast
Business Essentials
Hosted by SoundCartel · EN
Business Essentials features interviews with business experts and industry leaders, providing up-to-date, insightful advice on wide-ranging topics, including winning sales strategies, HR issues, mental health and leadership.
Hosted by Grace Jennings-Edquist, the goal is to encourage and inspire a new generation of Australian business owners and entrepreneurs to grow healthier, happier and more profitable businesses.
Business Essentials is a podcast four decades in the making, from SoundCartel, the producers of the world's longest-running business audio magazine by the same name.
Business Essentials is produced by the team at SoundCartel - Nick Schildberger, Grace Jennings-Edquist, Nicole Goodman and Mariah Stonehewer. Technical production by Pete Letts.
Listen and follow in your favourite podcast app and make Business Essentials part of your routine for business success.
Business Essentials
www.bedaily.com.au
Business Essentials is produced by SoundCartel
+61 3 9882 8333
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why discipline beats vision – and why grad jobs are disappearing
2w ago00:20:34Tap to summarizeWhat’s more important when it comes to building a successful business: Discipline or vision? And what happens when the next generation can’t even get a foot in the door? In this episode, founder, CEO and author Dane Hudson joins host Grace Jennings-Edquist to explain why vision alone won’t scale a business. Dane shares why disciplined execution, systems, and leadership maturity are what truly drive growth. Then, recruitment leader Catherine Kennedy from people2people unpacks a major workforce shift: why employers are hiring fewer junior staff, and what that means for graduates, organisations, and the future of leadership. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Promoting yourself without the cringe. Plus: Breaking the overachiever cycle
3w ago00:27:15Tap to summarizeHate the idea of self-promotion - and feeling constantly overwhelmed and burned out at work? In this week’s episode, personal branding strategist Rosie Chong explains how to share your wins authentically by focusing on value, storytelling and connection - not ego. Then, leadership coach and author of The Overachiever’s Reset, Fleur Marks, unpacks the "overachiever cycle" that drives burnout, and shares practical ways to reset by building awareness, setting boundaries and redefining success. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What the Federal Budget means for your business
4w ago00:38:44Tap to summarizeThe Federal Budget has just been handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers - so what does it mean for small businesses and the wider economy? In this episode, economist Professor Robert Brooks from Monash University unpacks the balancing act between inflation, growth, interest rates, housing affordability and recession risk - and what it means for SMEs. Then, tax advisor Michael Jones, a Partner at Forvis Mazars, explains the proposed changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing and family trusts, outlining the potential impact on investors, startups and business owners. Together, they explore whether the budget builds long-term resilience - or simply shifts today’s pressures into the future. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Preparing for the future of work. Plus: Confidence at work
May 1000:17:19Tap to summarizeIs your workplace ready for what’s coming next - and are you confident enough to lead through it? First in this week’s episode, futurist Gihan Perera explains what it really means to be “future-ready” - from embracing AI to building adaptable, inclusive cultures and developing skills like sense-making in a rapidly changing world Then, award-winning CEO, author and keynote speaker Colleen Callander shares why confidence isn’t something you’re born with but a skill you can build – offering practical ways to step outside your comfort zone and back yourself at work If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Beat burnout, and build your personal brand
May 300:25:49Tap to summarizeStruggling to stay focused in an ‘always-on ‘work culture? In this episode, productivity and time management expert Donna McGeorge explains how constant busyness drives burnout - and why building a 15% buffer, setting boundaries, and reducing digital distractions can boost performance and decision-making. Then, personal branding strategist Rosie Chong shares why your brand is more than social media: it's your reputation. Rosie offers practical tips to define what you’re known for, stand out professionally, and build a consistent presence online and offline. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Disinformation at work. Plus: Remarkable experiences to build client trust
Apr 2600:25:50Tap to summarizeTwo challenges many businesses face are: how do we build a culture of honesty? And how do we create client experiences that truly build trust? First up, Dominic Thurbon, author of To Be Honest and director at Alchemy Labs, explains how disinformation shows up inside workplaces. He also outlines why honest cultures drive performance and innovation. Then, serial entrepreneur and founder of Reputable, Karl Schwantes, shares how to create remarkable client experiences that build trust and earn better reviews. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Self-publishing vs commercial publishing for business authors. Plus: how to scale
Apr 1900:19:08Tap to summarizeTwo questions entrepreneurs often face are: should I write a book? And how do I actually scale my business? First up in today’s episode, business book publisher Lesley Williams – from Major Street Imprint at Rockpool Publishing – outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus commercial or traditional publishing. She outlines the strategic trade-offs between the two options – including distribution, timelines, control, credibility, and the real financial maths. Then we hear from Dorry Kordahi, entrepreneur and the original “shark” from Shark Tank, on his philosophy on growing businesses. Dorry explains what scaling looks like beyond the glamour: quality, positioning, patience, simplicity, relentless execution – and why founders often try to grow too early. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rethinking time management advice - and should your business consider solar?
Apr 1200:19:04Tap to summarizeFeeling busy but still falling behind? In this episode of Business Essentials, we explore smarter ways to work and compete in a changing business landscape. First, time management expert, bestselling author and speaker Donna McGeorge explains why classic time-management advice often fails busy leaders – and what works instead. She tells host Grace Jennings-Edquist why protecting your best hours and attention is what actually drives performance. Then, Agile Energy CEO Jack Kapoor unpacks the business case for solar and batteries. He outlines how new financing models are helping some businesses cut costs and manage volatility. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The leadership disconnection crisis - and how to turn online reviews into leads
Apr 500:25:37Tap to summarizeWhat do employee disconnection and customer reviews have in common? This episode’s guests say both can pose a threat to trust – but handled well, they can really supercharge business performance. Melinda McCormack, founder of Impact with Empathy, first joins host Grace Jennings-Edquist to explore the rising crisis of emotional disconnection at work. Melinda outlines the links between disconnection and trust, employee wellbeing and performance. Then serial entrepreneur Karl Schwantes reveals how businesses can transform customer reviews into powerful lead generators without spending on ads. Karl, who is Managing Director of Xennox Diamonds and Founder of Reputable, also shares practical tactics for creating remarkable client experiences, earning more reviews, and even turning negative feedback into opportunity. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Family business challenges in 2026 - and physical retail’s comeback
Mar 2900:21:08Tap to summarizeIs physical retail really booming again? And separately, what can family businesses teach us about longevity? In this episode, CEO of the Family Business Association Catherine Sayer shares insights on governance, communication, succession, and how successful family enterprises modernise without losing their DNA. She tells host Grace Jennings-Edquist about the power of next-generation thinking, innovation, and a striking reality: family businesses dominate the Australian economy and employ half the workforce across the nation. Then, Vicki Leavy, General Manager of JMK Retail, explains the surprising shift back to in-store shopping, why human connection still matters, and the overlooked fundamentals that keep customers coming back. If you’re considering launching a podcast to grow your authority and client base, reach out to our team to learn how we can support you. Business Essentials is produced by soundcartel.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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