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
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Business grants, growth and the HR mistakes startups make
4d ago00:20:25Tap to summarizeAs business confidence weakens and growth slows; many SMEs are looking for new ways to fund expansion and stay competitive. In this episode, Kate Whitehead, MD of strategic grants and government funding advisory, Avant Group, explains what the 2026 Federal Budget means for business grants, innovation funding and where future government investment is likely to flow. Then, Ilona Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of HR consultancy Shilo explains why startups and scaleups so often run into people and culture problems as they grow. From hiring too quickly to promoting unprepared leaders, she shares the common mistakes businesses make early, and why they become much harder to fix later on. 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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Why small businesses struggle with growth, productivity and engagement
2w ago00:18:43Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to innovation and productivity, the challenge for the Australian government remains the inability to turn good ideas into long-term economic growth. In this episode, Kate Whitehead, MD of strategic grants and government funding advisory, Avant Group, explains what the proposed changes to the R&D Tax Incentive could mean for SMEs, innovation investment and Australia’s broader productivity problem. Then, leadership expert Kylie Paatsch explains why so many engagement strategies fail to deliver real performance. Her argument? The problem isn’t engagement; it’s lack of connection between leaders and teams. 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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Navigating business inflection points, and smarter tax planning
3w ago00:18:33Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest threat to your business is already unfolding - and you can't see it yet? And what do you need to be thinking about ahead of tax time? In this episode, we hear two expert perspectives on getting ahead of small problems before they become serious ones. First, executive coach Chris Power explains why “leadership inflection points” can become dangerous moments for organisations, and how strong leaders recognise early warning signs before performance stalls. Then, dual-qualified solicitor and chartered accountant Adam Ahmed of Entity Accountants shares practical advice on staying tax-compliant in a fast-changing landscape, including the risks around crypto, digital payments, and poor planning. 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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Future-proofing in the age of AI. Plus: Compliance without the chaos
3w ago00:22:07Tap to summarizeHow can businesses stay future-ready in the age of AI - while keeping compliance under control? In this episode, CEO of Practice Connections Advisory Alan FitzGerald outlines the tech trends every business owner should watch to future-proof their company. He explains how to review outdated systems, choose the right technology, and balance AI-driven efficiency with human expertise. Then, Ilona Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of HR Consulting Services, Shilo, explains how businesses can simplify compliance, support managers, and build healthier workplace cultures. This is a practical conversation about balancing technology, people, and risk in today’s evolving business landscape. 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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Why discipline beats vision – and why grad jobs are disappearing
May 3100:20:34Tap 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
May 2400:27:15Tap 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
May 1800:38:44Tap 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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