What The Bear teaches us about small business

It might sound like a TV review—but this episode is part strategy, part storytime, part love letter to The Bear (and its soundtrack). If you’ve ever wondered why running a business feels so intense—or how to do it with more intention—this episode will hit just right.

Fi dives into one of her all-time favourite shows, The Bear, and breaks down the small business lessons hiding in the stress, the shouting, and the sandwiches. From pricing and pressure to team dynamics, mental health, and the sneaky parts of your business that are quietly profitable, this is a deep (and very fun) look at how small businesses actually work—and where they go wrong.

You don’t need to have watched the show to get something out of this one. But if you have watched it… you're going to feel very seen.

🎧 Tune in for a fiery mix of TV chaos and small biz strategy—and the surprisingly deep lessons hiding in a beef sandwich shop.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why change in small business is hard—and what happens when a new owner (like Carmy) tries to do everything at once without bringing the team along.
The real cost of clinging to your OG customers, keeping prices frozen in time, and resisting innovation in the name of loyalty.
Why efficiency doesn’t just come from better systems—it comes from team buy-in, shared goals, and clear communication.
The connection between mental ill health and a failing business—and why prioritising your wellbeing is essential (not optional).
What happens when your business goes viral before you're ready, and why a sudden surge in demand isn’t always a good thing.
Passion vs. workaholism: how to recognise when your drive is tipping into burnout territory.
When the “sexy” part of your business (the one that gets attention) is secretly draining your time, money and energy—while the quiet, boring bit is actually profitable.
What to think about before changing your business model—like who you serve, how you make money, and what skills your team really needs.
Why the pursuit of excellence often comes with discomfort—and why being liked by everyone isn’t the goal
What Sid teaches us about leadership—and how listening first can change everything about how your team shows up
Why acts of service matter—and how being of genuine help to your clients can be your most powerful business strategy.

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We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business.

In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston—Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast—dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open.

Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money.

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Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.business

If you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here.

Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us?

Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability.

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This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.

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Business Lessons (and a love letter) to The Bear