Podcast
Money Secrets
Hosted by Fi Johnston · EN
Money and business tips and strategies for small business owners. On the Money Secrets podcast you'll hear from Fi Johnston, Chartered Accountant and Fractional CFO who is led by impact. You'll hear from Fi and other successful small business owners about how to:
- Manage your money and grow your bank account
- Increase your revenue and prices
- Improve the way you think about and behave with money
- Grow your business and profitability
- Make strategic financial decisions in your business
- Create impact and positive change through your business
- Make more money without working harder
Small and medium business is hard. Listening to this podcast will make it easier.
Weekly episodes you'll want to listen to (and implement).
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Follow Up Your Proposals (EP#58)
Jan 2700:17:48Tap to summarizeWe created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi wraps up Part 4 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series — and she’s tackling one of the most avoided (and emotionally loaded) parts of business: following up your proposals. Most business owners pour their energy into attracting the lead, running a beautiful discovery call, writing a thoughtful proposal… and then freeze. The proposal goes out. The excitement fades. And when there’s no reply? Panic, shame, avoidance, and second-guessing take over. Fi flips this pattern entirely. She shows you why the follow-up is the sales process — and how to approach it with intention, empathy, structure, and self-respect. Instead of feeling clingy or awkward, Fi teaches you how to create a clear, confident follow-up plan that respects both you and the potential client. If you’ve ever hit “send”, waited, spiralled, and silently hoped someone would magically say yes — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh clarity. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build a follow-up sequence that feels warm, ethical, and effective — and finally stop ghosting your own proposals. What you'll learn in this episode: Why most proposals die (and it’s not because they don’t want you): Fi breaks down why clients often don’t respond — and how their silence usually has nothing to do with your worth, your offer, or your abilities. Timing, capacity, life admin, and decision fatigue are far more common than rejection. Instead of spiralling after you hit send, Fi explains why you should have a pre-written, pre-thought-out follow-up sequence ready before emotions get involved. This is your most powerful sales asset — not an afterthought. How to get clients talking about their goals, not just their problems: You'll learn how to uncover what clients really want, what’s currently not working for them, and how to reflect that back so they feel understood, seen, and supported. How to follow up without being annoying: Fi walks through how to create thoughtful, varied follow-ups that add value — not irritation. You’ll learn how to avoid the “Hi, just checking in again?” emails and instead craft messages that genuinely move someone toward a decision. How to keep the door open without creating shame: Fi explains how to craft follow-ups that make people feel welcome to reply at any time — even weeks or months later — instead of feeling embarrassed that they “left it too long.” When (and how) to close the loop without burning the bridge: You’ll learn how to write a final follow-up that respectfully closes the proposal conversation while still keeping the relationship open for the future. Because sales is long-game relationship building — not just one yes/no moment. How often to follow up (and when to stop): Fi shares realistic timelines for different price points, how many follow-ups most people need, and why your “yes” might come on the 4th… 7th… or even 12th email. Why following up is an act of care, not clinginess: Fi reframes follow-up as service: clarity, support, reminders, and relationship — not harassment. When done well, it helps people make decisions that move them closer to their goals. Fi reframes follow-up as service – clarity, support, reminders, and relationship — not harassment. When done well, it helps people make decisions that move them closer to their goals. Check out Renee Wallace's Masterclass: Post-Proposal Email Nurture Sequence ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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Nailing Your Sales Proposals (EP#57)
Jan 2000:14:46Tap to summarizeWe created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :)Before you market anything… listen to this. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi continues Part 3 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series — and this time, she’s diving into one of the most overlooked but high-impact parts of your sales process: your proposal. Most business owners treat proposals like an administrative formality — a quote, a scope, a document they send because they “have to.” Fi flips that completely. She shows you how to create a proposal that actually sells your work: one that reflects your expertise, demonstrates your value, builds trust, and makes it easy for clients to say yes. If you’ve ever wondered what to include, how detailed your proposal should be, how to personalise it, or how to make it feel premium… this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a structure that works every time. 🎧 Tune in to learn Fi’s framework for creating confident, compelling, high-converting proposals that support your clients and your business. What you'll learn in this episode: Why proposals are a key sales tool, not paperwork. Often, the person reading your proposal wasn’t on the discovery call — meaning this document must stand alone and clearly communicate your value, process, and expertise. The difference between: Template sections (the beautifully designed, always-consistent foundations), and Custom sections (tailored specifically to that client’s goals, challenges, and context). How to show “what’s in it for them”: A strong proposal doesn’t jump straight to pricing. Fi shares how to help your client imagine what their future looks like after working with you — and why this emotional connection drives conversion. What to customise — and why personalisation matters: From goals to scope, timelines to inclusions, Fi explains the exact elements you should tailor so your client feels seen, understood, and supported. Why you should recommend one option — not 14: Too much choice overwhelms clients. Fi explains how to confidently recommend the best-fit option, backed by what you learned in the discovery call. How to tailor proposal length to the investment: A $500 offer doesn’t need a six-page PDF. A $5,000 project deserves depth. Fi walks you through how to match your proposal’s complexity to the decision your client is making. How to identify when someone is not the right fit — and still build the relationship: Learn how to gracefully redirect, recommend someone else, and stay in integrity without burning bridges (because referrals and future work often come from these calls). Why a second discovery call is sometimes the right next step: For complex or custom work, Fi shares how to re-engage thoughtfully so you can refine scope, recommend the right path forward, and build trust. Get the free downloadable workbook HERE to help you apply this Sales Sprint training directly to your business. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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How to Run Discovery Calls (EP#56)
Jan 1300:15:31Tap to summarizeWe created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi continues Part 2 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series. In this episode she’s diving into one of the most misunderstood, high-impact skills in small business: running a great discovery call. Most business owners treat discovery calls like a rushed introduction, a free coaching session, or an awkward pitch. Fi flips that completely. She shows you how to approach the call as an expert, create a calm and welcoming experience, guide the conversation with intention, and recommend the best-fit solution based on your client’s goals, not your guesses. If you’ve ever felt nervous, rambly, or unsure of “what to say” on a discovery call… or if you want to increase your conversion rate without feeling salesy… this episode will feel like a deep exhale. 🎧 Tune in to learn Fi’s framework for confident, ethical, high-conversion discovery calls that turn interested people into enthusiastic clients. What you'll learn in this episode: Why discovery calls start before the actual call: Fi breaks down why your sales process begins the moment someone books. From filtering ideal clients to preparing questions, research, and setting expectations: the groundwork is what determines whether the call leads to a yes. How to position yourself as the expert (without being pushy): Fi explains how to confidently lead the conversation, set an agenda at the start of the call, and create a calm, guided experience that helps clients trust your expertise. How to get clients talking about their goals, not just their problems: You'll learn how to uncover what clients really want, what’s currently not working for them, and how to reflect that back so they feel understood, seen, and supported. The power of recommending packages instead of custom quotes: Fi shares why bespoke quoting slows down your sales process, and how having clear packages allows you to confidently recommend the right option on the call. How to handle objections with clarity and ease: Instead of avoiding hesitation, Fi teaches how to invite objections, let clients express all of them openly, and walk through each one with reassurance and expertise. Why discovery calls are also market research gold: Fi explains how to use the language your leads naturally use, their words for their problems, goals, and fears, to strengthen your marketing and improve conversions. How to identify when someone is not the right fit, and still build the relationship: Learn how to gracefully redirect, recommend someone else, and stay in integrity without burning bridges (because referrals and future work often come from these calls). Get the free downloadable workbook HERE to help you apply this Sales Sprint training directly to your business. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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Attract the right clients to your business (EP#55)
Jan 600:15:38Tap to summarizeWe created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi kicks off a brand-new four-part series called From Maybe to Yes (Sales Sprint), designed to help small business owners boost revenue with clarity, confidence, and strategy. This series begins with one of the most foundational topics: how to attract the right clients. Instead of focusing on tactical marketing tasks, Fi zooms out to the strategic layer: understanding your ideal client, defining the value you provide, and communicating that value in language your customers actually use. Because when you’re crystal clear on who you serve and what they’re trying to achieve, everything in your business becomes easier, from marketing and messaging to sales and conversions. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to define your ideal client, craft an offer they genuinely want, and communicate in a way that makes them immediately recognise that you’re the right fit for them. What you'll learn in this episode: Why your ideal client sits at the heart of your business strategy: Fi explains why knowing exactly who you’re speaking to: their goals, challenges, desires, and language, lays the foundation for every decision you make in your business. How to identify the problems your clients are trying to solve: Great offers don’t start with what you do. They start with the transformation your clients want. Fi shows how to look beyond surface-level problems and understand what’s truly getting in their way. The real purpose of your value proposition: Before you talk about features or inclusions, you must be able to articulate the outcome your client is chasing, and how your service or product removes the barriers between them and that outcome. Why jargon kills conversions: Your clients are on page 1, not page 100. Fi breaks down how to communicate in the voice of your customer and why using their own words leads to faster, easier sales. How to make your website actually work for you: Most business owners focus their website on themselves. Fi explains why your homepage and about page should centre your client - who they are, why they’re here, and what they want - and how to make your pricing and call-to-action clear and compelling. The brave move of putting your prices on your website: Fi shares why transparent pricing saves everyone time and why premium pricing requires premium communication, visuals, and brand experience. The crucial step most small business owners miss: You must test your offer in the real world. Fi explores product-market fit and why talking to real people matters more than tinkering behind the scenes. Get the free downloadable workbook HERE to help you apply this Sales Sprint training directly to your business. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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How to make money from social media - with Jarrah Brailey (EP#54)
Dec 1600:49:42Tap to summarizeFrom $10 a day to agency CEO: Jarrah Brailey on content, confidence & charging more In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi sits down with social media obsessed agency founder Jarrah Brailey from Jampacked Agency for a behind-the-scenes look at how content, strategy and clever engagement build online communities that make strong businesses. From secretly setting up a Facebook account at 10 years old and charging $10 a day for her social media services, to leading a fully-remote content and ads agency working with product-based brands around Australia. Jarrah shares what really moves the needle on platforms like Instagram and TikTok – and why your creative is your most important currency.🎧 Tune in for a refreshingly real conversation about organic vs paid, content that actually converts, learning to love your numbers, and the uncomfortable-but-essential process of putting your prices up so you can do your best work. What you'll learn in this episode: Why “one size fits all” content is costing you time and money. How copying the same post across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Pinterest signals you “don’t get” the platform. Platform culture 101: TikTok vs Instagram. The key differences in pace, polish and “native” feel between TikTok and Instagram, and why branding-heavy carousels don’t fly everywhere. Organic social as brand builder, not an instant ATM. How to think about organic content as top-of-funnel brand building, and which metrics actually matter (hint: it’s not just sales). Paid ads as a multiplier, not a magic tap. Why ads can’t fix a leaky offer, clunky website or unclear messaging, and what foundations to have in place before you start spending. Creative is currency in paid ads. Why the quality, concept and “scroll-stopping” power of your creative now matters more than ever. Making social media actually sell. Where organic, paid and email each sit in helping people move from curious to converted. Becoming the kind of business owner who can read their numbers. Jarrah’s journey from crying in a meeting with her accountant to confidently logging into Xero, reading her Profit & Loss and making decisions without waiting for permission. Pricing as the unlock for better work and better clients. What happened when Jam Packed’s retainers increased, and why higher prices often mean better results, not just more revenue. Dropping the ego and embracing beginner energy. How allowing yourself to be “the three-year-old on a skateboard” with money and metrics can transform your business faster than pretending you already know it all. Connect with Jarrah Brailey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jampacked.agency/ Web: https://jampackedagency.com.au/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrah-brailey/________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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 DM to @peach.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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How to make more money in your business (EP#53)
Dec 900:18:03Tap to summarizeWhy you’re not making enough money — and how to fix it In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down something that if you’re not making enough money, it usually traces back to one of three things: - your pricing, - your business model, - or your money mindset. And the good news? Every one of these three areas is completely fixable. Drawing on 25 years of experience helping small business owners increase their income, improve profitability, and create businesses that support their life and their impact goals, Fi unpacks exactly why these issues show up and the practical steps you can take today to change it. 🎧 Tune in to learn why so many small business owners undercharge, how your business model shapes your earning capacity, and why your thoughts and beliefs about money directly influence your financial results. What you'll learn in this episode: Why most small business owners undercharge: The myth of needing to be “affordable” is holding you back more than you think. How your pricing affects everything: A small price change can have a big impact on your profitability. Why you should raise your prices yearly: Not just for inflation, but because your skills, processes, and client results improve every year. How unclear billable vs. non-billable time leads to underpricing: If you don’t know what your work really costs, you can’t price it properly. What your business model actually is: The structure of your products, customers, value, and revenue streams, and why it's the backbone of your strategy. Why “different” matters more than “better”: Positioning yourself uniquely is more powerful than trying to be the best. How client type influences your pricing: The right clients expect to pay more, and your price is a signal that attracts (or repels) them. Why money mindset affects your income: Your beliefs about money influence almost every decision in your business. How to spot your hidden money beliefs: Your behaviours (discounting, hesitating, undercharging) reveal what you really believe. Why you can change your money psychology: Once you understand your patterns, you can shift them and change your financial results. Resources mentioned in this episode: FREE: 13 Lessons from 13 Years – Learn the Business Rules to Break FREE: How to Price Your Product or Service Business Model Design Program Join the Good Money Club waitlist ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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15 Years of Peach - from an olive grove to today
Aug 1200:40:27Tap to summarize15 Years of Peach: From an olive grove to today It’s part celebration, part business story, and part deep dive into the lessons learned over a 15-year entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Fi Johnston takes you behind the scenes of Peach Business from its unexpected origin in a windswept olive grove to the businesses, projects, and lessons that have shaped it. Fi shares the path that led her from a small tax practice to a craft brewery, a venture capital firm, and to starting Peach in 2010. You’ll hear about the clients that became long-term collaborators, the side businesses that didn’t make it, and the bold ideas (like Ripple Festival) that continue to keep her inspired. If you’ve ever wondered what 15 years in small business really looks like—the wins, the detours, the hard calls, and the personal costs, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentional growth, and building something that lasts. 🎧 Tune in for a mix of business storytelling, hard-earned lessons, and practical takeaways from a decade and a half in the small biz trenches. What you'll learn in this episode: Why hitting a 15-year milestone is so rare in small business, and what it really takes to get there, The career steps and pivotal jobs that shaped Fi’s approach to money, business, and leadership, How a chance meeting at Mount Zero Olives sparked the idea (and name) for Peach Business, Why Fi believes in simplifying your business model before adding a second brand, product, or revenue stream, The importance of knowing your capacity, and how overcommitment can quietly sabotage your business, Why some of Fi’s longest client relationships eventually ended by her own suggestion (and why that was the right move), The real impact of running multiple ventures at once, and why focus matters more than “having lots of irons in the fire.” How Good Money Club became the heart of Peach and why members stay beyond their initial commitment, The thinking behind launching Ripple Festival and what it means to merge business and creativity on a large scale, Why “small business never ends” and the importance of building rest, breaks, and boundaries into your calendar, The personal sacrifices that come with a long business journey—and how to protect your mental and physical health along the way. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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
Aug 5, 202500:55:56Tap to summarize 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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Noticing Your Money Thoughts (Thinking Exercise)
Jul 27, 202500:14:36Tap to summarizeWhat do you really think about money? If you’ve ever felt like your mindset is holding you back—but you can’t quite put your finger on how—this episode is for you. In this special edition of Money Secrets, Fi shares a powerful guided exercise originally delivered inside Good Money Club to help members get to the root of their thoughts about money. And now, she’s sharing it with you. This isn’t about affirmations or quick mindset hacks. It’s about slowing down long enough to actually hear what’s going on inside your head—and learning how those thoughts shape your pricing, decision-making, and ability to grow a business that pays you well. This one’s a little different, but we think you’ll love it. 🎧 Grab your notebook and tune in for a transformative reflection you can return to again and again. What is your first thought when you envision the following scenarios: You see a shiny online business owner post about their six-figure launch You get declined at the grocery store checkout You pull up next to a brand-new BMW at the traffic lights You walk through your dream house at an open inspection A client is a month late paying a high-value invoice A dream client reaches out asking to work with you They receive your proposal and say, “That’s more than I expected” You find out your BAS bill is the biggest it’s ever been You’re pricing a new offer and feel stuck These aren’t hypothetical. They’re the real-life moments that quietly shape how we feel about money—and how much of it we allow ourselves to make. Inside this episode, Fi gently guides you through each one so you can name, notice, and shift what’s sitting underneath. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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Is The Economy Impacting Small Business? 10 Tips to Take Control
Jul 20, 202500:23:58Tap to summarizeIs the economy impacting small business owners? Let’s talk about it. It’s the question on every founder’s mind—and in this solo episode of Money Secrets, Fi unpacks what she’s seeing across the small business landscape right now. Drawing on 25+ years of experience and conversations with members inside Good Money Club, Fi explores why the current economic climate is affecting some businesses more than others — and the mindset and strategies that help business owners stay afloat (and thrive) even when conditions change. This is a conversation grounded in honesty and optimism — a reminder that yes, small business is hard, but there are always actions we can take. 🎧 Tune in to hear practical insights, examples from real businesses, and 10 things you can control — no matter what’s happening in the wider economy. 10 things you can control in your business: How much marketing you do. Marketing isn’t something you “get around to” — it’s part of your job. Treating it like a core business function changes everything. What platforms you use. You don’t have to be everywhere. Choose 1–3 platforms where your audience hangs out, and go deeper instead of wider. The words and imagery in your marketing. If your message isn’t landing, it might be the language. Trade the jargon for words your ideal clients actually use. How many times you follow up on leads. Most business owners give up after one follow-up. But following up (even 8 times!) is where the conversions often happen. The thoughts you have about money. Your money mindset shapes your decisions. And yes — you can rewire your thoughts, especially if they’re holding you back. How much learning or upskilling you do. You can grow your business without dancing on Instagram. Networking, workshops, and learning new skills all count. The prices you set and how you present them. Price is more than a number — it’s a story. And you get to shape that story through how you package and communicate your offers. Which clients you target. If your usual audience isn’t converting, it might be time to shift. Changing who you're speaking to is always an option. How you manage and spend your money. You can’t control exactly how much comes in, but you can decide what to do with it once it lands in your bank account. How you choose to do business — your values, methods, and mindset. Your business is yours to run. Whether that means standing for something, spotlighting others, or doing things differently, you decide. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.businessIf 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. ________________________________________________________________________ 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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