Podcast
Transforming the Game
Hosted by Kristina Katsanevas · EN
Transforming the Game with Kristina Katsanevas is the podcast for game-changers, risk-takers, and industry shakers. Don’t hate the player, learn the game! These leaders are rewriting the rules. From high-net-worth entrepreneurs, founders of Australia’s most iconic brands, and those disciplined enough to keep stacking those habits to success. We dive into the minds of pioneers innovating in media, business, health, fashion, sport and transformation. Want to know how to break the mold and redefine success in your career, business, and life?
Tune in and start transforming the game.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Doctors Say it's Normal. Be Worried. Your Body knows what it needs
5d ago00:33:16Tap to summarizeMost high performers don’t have a discipline problem.They have a recovery + biology problem.In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Michael O’Sullivan - mind and body performance coach, NLP practitioner, nutritionist, and CEO/Founder of Elite Power Moves (EPM) - to break down why “train more, eat less” keeps ambitious people tired, stuck, and underperforming.Going deep on the layers most people ignore: belief systems, identity, behaviour, and the biological “owner’s manual” you can use to stop guessing.In this episode, we cover:Why your beliefs, identity, and behaviors shape your health outcomes (not just your workouts)Michael’s story: from 145kg and depressed to building EPMThe difference between “normal” vs optimal bloodwork (and why “normal” can be a red flag)How DNA + blood + hormone testing removes guesswork and personalizes your planWhy high stress keeps people in fight-or-flight (and what that does to performance)What HRV (heart rate variability) actually tells you about recoveryWhy sleep is the fastest lever (including the goal of more restorative sleep)How cortisol rhythm and insulin resistance can affect energy, focus, and resultsPractical habit examples you can apply immediately (even when you’re busy)Michael’s core promise is simple: “One hour with us saves you a thousand hours of guesswork.” If you’re building a career, a business, or a family-and you want better energy, clarity, and longevity-this one is for you.Connect with Michael O’Sullivan (Elite Power Moves):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elitepowermoves?originalSubdomain=auWebsite: https://elitepowermovesexecutives.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelosullivan8484Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLqWERph1BM/Follow / Connect with Transforming the Game:All links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastIf this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s pushing hard but still feels “off.”Subscribe for more conversations on performance, leadership, and health.
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Only 7% of Businesses Hit $1M Adam Coffey’s will Stack the Odds in Your Favor
Dec 2800:53:57Tap to summarizeMost entrepreneurs want to grow big but don’t know the real math that drives profits or how to build a culture that keeps talent and fuels scale.Adam Coffey, CEO with 21 years at the helm, author of four #1 business bestsellers, and private equity veteran behind 58 company acquisitions and $2.5 billion in exits, breaks down exactly how to get it right-first small, then big.In this episode, Adam exposes the brutal truth: If your business doesn’t work profitably at its smallest unit, it will fail at scale. He reveals his unit economics framework, the 30-20-10 rule, and the culture-building secrets that keep employees loyal and customers coming back. But Adam goes deeper-he shatters the “one-and-done” sale myth by showing how he sold the same company 5 times, each payday bigger than the last, with less equity on each deal. This is how savvy entrepreneurs create multiple exits and grow lasting wealth beyond what most can imagine.What You’ll Learn: - How to master unit economics and run your business profitably from the ground up - Building a winning culture that attracts and retains A-players - Why roll-ups and acquisitions create hyper-growth compared to slow organic methods - Rollover equity and repeat exits: your path to multiple paydays, not just one - How to use Adam’s 30-20-10 rule to diagnose and fix profit leaks fast - Preparing your business for sale the right way to avoid leaving millions on the table Don’t tune in if… you’re comfortable with guesswork, vague metrics, or one-shot thinking. This episode is for entrepreneurs who want to beat the odds and transform their game with relentless clarity and proven strategy.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iH7mu9zn6pY🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts - search "Transforming the Game" Connect with Adam Coffey Website: https://adamecoffey.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/ Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe & Engage:If this episode expanded your thinking or sharpened your influence skills, please subscribe, like, and comment. Your support powers future transformative conversations.
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The Dark Side of The Wolf of Wall Street. The Duchess Reveals All
Dec 2100:32:05Tap to summarizeDr. Nadine Macaluso, known as Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. But this conversation is not about Hollywood. It’s about healing, empowerment, and reclaiming your life.About Dr Nae:Dr. Nadine Macaluso, known to her patients as Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort's character in "The Wolf of Wall Street." She survived a turbulent eight-year marriage to Jordan Belfort, marked by abuse, greed, and trauma.Following her experiences, Dr. Macaluso relocated to California. Her journey of trauma and healing inspired her to return to school at age 39, where she earned her Master's in counselling and a Ph.D. in somatic psychotherapy. She further specialized with a two-year postdoctoral training in the Neuro-affective Relational Model (NARM). This conversation covers:• Trauma bonds and love bombing • Addiction and rage in relationships • Financial and psychological abuse • Why your body knows before your mind does • The importance of therapy and support • Healing through self-discovery • Building community after trauma • Finding healthy love againIf you’ve ever felt confused, controlled, or disconnected from yourself in a relationship, this episode will land.Connect with Dr Nae: Download the first chapter of Dr Nae Book “Run Like Hell” https://heal.drnae.com/podcast-book-giveaway Join the Community – https://course.drnae.com/trauma-bond-recovery-course-eInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drnaelmftFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/drnaelmftYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealDrNadineX - x.com/therealdrnadineConnect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe & Engage:If this episode expanded your thinking or sharpened your influence skills, please subscribe, like, and comment. Your support powers future transformative conversations.
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John Parsiani: The Trust Architect of Miami’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Dec 100:59:07Tap to summarizeIn this revealing episode, I sit down with John Parsiani the strategic force behind Parsiani Real Estate, a leading name shaping Miami’s skyline and luxury market. Far from a typical agent, John combines razor-sharp human insight, relentless discipline, and a $5 billion sales playbook to master high-stakes deals where trust is the true currency.We explore John’s inspiring journey from war-torn Shiraz through immigrant resilience in Sweden, to dominating Miami’s real estate scene with breakthrough projects like Aria on the Bay and Aston Martin Residences. His unique blend of Persian heritage, global upbringing, and deep emotional intelligence transforms how ultra-high-net-worth clients engage, decide, and invest.This episode is a masterclass in persuasive leadership, elite negotiation, and understanding people beneath the surface. Plus, we dive into some unexpected Greek-Persian rivalry banter that adds a memorable spark to our conversation.What You Will Learn:• How John built and scaled one of Miami’s most trusted luxury real estate brands• The psychological codes behind closing swift, high-trust deals in a competitive market• Why influence is 80% human behavior — and how to decode it before a word is spoken• The crucial difference between European and American approaches to service excellence• Navigating client energy, ego, and decision-making micro-signals with finesse• The storytelling frameworks that cultivate client loyalty beyond contracts• A glimpse into John's worldview shaped by a globe-trotting life and perseveranceTimestamped Chapters for Precise Listening:00:00 Meet John Parsiani03:01 The Hidden Psychology Behind Luxury Sales09:15 Trust Dynamics with Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients15:22 Reading Between the Lines: Human Behaviour Insights21:44 Why Europeans Get Service Differently28:10 Negotiation Energy Management35:39 The Strategic Long Game in Real Estate44:05 Lighthearted Greek vs Persian Banter52:18 Loyalty in Brand Building59:12 Crucial Leadership and Influence TakeawaysConnect Directly with John Parsiani:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrparsiani/Instagram Parsiani Real Estate: https://www.instagram.com/parsianirealestate/Parsiani Real Estate: https://www.parsiani.com/Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the GameAll links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcastSubscribe & Engage:If this episode expanded your thinking or sharpened your influence skills, please subscribe, like, and comment. Your support powers future transformative conversations.
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David Hughes: Behind the Laughs, the Hustle & Life’s Unexpected Lessons
Nov 2600:47:59Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you sit down with one of Australia’s most beloved comedians and media personalities, the conversation digs deeper than the punchlines?In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas chats with David "Hughesy" Hughes comedian, radio and TV icon, and one of the quickest-witted Aussies you’ll ever meet. Beyond the jokes, Hughesy shares raw, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming stories from breaking ribs in a charity AFL game (yes, and still kicking a goal) to quitting alcohol at 21 and managing the chaos of online hate.This episode goes past the spotlight to reveal Hughesy’s perspective on ambition, reinvention, ego battles, and the liberating power of presence. Discover how he’s stayed relevant for decades, why he’s stopped worrying about what others think, and the surprising ways comedy has carried him through life’s toughest seasons.If you want to hear the real story behind the laughs and how to keep evolving when the world thinks they already know you, this episode delivers.Why You’ll Want to Listen· The truth about longevity in entertainment and media· How Hughesy turned setbacks into stories that connect· Why presence beats ego every time· The crazy tale of a charity footy game gone wrong (and right)· What quitting alcohol taught Hughesy about life and resilience· How laughter turns personal stories into universal bondsThis is a must-listen mix of belly laughs, life lessons, and the kind of honesty that stays with you long after the mic goes silent.Connect with David Hughes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhughesy/ X: https://x.com/DHughesyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialdavehughesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dhughesy Website: https://davehughes.com.au/Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the Game All links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame Website: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIf this episode gave you a laugh, a fresh perspective, or a reality check, please follow, subscribe, and leave a comment it helps us reach more listeners who need it.
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The Untold Mindgame: rewrite your story after 40!
Nov 1600:53:26Tap to summarizeWinning the Second Half: Matt Elliott & Susan Pearce on Re-Engineering the Mind for Sustainable SuccessWhat if the greatest game you'll ever play is the one inside your mind?Why You Need to ListenDiscover why it’s never too late to win your second halfTurn pressure and failure into growth opportunitiesExplore neuroscience behind change, emotion, and habitsHear behind-the-scenes stories from elite coaching and leadershipUnlock science-based tools for focus, resilience, and performance renewalRecommended Reading Winning the Second Half by Matt Elliott and Susan Pearce – Buy on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Winning-Second-Half-Matt-Elliott/dp/1923501046 About Matt and SusanMatt Elliott is a renowned NRL coach and performance consultant known for transforming teams and mindsets at the highest levels of sport. Today he helps individuals and leaders build mental resilience, purpose, and flow through his MindFit coaching programs. Website: https://www.mattelliottcoach.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/headcoachmattelliott/Website: The Change Room – Health and Well-being Susan Pearce is a bestselling author, mindfulness researcher, and speaker specialising in leadership and behavioural change. Her work in neuroscience and mindfulness helps people reconnect with their potential and lead with awareness, authenticity, and balance. Website: https://www.susanpearce.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanmpearse/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-pearse-022b0311/ Watch Now & Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TransformingTheGameSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/your-podcast-linkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/your-podcast-linkConnect with Kristina Katsanevas Links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKatsanevasWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com If this episode helped you rethink what’s possible, please subscribe, like, and share—it helps us keep transforming the game.
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The Leverage Effect: How Women Can Build Wealth, Scale Smarter, and Use Debt the Right Way
Nov 900:34:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Caroline Jean-Baptiste finance strategist, mentor, entrepreneur, and author of The Leverage Effect to unpack what it really means to build wealth as a self-employed woman.In this conversation, they break down:How to tell the difference between good debt and bad debtWhat leverage really means—and why it’s a game-changer for business ownersHow to read your numbers and forecast cash flow (without being a finance nerd)When to buy property vs. when to scale your businessWhy 86% of small businesses never sell—and how to change that outcomeCaroline’s message is simple but powerful: feel the fear and do it anyway—just make sure you’re investing in something that brings a strong return.Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or just ready to get financially confident, this episode will show you how to turn what you already have into your next level of wealth.📘 Grab Caroline’s book The Leverage Effect here: https://www.theleverageeffect.com.au🌐 Connect with Caroline Jean-Baptiste Website: https://www.carolinejeanbaptiste.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejean-baptisteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinejeanbaptiste💡 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas Website: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkatsaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingTheGameFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinakatsanevasMore episodes and links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameSubscribe, like, and comment to support Transforming the Game—where we uncover the strategies, stories, and mindset shifts behind people who lead, build, and transform the world around them.🎧 Listen and watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingTheGameApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/transforming-the-game/id1702065362Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XQEGSYE1hSnfV0ykUn0a5
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From Battlefield to Boardroom: Leadership, Legacy, and Finding Your Why with Michael Scott CSC
Nov 300:45:22Tap to summarizeWhat does leadership look like when the stakes are life and death then again when the mission becomes meaning?In this episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Colonel Michael Scott CSC, a decorated Australian Army officer turned CEO, author, and founder of the 2023 Foundation, whose mission is to educate and empower others through firsthand experience and truth-seeking.After serving in East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel, Michael shares powerful lessons from three decades in the profession of arms on teamwork, humility, and what it really takes to build a high-performing culture under pressure. From leading soldiers in combat to leading communities through division, he unpacks:How to turn adversity into purpose and serviceWhy humility and followership matter as much as leadershipThe critical role of emotional intelligence in elite teamsHow to rebuild trust, accountability, and character in modern leadershipThe confronting realities of misinformation and why critical thinking is today’s new battlefieldWhy everyone should visit Israel and experience first hand the beautiful people and culture.Michael’s story is one of courage, conviction, and legacy. His book, A Light Still Burns: Israel and the Values Worth Defending, challenges us all to rethink what we stand for and how we lead when no one’s watching.🎧 Tune in to hear how one man’s journey from the front line to the foundation of a new movement is redefining what it means to serve, lead, and live with purpose.📖 Learn more about Michael and his work at https://michaelscottcsc.comFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelscottcsc/📘 Get the book A Light Still Burns: Israel and the Values Worth Defending on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1923501046👇 Watch Now & Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TransformingTheGameSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/your-podcast-linkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/your-podcast-link🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas Links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegameInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevasFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKatsanevasWebsite: https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com If this episode helped you rethink what’s possible, please subscribe, like, and share—it helps us keep transforming the game.
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Legacy, Leadership & Lifelong Impact with Vishnu Naidu | Founders 15 of Fame
Oct 800:14:43Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a business that goes beyond balance sheets and leaves a legacy?In this episode of Founders 15 of Fame, a segment of Transforming the Game, host Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Vishnu Naidu — Chartered Accountant, entrepreneur, and founder of Your Business Group (YBG) — to unpack what real success looks like when profit meets purpose.After more than 30 years in accounting across Australia, New York, and South Africa, Vishnu has mastered more than numbers. He’s built a business model rooted in partnership — connecting business owners with trusted experts in law, finance, HR, and IT to grow and protect wealth across generations.In this episode, we dive into: ✅ How YBG helps business owners scale through collaboration, M&A, and succession planning ✅ The power of legacy — and why Vishnu believes in protecting the “bloodline” of wealth ✅ Why resourcing and culture are today’s biggest business challenges ✅ How giving back through the Salvation Army, the Parramatta Chamber, and community projects fuels his purpose ✅ Why he believes, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it — but only if you take action.”From boardrooms to community kitchens, Vishnu’s story is proof that business can be both profitable and profoundly human. “It’s very hard to rule from the grave—but in this case, you can.”👤 About Vishnu NaiduVishnu Naidu is a Chartered Accountant, registered company auditor (ASIC), and Principal of Your Business Group (YBG). With over three decades of experience across multiple continents, he specializes in audit, taxation, CFO services, and strategic business advisory. Vishnu previously served as Senior Audit Manager at Ernst & Young and Partner at Macquarie Partners (acquired by Deloitte in 2011). Beyond business, he has served on the boards of the Salvation Army and the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, embodying the belief that true success lies in giving back.🌐 Learn more: • Vishnu’s Website: https://vishnunaidu.com • Your Business Group: https://ybg.net.au🕒 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Vishnu Naidu & YBG 02:10 Redefining Accounting as Advisory 04:43 Building Teams & Navigating Post-COVID Resourcing 06:57 Scaling Smart: Mergers, Acquisitions & Succession 08:25 Legacy & Protecting the “Bloodline” of Wealth 10:40 Giving Back: The Human Side of Business 12:45 Teaching Financial Literacy & Empowering the Next Generation 13:48 Final Words: “Dream it, plan it, do it.”🎧 Listen & Subscribe Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🔗 All Links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas Instagram: @kristinakatsanevas Facebook: Kristina Katsanevas Website: www.kristinakatsanevas.com YouTube: Transforming the Game PodcastIf this episode inspired you or changed how you see leadership, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps us keep transforming the game.
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Founders 15 of Fame | Nicholas Hamilton on Making the Complex Simple & Scaling in Heavy Industry
Oct 100:07:18Tap to summarize🎙️ Founders 15 of Fame | Nicholas Hamilton on Building Hamilton I&E, Making the Complex Simple & Scaling in Heavy IndustryWhat does it take to compete with multinational giants—and win—as a specialist in one of the toughest industries in the world?In this episode of Founders 15 of Fame, I sit down with Nicholas Hamilton, founder of Hamilton I&E, to unpack his journey from oil and gas to building one of Queensland’s most respected industrial electrical engineering companies.Nicholas shares how he started with humble beginnings and grew to play at the same level as billion-dollar competitors, all while staying true to one core principle: make the complex simple. From hydrocarbon projects to large-scale government utilities, his team delivers work others find too daunting—and that’s exactly how they’ve built their edge.🔥 Why You Need to Listen:Learn how Hamilton scaled from a two-person startup to a fleet of 30+ trucks.Understand why people are always the biggest challenge—and the biggest opportunity.Discover how to attract and keep A-players in industries where talent is everything.See how SMEs can go head-to-head with global players and win.Get a glimpse into what’s next for Hamilton I&E as they expand across Queensland.📍 Recorded in Brisbane, with the Story Bridge in view, this episode dives deep into strategy, people, and the grit it takes to thrive in high-stakes industries.👇 Watch Now & Subscribe 📺 YouTube | 🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts 🔗 All links: https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas 📸 Instagram: @kristinakatsanevas📘 Facebook: Kristina Katsanevas🌐 Website: www.kristinakatsanevas.com📺 YouTube: Transforming the Game PodcastIf this episode gave you insight or sparked a new idea, hit subscribe, like, and comment below—your support helps us keep transforming the game.#TransformingTheGame #Founders15ofFame #IndustrialEngineering #Leadership #BusinessGrowth
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