Business Essentials

Hosted by SoundCartel

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Episodes

1333

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

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 www.soundcartel.com.au +61 3 9882 8333

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 14, 202618 min

Navigating business inflection points, and smarter tax planning

What 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.

June 8, 202622 min

Future-proofing in the age of AI. Plus: Compliance without the chaos

How 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.

May 31, 202620 min

Why discipline beats vision – and why grad jobs are disappearing

What’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.

May 24, 202627 min

Promoting yourself without the cringe. Plus: Breaking the overachiever cycle

Hate 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.

May 18, 202638 min

What the Federal Budget means for your business

The 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.

May 10, 202617 min

Preparing for the future of work. Plus: Confidence at work

Is 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.

May 3, 202625 min

Beat burnout, and build your personal brand

Struggling 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.

April 26, 202625 min

Disinformation at work. Plus: Remarkable experiences to build client trust

Two 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.

April 19, 202619 min

Self-publishing vs commercial publishing for business authors. Plus: how to scale

Two 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.

April 12, 202619 min

Rethinking time management advice - and should your business consider solar?

Feeling 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.