The SME Advantage

Hosted by adapt

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Nov 2026

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About the show

This podcast is for the owners who actually carry this country — the SMEs driving innovation, employment and GDP. The SME Advantage is here to spread a bit of optimism, a bit of gratitude, and a lot of momentum. We hear from people across the country helping owners harness what makes them powerful. You've got the advantage. Time to use it.

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21 recent

November 5, 202638 min

Tell your team the bad news w. Mark Rheinlander

Mark Rheinlander founded Carbon280, a Perth company that built a new way to store hydrogen. It raised around $16 million, with Woodside among its backers, and built a pilot plant in Kwinana. Then the investment tide went out of hydrogen. Mark talks with Gabe and Kane Leersen about licensing a technology, negotiating royalties in the open, and the decision every CEO hopes never to make. His biggest lesson is to keep telling your team the truth, because they'll work it out anyway. Key topics Why 90% of the work is still ahead once something is invented Negotiating royalties with a model both sides can see Doing everything right and still losing Being open with your team when the business is in trouble How AI speeds up the hamster wheel, and where to draw the line Connect with Mark Hydrilyte Technologies

September 23, 202642 min

Stop blaming your people w. Alena Bennett

Alena Bennett shares insights on leadership, the importance of role clarity, and how business is fundamentally about math. She discusses how leaders can better understand and leverage their financial and operational roles to drive success. key topics The importance of role clarity in leadership The six types of business math and their influence How to leverage CFOs as strategic partners The impact of organisational culture on performance Balancing systems and people in business growth Connect with Alena https://www.alenabennett.com.au/ Real Math of Business Podcast

August 31, 202628 min

Lessons from the incoming owner-leader

Join Kane and Gabe as they explore the journey of leadership succession from the perspective of the incoming owner-leader. The conversation is rich with insights, personal experiences, and the realities of taking on such a significant responsibility.

June 29, 202626 min

Traps and opportunities of building leadership beyond you

The key to a thriving long term business is not just in the daily grind. It’s about cultivating a team of leaders who can carry the vision forward. The catch is it doesn’t happen overnight. It requires commitment, time, and a willingness to let go. When you invest in developing your team, you're building independence and a legacy. Kane and Gabe talks through some of the traps and opportunities around leadership development, the GM challenge and advisory boards. Remember, it’s like a relay race. You need to pass the baton smoothly, ensuring the new leader has the tools and confidence to take charge. See this article for more on Role Clarity - https://theadaptway.com/blog/role-clarity/ This is the visual resource Gabe mentioned in the episode - https://canva.link/raaufm8flzjrbrm

June 17, 202638 min

How to become AI resilient as an SME

If you've been following the Anthropic Mythos Fable 5 saga and wondering what it actually means for your business, this episode is worth your time. Pete and Andy, co-founders of Other Stuff Studio, joined Gabe and Kane to talk about something most AI conversations skip: who actually owns the intelligence inside your business? Because if the answer is "a subscription to a US tech company," that's could be a problem. The conversation covers cognitive stack ownership, AI resilience for SMEs, their open-source Wingman platform, and why the agility of a small founder-led team is a genuine competitive advantage in this wave. Practical, honest, and a little refreshing for anyone tired of AI hype. https://otherstuff.ai/ https://otherstuff.ai/the-good-stuff/

June 10, 202633 min

Navigating the redundancy decision

Are you facing redundancy decisions in your SME? We talk to HR expert, business owner and veteran coach Brendan Forwood from People Squared on how to navigate these tricky waters. In today’s climate, many business owners are grappling with the reality of workforce adjustments. It’s a tough conversation, but with the right approach, you can manage it with integrity. The key? Understanding your critical numbers and planning ahead. Too often, businesses react to financial pressures without a clear strategy. By regularly assessing your wages, leave liabilities, and overall financial health, you can make informed decisions that prioritise both your business and your team. Connect with Brendan: https://www.peoplesquared.com.au/ Thanks to https://www.coffeecommune.com.au/ for hosting us.

June 1, 202631 min

The goldmine you already own

Most small businesses get 80% of revenue from their existing base without lifting a finger — until a downturn quietly shrinks it. James Smith ( Smith Brothers Media ) joins Gabe and Kane on why owning your data, leading with value, and being willing to sell — not chasing AI hype — is what keeps an SME alive. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-sme-advantage/id1738995409 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uxaYAlciu70Dl07WTayvU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnT8h-EugmKyOeW3M_lIre9KLqc3T4wkG Other Links: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/books https://www.sigparser.com/

May 25, 2026Episode 1532 min

A shot in the arm

The adapt podcast is evolving into 'The SME Advantage' with my co-host Kane Leersen joining in. Kane is the founder of Regional Prosperity - a financial advice firm in regional Victoria - and a passionate Succession Thinker. Kane and I became tired of the doom and gloom that's out there. SMEs are the back bone of this country and it's time the amazing people who own and operate them get some cheers and support. Owning your own business is bloody hard work. But it's also an incredible opportunity and we will drive the conversation around how to take advantage of that. We are looking for any owners or any SME advisers who gives a sh!t about the work they do and want to cheer other owners on. Reach out to myself (Gabe) at connect@theadaptway.com or Kane at kane@regionalprosperity.au .

October 30, 2024Episode 1354 min

The Power of Play on Performance & Success

In this episode, we chat with Josh Pullman, founder of The Conditioning Co. Josh shares his journey from semi-professional footballer, to personal trainer, then business owner and how his experience with sport shapes his approach to business, and life in general. We cover: Flexible leadership and choosing the right leadership style for the situation Prioritising play for as long as possible, at all stages of life Getting to know your clients and learning the ‘why’ behind their goals Finding new tools to help declutter your mind and keep you focused 🔗 https://www.theconditioningco.com.au/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-pullman-69929839/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-enslin/

September 12, 2024Episode 1251 min

Be kind to yourself: Navigating the challenge of leading in the family business

In this episode, Sophie Stott shares her journey of taking over her family business, Quickmail . She shared how she navigated the rapidly changing technological landscape, shifting her business from traditional mailing services successfully into e-commerce fulfilment. We cover: The importance of experimenting with new business strategies to evolve. The ability to learn from the failed ones, but continue confidently, despite them. The value of strong leadership when times get tough, How to keep a proactive mindset and an empathetic approach. The need to build sustainable client relationships based on trust and good service. Tune in to hear Sophie's valuable insights on leadership and driving business growth through resilience, innovation and empathy.