The Dion Guagliardo Podcast

Hosted by Dion Guagliardo

Business ManagementInterviews guests

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Episodes

129

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

The Dion Guagliardo Podcast is a show that brings on Australian business people, leaders and innovators from a variety of industries to discuss entrepreneurship, work ethic and how they achieved success

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 29, 2026Episode 12930 min

#129 Max Marchione

In this episode, I interview Max Marchione, founder of Superpower. Max started the healthcare business in two thousand twenty-three, so far raising fifty million dollars at a three hundred million US dollar valuation, and plans to revolutionize the healthcare industry in the decades ahead. Throughout the episode, Max shares how he built the business after moving to the US, his vision for Superpower, and how he plans to change healthcare from one of its foundational processes, blood testing, to ultimately reinvent the entire healthcare system.He also goes into detail about his vision for creating cities, as well as the core values his business is based on, people and books that inspire him, and insights into the process of fundraising. If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

May 17, 2026Episode 12835 min

#128 Ian Runge - Founder of RPMGlobal

In this episode, I interview Ian Runge, founder of RPM Global Holdings Limited Ian started the mining technology business in 1977, listed it on the ASX in 2008, before it was acquired by Caterpillar in February 2026 for over one billion dollars.Throughout the episode, Ian shares how he built the business and innovated computer programming for the mining industry when it was still a fresh concept. He talks about bringing in investors, making sure the business could run on its own, and formulating an exit from day-to-day operations. He also opens up about the realities of listing and then selling a business and what it means to have a successful life outside of running a successful business.If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

April 27, 2026Episode 12737 min

#127 Renece Brewster - Co-Founder of Visual Domain

In this episode I interview Renece Brewster, co-founder of Visual Domain. Renece started the video production company in 2008 and scaled it into a national business before being acquired by News Corp in 2024. Throughout the episode, Renece shares how she built the business from scratch during the GFC, growing it into a team of over 100 staff while navigating the pressures of rapidly scaling the company. She also opens up about the realities of selling a business, the emotional side of exiting, and what she's learned since transitioning into a portfolio career across multiple ventures, including her Tech Circle and March Collective. If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

April 7, 2026Episode 12635 min

#126 Stefon Bertram - Founder and Managing Partner of Pello Property

In this episode I interview Stefon Bertram, founder and managing partner of Pello Property. Throughout the conversation, Stefon shares his journey into real estate, starting at just 17 years old, growing and selling his first agency through to building Pello into what it is today. Now approaching its fifth year, the business is on track to achieve $1.2 billion in turnover this year. Stefon also reflects on the key lessons he's learned along the way and how he's maintained a strong team culture while scaling the business. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to share it with your family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

March 12, 2026Episode 12531 min

#125 Andrea Christie-David - Founder of Leor

In this episode, I interview Andrea Christie-David - Founder of Leor. Founded in 2018, Leor grew into a nationally early learning service, ultimately leading to its acquisition by ASX-listed G8 Education in 2021.Throughout the conversation, Andrea shares how she built the business as a solution to her own personal challenge. She also opens up about navigating issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and how leading with vulnerability helped her support and stay connected with her team as the business grew.If you enjoy this episode, feel free to share it with your family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

February 15, 2026Episode 12454 min

#124 Sven Almenning - Founder of The Speakeasy Group

In this episode, I interview Sven Almenning - Founder of The Speakeasy Group. With a background bartending around the world, Sven founded Australia's largest industry consultancy firm, Behind Bars, for nine years. He then founded Speakeasy Group, a high-end boutique hospitality company with 8 venues across Melbourne and Sydney.Throughout the episode, Sven highlights the value of creating meaningful experiences through human interactions, especially in an era where people are increasingly reliant on technology. He also talks about the importance of strong business partnerships in fostering growth within a challenging industry.If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

January 30, 2026Episode 12340 min

#123 Chris Poulter - Founder and CEO of OSINT Combine

In this episode, I interview Chris Poulter - Founder and CEO of OSINT Combine. After more than a decade of experience in the Australian Defence Force, Chris founded the company in 2019. Since then, the veteran-operated business has grown into a global provider of open-source intelligence software, serving clients in more than 20 countries. Throughout the episode, Chris discusses his military career, highlighting how it profoundly shaped his character and his perspective on the world. He shares how OSINT Combine supports critical operations including counter terrorism and counter human trafficking efforts. Chris also talks about the evolving role of AI, discussing both the opportunities and threats to the intelligence landscape.If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

January 16, 2026Episode 12232 min

#122 Diana Williams - Founder of Fernwood Fitness

In this episode, I interview Diana Williams - Founder of Fernwood Fitness. Driven by her love of strength training, Diana opened Australia's first women-only gym in 1989. Today, Fernwood has grown to more than 70 clubs nationwide, supporting over 90,000 Australian women. Throughout the episode, Diana reflects on her decision to franchise and the rapid growth and publicity that came with launching a women-only gym. She discusses her leadership style, how the fitness industry has evolved over the past 40 years, and the ways that she's adapted to both the market and women’s needs and how they've changed. If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

December 16, 2025Episode 12141 min

#121 Kristina Karlsson - Founder of kikki.K and Dream Life

In this episode, I interview Kristina Karlsson - Founder of kikki.K and Dream Life. Opening her first stationery store in 2001, kikki.K became a global brand with over 100 stores and customers in over 150 countries. Today, she channels her creativity and passion into Dream Life, a print-on-demand stationery brand and digital coaching program designed to help people create and live their dream lives.Throughout the episode, Kristina talks about the rapid growth of kikki.K and its challenges, including COVID pandemic and parting ways with the business she built. She also highlights her goal to inspire and empower 101 million people worldwide to pursue their dreams through her new business.If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends.Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com

December 9, 2025Episode 12030 min

#120 Troy Sawdy - Founder and CEO of Titan Ind.

In this episode, I interview Troy Sawdy - Founder and CEO of Titan Ind. Starting the company in 2019, Titan provides maintenance solutions for the mining industry across the country. In just six years, Troy has scaled Titan to almost $100m in revenue and a team of 350 employees nationwide. Throughout the episode, Troy shares the key lessons he learned to become a better leader and the importance of workplace culture, both of which align with Titan's core values of communication, integrity and accountability. He also reflects on his experience in the business world, emphasising that success isn’t defined by background because everyone is working together towards a shared goal.If you enjoy this episode, feel free to leave a review and share with family and friends. Share the episode: https://thedionguagliardopodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareMore on us!Dion's Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hHg1ffOur social media: https://linktr.ee/FortressFinancialFortress Family Office: https://www.fortressfamilyoffice.com/Contact us: admin@fortressfamilyoffice.com