The EO Business Podcast

Hosted by Linh Podetti

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177

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Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The EO Business Podcast is hosted by Linh Podetti, a member of the Entrepreneur's Organisation (EO) Sydney Chapter. We share the real stories of entrepreneurs, their challenges, and how they overcame them to achieve success in business and life. From the start-up phase to scaling up, exiting, and building generational wealth, we cover it all. Our community, @EntrepreneursOrganization (EO), has a global business network of over 18,000 influential business owners in more than 220 chapters across 76 countries. Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for a holistic entrepreneurial experience that covers business, family, community, and personal aspects. The fortnightly episodes explore our Global Member's journeys, experiences, and insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Don't miss out on the chance to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from the EO Business podcast.

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June 10, 2026Episode 17928 min

Ep. 179 - She Had the Dream Business… So Why Was She Burnt Out? | Natalya Berdikyan

Natalya Berdikyan had what many would call a successful life — international business experience, a chocolate factory in Belgium, and a thriving career. But behind the picture-perfect success, something felt misaligned.In this episode, Natalya shares her journey through entrepreneurial exhaustion and how it led her to create Life by Design Academy, where she now helps founders and leadership teams build energised, connected, high-performing businesses without burning out.A powerful conversation on redefining success, slowing down, and designing a life and business that truly support your wellbeing, relationships, and purpose.ABOUT NATALYANatalya Berdikyan is the founder of Life by Design Academy, where she helps founders and leadership teams create energized, connected, high-performing businesses without burning out. With over two decades of international business experience, including running a chocolate factory in Belgium and helping launch EO Belgium, Natalya understands the pressure entrepreneurs face when success looks perfect on the outside but feels misaligned on the inside. After experiencing her own journey through entrepreneurial exhaustion, she now works globally as a holistic life and business coach, facilitator, speaker, and retreat leader. Through keynotes, workshops, coaching, and immersive retreats, Natalya guides entrepreneurs to redesign how they lead, work, and live, so business results, wellbeing, and meaningful relationships can grow together.CONNECT WITH NATALYA Website: https://www.lifebydesign-academy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalyaberdikyanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalyaberdikyan/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

May 26, 2026Episode 17838 min

Ep. 178 - The Hidden Cost of Success Every Entrepreneur Should Hear | Saahil Mehta

Guest: Saahil Mehta, Success Coach, EO Dubai Member since 2014Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing AngelAt 36, Saahil Mehta had everything he thought success should look like: a seven-figure net worth, a Porsche, a beautiful home, a wife, kids, and the freedom to travel.But behind the success, he was burning out.After a near-fatal car accident and hearing his wife say, “I don’t recognize you anymore,” Saahil began questioning what success really meant.In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, host Linh Podetti speaks with Saahil about redefining success, building businesses that do not depend on you, and creating a zero-regret life.They discuss burnout, business bottlenecks, family, health, purpose, and why true success must go beyond money and status.Subscribe for more real conversations with entrepreneurs from Entrepreneurs’ Organization.ABOUT SAAHILSaahil Mehta is a conscious leadership coach, entrepreneur, speaker, and passionate mountaineer who helps ambitious leaders amplify their productivity, fulfillment, and impact without sacrificing their health, relationships, or personal wellbeing. Recognized as part of Dr. Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches, Saahil has coached and addressed leaders across organizations including HP, Dell, Bank of America, P&G, TATA Group, EO, and YPO. Through his work, he helps entrepreneurs break free from the clutter holding them back, redefine success on their own terms, and build zero-regret lives. Having scaled some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, Kala Patthar, and Chopicalqui, Saahil brings a unique perspective on resilience, clarity, and holistic success.CONNECT WITH SAAHILWebsite: www.saahilmehta.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saahilmehta/IG: https://www.instagram.com/saahilmehtaofficial/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

May 12, 2026Episode 17735 min

Ep. 177 - I Thought My Business Was Profitable… I Was Wrong | Tyson Grubb

Guest: Tyson Grubb, CEO of Instrument Choice, EO Adelaide Member since 2012Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing AngelWhat if your business looks profitable… but actually isn’t?In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, Linh Podetti sits down with Tyson Grubb, Founder & CEO of Instrument Choice, an Australian e-commerce business specialising in scientific and measurement equipment.Tyson shares how he built a thriving online business in a niche industry—long before most people believed it was possible to sell these products online. But nine years into the journey, he discovered a critical mistake: he had been misreading his financials, and the business wasn’t as profitable as he thought.This episode is a powerful reminder that understanding your numbers isn’t optional—it’s essential.🎙 In this episode, we cover:How Tyson built an e-commerce business from scratch in 2007Why most suppliers believed his business model wouldn’t workThe dangerous mistake of misreading financial statementsThe “0.1% rule” that transformed profitabilityHow small cost improvements compound over timeHiring scientists instead of salespeople to build truststaying ahead with digital marketing and AIABOUT TYSONTyson Grubb is the Founder and CEO of Instrument Choice, an Australian e-commerce business specialising in scientific and measurement equipment. Since launching the company in 2007, he has grown it into an eight-figure business serving everyone from university researchers to industry professionals across Australia. With a background in electronic engineering, Tyson built the company around a simple philosophy — “Just be helpful” — a mindset that has shaped its customer experience, culture, and long-term success. Outside of business, Tyson is a passionate entrepreneur, EO leader, mentor, “yuppy farmer,” and proud dad of two who believes success is about more than just numbers.CONNECT WITH TYSONWebsite: www.instrumentchoice.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-grubb-3a09b14/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

April 29, 2026Episode 17646 min

Ep. 176 - Michael Connelly | The Truth About Nonprofits No One Talks About

Guest: Michael Connelly, Managing Director of CPR Group, EO Queensland Member since 2024Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing AngelWhat if the biggest problem with nonprofits… is how they think about money?In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, Linh Podetti sits down with Michael Connelly, Managing Director of CPR Group, to unpack the truth about nonprofit business models — and why so many purpose-driven organisations struggle to grow.Michael shares his journey from starting a music school as a young entrepreneur to helping thousands of nonprofits become stronger, more sustainable businesses. From governance and strategy to mindset and leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone building a purpose-driven organisation.You’ll also hear: • Why “not for profit” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make money • The real reason nonprofits stay stuck in survival mode • How to shift from doing everything yourself to true leadership • The surprising human impact behind poorly run organisations • Why Michael wants to “die with nothing in the tank”This episode is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who wants to build a business that creates real impact.ABOUT MICHAELMichael Connelly is the Managing Director of CPR Group and a specialist in helping not-for-profits become stronger, more sustainable businesses. With nearly 30 years of experience, he works with councils, universities, and community organisations to improve governance, strategy, and performance. Passionate about purpose-driven impact, Michael is known for challenging the misconception that nonprofits shouldn’t make money, and for empowering leaders to think more entrepreneurially so they can better serve their communities.CONNECT WITH MICHAELWebsite: https://cprgroup.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nfpmichael/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfpmichael/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

April 15, 2026Episode 17547 min

Ep. 175 - Building a Billion-Dollar Vision: Jack Henderson on Personal Branding & Business Growth

Guest: Jack Henderson, Entrepreneur, Property Investor, and Personal Branding Advocate, EO Sydney Member since 2021Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing AngelIn this episode, Jack Henderson shares his journey from a school dropout working in construction to building a fast-growing business and personal brand. Driven by a desire to succeed and a relentless commitment to growth, Jack reveals how he leveraged media, education, and bold decision-making to scale his business rapidly.Jack opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—from navigating public scrutiny and media backlash to rebuilding stronger and scaling even further. He also shares how personal branding became his greatest asset, allowing him to control his narrative and create new opportunities.Discover Jack’s approach to business growth, leadership, and resilience, as well as the mindset required to build a billion-dollar vision. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or aspiring business leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights.ABOUT JACK HENDERSONJack Henderson is an entrepreneur and property investor known for his rapid business growth and strong personal brand. Starting his career in civil construction, Jack taught himself business and investing through books, podcasts, and mentorship.He quickly built a multi-million dollar business, scaling from zero to millions in revenue within a short period. Through leveraging social media and sharing valuable insights, Jack established himself as a leading voice in personal branding and property investment.Beyond business, Jack is driven by continuous self-improvement, endurance challenges, and building high-performance teams. His long-term vision is to grow a billion-dollar business while helping others unlock opportunities through education and media.CONNECT WITH JACKWebsite: https://henderson.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-henderson-406340112/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henderson_advocacy/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

March 25, 2026Episode 17439 min

Ep. 174 - Natasha Hawker on Hiring Right & Building a Sellable Business

Guest: Natasha Hawker, EO Sydney Member since 2025 and Founder & Managing Director of Employee MattersHost: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing AngelIn this episode, Natasha Hawker shares over 30 years of HR expertise and the powerful lessons she learned building Employee Matters from scratch.From taking on the wrong clients out of desperation to becoming one of Australia’s leading HR voices, Natasha dives deep into the rookie mistakes entrepreneurs make, especially when it comes to hiring, firing, and valuing their own work.She shares • Why “if they have a pulse and a cheque book” is the most dangerous mindset in business • The true cost of avoiding difficult conversations • How to hire slow and fire fast (without getting sued) • Why education is the ultimate unfair advantage in business • How she’s preparing her company for a strategic exitIf you’re a founder struggling with team issues, difficult employees, or client red flags, this episode will save you years of pain.ABOUT NATASHA HAWKERNatasha Hawker is the Founder & Managing Director of Employee Matters and a respected leader in the Australian HR space.With over 30 years of experience, Natasha has helped hire, manage, and exit thousands of employees across businesses globally. She is a sought-after speaker, media commentator, and author of the Amazon best-selling book From Hire to Fire & Everything In Between.Natasha is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a passionate educator for business owners, and is currently preparing her business for a strategic exit. Outside of work, she is a competitive Squash Masters player and mum to three.CONNECT WITH NATASHA HAWKERWebsite: https://www.employeematters.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashahawker/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

March 11, 2026Episode 17330 min

Ep. 173 - Partnership, Purpose & Global Growth: Wesley Naidoo on Manufacturing, EO & Buying Back Time

Guest: Wesley Naidoo, EO Durban Member, Entrepreneur, Investor & EO Global Manufacturing Chair Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member & Founder of Outsourcing Angel In this deeply insightful conversation, Wesley Naidoo shares why choosing the right business partner is the most important decision an entrepreneur will ever make. And why chasing money without purpose can cost you everything that truly matters. From civil engineering and construction in South Africa to building and scaling manufacturing, media, and investment businesses across multiple continents, Wesley’s journey is grounded in trust, people, faith, and long-term thinking. As a former EO Chapter President, EO Regional Council member, Chair of EO Global Manufacturing, and Strategic Alliance Partner Chair for EO Industry Groups and Deal Exchange, Wesley offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into how global entrepreneurs actually do deals — ethically, intentionally, and sustainably. ABOUT WESLEYWesley Naidoo is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, investor, and global EO leader with a background in civil engineering, manufacturing, and media. He has built and scaled multiple ventures under the Oasis Group, including TubeTeq and Outdoor Holdings, spanning South Africa, the USA, and the Middle East. Wesley previously served as President of the EO Durban Chapter and currently sits on the EO Regional Council for the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan. He chairs the EO Global Manufacturing Industry Group and serves as Strategic Alliance Partner Chair for EO Industry Groups and the EO Deal Exchange community, connecting entrepreneurs across 75+ countries. In 2025, Wesley hosted IGNITE: The Power Within, a landmark global EO event in Durban that showcased Africa’s entrepreneurial potential on the world stage. Grounded in humility, faith, and service, Wesley is deeply committed to ethical entrepreneurship, family, and creating businesses that endure and uplift communities. CONNECT WITH WESLEY Website: www.oasisgroup.co.za LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-naidoo-oasis-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naidoowesley?igsh=NHhvcjQxMTQzdWV4--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

February 24, 2026Episode 17252 min

Ep. 172 - Failure Is the Game: Igor Vainshtein on Resilience, Redefining Success & Entrepreneurpoly

Guest: Igor Vainshtein, EO Dallas since 2022, Inventor of Entrepreneurpoly Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing Angel In this deeply honest and thought-provoking episode, Igor Vainshtein shares his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, one shaped not by overnight success but by repeated failure, resilience, and reinvention. Having started over 20 businesses and failed 18 of them, Igor opens up about losing everything multiple times, hitting rock bottom, and the mindset shifts that ultimately changed how he defines success, in business and in life. From growing up as an immigrant with nothing, to building and exiting companies, to inventing Entrepreneurpoly, a board game that simulates the real emotional and financial rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and leaders who want a more grounded, sustainable, and meaningful definition of success. ABOUT IGOR VAINSHTEIN Igor Vainshtein is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the inventor of Entrepreneurpoly, a groundbreaking board game that captures the realities of entrepreneurship. Starting his first business at 17, Igor has launched ventures across e-commerce, technology, manufacturing, and golf, including 24/7 Golf, which expanded into the US and was successfully acquired by GOLFTEC. He currently leads Golftrak.app, helping golfers improve their game using only an iPhone. Igor is the author of Practical Manifestation and Agile Manifestation, where he blends project management principles with personal growth and goal achievement. Having lived in the USSR, Australia, and the USA, he brings a rare global perspective on resilience, failure, and building businesses that support a fulfilling life. CONNECT WITH IGOR: Website: www.igorvainshtein.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorvainshtein/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/igorv--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

February 10, 2026Episode 17147 min

Purpose, Resilience & Social Impact: Sophia Symeou on Scaling Bill Fairies | Ep 171

Guest: Sophia Symeou, EO Member since 2014, Co-Founder & COO of Bill Fairies Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing Angel In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Sophia Symeou, the co-founders of Bill Fairies, share the remarkable journey behind one of Australia’s most impactful purpose-led startups. From humble beginnings to national recognition, Bill Fairies was born from a simple but powerful idea: what if gifting could help people pay their essential bills, with dignity and choice? Sophia reflects on her unconventional path from social work and public service to serial entrepreneurship, including launching NSW Government’s first employee relations consulting service and later founding INS, an award-winning consultancy. She opens up about building businesses with heart, navigating failure, financial pressure, and the emotional toll of letting go of a company she deeply believed in. In this podcast they discuss: - The moment Bill Fairies was born from real-life need - Balancing profit with purpose in a scalable business - Letting go of a legacy business and starting again - The realities of financial pressure, burnout, and resilience - How Bill Fairies pivoted through COVID and scaled via B2B partnerships - The importance of governance, dignity, and trust in social impact - Their journey within EO and the power of community and connection - Building a business designed for long-term scale and potential exit This episode is a powerful reminder that business can be commercially strong and deeply human. ABOUT SOPHIA Sophia Symeou is a serial entrepreneur and purpose-driven leader with a career spanning social work, government, and business. She launched NSW Government’s first employee relations consulting service and later founded INS, earning nine national awards. As Co-Founder and COO of Bill Fairies, Sophia leads innovation, marketing, and organisational design. Under her leadership, Bill Fairies has received multiple accolades including SmartCompany Smart50, Atlassian Women Leading Tech. Social Impact, and several Pause Awards, cementing its place in Australia’s startup ecosystem. CONNECT WITH SOPHIA SYMEOU Website: https://billfairies.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-symeou-5935964/ --------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

January 20, 2026Episode 17041 min

Ep. 170 - How Colin Evans Built a Finance Business From Nothing: Cashflow, Grit & Scaling SMEs

In this episode, we sit down with Colin Evans, Founder of The Asset Finance Shop, to unpack a raw, no-fluff journey of building a finance business from the ground up, without capital, safety nets, or shortcuts.From growing up with humble beginnings to working night shifts in harsh environments, Colin shares how those early lessons shaped his discipline, resilience, and operator mindset. He walks us through his transition into finance, why most SMEs struggle to secure funding, and how asset finance, when structured properly, can fuel growth instead of killing cashflow.Colin opens up about:- Starting a business from a bedroom with zero capital- Why banks say no (and how brokers solve that gap)- Structuring finance to support cashflow, not just low rates- Scaling a service-based business through systems and relationships- Leadership lessons learned the hard way- Bringing marketing and content in-house- Building a personal brand in a “non-sexy” industry- Why community and long-term thinking matter as a founderThis episode is a grounded, honest look at entrepreneurship, the wins, the mistakes, and the thinking required to build something that lasts.If you’re an SME owner, tradie, operator, or founder navigating growth, finance, and leadership, this conversation will hit home.ABOUT COLIN:Colin Evans is the Founder and Director of The Asset Finance Shop, one of Australia’s leading specialist brokers for truck, machinery and equipment finance.After beginning his career in the agricultural sector and later moving into finance with ANZ/Esanda, Colin launched The Asset Finance Shop in 2016 with a simple mission: to make asset finance easier, faster, and more accessible for small and medium business owners.Today, his team supports businesses across transport, construction, trades, and professional services, helping them secure funding for vehicles, equipment, and heavy machinery while structuring deals that actually support cashflow and long-term growth.An accredited MFAA broker and EO member, Colin is also an active voice in conversations around strategic lending, leadership, and the future of SME finance in Australia.CONNECT WITH COLIN:Website: https://www.assetfinanceshop.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sassan-dieter-khatib-shahidi-b3a5aa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cologne____/--------------------ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.For further information, please contact:Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/