The Bottom Line

Carolyn “Carri” Crawford is the Co-founder of Bitcoin Treasury Solutions. Bitcoin Treasury Solutions specialises in guiding Australian businesses through Bitcoin adoption to ensure secure custody and compliance.  In this episode, Carri breaks down everything you need to know about Bitcoin, from its origin to its potential uses in business. She also explains the differences between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on the market and why some people are feeling drawn towards cryptocurrencies over traditional banking and finance.   Resources and links: Book tickets for “Bitcoin Basics” session here Bitcoin Treasury Solutions website Bitcoin Treasury Solutions on LinkedIn Carri Crawford on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Neeraj Sharma is the Head of Consulting at AS Consulting Partners. AS Consulting Partners works with business leaders to create and implement strategies for businesses in the retail and wholesale sectors by establishing effective B2B and B2C channels to market, as well as more efficient operations and organisational structures to support growth. In this episode, Neeraj discusses the role of management consultants, how they can help business leaders to improve enterprise value, and explains why all businesses, regardless of size, need to define their own 'vision of success' and emphasises that the challenges faced by SMEs and larger organisations are often the same, with scale being the primary difference. He also shares some of the common pitfalls SME leaders can fall into and how simple tools, such as SWOT analysis, can be used effectively to transform any business.   Resources and links: AS Consulting Partners website AS Consulting Partners on LinkedIn AS Consulting Partners on Facebook AS Consulting Partners on Instagram Neeraj Sharma on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Gus Balbontin is a Director at Neu21. Neu21 is a transformation consultancy, venture studio, and product lab that provides creative ideas and insights to business leaders through times of innovation and growth. In this episode, Gus reflects on how growing up in Argentina and travelling the world taught him the skills he needed to lead an innovative business in Australia. He explains why all businesses need to consider their exit strategy for new systems before implementation even happens and emphasises the need for adaptability, continuous learning and tolerating discomfort as a leader. Gus shares how he applied these principles during Lonely Planet's digital transition in the early aughts and how he embodies these traits personally and professionally.    Resources and links: Neu21 website Gus Balbontin website Gus Balbontin newsletter Gus Balbontin on LinkedIn Gus Balbontin on Instagram Gus Balbontin on X Gus Balbontin on YouTube   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Friska Wirya is a Fractional Change Leader and the Director of the Future Fit Group. The Future Fit Group provides bespoke change management advisory services to help business leaders navigate change successfully and sustainably. In this episode, Friska shares her experiences as a people and change management consultant and how she successfully helped WA Police with restructuring their systems. She also explains the importance of relational intelligence (RQ), the common misconceptions and mistakes leaders make during change, and why you shouldn’t take the biscuits out of the office kitchen.   Resources and links: Future Fit Group website Buy “Future Talk: A conversation card game for teams” here Buy “Future Fit” here Future Fit Group on Instagram Future Fit Group on YouTube Future Fit Group on TikTok Friska Wirya on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Dr Steven Lu is the Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Everlab. Everlab offers preventative health screenings to detect diseases and risk factors early, providing personalised reports and tailored health plans to improve overall wellbeing. In this episode, Steven explains the Everlab process of genetic testing and health monitoring to help you maximise your health capital. He highlights the importance of proactive, preventative healthcare over reactive healthcare, emphasises the role of exercise, nutrition, and sleep in establishing and maintaining good health for better ROI, and shares real-life patient success stories.   Resources and links: Everlab website Book a discovery call with Everlab here Everlab on LinkedIn Everlab on Instagram Everlab on Facebook Everlab on TikTok Dr Steven Lu on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Fameez Haroon is the Co-founder of OTAA. OTAA is an Australian luxury menswear brand which creates stylish, handmade, eco-friendly ties and shirts using recycled materials from the ocean. In this episode, Fameez shares how a negative experience with a salesperson while buying a tie inspired him and his brother to start OTAA and change the experience for men. He discusses the early challenges OTAA faced in getting off the ground, how humour became an integral part of the brand's marketing, and his plans for the future.   Resources and links: OTAA website OTAA on Instagram OTAA on Facebook OTAA on TikTok OTAA on X Fameez Haroon on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Iris Saar Isaacs is the Designer and Creative Director at inSync Design. inSync Design is an award-winning jewellery brand creating high-quality Australian-made, contemporary jewellery that is unique, timeless and affordable from their studio in Melbourne. In this episode, Iris gets candid about her journey of founding and growing her business and how she makes inSync Design stand out in the market. She discusses how she pivoted from wholesale to online retail during the pandemic, how she scaled her business internationally, and the importance of pricing, marketing, and exclusivity for fellow creatives and aspiring business owners.   Resources and links: inSync Design website Iris Saar Isaacs on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Darren Sommers is the Founder of Adventum Legal. Adventum Legal is a boutique law firm specialising in the intersection of law, investment, and innovation to provide solutions to complex problems across technology, commercial, and corporate law. In this episode, Darren explains how he works with tech companies that utilise employee share plans to attract and retain talent and why you might want to consider them as part of your strategic growth plan. He also dives into common legal pitfalls to avoid, how to prepare for employee departures with clearly defined parameters for "good leavers" and "bad leavers" when considering share plans, and how to ensure these plans are effectively implemented from the outset to prevent potential confusion or conflict in the future.   Resources and links: Adventum Legal website Darren Sommers on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

John Vilianiotis is a specialist consultant psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping boards, executives, and leadership teams understand human behaviour. John works both in private practice and as a business psychologist. In this episode, John reveals the red flags that experienced interviewers look for beyond what's on a resume, explains how AI-generated interview responses are already fooling some hiring managers but why they won't work on seasoned professionals, and shares why hiring for character over capability might be the most important decision you make for your business culture.   Resources and links: John Vilianiotis on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

James Pridgeon is the Founder and Director of Steel Window Design. Steel Window Design is one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of steel windows and doors for commercial and residential projects. In this episode, James shares his journey from civil engineer and draftsman to founding his own company. He discusses the challenges he faced building and growing the business, including finding skilled fabricators and balancing cost with maintaining high product standards during the growth phase. He also emphasises the importance of mentorship, networking, and careful delegation for building a successful business.   Resources and links: Steel Window Design website Profile on Steel Window Design on The Local Project   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Kate Whitehead is the Managing Director of  Avant Group. Avant Group is one of Australia’s leading consultancy firms specialising in government grants, business advisory services, technical research, and marketing strategies. In this episode, Kate explains the complexities of government business grants and funding. She highlights the different types of grants, the challenges businesses can face when preparing grant applications, and how specialised advisors can smooth the process for business owners.   Resources and links: Avant Group website Kate Whitehead on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on X Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Anders Landberg is an R&D Tax Incentive Specialist at AHL Advisory. AHL Advisory provides expert advice on R&D strategy, eligibility assessments, audit defence, and claim financing for businesses that want to take advantage of the Australian Government’s research and development tax incentives. In this episode, Anders explores how R&D tax incentives allow businesses to innovate and save money. He breaks down the essential eligibility criteria, how to stay compliant throughout the process, and the pitfalls of relying on general advisors for specialist purposes.   Resources and links: AHL Advisory website Anders Landberg on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Josh Murray is the Founder and COO of Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. Josh’s Rainbow Eggs is an environmentally sustainable free-range egg farm supplying grocery stores across Victoria. In this episode, Josh shares how a love of Lego led him to start an enormously successful egg-farming business when he was just 9 years old. He discusses how he scaled his business from selling to neighbours to pitching Australia’s major grocery stores, the importance of product placement in the store, and how you can tell if you’re serious about starting a business.   Resources and links: Josh’s Rainbow Eggs website Josh Murray on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Rony John is an SMSF Manager at Alexander Spencer as part of AS Wealth Advisors. AS Wealth Advisors provides personalised strategic financial guidance and wealth management advice. In this episode, Rony explains what a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is and how he helps his clients understand their options. He shares real client stories of how they’ve used super to build wealth and what to consider before setting up an SMSF.   Resources and links: AS Wealth Advisors website Rony John on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Trang Nova is a Business and Speaking Coach. Trang works with entrepreneurs and aspiring speakers to teach them how to speak with confident authority and be recognised as leaders both on stage and off. In this episode, Trang shares how a snail altered the course of her career and took her from being a physiotherapist to being a speaking coach. She emphasises the value of preparation and authenticity for a good speech and shares advice for working on the foundations of great speakers including articulation, pacing, and vocal melody.   Resources and links: Trang Nova’s website Trang Nova on LinkedIn Trang Nova on Instagram Trang Nova on YouTube Voice for Impact Podcast The Trang Nova Podcast   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Zaffar Khan is the Corporate Strategist for Cocoon SDA Care. Cocoon SDA Care delivers personalised care to help people with disabilities live with greater independence, safety, and an improved quality of life. In this episode, Zaffar lays bare his entire career journey from driving taxis and how that led to his neighbours calling the police to his first business, to bankruptcy, before rebuilding and branching into other businesses. He discusses how those experiences influenced his business philosophy, how he empowers his staff while maintaining accountability, and why vague goals like "becoming a millionaire" are wrong for budding entrepreneurs.   Resources and links: Cocoon SDA Care website Download “8 Pillars of Business Success” here Zaffar Khan on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Aret Muradyan is a Lawyer and retired Sergeant with the Victoria Police. Aret retired from Victoria Police after thirty years of service, and his approach to management today is influenced by the lessons he learnt on the force. In this episode, Aret shares his journey with policing and its impact on his management style. He opens up about how police use “work mode” to manage high-stress situations, the importance of mental health support and peer-to-peer aid in addition to professional help, and emphasises that the best way to build strong teams and create the next generation of leaders is to start training them now. Please note: This episode contains descriptions of violence. Resources and links: Aret Muradyan on LinkedIn Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

So you have savings, but they aren’t growing as fast as you’d like. That’s where investing comes in. In this episode, David and Sevan discuss different investment methods and the key differences between defensive and aggressive investment strategies. David also shares the “Rule of 72” with Sevan, explaining how to calculate how long it will take to double your investment through compound interest.   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

In today's episode of The Bottom Line, Sevan is joined by Craig Sanford from Sierra Legal. After spending 19 years at a major law firm, Craig made the bold move to establish his own boutique legal practice with a unique remote-first model long before COVID-19 made it commonplace. In this episode, you'll hear Craig's insights into preparing a business for sale from a legal perspective, how Sierra Legal operates differently from traditional law firms by avoiding personal budgets for lawyers, and fascinating stories from Craig's extensive M&A experience - including how his team completed a $100 million transaction in just one week.   Resources and links: Sierra Legal website Craig Sanford on LinkedIn   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn   This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

You’ll find a lot of newly minted millionaires on social media bragging about their new Lamborghinis and how business success is as easy as wanting it badly enough. By contrast, it feels like every other week we’re seeing news stories about major Australian businesses entering administration, liquidation, or otherwise struggling in the current economic climate. So what’s the difference between a business that succeeds and one that fails? In this episode, Sevan and David discuss the biggest reasons businesses fail. They debunk the unrealistic perceptions of business success perpetuated by social media algorithms and explain why a solid business plan, proper financial knowledge, and strategic partnerships are essential.   Connect: Alexander Spencer website Alexander Spencer on Twitter Alexander Spencer on Facebook Alexander Spencer on LinkedIn This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.