The Evolution Partners

Teams tend to drift toward dysfunction without intentional leadership, whilst prioritising rapid growth often leads to rushed hiring, misalignment, and toxic culture. I discuss a better approach in this third of a seven-part series with Andres Zylberberg and Richard Peake; that is, to build teams of “curious achievers” – people who are both responsible and inquisitive.  These individuals elevate performance, strengthen cohesion, and create meaningful impact. When aligned around purpose and values, such teams generate compounding momentum. The foundation is soul: fostering pride in the product, the manager, the team, and the company to sustain long-term success.  Takeaways  Growth-focused hiring leads to B and C players who lower overall team performance.  Curious achievers are both responsible and inquisitive – ideal for building high-performing, soulful teams.  Toxicity forms when teams lack clarity, cohesion, and a shared sense of purpose.  A-players thrive in environments that value impact, learning, and meaningful contribution.  Misaligned teams waste energy on low-impact work and interpersonal friction.  Pride in product, team, manager, and company is essential for retention.  A better team creates compounding results through trust, accountability, and aligned execution.  Details of my new book: Bigger isn’t Better, Better is Better: Avoiding the pressure of endless growth to build a better business (and better life) https://evolutionpartners.com.au/bigger-isnt-better/  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster. Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chasing growth without clarity can quietly erode your business. In this second episode of a seven-part series, Andres Zylberberg, Richard Peake and I explore how the relentless pressure to get bigger – driven by psychology, DNA and societal cues – often leads entrepreneurs down the wrong path.  Without intention, this pursuit of “bigger” causes drift – teams grow toxic, customers indifferent, offerings mediocre, and profits thin. By focusing on “better” over “bigger,” businesses can build stronger teams, deeper customer loyalty, and more refined offerings. With clarity, discipline, and intention, growth becomes the by-product of a better business – and a better life! – designed, not defaulted.  Takeaways  Teams naturally drift toward toxicity without intentional leadership and cultural alignment over time.  Customers become indifferent when offerings lack consistency, innovation, and meaningful engagement.  Clarity, discipline, and design create lasting business and personal success.  Impulsive risk-taking often stems from unexamined psychological, genetic, and societal conditioning.  Many business goals are actually expenses mistakenly seen as markers of success.  Growth without strategy leads to erosion of profitability, purpose, and team cohesion.  Better businesses emerge from compounding small improvements across people, products, and profit.  A clear definition of “winning” prevents entrepreneurs from chasing the wrong goals.  Details of my new book: Bigger isn’t Better, Better is Better: Avoiding the pressure of endless growth to build a better business (and better life) https://evolutionpartners.com.au/bigger-isnt-better/  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO  Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the first in a seven-part series exploring the themes of my forthcoming book ‘Bigger Isn’t Better, Better is Better’. Joined by Evolution Partners coaches Andres Zylberberg & Richard Peake, the discussion introduces the central premise: that for owner-led companies, increasing size does not necessarily deliver greater freedom, wealth, or fulfilment. Instead, I propose a framework built around compounding improvements in five core areas—team, customers, offering, financials, and life by design.  The series aims to provide leaders with practical insights, real-world examples, and guidance on building a better business and a more meaningful life.  Takeaways  A better business focuses on compounding improvements, not just chasing rapid growth.  Owner-led companies require discipline and patience to avoid becoming impulsive risk takers.  Growth without strategy, team alignment, or profitability often leads to frustration and regret.  Entrepreneurship promises freedom, but without structure it can trap owners in unfulfilling businesses.  Falling out of love with a business is more common than often acknowledged.  Compounding in team, customers, offering, and financials creates sustainable success and fulfilment.  ‘Better is better’ challenges the assumption that every business must always grow bigger.  Aligning business performance with personal goals ensures both professional achievement and a meaningful life.  Details of my new book: Bigger isn’t Better, Better is Better: Avoiding the pressure of endless growth to build a better business (and better life) https://evolutionpartners.com.au/bigger-isnt-better/  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter  https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putting profit first isn’t just a financial tactic, it’s a mindset shift that helps entrepreneurs build businesses that thrive without burnout. Celebrated author and small business advocate Mike Michalowicz shares how flipping traditional business thinking on its head can lead to lasting success. Mike built and lost multimillion-dollar businesses before discovering the frameworks that now help millions of founders avoid burnout and build sustainable companies.  He breaks down how to identify your business’s most critical function to creating a team that thinks and acts like owners. He introduces concepts like the Queen Bee role, the Business Priority Pyramid, and the power of psychological ownership, while driving home his mission to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty.  Takeaways   Entrepreneurial poverty is widespread and avoidable with the right systems and mindset.  The Queen Bee role is the one business activity that must always function.  Clockwork helps founders design businesses that run smoothly without their constant involvement.  Psychological ownership inspires teams to act like owners without legal equity.  Most entrepreneurs fix the wrong problems because they don’t follow a clear hierarchy.  A better business supports both personal goals and sustainable, long-term profitability.  Simplifying entrepreneurship makes freedom, impact and profit achievable for more business owners.  Follow Mike Goldman https://mikemotorbike.com/ https://mikemichalowicz.com/  Mike’s books Profit First https://amzn.to/46hE4JB Clockwork https://amzn.to/46g8ImC All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams  https://amzn.to/3TSTnRE The Pumpkin Plan https://amzn.to/4kN1ZE7 Get Different: Marketing That Can't Be Ignored!   https://amzn.to/3IXfYtN Surge: Time the Marketplace, Ride the Wave of Consumer Demand, and Become Your Industry's Big Kahuna https://amzn.to/4kSgneC Fix This Next https://amzn.to/417zJ8e The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur https://amzn.to/3TTnsAr The Recession Response https://amzn.to/40xAGqm  Book recommended Reset by Dan Heath https://amzn.asia/d/9rBvPHe Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster. Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putting people at the centre of business is the hallmark of the Small Giants community – leaders who choose to be great instead of big. Jean Moncrieff, who stepped into the role of community head in 2025, shares how values-driven leadership transformed his own business and why it continues to shape a global network of purpose-led entrepreneurs.  A longtime member turned coach, Jean discusses the origin of Small Giants, the importance of community, and how businesses are embracing alternative ownership models like ESOPs and employee ownership trusts. He explains the power of vulnerability, the impact of intentional leadership, and how younger generations are reshaping expectations around purpose at work.  Takeaways   True leadership begins with vulnerability, intentionality, and a clear sense of purpose.  Employee ownership models help preserve company soul and legacy through succession.  Values aren’t posters – they’re filters for decisions, culture, and everyday operations.  Mindset shifts in founders often unlock growth and sustainable business transformation.  Younger generations are drawn to purpose-driven workplaces that reflect their values.  Community creates resilience – leaders thrive when they’re not building alone.  Succession planning is strongest when leaders focus on people, not just profit.  Great businesses are built by founders who let go and empower others.  Follow Jean Moncrieff https://smallgiants.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanmoncrieff/  Books recommended on this episode The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods https://amzn.to/3H2YFHm Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, 10th-Anniversary Edition by Bo Burlingham https://amzn.to/45dyeGQ  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash isn’t just a by-product of profit, it’s the lifeblood of every business. Yet many leaders chase revenue and focus on profit while overlooking the numbers that truly matter. Alan Miltz explains why understanding cash flow is the key to building stronger, more valuable companies.  Alan is the co-founder of Cashflow Story, software used by tens of thousands of businesses in more than 90 countries, and he sits on 15 company boards. With more than 30 years’ experience helping CEOs and boards “speak the language of cash,” he’s become a global authority on turning numbers into strategy.  Alan reveals how small shifts in pricing, margins, and working capital can dramatically transform results.  Takeaways   Small 1% changes in pricing, margins, or working capital can transform results.  Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is always king.  Most CEOs only master profit, yet fail to understand their cash story.  Growth often drains cash faster than it generates profit, leaving businesses vulnerable.  Sustainable growth requires balancing profit, working capital, overheads, and cash flow management.  Banks value cash flow more than profit – understanding this strengthens business partnerships.  A better business predicts, delegates, and repeats simple cash-driven improvements consistently over time.  Follow Alan Miltz https://www.alanmiltz.com/ https://cashflowstory.com/  Books on this episode Scaling Up co-authored by Alan Miltz https://scalingup.com/book/ Good to Great by Jim Collins https://scalingup.com/book/  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great teams don’t happen by accident – they’re built through intentional coaching, clarity, and culture. Leadership coach and best-selling author Mike Goldman returns to explore the deeper drivers of team performance and why growing your people is the most powerful way to grow your business.  Drawing on decades of experience, Mike unpacks a practical five-step framework to strengthen your team, boost engagement, and drive results. From ditching outdated performance reviews to investing more in your high performers, he explains what truly makes a difference and how to measure it.  Takeaways  Great leaders prioritise growing people as the key to sustainable business growth.  Performance management must evolve beyond outdated reviews to meaningful, ongoing coaching conversations.  High performers need investment, challenge and growth – or risk disengaging or leaving entirely.  Most leaders over-invest in low performers and underinvest in their top talent.  Culture fit is as critical to performance as productivity and technical skills.  Weekly one-on-ones focused on coaching and accountability outperform traditional review cycles.  Labels like “A player” can limit how leaders develop and support individuals.  Talent density is measurable – and improving it directly improves team performance and profit.  Mike was previously on episode 4 of The Evolution Partners podcast. Please listen here:  https://evolutionpartners.com.au/podcast/03-building-a-breakthrough-leadership-team-with-mike-goldman/  Follow Mike Goldman https://www.mike-goldman.com/ https://strengthoftalent.com/  Books on this episode The Strength of Talent: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Profit by Mike Goldman https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Talent-Grow-People-Profit/dp/1774585855 The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier  https://amzn.to/4eA6TD8  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter  https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True success comes from aligning purpose, values, and peace—not just chasing profit. Keith Roberts blends ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern business strategy to help entrepreneurs lead with clarity and intention. Through the Oak Journal, he offers tools rooted in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to guide intentional living and ethical leadership.  Keith shares how understanding suffering, embracing accountability, and letting go of ego can radically shift how we lead and live. His approach encourages leaders to prioritise time, peace, and purpose – building better businesses by focusing on what truly matters rather than just revenue or growth.  Takeaways  Ancient Buddhist principles can guide modern entrepreneurs through uncertainty and challenge.  Daily reflection, meditation, and journaling create space for clarity and intentional action.  Right livelihood means making money without compromising values or causing harm.  Understanding suffering helps leaders face setbacks with resilience and perspective.  Core values must be authentic, lived, and protected – even when money is at stake.  Letting go of ego opens the door to more meaningful leadership growth.  Time and freedom – not revenue – are the ultimate measures of wealth and success.  Follow Keith Roberts https://keithrobertsiii.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OakJournalMethod https://www.instagram.com/theoakjournalmethod/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenman/  Books on this episode The Zen of Business: Ancient Wisdom to Help Modern Leaders Lead with Intention, Clarity, and Purpose by Keith Roberts https://amzn.to/3I7k1n5 The Eternal Flame: Ancient Wisdom for Today's Modern Leader by Keith Roberts https://amzn.to/4lzsfD2  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie https://amzn.to/40y1eaL Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI and demographic shifts are transforming business faster than ever, demanding relentless execution, constant adaptation, and a focus on capturing market share over simply chasing growth. That’s according to Greg Crabtree, a speaker, entrepreneur, and author known for helping business owners gain financial clarity and scale profitably.  Drawing on data from 100 mid-market U.S. companies, Greg reveals the economy is flatter than official reports suggest, with necessary businesses growing while discretionary ones decline. AI is rapidly replacing jobs, challenging traditional business models and creating a unique “street-fighter economy” focused on market share, not growth.  Greg advises leaders to plan quarterly, prioritise execution, and build strong moats around their companies. He also warns that as AI compresses margins, businesses must adapt faster than ever, combining profitability discipline with the agility to rethink strategies in a changing landscape.  Takeaways   AI is replacing jobs faster than expected, reshaping business and workforce dynamics globally.  Economic growth is flat, with necessary businesses thriving and discretionary ones struggling significantly.  Mid-market companies must prioritise execution and market share over chasing continuous growth.  Quarterly deep planning sessions are essential to stay ahead in this fast-changing economy.  Strong company culture now directly drives profitability and market share like never before.  Debt reliance is risky; disciplined profitability generates the best long-term financial resilience.  AI democratises capabilities, allowing small businesses to outpace larger firms with focused innovation.  Demographic decline limits growth, forcing businesses to optimise operations and defend their market position.  Greg was previously on episode 12 of The Evolution Partners podcast. You can listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EnYdhakoFOHqz4ab0lGqQ?si=DUJGxjxKT2S9ODwoOnzxog  Follow Greg Crabtree https://www.simplenumberscri.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplenumberscri/ https://www.facebook.com/CRISimpleNumbers https://x.com/SimpleNumbrsCRI https://www.instagram.com/crisimplenumbers/  Greg’s Books Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential https://amzn.to/4a70X0I  Simple Numbers 2.0 - Rules for Smart Scaling: A Play by Play Analysis for Pure Growth https://amzn.to/4bkMwXP  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster. Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Ross, co-founder of Time Under Tension, Australia’s first generative AI experience agency, explores the rapid evolution of AI and its transformative impact on business. He discusses how AI agents are already automating complex workflows, assisting with hiring, and redefining customer interactions.  Jason outlines the importance of engaging entire teams in AI adoption, prioritising education and experimentation over fear. He also explains how companies can minimise hallucinations by combining intent detection with trusted data sources. Reflecting on exponential progress, he highlights why creativity and curiosity will determine success in an AI-enabled future.  Takeaways  AI thrives when entire teams learn, explore, and experiment together openly.  Generative AI agents automate workflows, boosting productivity across many business areas.  Combining intent recognition and trusted data reduces hallucinations in AI applications.  Exponential AI growth requires creativity and curiosity over prediction and caution.  Employees already use AI, highlighting the need for structured training programs.  Successful businesses identify and test AI use cases before competitors do.  Voice and video avatars create fresh ways to engage customers effectively.  AI adoption demands cultural change and active participation across all business levels.  Follow Jason Ross https://www.timeundertension.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsnrss/ https://timeundertension.substack.com/  Books on this episode Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick https://amzn.to/4khOnk5 AI-related websites mentioned on this episode AI 2027 https://ai-2027.com/ HeyGen (AI-generated videos) https://www.heygen.com/  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO  Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.   Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Green is a globally recognised leadership coach, author and speaker who works with CEOs and executive teams to build accountable, high-performing cultures. Mark shares why fear – whether driven by ego, scarcity or failure – is the biggest hidden blocker to performance and accountability. He outlines the three elements of accountability, the power of role clarity, and how tolerating underperformance can erode credibility and culture. Mark also explores the transformation that happens when leaders stop trying to be liked and instead focus on being respected. From feedback to core values, he explains how great leaders lead by example – and why empathy, not ego, is the foundation of real leadership. Takeaways Leaders must confront fear – of ego, scarcity or failure – to unlock their own and others’ potential. What a leader tolerates sets the standard for culture, performance and team behaviour. Clarity around role outcomes transforms vague expectations into accountability and measurable results. Accountability begins with leaders who consistently model the behaviours they expect from their teams. Feedback should be frequent, constructive and normalised – not reserved for annual reviews or crisis moments. Raising expectations often inspires higher performance, not lower morale, when communicated with purpose and clarity. Tolerating toxic high-performers undermines trust, morale and long-term organisational health. Course correction through small, regular feedback prevents larger issues and builds a culture of continuous improvement. Follow Mark Green https://mark-green.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmarkgreen/  Books on this episode Creating a Culture of Accountability by Mark Green https://amzn.asia/d/ftBa0FJ Activators: A CEO’s Guide to Clearer Thinking and Getting Things Done by Mark Green https://amzn.asia/d/8a1JaXr  A podcast which Mark recommends: The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish  https://open.spotify.com/show/1VyK52NSZHaDKeMJzT4TSM  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO  Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Luther is a sociologist and entrepreneur who spent a year interviewing terminally ill individuals – many of them fellow entrepreneurs – to uncover what really matters when people confront their own mortality. The result is a set of powerful life lessons drawn from those facing the end: live authentically, act with urgency, and define success on your own terms.  Travis also created the Time Traveller Method, a framework to help people move beyond past trauma and live with greater purpose. He shares insights on closing the gap between our lived and unlived lives, the emotional cost of denying our true selves, and how confronting death can inspire deeper presence, connection, and clarity about what matters most.  Takeaways  Live with urgency by accepting that time is finite and tomorrow is never guaranteed.  Redefine success based on meaning and personal values, not money, metrics, or external expectations.  Bridge the gap between who you are and who you hoped you’d become.  Tell the truth about what you want without apology, explanation or delay.  Let go of roles and relationships that no longer serve your wellbeing or identity.  Love like you’re leaving – fully, openly, and without reservation.  Stress from living inauthentically can have a real and lasting impact on physical health.  Design a simpler life focused on fewer, more meaningful priorities that reflect your true self.  Follow Travis Luther https://travisluther.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisluther/ https://www.youtube.com/@TravisLutherMA https://x.com/travisluther https://www.facebook.com/travisscottluther/# https://www.instagram.com/travisscottluther/  Books on this episode Travis’s book, What We Learn When We Learn We Are Dying, will be released late July 2025. Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing https://amzn.to/4jSD5Tq  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family businesses succeed when leaders set clear expectations, treat everyone equally, and separate family roles from business responsibilities with disciplined accountability. Mike Moreau shares insights from decades of coaching and his own experience running a family business. Mike is the founder of Proactive Leadership Group, where he’s helped over 1000 companies build healthier, more scalable organisations. Mike explains why assumptions, special treatment, and unclear roles create conflict and dysfunction. He outlines his five keys to success, including defining values, clarifying expectations, and maintaining candid communication. He also discusses succession planning and why it’s critical to confirm the next generation truly wants to lead. Consistent reviews and scorecards keep everyone aligned.  Takeaways  Family businesses struggle when roles and expectations are unclear or assumed.  Treat family employees equally to build respect and maintain healthy work dynamics.  Define clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations to avoid conflict and confusion.  Quarterly reviews and scorecards keep accountability high and performance transparent.  Start succession planning early and confirm heirs truly want leadership roles.  Special treatment for family breeds resentment and undermines team morale over time.  Core values and clear behaviours help align everyone around a shared culture.  Make improvements systematically and give yourself grace to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  Mike was on also on Episode 13 of The Evolution Podcast:  https://evolutionpartners.com.au/podcast/013-the-importance-of-a-coach-with-mike-mirau/  Follow Mike Mirau https://www.resultsimproved.com/  Books on this episode The Family Business Manifesto by Michael Mirau https://amzn.asia/d/4Z4XMDp Reset: How to change what’s not working by Dan Heath https://amzn.asia/d/azS24uY Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Jenyns is an Australian entrepreneur, author, and systems expert who founded SYSTEMology to help business owners free themselves from daily operations. After successfully systemising himself out of his digital agency in 2016, he now leads a global movement focused on building scalable, process-driven businesses.  David first appeared back in episode 10, outlining his SYSTEMology framework. He returns to take systemisation to the next level. He explains how AI has removed major bottlenecks in documentation and accelerated implementation across all departments.  David breaks down the qualities of a great systems champion, why systemisation is more critical than ever, and how it frees founders to work on the business, not in it. David shows how smart systems build better, more scalable, and ultimately more valuable businesses.  Takeaways  Systemisation frees founders to lead strategically instead of being stuck in daily business operations.  A systems champion drives documentation, adoption, and improvement without relying on the business owner.  AI accelerates systemisation by removing the friction of manual documentation and process extraction.  Great systems champions are naturally organised, detail-oriented, and have the capacity to follow through.  Systemisation begins with capturing what works – not perfecting it – so processes become repeatable and scalable.  Documentation alone isn’t systemisation; habits, accountability, and adoption complete the loop.  Resistance to systems often stems from unclear ownership, lack of clarity, or poor cultural reinforcement.  Businesses that embrace systems and AI simultaneously gain speed, scalability, and resilience against disruption.  David Jenyns was on Episode 10 of The Evolution Podcast: https://evolutionpartners.com.au/podcast/010-implementing-systems-to-enable-growth-with-david-jenyns-systemology/  Follow David Jenyns https://www.systemology.com/  https://www.systemhub.com/  https://www.davidjenyns.com/  https://www.facebook.com/davidjenyns  https://twitter.com/davidjenyns   Books on this episode Systems Champion by David Jenyns SYSTEMology by David Jenyns https://www.systemology.com/book/ Lean Marketing with Allan Dib https://amzn.asia/d/6j2gyui  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles  on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth   Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaihan Krippendorf, former McKinsey consultant and founder of OutThinker Networks, has helped global companies generate over $3 billion in new revenue through strategic innovation.  Drawing from ancient Chinese stratagems, his work reveals timeless principles behind modern business tactics. Kaihan discusses how AI is accelerating strategic cycles, reshaping product-market fit, and empowering organisations to experiment faster. He sees employee-centric cultures as the next competitive frontier and urges mid-market firms to rethink value delivery in a digital age. His message: better businesses adapt quickly, think differently, and empower people at every level.  Takeaways   Strategy is less about fixed plans and more about adaptability and optionality in uncertain environments.  Breakthrough ideas often come from ancient patterns, not entirely new strategic concepts.  Getting closer to the point of customer-demand creates an unmatched competitive advantage.  AI accelerates every stage of strategy, from ideation to execution and market feedback.  Culture and employee engagement are becoming as critical as customer focus in strategic success.  Mid-market companies can outthink competitors by moving faster, not by being bigger.  Empowering employees with entrepreneurial freedom dramatically improves retention, innovation, and financial performance.  Digital services around a core product often carry more value than the product itself.  Follow Kaihan Krippendorf https://kaihan.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaihankrippendorff/ Kaihan Krippendorf’s books Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life https://amzn.to/42wIaK6  Outthink the Competition: How Innovative Companies and Strategists See Options Others Ignore https://amzn.to/3XZ99Na  Driving Innovation from Within: A Guide for Internal Entrepreneurs https://amzn.to/4imQfal   Books recommended Competition Demystified: A Radically Simplified Approach to Business Strategy by Bruce Greenwald https://amzn.to/43zSRMy  Americana: A 400-Year History of American Capitalism by Bhu Srinivasan https://amzn.to/4mOzyYW   Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners   Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/   Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO. Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.   Follow me:  on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles  on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth   Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cameron Herold – dubbed the CEO Whisperer – shares how he scaled 1800-GOT-JUNK? from $2M to $106M in six years, helped build billion-dollar companies, and founded the COO Alliance. He explains why company culture, premium pricing, and relentless PR were critical to success, and reveals why most CEOs misunderstand the COO role.  Cameron also discusses his entrepreneurial upbringing, how ADD and bipolar traits are superpowers for leaders, and the power of crafting and executing a “Vivid Vision.” He offers practical insights on leadership, meetings, team alignment, and AI adoption. His core message? Hustle hard, care deeply for your people, and never stop aligning your vision with action.  Takeaways  A vivid vision aligns teams, attracts talent, and drives momentum toward a shared future.  The right COO complements a CEO’s weaknesses and evolves with the company’s growth stage.  Most entrepreneurs underestimate how critical operational leadership is to sustainable business scaling.  Mental health traits like ADHD and bipolar can become entrepreneurial superpowers when understood and embraced.  Employees won’t care deeply about your company until you deeply care about their lives.  Great meetings don’t suck – people just haven’t been taught how to run or attend them properly.  Momentum beats perfection; ship fast, iterate often, and learn by doing instead of waiting.  Follow Cameron Herold https://cameronherold.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance/ https://www.facebook.com/cameronherold/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold/  https://x.com/CameronHerold Cameron’s booksVivid Vision https://amzn.to/45hzdrb  The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO https://amzn.to/44M2r1k Double Double: How to Double Your Revenue and Profit in 3 Years https://amzn.to/4dmcYlW  Meetings Suck https://amzn.to/3FlNEjm  The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs https://amzn.to/4jd7mfk  Free PR: How to Get Chased By The Press Without Hiring a PR Firm https://amzn.to/4dzmceU   Books recommended on this episode Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing  https://amzn.to/43ySqU1   Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners   Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/   Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.   Follow me:  on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles  on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth   Enjoying the show? Leave a review. Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radek Sali transformed Swisse Wellness from a $13 million operation into a $650 million global brand, ultimately selling it for $2.1 billion. Radek shares the deeply personal and professional journey behind that success – from his upbringing with pioneering health-focused parents to the burnout that followed the deal.  He reveals the cultural principles and brave decisions that fuelled Swisse’s growth, the lessons he learned through failure, and why purpose, passion and profit are inseparable in building enduring businesses. Now at the helm of impact-driven investment firm Light Warrior, Radek explains why values-led companies aren’t just ethical – they’re more effective.  Takeaways  Culture is the ultimate competitive advantage no competitor can easily replicate.  Burnout often hits after success, not during the sprint to it.  Purpose, passion and profit must coexist for sustainable business growth.  Wellness is the foundation of performance, resilience and clear-headed leadership.  Therapy and meditation unlock clarity, calm and long-term decision-making power.  Work-life balance is outdated – embrace meaningful work-life integration instead.  Brave cultural shifts enable scalability and empower high-performance teams.  Success without soul isn’t success – values must guide every business decision.  Follow Radek Sali https://www.linkedin.com/in/radeksali/   Books on this episode How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business by Radek Sali https://amzn.to/4djcMnp The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer https://amzn.asia/d/6zEq0ZK  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners  Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO  Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.  Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth   Enjoying the show? Leave a review.Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Grant has more than 25 years’ experience helping executives across Australia build emotionally intelligent, high-performing teams. Jim explains why real coaching starts with self-awareness – not strategy – and how diagnostics like the MSCEIT tool can transform leadership effectiveness.  Jim challenges surface-level leadership advice, advocating for obsessive clarity, vulnerability-based trust, and feedback as daily practice. He unpacks what separates professional coaches from amateurs, explores how fear and anxiety drive poor leadership behaviours, and highlights why emotional intelligence – measured, not assumed – is a critical asset in the AI era.  Takeaways  Self-awareness must come before strategy for leadership to be effective.  Emotional intelligence is a measurable ability, not a personality trait.  Real coaching isn’t advice-giving – it’s facilitating behaviour change through deep listening.  Amateur coaches focus on problems; professionals guide toward solutions and growth.  Clarity is a leadership responsibility, not a one-time communication event.  Vulnerability-based trust is the foundation of any high-performing team.  Leaders must learn to read the room and manage emotional dynamics.  Fear and anxiety often drive micromanagement and ineffective leadership behaviours.  Follow Jim Grant https://www.jimgrant.com.au/ Books on this episode Jim Grant’s workbooks and leadership tools: https://www.jimgrant.com.au/online-store/  Emotional Agility by Susan David https://amzn.to/4kqAiBz  Love, Hope and Leadership by Gary Burnison https://amzn.to/3FawXr5   Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners   Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/   Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO  Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.   Follow me:  on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles  on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth  Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Griffiths, Australia’s leading small business author and global speaker, urges entrepreneurs to charge what they’re worth by building businesses of substance, not stress. Drawing from a life shaped by hardship and hustle, Andrew shares how he went from a struggling dive shop owner to a confident global mentor.  Andrew explores the dangers of a poverty mindset, the trap of competing on price, and the power of narrowing your customer base. He says confidence, not just product, is what sells – and differentiation is key. Andrew’s message is clear: businesses that deeply connect with their customers, prioritise value over volume, and own their worth are the ones that thrive in uncertain times.  Takeaways  Charge what you’re worth by valuing your expertise and unique contribution.  Poverty mindsets lead to undercharging and unsustainable, stress-filled businesses.  Narrow your customer base to sharpen your message and increase loyalty.  Customers pay more for trust, consistency, and a better overall experience.  Differentiation beats price-cutting in building long-term business resilience and value.  Confidence sells – more than product features or technical knowledge ever will.  Businesses that prioritise customer proximity build stronger, future-proof relationships.  Being the most expensive requires being the best in every detail.  Follow Andrew Griffiths https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsandrew/  https://www.facebook.com/andrew.griffiths.165   Andrew's books Someone Has to Be the Most Expensive – Why Not Make It You? https://amzn.to/42WfXy6   Business Over Breakfast  https://amzn.to/4k9LWAq  The Me Myth – What do you mean it’s not all about me? https://amzn.to/4deOjj2  The Big Book of Small Business https://amzn.to/4mjDEIm  Bulletproof Your Business Now https://amzn.to/4mdnsrX  Secrets to Building a Winning Business https://amzn.to/456nwU4  101 Ways to Market Your Business https://amzn.to/4jV015c  101 Ways to Advertise Your Business https://amzn.to/4didstx  101 Ways to Really Satisfy Your Customers https://amzn.to/4msoxfI  101 Ways to Boost Your Business https://amzn.to/456nr2I  101 Ways to Have a Business and a Life https://amzn.to/3YFNAS9  101 Ways to Build a Successful Network Marketing Business https://amzn.to/3EZ0jsz  101 Ways to Sell More of Anything to Anyone https://amzn.to/43hz0lf  101 Secrets to Building a Winning Business  https://amzn.to/4mcFHxB Books recommended on this episode: Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller https://amzn.to/4j5I6aF  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie  https://amzn.to/43e6wZF  Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners   Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/   Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/  Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEOOnboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.  Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster. Follow me:  on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles  on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth   Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plastic Bank transforms plastic waste into currency, creating a powerful solution to two global issues: ocean pollution and poverty. Founded by David Katz, the organisation operates in over 700 communities, empowering 57,000+ families to exchange discarded plastic for life essentials like school tuition, clean water, and medical care. Katz’s vision goes beyond profit – it’s about building a for-prosperity ecosystem where everyone benefits, from collectors in developing nations to global brands seeking ethical supply chains.  David Katz challenges the way we think about plastic, poverty, and value. He argues that the issue isn’t the material, but our mindset – poverty is what drives pollution, not plastic itself. He describes a powerful shift when people see plastic as money, a means to access clean water, school tuition, and hope. He speaks passionately about building a “for-prosperity” business where everyone benefits, not just shareholders. He urges us to live into our vision, to be the change rather than wait for it. His message is clear: real transformation starts with how we choose to think.  Takeaways  Financial inclusion allows collectors to access microloans and build creditworthiness.  Poverty, not plastic, is the root cause of ocean pollution.  Prosperity comes when everyone in the system wins together.  Real change starts with shifting mindset, not just materials.  Authentic vision inspires others to step into their own greatness.  You can’t donate your way out of poverty—it must be solved.  Prioritise prosperity for all over traditional profit-driven business models.  Shifting mindsets reveals plastic’s value and creates long-term regenerative change.  Follow David Katz https://plasticbank.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/  David’s TED Talk, ‘The Solution to Ocean Plastic’: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_katz_the_surprising_solution_to_ocean_plastic Books on this episode The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey https://amzn.to/4cK8aGV Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/  Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/ Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO. Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster. Follow me: on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth Enjoying the show? Leave a review Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.