The Growth Equation

In this episode of The Growth Equation, Brendan Ellich joins me to unpack how a “why not?” freelance experiment during COVID evolved into BluFire, a Melbourne-based paid media agency now partnering with 7–8 figure service businesses. We walk through the whole journey: starting with almost no capital, juggling random client work, making the call to stop freelancing and build a real business, and then growing a tight local team that works together in-office four days a week. Brendan is refreshingly candid about the parts most founders gloss over—the times cash flow was tight, the pressure of payroll, the clients that left unexpectedly, and the days where it felt easier to walk away than to keep fronting up.​We go deep into how BluFire makes paid media actually pay. Brendan explains how he links marketing, sales, and finance so every dollar of ad spend is judged on revenue and margin, not “cheap clicks” or noisy dashboards. He breaks down their retainer model and ad spend tiers, how they think about lead targets, and why his team talks to clients weekly to stay ahead of lead quality and volume issues instead of waiting for a nasty surprise at the end of the month. We also dig into why breakfast networking nearly became a full-time job, what changed when he pivoted to building a proper acquisition system for his own agency, and how he’s thinking about AI, smaller-budget campaigns, and the future of agencies that don’t perform. If you’re in that messy middle of running an agency or service business—hiring, dealing with client churn, and trying to keep profit intact—this episode gives you a grounded look at what it takes to build something durable. Connect with Brendan Ellich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-ellich/Company Website: https://www.blumedia.com/Brendan Ellich’s Company Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/blufire.digital/Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

In this episode of The Growth Equation, Tristan Wright sits down with agency owner Maxim Claes to unpack what really happens when you hit burnout, get stuck in information overload, and decide to rebuild your business with more intention. As the founder of boutique marketing agency Media Waffle, Maxim now helps beauty and aesthetic clinics generate consistent enquiries and booked appointments using simple, reliable lead generation systems.​Maxim shares how he went from managing “a bit of everything” in digital marketing to niching down exclusively into beauty and aesthetics, and why that decision gave him back his focus, energy, and confidence. He breaks down how cycles of momentum, complacency and rebuilding showed him the importance of habits, structure, and clarity—not just more hustle or more information.​Across the conversation, Tristan and Maxim dig into the real value of mentors, the danger of chasing too many programs and gurus, and the simple way to decide what you actually want from your business and life. They also explore how AI is reshaping marketing for clinics, why brand and personality matter more than ever, and how owners can use automation without losing the human element that clients trust.​If you run a service business or agency—especially in the beauty or aesthetic space—and you feel like you’re juggling too much, this episode will give you practical ideas to niche down, tighten your systems, and rebuild around habits that actually support long-term growth. Links and tools mentioned include Media Waffle’s lead generation system for clinics and emerging AI tools for compliance and content support in regulated industries.Connect with Maxim ClaesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediawaffleLinkedIn: Company Website: www.mediawaffle.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/media_waffle/Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

This episode of The Growth Equation features Simon John Phillips, a true veteran who has been building Shopify brands since 2011. Working across the full e-commerce spectrum as a brand owner, agency operator, coach, 3PL founder, and fractional exec, Simon has spent 14 years inside the evolution of social-driven e-com. That experience now powers The Ecommerce Accelerator 5.0, a real-time operating system for brands serious about scaling.Despite his deep expertise, Simon shares a powerful and honest story about the realities of entrepreneurship. His experience moves from early success in e-commerce to the hard reality of hitting rock bottom, then finding renewed focus and direction through the support of true mentorship and a clearer mindset.Simon openly describes the challenges he faced, including the emotional impact of failure and how important it is to learn how to recover. He explores how second chances come from a genuine willingness to reflect, learn, and rebuild. The conversation highlights why having the right mentors—people who understand both business struggles and personal challenges—is crucial in staying grounded during difficult times.The conversation goes beyond business mechanics to explore themes of personal growth, resilience, and honesty when facing setbacks. Simon also discusses his business approach with The E-Commerce Accelerator and how that reflects his commitment to transparency and meaningful work.Simon’s story isn't just about hope. It’s about resilience. It provides the realistic insight and clarity you need to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward.Connect with Simon John PhillipsFacebook: facebook.com/simonjohnphillipsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjpnz/Company Website: https://www.theecommerceaccelerator.comIG: @simonjohnphillipsTikTok – @simonjohnphillipsWebsite: https://www.theecommerceaccelerator.com/Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

This episode of The Growth Equation features Chris Hogan, founder of MeMedia Marketing Agency, reflecting on over two decades of experience in the marketing industry. Chris shares a candid account of the realities that come with building and growing a business—ranging from the excitement of successful projects to the tough challenges of mental health struggles and burnout. He stresses the significance of focus in business, famously saying, “you can’t ride two horses with one ass,” highlighting the importance of clarity and prioritising what truly matters to avoid spreading yourself too thin.Chris opens up about the difficult periods marked by overwork and feelings of being stuck in “infinite loops,” and how he found small but meaningful sparks of progress that helped him regain momentum and stay committed. The conversation explores the vital role that culture and purpose play as the true foundation for effective business strategy, rather than just being buzzwords.He also shares practical insights on technology choices, particularly his preference for Shopify over WordPress when it comes to serious e-commerce growth. Furthermore, Chris discusses the origins of Wecom, a venture born from decades of hands-on experience in e-commerce and conversion optimisation.This episode offers authentic and grounded reflections for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It provides valuable perspectives on resilience, the power of focus, and how aligning culture and values with business goals can lead to sustainable growth over time. It’s a refreshing and insightful listen for anyone navigating the complexities of business ownership.Connect with Chris HoganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishoges/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishogesCompany Website: https://www.memedia.com.au/our-agency Chris Hogan’s Company Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/wecomm.au/https://www.facebook.com/wecomm.auhttps://www.youtube.com/c/MeMediaAuConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sat down with Lex Stanley, the founder of Vastly Digital, to explore the real challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in today’s digital marketing world. Lex’s journey is refreshingly honest—from launching her business during the uncertainty of COVID-19 to realising the limits off freelancing and pivoting to building a scalable agency. What stood out was Lex’s blend of “corporate punk” values: honouring old school customer service with a rebellious, modern approach to business.We dive deep into the hard lessons Lex learned early on about client selection, pricing, and the importance of saying no to projects that don’t fit the vision. Her talks openly about the personal cost of entrepreneurship—the constant anxiety over delivering results and paying wages, balanced by the fulfilment of seeing clients succeed and a culture where everyone owns the outcome. Lex’s story highlights how thoughtful outsourcing, building a trustworthy team, and embracing an evolving set of systems and processes are vital to scaling without compromising quality.For entrepreneurs and small business owners facing the pressure of growth and quality delivery, Lex shares practical advice mixed with inspiring reflections on purpose, passion, and the power of quick decision-making. If you want to hear candid stories about navigating business pivots, building culture, and using innovation like AI wisely, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Check out the resources Lex mentions and connect with Vastly Digital at the links below. This episode reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about what you do—but how you care about the people and businesses you serve.Connect with Lex Stanley:Website: https://vastly.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vastlydigitalInstagram: https://instagram.com/vastlydigitalConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this insightful episode, Tristan engages with Adrian Stewart, co-founder of Scale Messaging, to explore his entrepreneurial journey—from freelancing in Berlin to building a company that significantly enhances e-commerce conversion rates. Adrian shares the challenges and triumphs of growing a business from the ground up, emphasising the importance of strategic planning, adaptability, and understanding human behaviour in an ever-evolving digital landscape. As co-founder of Scale Messaging, a CRO agency specialising in elevating conversions through precise, customer-centric messaging, Adrian helps companies cut through noise, clarify their value, and create experiences that convert. Outside of work, he writes and makes music, fuelled by a deep interest in storytelling and the psychological forces behind why people do what they do.Adrian discusses the complexities of managing a remote team spread across various time zones, emphasizing the need for effective communication and robust processes. He shares his experiences in leveraging AI to drive business growth, offering a glimpse into the future of e-commerce and the potential of technology to transform industries. The dialogue underscores the critical role of financial planning in sustaining business operations and achieving long-term success.Beyond business, the episode touches on personal growth through travel and the pursuit of freedom and flexibility in life. Adrian reflects on how his global experiences have shaped his perspective and contributed to his professional development. The conversation is a testament to the power of embracing change and the value of aligning business goals with personal aspirations, offering listeners valuable insights into balancing work and life in a meaningful way.Connect with Adrian Stewart:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjstewart/ Website: www.scalemessaging.com Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Andrew Hatfield built Deepstar Strategic after 30 years across Dell, Red Hat, NetApp, and Portworx—moving from infrastructure engineering to product marketing. He's helped clients achieve 289% ARR growth and Fortune 500 exits by connecting Market-Product-Model-Channel fit.In this episode, we cut through the GTM noise. Andrew breaks down why most B2B tech companies are stuck in feature-factory mode and how to shift to strategic maturity. We explore value-based outcomes over vanity ARR metrics, how lean remote teams can move fast without losing discipline, and why aligning product, marketing, and sales isn't optional—it's the difference between sustainable growth and quarterly chaos.We cover practical diagnostics for bottlenecks, running experiments that actually test new GTM moves, and why leadership conviction matters when everyone else is chasing trends. For Australian SaaS and tech services businesses, this is about building defensible advantages and smart resource allocation—not trying to outspend Silicon Valley.Connect with Andrew HatfieldCompany Website: https://www.deepstarstrategic.com/LinkedIn @andrewhatfield and @deepstarstrategicX @andrewhatfield and @deepstarstratInstagram @andrewhatfieldFacebook @hatfieldaConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

This week on The Growth Equation, I caught up with Josh Berg from Hedgehog Marketing for a really down-to-earth conversation about what it’s actually like to run a marketing business these days. Josh shares the ups and downs of starting out with his sister, juggling a growing team when they were barely out of their twenties, and what happened when the fast growth train started to hit some bumps.What’s refreshing about this chat is hearing how Josh moved away from the typical agency model to something more hands-on, where they work alongside businesses to help them get their own marketing sorted. It wasn’t an easy switch, and he talks openly about the fears and doubts around narrowing their focus, but it’s what’s helped them find solid ground.We also talk about how clever use of AI and automation helps a small team get a lot done without the stress and scramble of making everything manual. And if you stick around, you’ll hear Josh’s hilarious story of how a $1.24 website idea turned into thousands of dollars worth of Uber Eats credit — pretty clever and a bit cheeky.If you’re running a small business and want to get smarter at marketing without turning your life upside down, you’ll get plenty from this episode.Connect with Josh Berg (Director at Hedgehog)Company Website: https://www.hedgehogmarketing.com.au/team-members/josh-berg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshberg1?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Richard Chalmers from Tailored SEO brings a candid perspective on growing a digital agency far from the big-city marketing hubs. The journey started in music, swapped guitars for business books, and continued through agency roles and a pivotal move to Tasmania. With few marketing jobs available locally, Richard carved a niche—first as a side project, then as a full-time commitment when old options faded. Building Tailored SEO was never a straight line; setbacks like the COVID lockdown turned uncertainty into unexpected opportunity, showing that small teams can thrive with the right attitude and a willingness to experiment.The episode explores time in established agencies, the importance of learning on the job, and how real specialisation emerged by necessity—responding to a market lacking digital talent and industry jobs. Staff training at Tailored SEO focuses on character and ambition over technical skills, creating a workplace where growth means developing people before processes. Listeners get practical stories about onboarding in high-speed bursts, shifting the agency brand to match new services, and using hands-on experiments to work out what SEO tactics really deliver. Brand awareness, AI, and automation all feature in the chat, along with lessons from risky digital experiments involving AI-generated content and keyword domains. The ups and downs—legal headaches, accounting costs, founder nerves, and the challenge of letting go—show up throughout, proving that learning, adapting, and embracing failure are essential for progress.Richard recommends a multi-channel marketing approach and urges business owners to connect with peers, invest in practical education, and avoid the temptation to do everything alone. Supporting staff, trusting the process, and embracing experimentation set the stage for real, sustainable results. Free strategy sessions and more practical resources are available at tailoredseo.com.au, plus plenty of fresh updates across Tailored SEO’s social channels. For anyone chasing long-term growth, the episode is a window into the evolving landscape of Australian digital marketing and the mindset needed to make it work.Connect with Richard ChalmersCompany Website: https://tailoredseo.com.au/our-team/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-chalmers/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Steve Mills, founder of Mills Motion and High Production Practice. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey from freelancing and broad marketing services to carving out a highly specialised niche in the dental and cosmetic industries. What really stood out to me was how Steve and his team pivoted to a webinar-based model during the challenges of COVID—an innovative approach that not only kept their business afloat but also delivered exceptional value by educating prospective patients effectively.We dive deep into the complexities of marketing in the medical space, the critical importance of compliance, and why performance marketing is so intense when a client’s time value tops $600 an hour. Steve also opens up about the limits they've hit with scaling geographically and how they’re exploring new verticals like hair transplants to break that ceiling.Beyond business, the episode offers insights into how Steve balances entrepreneurship with homeschooling four kids, revealing the personal side of running a growing enterprise.If you're looking for strategies that combine focus, compliance, and creative marketing systems—with a few real-world hurdles and wins—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. You’ll find Steve’s unique blend of optimism and realism refreshing and inspiring.For more from Steve, check out Mills Motion on YouTube or High Production Practice for their specialised dental marketing approach.Connect with Stephen MillsCompany Website: https://millsmotion.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-j-mills/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sonya McIntyre-Reid, the driving force behind Linchpin Digital. Sonya’s journey is one of transformation and resilience — starting as a solo freelancer with a simple marketing concept called Kiss Marketing, then evolving her business through multiple rebrands into a dynamic, flexible agency that operates remotely across cities and even continents. Her story is a powerful example of how embracing change and refining your business identity can unlock new opportunities for growth.We unpack everything from the practicalities of running a remote team scattered from Brisbane to Canada, to the so-called ‘behind-the-scenes’ stuff that many founders struggle with—cashflow management, pricing, and the sometimes painful but essential financial lessons that come with running your own agency. Sonya opens up about her early mistakes, like undercharging clients and the surprise tax bills that caught her off guard, and how she turned those challenges into systems that support not only sustainability but also profitability.One of the highlights of our conversation was her approach to team management and communication. Sonya swears by daily huddles, clear task management through tools like ClickUp, and regular one-on-ones that keep her whole team aligned and accountable. For any entrepreneur who’s juggling clients, team dynamics, and growing pains while trying to maintain some semblance of work-life balance, Sonya’s insights hit home.If you’re keen to learn how to move beyond simply surviving as an agency to thriving with a lean, efficient team and the right pricing strategy, this episode provides those lessons straight from someone who’s been in the trenches. Connect with Sonya on Instagram @sonya.mcintyrereid and check out Linchpin Digital’s work on LinkedIn for more inspiration.Thanks for listening, and I hope you find this episode as insightful and motivating as I did.Connect with Sonya McIntyre-ReidCompany Website: https://mediawords.com.au/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-mcintyre-reid-8a28206a/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

What really happens behind the shiny pitch decks and agency buzzwords? This episode lifts the lid on the world of media buying, exposing the tricks, traps, and triumphs that define today’s marketing landscape. Elise Hedley Dale, founder of Media Words, brings decades of hands-on experience—navigating the fast lanes of global agencies and building a thriving independent consultancy from the ground up.Honest and unfiltered, Elise calls out the “cowboys” who give the industry a bad name, shares how transparent strategy beats smooth talk every time, and spells out the systems that keep campaigns effective and budgets on track. For business owners tired of marketing guesswork, this episode delivers clarity and a blueprint for smarter results.Expect real stories from the front line: lessons in cash flow, the art of saying no, and why backing yourself is the secret weapon most founders overlook. Explore media planning in the age of AI, smarter client agreements, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people—regardless of whether you’re spending big or bootstrapping.If avoiding the traps and focusing on what works matter, these ideas will stick long after the credits roll.Connect with Elise Hedley DaleCompany Website: https://mediawords.com.au/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisehedleydale/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a digital agency from the ground up—while juggling family, shifting markets, and the daily chaos that comes with building something new? This episode peels back the curtain with Joanna Sharma, founder of Drum Digital, who joins me for a genuinely raw and inspiring chat about the tough stuff most entrepreneurs only whisper about.Joanna’s journey is packed with turning points, from launching her agency while on maternity leave to scaling a team in the midst of “two under two” madness. She shares how every stage brought its own drama—growing too fast, feeling the sting of cash flow crunches, and facing up to those gut-wrenching moments when you have to say goodbye to someone who’s been with you since the start. Her honesty is a breath of fresh air for anyone wrestling with the realities of growing a business—and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.We dive into the nitty-gritty: why systemising your operations can save your sanity, how mentorship and partnerships can lift you out of tough spots, and the importance of flexibility—especially when your life outside work is just as hectic. Joanna reveals the digital tools she relies on (HubSpot for sales, ClickUp for project management), and explains how a bit of NLP coaching helped smash down the limiting beliefs keeping her from leveling up.There’s loads here for anyone chasing sustainable growth or just wanting to know they’re not alone. Expect honest stories, practical takeaways, and the kind of conversation you’d have with a mate over coffee—no fluff, no sugar-coating.Connect with Joanna SharmaCompany Website: https://www.drumdigital.com.au/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannasharma/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Ever wondered why some brands stick in your memory long after a cold call or door knock? In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dimas, the driving force behind gig (Global Interactive Group)—a company built on the lost art (and surprising science) of face-to-face sales. Danny’s business keeps finding new ways to thrive while competitors fade into digital white noise.We get honest about the stigma of sales—yes, even the dreaded door knocker—and why a “people-first” focus has helped gig expand across five countries and industries from energy to non-profits. Danny opens up about hitting rock bottom, rebuilding from $360k in debt, and taking the bold step of making his entire team full-time—years before most thought it was viable.But here’s where it gets real practical: we debate whether human connection will outlast the wave of AI, why you remember an actual conversation more than 50 billboards, and what happens when sales tactics go from pushy to genuinely engaging. Danny dishes out lessons on nurturing young teams, building rock-solid culture, and dealing with the curveballs—pandemics, people problems, and all.If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does old-school selling still work?” or struggled to motivate a team in a digital-heavy landscape, this episode will challenge your thinking. Get ready for strategies you can use whether you're a solo tradie or scaling a global operation.Curious for more? Stick with us right to the end for Danny’s advice every Australian entrepreneur should write on their office wall.Keen to connect? Hit up Danny at gig.live or catch us on your favourite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—or visit the Evolve to Grow Blog for the latest resources and links mentioned in this episode.Connect with Danny DimasCompany Website: https://www.gig.live/team/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-dimas-5686b121/Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

This episode is a deep dive into purpose-driven storytelling with Tiff Ng, the founder and chief storyteller behind The Social Story. Over seven years, Tiff has transformed what began as a freelance passion project into a thriving social enterprise agency that champions impact and authenticity in social media marketing.We unpack the raw realities of building a business that’s not just about profit but about making a meaningful difference—celebrating wins, facing tough lows, and navigating the constant evolution required to stay true to your values and mission. Tiff’s candid reflections on vulnerability, community support, identity, and the delicate balance between creativity and technology offer invaluable lessons for any entrepreneur craving something beyond just business success.Whether you resonate with the challenge of staying authentic in a fast-changing digital world or seek inspiration on how to align your business with your bigger purpose, this conversation is your guide to building brands that genuinely matter.Join me as I explore Tiff’s story, the lessons she’s learned, and how The Social Story is rewriting the rules of marketing with heart and impact.

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I’m joined by Alex Lau, founder of Seesharp Group and an accomplished investor managing a family office alongside running a marketing consultancy. Alex shares his fascinating journey from launching a technical production business to evolving into a fractional CMO consulting firm focused on strategic marketing and business growth. We dive deep into how his marketing expertise serves as a gateway to discovering and nurturing profitable business acquisitions.Alex offers honest reflections on the challenges of small business ownership, the importance of detaching emotionally from your business, and the critical role financial literacy plays in sustainable success. He also explains the concept of a family office and how it balances a diverse investment portfolio that includes property, shares, and business acquisitions. We discuss the strategic framework Seesharp Group uses—the StoryBrand messaging framework—and how shifting to a high-level consulting model transformed their business trajectory.Listeners will gain practical tips on productivity, protecting their time, and building a resilient mindset. Whether you are navigating business growth, exploring investments, or seeking clarity on leadership, this episode provides valuable insights to empower your next steps.For more on Alex’s work and workshops, visit: csharpgroup.com.auAlso, be sure to explore the resources and links shared throughout the episode.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did hosting it.

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I’m joined by Leah Grinter, founder of Brindle, an agency that evolved from a sole trader marketing consultancy to an omnichannel media performance powerhouse. Leah shares her unique journey from being a CMO licensing her own loyalty program to launching and growing her own boutique agency in a competitive, ever-changing media landscape. We dive deep into how she navigated the challenges of staffing, managing a boutique team fully in Australia, and the critical importance of diversification—lessons that became especially sharp during the pandemic when many clients suddenly vanished.Leah also sheds light on the complexities of omnichannel marketing, why “niching” isn’t always about industry but often about the client type and service focus, and how her team blends digital and traditional media strategies to maximize ROI for clients. We unpack her perspective on maintaining strong internal culture with flexible hybrid work models, how she approaches AI technology in media execution, and her honest reflections on what it takes to sustain growth without overextending resources.If growing an agency or navigating the modern media agency landscape is top of mind, Leah’s practical insights and candid stories will leave you inspired and better equipped.Connect with Leah GrinterCompany Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/brindle-co/?originalSubdomain=auLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahgrinter/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Catherine Toms, co-founder of Marketing Growth Academy and recently AI Growth Academy. Catherine shares a compelling journey of transformation, pivoting their business from traditional corporate marketing training to an innovative public AI education offering. She dives into the real challenges and rewards of running a family business, especially when both partners are fully involved.We explore how Catherine and her husband navigated the risks of reliance on a single major client, embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, and later shifted to meet growing demand for AI skills in marketing. Catherine explains why adopting AI in marketing is not just about technology but understanding human motivation and psychology in reaching customers. She offers practical insights on building scalable systems for a consumer audience while balancing ongoing corporate work.Listeners will gain valuable lessons on business pivots, the importance of role clarity, and how AI is reshaping marketing teams from the inside out. Catherine’s passion for making AI accessible to all shines through, providing encouragement for entrepreneurs ready to embrace the future. Check out the AI Growth Academy for free resources and courses to start your AI journey.Connect with Catherine TomsWebsite: https://aigrowthacademy.com.au/about/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinetoms/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sit down with Robin Hunuki, the founder of RH Media, to unpack how genuine connection and adaptability can outpace the biggest ad budgets. Robin shares how his journey from tech-savvy sports hopeful to business owner saw him discover that building strong relationships delivers more results than relying solely on campaigns or automation. We dig into why small and agile teams are still the secret weapon in today’s fast-moving market, and what it actually takes to grow a business in a landscape full of noise and change.We discuss how RH Media has stayed at the front of innovation—serving large clients with a lean crew, constantly seeking out new tech, and never sacrificing the human element for scale. Robin gets candid about juggling a young family, lessons learned through hard knocks, and how humility and self-awareness have fuelled his resilience as a founder. We also break down practical approaches to customer experience, team culture, and why relationship-building is set to become the next “unfair advantage” as automation and AI tools flood the industry.If you’re a business owner who values directness, wants to turn mistakes into momentum, and believes that tech should serve relationships—not replace them—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas. Find links to RH Media’s tools, Robin’s socials, and further resources in the show notes.Connect with Robin Hunuki Website: https://rhmedia.io/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhunuki/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Some people dream of working from anywhere. Hanna Groves lives it—and built Divergent Media so she could run business on her terms, whether that's from a coffee shop in Medellín or a park in Brisbane. When Hanna and I finally connected (after everything from hammer drills to hurricanes tried to throw us off), I realised her story was more than a playbook—it’s a full-on invitation for business owners to challenge their own limits.In this episode, Hanna gets brutally honest about the highs and lows of building a remote-first agency. She reveals why she left behind a career as a police officer, what drove her to design a business that could thrive through chaos, and how ‘escape from the crowd’ became more than a tagline—it’s become a life philosophy. Hanna shares the moments when it all nearly fell apart (losing $20k/month revenue during COVID, surviving a devastating divorce), and exactly how she rebuilt by doubling down on mindset, self-development, and choosing clients who value real impact over big promises.For anyone tired of glossy stories and eager for tried-and-tested strategies, Hanna opens up about empowering staff across borders, sharing her simple but effective onboarding systems for clients and team members, and how she’s fostered loyalty despite distance and difference. We break down practical steps for managing global teams, onboarding remote freelancers, and even the tech stack that keeps everything humming. If you’re prepared to rethink business as usual, Hanna’s story proves you don’t need permission—just grit and a readiness to learn from every mistake.Connect with Hanna Groves:Website: https://www.divergentmedia.com.au/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-groves/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow