The Growth Equation

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

This episode spotlights Joe Romeo’s inspiring evolution from uncertain job hunts in Adelaide to helming Melbourne’s award-winning Aperitif Agency. Joe’s story unpacks the true grit required to transition from early agency gigs and client-side challenges into building his own fast-growing business, all while juggling leadership and family life.You will also discover how Joe used hard-won lessons from his time at Airwallex and working across top agencies to shape Aperitif’s philosophy: hire slow, document everything, build smart systems, and never compromise team culture for quick wins. The conversation delves into the realities of agency growth, from the rush and nerves of going full-time at Aperitif, through expanding his team to nine, to crafting rituals for presence with his young son and co-founder wife. Joe also reveals how partnering with complementary businesses, openly sharing learnings, and entering industry awards boosted Aperitif’s reputation and referrals, fueling sustainable growth.Hear behind-the-scenes strategies for managing onshore and offshore teams, building progression plans that truly motivate staff, and navigating tough client situations with honesty. Resources like Notion, Loom, ScribeHow, and One Life Club get practical shoutouts for founders keen to streamline operations and learn from others. Packed with relatable moments, real setbacks, and triumphs, this episode delivers genuine, actionable insight for ambitious Australian entrepreneurs ready to scale — while keeping their values front and centre.Connect with Joe Romeo:Website: https://aperitifagency.com.au/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-romeo/?originalSubdomain=auIG: https://www.instagram.com/aperitifagency/#Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand from Nathan Farmer, partner at One Picture—a firm that’s navigated over two decades of market turbulence without losing its human edge.Nathan’s story isn’t just about riding the highs of business. It’s about weathering life’s curveballs—capital crunches, shifting markets, and the kind of partnership dramas you never see on LinkedIn. We pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep four partners on the same page, all while embracing rapid shifts in technology (AI included) and evolving how insight and strategy work gets done.If you reckon business is only about numbers, think again. Nathan talks openly about the trust that holds his partnerships together, the tough calls made when revenue models change overnight, and why human relationships remain front and centre—even when processes go digital.This episode isn’t here to sugarcoat things. Instead, you’ll find the grit, humour, and clarity that make the journey worth it, including practical takeaways for business owners learning to adapt in a market that doesn’t sit still.Listen to the full episode on The Growth Equation podcast.Connect with Nathan Farmer:Website:  https://onepicture.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-farmer-25542b5/?originalSubdomain=nzConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

This episode is a ripper for anyone riding the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Tristan gets real with Steven Gringlas, founder of Picos Media, about what it takes to build, break, and rebuild a thriving marketing agency in today’s e-commerce game.Steven kicks things off, recounting his humble beginnings: launching the agency from his dad’s spare office, turning café trips with his charismatic dog Maddie into client wins, and rolling up his sleeves in social media marketing. But business isn’t all belly rubs and lattes—the story takes us through Steven’s learning curves: scaling up to a team of ten, confronting the harsh reality of swelling wage bills, and making tough calls to reshape his team around what actually drives results.You’ll hear how shifting from a “do it all” creative agency to a focused, performance-driven model transformed Picos Media’s growth, profitability, and client impact. Steven shares game-changing insights about hiring for expertise, letting go of daily hands-on tasks, and finding the right people for the right seats. We dig into the nitty-gritty of using tools like Slack and Monday.com to streamline operations, and how embracing processes, structures, and mentorship—think EOS, EO Accelerator, and the Agency Mentor Community—helped Steven break plateaus and regain his confidence.Whether you're just starting out or scaling for the next big leap, Steven’s honesty about seeking advice, staying resilient, and sharpening your strategy offers plenty of inspiration and lessons you can apply straight away. Want to get in touch with Steven or learn more? Head to picos.com.au or search @picos.media on social. This one’s a must-listen for every Aussie founder ready to tackle their next challenge with a bit more grit and a solid plan.Connect with Steven Gringlas:Website: https://www.picos.com.au/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-gringlas/?originalSubdomain=auIG: https://www.instagram.com/picos.media/?hl=enConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Ever wondered what it looks like to genuinely rebuild from scratch and come out stronger, even after a curveball or two? In this episode of The Growth Equation, I dive deep with Ben Jones, the brain behind Titan Marketer. Ben’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary: from buying and growing 34 online businesses (and flipping a fair few of them) to surviving seismic Google algorithm updates that threatened to shut it all down. Through every twist, he’s managed to reinvent, adapt, and find new ways to thrive, whether launching successful agencies, leveraging YouTube advertising when others were giving up, or even tackling the wild west of actual gold mining.If you’re ready to get real about business growth, ready to adapt, and keen to dig for a few hidden gems, this episode’s for you.Key Takeaways:Ben Jones reveals how he rebuilt after major business setbacks and why reinvention is a key to long-term success.The episode highlights the lesson that “traffic is king” regardless of the business type—online or offline.You’ll discover why putting all your eggs in one basket (one platform or tactic) is risky for growth.Ben shares his proven frameworks for leveraging YouTube ads and paid marketing to keep results coming, even when the rules suddenly shift.Insights into building teams and systems that let you step back without losing momentum—plus a glimpse into Ben’s surprising gold mining venture.Ready to get started? Listen now.Connect with Ben Jones:Website:  https://titanmarketer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben09/?originalSubdomain=au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.jonesofficial/?hl=enConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

You don't need a big city to build a big vision.I sat down with Phil Robinson, founder of Back 9 Creative, who is proving just that from his home base in Invercargill.His story is a masterclass in what happens when you decide to back yourself, no matter your zip code. He proves you can build something meaningful far from the city skyline.We cut the fluff and get straight to the lessons.In this episode, you'll learn:Why narrowing your offer delivers bigger results than being everything to everyone.How to make the tough calls on team changes and finances.The truth about remote hiring and using AI to stay sharp.Why every asset, especially your website, needs to work as hard as your best employee.This is for every leader of a small or regional business who wants a real-world playbook. No buzzwords, just honest strategy that works.Ready to get started? Listen now.Listen to the full episode on The Growth Equation podcast.Connect with Phil Robinson:Website: https://www.Back9.co.nz/team/phil-robinson/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-robinson-189b5736/?originalSubdomain=nz Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Justin Meadows built a 25-person remote team in the Philippines. He's the only non-Filipino on the roster.How did he do it?In this episode, he shares his exact playbook for building and managing a high-performing offshore team from the ground up.Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ The Hiring Blueprint: The step-by-step process to find, test, and onboard A-players.✅ Attitude > Skill: How to screen for motivation and character, not just technical ability.✅ Remote-First Culture: The systems that keep a remote team connected and performing at a high level.✅ Leadership Lessons: How to manage across cultures and turn hiring missteps into growth.✅ This episode is a practical roadmap for anyone looking to scale with an offshore team.Connect with Justin Meadows:Email: support@tunedwp.com Website: https://tunedwp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-meadows Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinm_tunedwp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.meadows/ Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

On this episode of The Growth Equation, I sit down with Steve Jaenke from Digimark to talk about what it really takes to push past your comfort zone. His journey is a powerful one—he started in nursing before realizing his true passion was in building websites, which led him to found a successful SEO agency. But it wasn't easy. Steve gets real about the challenges, from battling low-cost freelancers to nearly losing his entire business just five years ago.So how did he turn it around? Steve breaks down exactly how he rebuilt Digimark by creating a rock-solid foundation of clear expectations, robust training, and a culture of accountability. We get into the massive lessons he learned about leadership, the importance of dropping your ego, and the undeniable truth that your business can only grow as much as you do personally.We also look at how AI is changing the game in digital marketing, and Steve offers practical advice and his must-read book recommendations for any business owner. If you want a real story of resilience and actionable wisdom for your own journey, you need to listen to this. You can connect with Steve directly at the links below.Connect with Steve:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-jaenke/?originalSubdomain=au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.jaenke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.jaenke/ Digimark: https://www.digimark.com.au/ Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Ever heard a story that just stops you in your tracks? This is one of them.I sat down with Dan Nikas of Elite Brands. His journey is anything but ordinary. Imagine spending 17 years in policing, over a decade as a homicide detective. Then, at just 36, you're medically retired. For many, that's the end of a chapter. For Dan, it was the start of a new one. He turned to digital marketing and discovered his greatest asset wasn't a new skill, but an old one: building trust and truly understanding people.Dan gets real about launching his first e-commerce brand, Gearbunch.com, and the lessons learned. But what truly stands out is his core philosophy: "help first." It’s the bedrock of his agency, Elite Brands. We explore why he insists on testing every marketing strategy on his own dime, with his own brand, before a client ever sees it. His flat-fee model isn't a gimmick; it’s proof he’s committed to doing right by people.This conversation is a masterclass on career pivots, the power of giving without expectation, and how genuine relationships are the real bottom line in any business.Connect with Dan and learn more about Elite Brands. 👇Website: elitebrands.org Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-nikas-10379665/?originalSubdomain=au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elite_brands_with_dan_nikas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elitebrandswithdannikas/ Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow