In The Trenches

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Smargiassi, Founder and CEO of OURCFO, to cut through the confusion around business numbers.   We unpack why revenue is vanity, cash is king, and why so many profitable businesses still end up stressed, blindsided, or short on cash. Greg explains why numbers are an output, not the starting point, and how poor data, outdated reporting, and story-telling around the numbers lead to bad decisions.   We dive into the real difference between profit and cash flow, why growth often creates cash problems, and why most business owners spend too much time looking in the rear-view mirror instead of building a forward view.   If you want fewer financial surprises, clearer decisions, and numbers that actually help you run your business, this episode will change how you think about them.   🔗https://linktr.ee/In_The_Trenches.pod 🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/ 🔗Connect with Greg Smargiassi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsmargiassi/ Website: https://ourcfo.com.au/   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

Most people are following the advice they were given to stay healthy, yet they feel tired, foggy, and stuck.   In this episode, we sit down with David Beard, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with over four decades of experience in metabolic health. David explains why the familiar approach of eating less and moving more often fails, and why willpower is rarely the real issue.   This conversation explores how the body actually produces and uses energy, how modern food environments disrupt that process, and why many people are unknowingly working against their own physiology.   Rather than extreme diets or rigid routines, David shares a clearer way to think about health, energy, and long-term performance. If you feel like you are doing the right things but not getting results, this episode will challenge how you think about your body and what it really needs.     🔗https://linktr.ee/In_The_Trenches.pod   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/   🔗Connect with David Beard: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfbeard/ Website: https://www.davidbeard.co/ ------------------------------------------------   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/   Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

We're opening this season by addressing something critical for anyone ambitious about growth, progress, and results: planning. In this episode, Hanif and producer Jeremy sit down for a candid conversation on why planning is often the deciding factor between intention and execution.   They explore the connection between goal setting and planning, why goals without structure tend to fall apart, and how clarity creates momentum. The discussion breaks down how to think about goals in a practical way, how to choose approaches that align with your real capacity, and why sustainability matters more than intensity.   This isn't about New Year resolutions or surface-level frameworks. It's about building direction and discipline that last beyond January.     🔗https://linktr.ee/In_The_Trenches.pod   Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

This episode is a year in review, but not a highlight reel.   After 26 conversations on In the Trenches, we pulled out 13 moments that stayed with us. Not because they sounded good, but because they changed how we think about leadership, growth, fear, communication, and decision-making.   These lessons came from founders, executives, operators, and coaches who were willing to speak honestly about what worked, what didn't, and what they learned the hard way. Some are uncomfortable. Some are simple. All of them are practical.   There's no commentary and no hype. Just real moments, real voices, and the patterns that emerged over the year.   If you've been listening along, this is a reflection. If you're new, this is a sharp introduction to what In the Trenches is really about.   Thank you for being part of the journey. We look forward to you joining us for 2026.   🔗https://linktr.ee/In_The_Trenches.pod   Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

Welcome to Part Two of Our Cryptocurrency Series for In the Trenches.   If Part One helped you understand what cryptocurrency is, Part Two is all about how to actually get started. Joe Shew from the Crypto Consulting Institute returns to break down the simple steps new investors can take today.   You'll learn why getting started is far easier than most people think, we cover how much you realistically need to begin, the power of small consistent contributions, and the different approaches for long-term vs short-term investors.   Joe also shares what matters most early on: basic security, avoiding common mistakes, and getting the right education so you're not "winging it" with your money.   A clear, practical episode for anyone wanting to enter crypto with confidence.   🔗https://linktr.ee/In_The_Trenches.pod   🔗Connect with Joe: Website: https://cryptoconsultinginstitute.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeshew-cci/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@crypto-consulting-institute/featured   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/    Wacth on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nFdxfTtRTqM   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review. Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Breuillac, Director at CyberNode and ethical hacker, to explore what really happens inside the world of penetration testing. Matt breaks down how simulated attacks help businesses uncover vulnerabilities before real threats emerge, and why proactive security matters more than ever.   We touch on his background in Penetration Testing, how CyberNode approaches defence with precision and responsibility, and some of the ways Hackers take advantage of vulnerabilities within companies to achieve their aims.   🔗Connect with Matt: Website: https://mymilan.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-breuillac/   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wHoJtAbJGOA   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

For months, Hanif has been fielding the same question from clients and friends: "What's the deal with crypto?" Is it the future of money, a giant scam, or something in between? In this episode, Hanif sits down with investor and educator Joe Shew, founder and CEO of the Crypto Consulting Institute, for a grounded "Crypto 101" conversation aimed at people who are curious, cautious, or outright sceptical. They unpack what Cryptocurrency actually is and how the broader crypto ecosystem goes far beyond coins and speculation.  This episode is the first of what will be an ongoing series involving Cryptocurrency, and is intended as a introduction into what Cryptocurrency is and what it is not. If you're trying to make sense of crypto in a practical, grounded way, this is the episode to begin with.   🔗Connect with Joe: Website: https://cryptoconsultinginstitute.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeshew-cci/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@crypto-consulting-institute/featured   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/    Wacth on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nFdxfTtRTqM   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review. Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

What if everything you do — every reaction, relationship, and emotion — came from an unseen operating system inside you? In this powerful conversation, David Szczecinski 'The Behaviorist' breaks down the psychology and biology behind human behaviour, narcissism, fear, and expectation. He reveals why we repeat painful patterns, how fear drives our actions, and what it really takes to change deeply wired habits. From decoding narcissistic relationships to understanding how fear drives our actions, this episode explores the hidden systems that shape who we are and how we relate to one another. 🔗Connect with David: Website: https://mymilan.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-the-behaviorist-49778147/?originalSubdomain=au Read David's Books: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/TheBehaviorist   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e9RMKp8MtBw   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/    

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Ted Thacker, a humanist and deep thinker who brings decades of lived experience and wisdom about people, leadership, and self-awareness.   In this episode, we move beyond Ted's personal story and into his reflections on leadership, accountability, and love. He shares how courage and compassion shape the way we lead, connect, and build our legacy. From exploring what it means to lead with empathy to discussing how love brings out the best in people, this is a powerful continuation of a truly human conversation.   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/  If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.

In this powerful conversation, Ted Thacker opens up about growing up in fear and the lessons that shaped his life. From a tough childhood and emotional survival to learning how to love himself, Ted shares the mindset shifts that helped him move from fear to freedom.   He and host Hanif explore how fear influences our self-talk, why we often become our own worst critics, and how to reprogram the mind toward self-worth and love. This episode is a raw, honest look at how awareness and compassion can transform the way we see ourselves and others.   A conversation about breaking free from fear and learning to build a kinder relationship with yourself.   An honest look at what it takes to move beyond fear and start treating yourself with compassion.   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/  If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.

Buying your first home might feel out of reach, especially in today's market. But as Paula Abbott from The Finance Agency explains, there are now more opportunities than ever for Australians, particularly in Perth, to take that first step onto the property ladder. In this episode, Paula joins Hanif to unpack the real pathways available for first-home buyers, parents wanting to help their kids, and single parents hoping to secure a place of their own. She cuts through the confusion around finance, government support, and lender requirements — sharing practical insights that make the process clearer and more achievable. Whether you're a 20-something renter dreaming of your first home or a parent wondering how to support your child's next move, this conversation offers a down-to-earth guide to getting into the market without unnecessary risk. 🔗Connect with Paula:  Website: https://financeagency.com.au/  Email: paula@financeagency.com.au   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/  If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.   Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

In this episode of In the Trenches, we're joined by Brent McPherson, Co-founder of Wirri, an eco-friendly lawn care subscription service that's transforming how busy professionals look after their lawns.   Brent knows the frustrations homeowners face—endless products, confusing advice, patchy results, and the feeling that lawn care takes too much time. With over two decades in turf management, he's seen the same problems over and over: inconsistent watering, poor feeding habits, and unnecessary chemicals that do more harm than good.   That's why he built Wirri: to make lawn care simple, effective, and sustainable. In this conversation, Brent breaks down the biggest mistakes people make with their lawns, shares practical advice anyone can follow, and explains how Wirri delivers professional-grade products, clear instructions, and seasonal timing so your lawn thrives without the stress.   If you've ever looked at your lawn and wondered why it never looks as good as it should, this episode will show you a smarter, simpler way forward.   To access the discount code for Wirri, go to https://wirri.com.au/ and apply the discount code 'MATES20'   🔗Connect with Brent: Website: https://wirri.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-mcpherson-6896866b   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/  If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/  

What's driving younger generations to take control of their retirement savings in record numbers?   In this episode of In the Trenches, Hanif is joined by Peter Collins, Director of Australian Financial Solutions Group (AFSG). With over three decades of small business experience and 17 years in banking and financial services, Peter brings deep expertise to the conversation on self-managed super funds (SMSFs).   Peter unpacks what SMSFs are, who they are best suited for, and why they're becoming increasingly popular - particularly among younger generations. He explains the flexibility and control SMSFs can offer compared to traditional superannuation, while also highlighting the responsibilities and considerations that come with managing one.   Whether you're a business owner, a professional considering greater control over your retirement savings, or simply curious about the rise of SMSFs, Peter provides practical insights around this important topic. This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about tailoring their financial future through smarter super strategies.   🔗Connect with Peter: Website: https://www.afsg.net.au/   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/

If you're employing people or planning to hire, there are key workplace laws you need to know. Hanif is joined by Patrick Mullally, founder of Workclaims Australia, who brings 30+ years of experience handling unfair dismissal claims and guiding employers and employees through Australia's industrial relations system.   Patrick explains the major issues shaping today's workplace, from the new Right to Disconnect rules and the impact of working from home, to the things businesses face with contracts and hiring.   This episode is packed with practical advice for both employers and employees — whether you want to protect your business, understand your rights, or just get some insights into Australia's evolving workplace landscape.     🔗Connect with Patrick: Website: https://workclaimsaustralia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mullally-32a300186/   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.     Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/  

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Gavalas, Director of Resolve Property Solutions, to unpack what really makes a smart property purchase in Perth's competitive market. With 25 years of experience across property, development, and investment, Peter brings a practical eye for value and long-term growth. Peter explains why not all properties are created equal, how to identify "A-grade" locations, and the hidden pitfalls buyers often overlook—from poor floor plans to overpriced listings. He also shares how he uncovers off-market opportunities, helps clients avoid costly traps, and secures better outcomes in a market where supply is tight and competition fierce. Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or simply curious about the Perth property landscape, this conversation reveals why having the right advocate in your corner can make all the difference. 🔗Connect with Peter: Website: https://resolvepropertysolutions.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gavalas-8285b11a3/   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.

Most veterinarians dedicate their careers to clinical practice — but Dr Ian Barron took a different path. After decades in the profession, Ian founded Evermore Pet Cremation to offer something few had considered: a sensitive, compassionate service to support families through the hardest part of pet ownership.   In this episode, Ian shares what drove him to take that leap into a niche, largely untested space — and how hard work, empathy, and calculated risk turned it into a thriving business. Beyond the business story, Ian reflects on communication, relationships, and the importance of trust — both in personal life and in building something sustainable.   From his perspective on success to his practical insights into care and service, this conversation is about more than pets. It's about the courage to back yourself, the discipline to keep going, and the relationships that matter most along the way.   🔗Connect with Dr Ian:  Website: https://www.evermorepetcremation.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-barron-1730ab204   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/   If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.

At Escape This, every door opens into a new world — haunted houses, pirate ships, bank heists, or even the depths of Dracula's lair. Bernie Janes, Founder and CEO, is on a mission to elevate escape rooms into something bigger than puzzles — full-blown immersive adventures that rival film sets.   In this episode, Bernie shares how Escape This grew into Australia's largest escape room network, with venues in Perth and Sydney and expansion underway in Melbourne and the Gold Coast. We dive into what makes a truly unforgettable customer experience, the art of blending storytelling with business, and the strategies behind scaling an experience-driven company.   Now, with rapid growth and national expansion on the horizon, Escape This is raising capital to fuel the journey — and there's an opportunity for investors to come along for the ride: https://www.onmarket.com.au/offers/escape-this-eoi/   If you're curious about immersive entertainment, growth strategies, or want to peek behind the curtain of Australia's most talked-about escape rooms, this episode is for you.   Connect with Bernie Janes & Escape This:   Website: www.escapethis.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-janes-7852996   Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/     Powered By The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/  

What really makes a business valuable? Is it the profit it generates today, or the ability for the owner to step away and have the business keep running without them? In this episode of In the Trenches, host Hanif Ibrahim speaks with Adrien Giraud, Management Consultant and Business Valuer at Insight Advisory Group. Adrien shares practical insights on how to look at your business through the eyes of a buyer and what you can do to increase its long-term value. They discuss: The difference between owning a job and building a sellable business How to build an asset that works without you Key drivers that influence valuation and sale price Steps business owners can take to prepare for growth, acquisition or exit If you've ever wondered not just "what is my business worth?" but also "how do I make it worth more?"—this conversation will give you clear, actionable ideas to start working on today.  🔗Connect with Adrien: Website: https://insightperth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrien-giraud-b1808418/ 🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/ If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.

This week on In the Trenches, Hanif Ibrahim sits down with Raymond Kwok — chef, restaurateur, and founder of Perth's MODU Bar & Kitchen. Raymond shares his journey from a passion for cooking to creating one of Perth CBD's most talked-about dining spots — a moody, 1920s Shanghai-inspired restaurant known for its world-class cocktails, top-tier food, and unforgettable atmosphere. They dive into: The inspiration behind MODU's design, menu, and unique customer experience The fundamentals of running a successful hospitality business Why great service can be as important as great food Lessons in creating a destination venue that keeps people coming back Whether you're in hospitality or just love discovering what makes a restaurant truly special, this bonus episode serves up plenty of insights and flavour. 🔗Connect with Raymond: Website: https://modubarkitchen.com/ Insta: https: https://www.instagram.com/modubarkitchen/ 🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/ If you're building something great—hit follow, share the episode, and leave us a review.   Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/  

This special bonus episode is part two of our wide-ranging conversation with David Egerton-Warburton, sixth-generation farmer and co-founder of Agrimaster.   The first episode focused on business, risk, and innovation. But the conversation kept flowing, and we didn't want to leave the rest on the cutting room floor. In this follow-up, David shares more personal reflections on leadership, decision-making, and what really matters when the pressure's on - in business and in life.   Whether or not you've heard part one, this episode stands on its own as a thoughtful, practical listen for anyone navigating complex decisions, managing growth, or just trying to stay grounded through it all.   🔗Connect with David: Website: https://www.agrimaster.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidegertonwarburton/   🔗Connect with Hanif Ibrahim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-ibrahim-18175a9/   Powered by The Finance Agency: https://financeagency.com.au/ Recorded at Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/