Handpicked with Naomi Simson

January 2020. New CEO. Six-month-old baby. Seven weeks later? COVID hits. That's how Cara McLeod stepped into the CEO role at Mahlab—and somehow that chaos became the launchpad for international growth. But here's the problem: Mahlab does bespoke strategy work. Everything is custom. Every project needs people. More growth = more headcount. The classic service business trap. So how do you scale what on paper looks hard to scale? Cara asks the questions keeping service business CEOs up at night: How do you stand out in a global marketplace when you're suddenly competing worldwide? Can you turn custom expertise into scalable products without losing your magic? And how do you test international markets—especially for their niche in member-based organisations—without taking your eye off the Australian ball? Naomi doesn't hold back. She reveals the partnership model that took a  Shark Tank investment global fast. Plus: the warm referral strategies that crack international markets (spoiler: ditch the cold calling) and why tapping into global associations through your existing clients is pure gold. If you're wrestling with taking custom work global, this episode is your playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you've built a successful business in a niche that most people don't even know exists? Oliver Lonergan went from selling lollies in primary school to running Professional Picture Hanging—a 12-person operation spanning Australia's east coast and London, with major contracts including Crown Sydney and luxury hotels. At just years out of school, he's facing the classic scale-up challenge: how do you grow from 1 million to 5 million without losing what makes you special? In this episode, Naomi tackles Oliver's tough questions: building a memorable brand in an "invisible" industry, navigating the leadership shifts required for multi-location growth, and whether to plan for acquisition now or later. From AI-powered scheduling to strategic partnerships and the power of a well-branded van, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any service-based business looking to scale. Plus, discover why being someone's first customer sometimes comes back to you in the best way possible. NaomiSimson.comwww.professionalpicturehanging.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Naomi Simson as she mentors Jash Fullinfaw from The Print Bar through the critical challenges of website re-platforming, scaling print-on-demand operations, and maintaining customer experience during rapid growth. From SEO migration strategies to revenue model prioritisation, this episode delivers actionable insights for any e-commerce business navigating technology transformation while preserving what makes them special. The Print BarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Naomi Simson in conversation with Adriana Brusi, Managing Director of CrowdsNow, as they dive deep into the real challenges of startup life. From the three critical mistakes that derail new businesses to why authentic relationships trump expensive marketing campaigns, this episode reveals the uncomfortable truths about building a business that lasts. Discover why your customers should be your best ambassadors and how to create genuine connections in an increasingly digital world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drowning in property management systems, booking engines, and CRM platforms? Alicia Szerszyn from Paradise Resort gets answers on balancing high-tech with high-touch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When tourism gets tough, do you pivot or persist? Mark Garey from Orange Trikes faces three critical decisions about SEO, pricing strategy and premium product marketing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Yip's 40-year tourism journey leads to one big question: as AI transforms travel booking, is it better to go everywhere or focus on fewer, better partners?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From tea towels to TV dreams: Live painter Sarah Rowan asks how sole traders can scale without losing their magic. Her energy is infectious and her questions apply to every creative entrepreneur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Crohn's diagnosis to gut health empire: Rudi van der Vlies asks how to build authority, tackle taboo topics, and grow D2C brands in the AI era. Game-changing insights inside. If this is for you - https://www.brand-hub.au/pages/tumme also use the code NAOMI10 to get a discount  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 91% of companies have recognition programmes but only 31% rate them as effective, something's clearly broken. In this episode, co-CEOs Belinda and Amie from Cos share how they're revitalising their "tired" recognition programme without falling into the favouritism trap. Why Strategy Execution Unravels and What to do About ItSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OnDeck's Justin Brady asks the tough questions about sales incentives and customer relationships. Discover why memorable beats monetary and the three pillars that drive results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, I'm Naomi Simson — and we’re back with a brand new season of Handpicked, my podcast where real business owners bring me their real questions. Season five is here (can you believe it?), and wow — the entrepreneurs have really brought the big ones this time. We’re talking about everything from how to motivate today’s sales teams  to how to build a culture of recognition that lifts everyone — not just the loudest voices. These are the kinds of questions that cut through the noise. No fluff — just real, actionable insights for anyone growing a business, leading a team, or simply trying to get the best out of their day. Each episode is short, sharp, and packed with ideas you can use immediately. Because sometimes, all it takes is a new perspective — and a little courage to ask. Join me every Monday for Handpicked. Naomi xSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is your brand promise?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short extra I look stratergy made simple   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Venkatesh has been in business for almost a decade and he is really wanting to scale. I ask him to consider the constraints of the business and what is holding him back. He wants to know if being boutique is good and how to appeal to larger customers - as a twist at the end I ask him to dream about what his business will look like in five years time. Do you dream about what is possible? Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.  Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short extra I explore the importance of owning a space.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you explored what your Gross Margin is per employee?    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode a give a reality check to this pre-revenue founder. I think it is important to ask challenging questions, to hold up the mirror but also to offer some alternatives. There are althernative sources of money, as I always say debt is cheaper than equity. I talk about customer funded business models, joint marketing and proof of concept.  Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.  Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short extra, I give you one of my favourite rules of buisness   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great conversation on where and how tocreate authority How to look at your business model to create more consistent revenue and also how to align your social contribution to your purpose statement. I even create a purpose statement on the fly. Bill has big aspirations and with these simple inexpensive activities he and his partners are well on their way to achieve their business aspirations. Don't forget to rate, review and refer Handpicked.  Thanks to our season sponsor - BIZCOVER , see the link https://www.bizcover.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.