Happy Business Radio

Business is built on relationships, but how much thought do we give to the people we want to connect with and the relationships we want to create? In this episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno sits down with Karina Chapman, an author, professional speaker, conscious connection expert and dating coach. Together, they explore how the same principles that support meaningful personal relationships can help business owners build stronger connections with clients, staff, suppliers and collaborators. Karina explains why connection starts with understanding yourself: your values, your priorities and your vision for the future. Peter draws parallels with choosing your audience and promoting your business in places where the right people are likely to be. Their conversation also explores how assumptions and familiar habits can limit opportunities, and why wanting something to change needs to be followed by action. The discussion moves from clarity to practical networking. Karina shares the thinking behind Aligned Networking, an Adelaide initiative discussed in the episode that helps women in business meet through guided activities. Peter explains why knowing people is only part of the picture: people also need to understand what you do and trust you enough to recommend you. Clear communication, boundaries and helpful introductions all feature in their approach to stronger relationships. With personal stories, business examples and an encouraging outlook, Peter and Karina invite listeners to think about success beyond the balance sheet. The episode offers a reminder that building a business you enjoy includes building relationships you value. Happy Business Radio is part of Podcast City Radio and the Podcast City Podcast Network. Host: Peter Salerno Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬ Email: [email protected] Guest: Karina Chapman Karina Chapman is an Author, Professional Speaker, Conscious Connection Expert, and Dating Coach. She is passionate about teaching others how to attract the relationships they dream of into their lives. With over 30 years experience in connection and communication industries, as well as helping others to connect as a dating coach for over 10 years, Karina is the right person to help you date successfully and attract love into your life.  She also has a tremendous amount of experience with the media, and to date has done over thirty radio interviews on the subject of connection and dating, as well as having had many articles published in magazines, online and in newspapers. Whether it’s finding Mr or Ms Right, or connecting with new quality friends, Karina is the expert authority on helping you gain clarity and knowledge around the relationships you want to attract, then helps you to use that clear vision to connect with others to create new, lasting connections. Author of the fictional series 'The Vixen's Secret Handbook' and creator of several courses and programs like Finding Mr Right, Aligned Connections and Finding Your Tribe, Karina helps you to attract quality relationships into your life, and also works with her clients on a one-on-one basis, as well as in her group programs. Website: https://karinachapman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-chapman-6a48b19/?_l=en_US Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KarinaChapman Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

For John Caporaso, the family deli was much more than a shop.  It was where he grew up, did his homework, ate dinner and absorbed the everyday lessons of business.  In Episode 12 of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno reconnects with someone he has known since childhood to explore how those early experiences helped shape Mercato’s development. John reflects on working outside the family business at Bianco before returning to take ownership.  With support from his parents and trusted advisers, he began building on an established reputation for quality, freshness and service.  He explains how direct importing opened the door to wholesale opportunities, and why sourcing from family businesses mattered more than simply finding the cheapest products. The conversation then turns to Mercato’s move from Campbelltown to North Adelaide and the thinking behind its evolving mix of retail and hospitality.  John discusses changing shopping habits, the demand for convenience and his ambition to create a business relevant for the next 20 to 25 years.  His story offers a useful perspective on expanding into related activities while staying connected to a clear purpose. At the heart of the episode is the human side of business. Peter and John discuss learning from mistakes, treating staff with kindness and creating a workplace where people feel safe and valued.  From protecting a family legacy to making decisions that support staff, customers and suppliers, John’s message is encouraging and straightforward: keep evolving, care for people and always do the right thing. Host: Peter Salerno Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬ Email: [email protected] Guest: John Caporaso John Caporaso is the Managing Director of Mercato, an Adelaide family business centred on Italian food, wine and culture. Founded by his parents, Imma and Mario Caporaso, in 1972, the business became part of John’s upbringing. John and his wife, Rose, took ownership in 1999, continuing its development while maintaining a strong connection to its family roots. Mercato In this episode, John shares his experiences of business succession, importing, wholesale and Mercato’s move to North Adelaide. His approach combines a commitment to quality and service with care for staff, customers, suppliers and the wider community. Phone: ‭(08) 8337 1808 Email: [email protected] Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In this episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno welcomes Adelaide-born designer, educator and expeditor Garrie Hisco for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, creativity and recognising opportunities others might miss. Garrie shares how his background in product and industrial design, his interest in Japanese culture, his love of classic cars and his international travels led him into the world of importing and exporting. He explains what an expeditor does and how specialist knowledge can help someone discover valuable products, ideas and opportunities around the world. The conversation explores the importance of communication, building relationships and approaching people in a friendly, non-threatening way. Garrie and Peter discuss why successful business is not only about having a good idea. It also requires passion, knowledge, commitment and the confidence to talk to people. They also examine creativity as a practical skill that can be taught and developed. From the influence of mentors and role models to the difference between convergent and divergent thinking, this episode encourages listeners to remain curious, explore different possibilities and build a business and life they genuinely enjoy. Host: Peter Salerno Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬ Email: [email protected] Guest: Garrie Hisco Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In this episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno challenges listeners to stop limiting their ambitions and start approaching business with the mindset of an elite athlete. Rather than simply deciding what you want to do, Peter encourages business owners to determine what they ultimately want to achieve. Just as an Olympic athlete prepares for the gold medal rather than simply hoping to participate, business owners need a clear destination and a plan for reaching it. Peter explores the value of coaching, mentoring and learning from people who have already achieved results. His message is simple: learn from everybody, but don't blindly follow anybody. Take the lessons, strategies and experience of others and then find a way to improve upon them, developing your own style, standards and competitive advantage. He also discusses the importance of remaining human in an increasingly AI-driven world, arguing that personalised communication and genuine relationships remain enormously powerful business tools. Through personal stories from his years in insurance, real estate, training and professional speaking, Peter demonstrates how service, attitude and confidence can dramatically change business outcomes. From treating every potential customer with respect regardless of how they appear, to realising that he had once dramatically undervalued his own speaking fees, Peter shows how seemingly small changes in thinking can create substantial opportunities. The episode also looks beyond financial success. Peter discusses happy staff, happy customers, purposeful breaks, hobbies, learning, relaxation and the value of helping others. His ultimate challenge is for listeners to consider where they are today, where they genuinely want to be and whether their current goals are big enough. Success is not simply about what you accumulate; it is also about the people you help, the reputation you build and the mark you leave behind. Host: Peter Salerno Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬ Email: [email protected] Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

Technology has transformed virtually every part of business, and artificial intelligence is accelerating that transformation even further. But while many business owners feel pressure to understand every app, system and AI platform, Nadia Bakhos believes the bigger challenge isn't necessarily technology itself — it's our relationship with technology. Drawing on approximately 27 years in IT, Nadia explains why her focus has shifted from simply “fixing computers” to helping people change their mindset and processes around technology.  Peter and Nadia compare learning technology to learning how to drive. You don't need to understand every mechanical component of a car before you can drive it; you need to develop confidence, learn the fundamentals and improve through experience. The same applies to AI. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by every new tool, they encourage listeners to identify what they actually need, start learning and continue adapting.  The conversation also explores one of AI's biggest challenges: not everything it produces is necessarily accurate. Nadia reminds listeners that information found online can feed into AI systems, while Peter discusses AI-generated content and the difficulties people can face distinguishing authentic material from generated information. Their message is clear: artificial intelligence still requires judgement, verification and what Peter calls “actual intelligence”.  Ultimately, this milestone episode isn't simply about AI. It's about remaining curious, teachable and human. Peter and Nadia discuss networking, positive energy, business relationships, referrals, confidence and the importance of continuing to learn. As Nadia puts it, it comes back to learning how to learn.  Host: Peter Salerno Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬ Email: [email protected] Guest: Nadia Bakhos Nadia Bakhos is the business owner behind Chill Technology and describes her work in the technology and innovation space through a combination of technology and business analysis.  With around 27 years of experience in IT, Nadia explains that her work has evolved beyond simply fixing computers. Today, she focuses on helping people address the mindset, processes and fear that can surround technology, particularly as businesses navigate rapid digital change and artificial intelligence.  Her approach centres on making technology more approachable and helping people develop the confidence and willingness to learn rather than feeling overwhelmed by constant change. Website: https://chilltechnology.com.au/c/ Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City