"...so much money and effort into technology that was really good, but it didn't stick."

































In this conversation, Heather interviews Val Coin, a digital transformation consultant, about her insights on business growth, the importance of systems, and the role of technology in enhancing human experiences. 
Val shares her journey from hospitality to tech, emphasising the need for businesses to focus on their people before implementing technology. She discusses the significance of team engagement in digital transformation and offers practical tips for business leaders. The conversation also delves into the role of AI as a tool, the importance of maintaining human connection, and Valentina's recent successes in organising her consultancy's framework.
 
Takeaways

Be intentional about building a system for your business.
Conduct an audit of existing tools before adding new ones.
Design technology around the humans who will use it.
Measure adoption, not just features, for technology success.
Digital transformation requires a balance of technology, people, and processes.
Engage your team to co-create solutions for better buy-in.
Understand the unique needs of different roles in your organisation.
AI is a powerful tool but should not replace human connection.
Focus on creating experiences that resonate with your customers.
Trust the process of growth and transformation. 

 
At a glance…
00:00 Introduction and Business Growth Tips
05:25 Val's Journey and Background
10:36 Understanding Digital Transformation
13:21 Val's Business Model and Approach
19:09 The Role of AI in Business
26:30 Keeping the Human Element in Business
30:11 Recent Successes and Future Plans








Resources
Val's Links:

* Website
* Instagram
* LinkedIn
* Facebook









About the Guest












Val and her team help leaders in service industries build future-proofed systems for scale and growth through proven principles and human-centred design. Specialising in change management, operational excellence and a people-first tech adoption, the Via team turn complexity into clarity, and make Digital Transformation feel practical, human, and surprisingly empowering.

Originally from Italy and now based in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Val brings warmth, curiosity, and a European passion for the fine details, connecting dots others might just miss.






















See Transcript

"Your next idea might be just hiding in that casual comment"

































In this episode, Heather shares insights from a recent call with partners in a new partnership program. She emphasises the importance of community, listening, humility, and curiosity in business. By fostering a supportive environment, leaders can better understand the needs of their community and innovate accordingly. 
Heather highlights the value of allowing space for silence in conversations, as it encourages participation from quieter members. Overall, the discussion revolves around effective leadership and engagement strategies that can enhance business relationships and outcomes.
 
Takeaways

The importance of community is truly vital.
Community gives you real-time access to needs.
Listening is a skill that separates reactive businesses.
Stay curious instead of what you know.
Silence is not a gap to fill.
Your most loyal community members are the quiet observers.
Curiosity keeps doors open.
Innovation and relevance come from staying curious.
Reading the room is essential in meetings.
Your next idea might be hiding in casual comments.

 
At a glance…
00:00 The Importance of Community in Business
02:57 Listening and Humility as Leadership Qualities
05:45 Curiosity Over Certainty: A Path to Innovation































See Transcript

"The fastest way to change your business is to focus on who, not how."

































In this conversation, Jonathan Herps shares his insights on business growth, coaching, and the importance of building a strong team. He emphasises the need for CEOs to step back and allow their teams to take charge, highlighting strategies for effective meetings and the significance of hiring A players. 
Jonathan discusses his journey from a CEO to a coach, the role of AI in enhancing coaching practices, and the importance of having a clear vision for business success. He concludes with advice on focusing on the right people and seeking help sooner rather than later.
Takeaways

Jonathan helps clients break through revenue barriers.
Hiring A players is crucial for business success.
Focus on doing fewer things better.
Meetings should only happen when necessary.
Building a vision is essential for growth.
A players deliver significantly more value than B players.
Stop waiting for perfection; take action now.
AI will enhance coaching practices, not replace them.
Focus on who, not how, for business growth.
Seek help sooner to accelerate growth.

 
At a glance…

00:00 Introduction and Initial Insights
03:12 Strategies for Business Growth
05:56 Effective Meeting Management
09:04 Jonathan's Journey and Transition to Coaching
11:52 Building a Vision for Business Success
14:48 The Importance of Leadership and Team Dynamics
18:05 Business Model and Client Engagement
20:54 Reflections on Learning and Growth
22:09 Simplifying Business for Clarity
24:21 Client Selection and Pre-Screening Processes
28:36 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Imperfection
30:31 The Impact of AI on Coaching and Business Strategy
39:26 Final Thoughts: Building a Strong Team for Growth









Resources
Jonathans's Links:

* Youtube
* Linkedin
* Website
* Resource









About the Guest












Jonathan Herps is the Founder & CEO of Scale Up Growth and The ScaleUp OS. He partners with founder-CEOs who are stuck in the $1–3M range and helps them scale to $10M+ while creating a business that thrives without them.
A four-time CEO with more than two decades of experience leading, scaling, and advising private companies across multiple industries, Jonathan created the $10M+ Business That Runs Without You framework to transform overwhelmed founders into confident leaders.
He is also the host of Stories of Scale, a podcast sharing the real insights and lessons from top-performing CEOs.






















See Transcr...

"... you can still feel absolutely empty, right?"

































In this episode, Heather discusses the concept of an energy audit, emphasising the importance of evaluating what drains or energises us in our personal and professional lives. She encourages listeners to assess their tasks, client relationships, and daily routines to reclaim their energy and clarity, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment in business.
 
Takeaways

An energy audit helps identify what drains or energises you.
Success should be measured by how you feel, not just output.
Delegating tasks can free up energy for more fulfilling work.
Misaligned clients can drain your energy; it's okay to let them go.
Daily habits should serve you, not just fill space.
Your body provides signals about your energy levels.
Intuitive eating and self-care can enhance your energy.
Taking breaks and setting boundaries is crucial for mental health.
Reclaiming your energy can lead to attracting better opportunities.
Small adjustments can make a significant difference in your energy levels.

 
At a glance…
00:00 The Energy Audit Introduction
02:55 Understanding Energy vs. Productivity
05:50 Evaluating Tasks, Clients, and Routines
09:03 Reclaiming Your Energy and Clarity































See Transcript

"He got six months worth of leads in three days."

































In this engaging conversation, John Dwyer shares his insights on business growth, creativity, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. He emphasises the need for innovative marketing strategies, the role of AI in enhancing creativity, and the significance of understanding one's target audience.
John also discusses the effectiveness of unique incentives in driving business success and the importance of keeping marketing simple and appealing to customers. The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder to connect with the right people to foster growth and creativity.
 
Takeaways

Surround yourself with people who say 'why not'.
Test and fix your ideas quickly to adapt to market needs.
Creativity can be taught, but it often comes from within.
Innovative marketing strategies can lead to significant business growth.
AI can enhance creativity but is not a substitute for human insight.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective marketing.
Unique incentives can drive customer engagement and loyalty.
Simplicity in marketing can lead to better customer understanding.
Networking with the right people can open new opportunities.
Always be open to new ideas and approaches in business.

 
At a glance…
00:00 Introduction and First Impressions
02:35 Smart Business Growth Strategies
06:02 Creativity and Idea Generation
12:28 Staying in Your Lane of Genius
18:14 The Role of AI in Creativity
21:19 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
27:50 Creating Compelling Incentives to Drive Sales
32:17 The Power of Plug-and-Play Marketing Solutions
36:10 Universal Appeal of Vacation Incentives
38:23 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People for Success








Resources
John's Links:

* Website
* Facebook
* Instagram
* Youtube
* Linkedin
* Holiday Incentive Promotion are at :
- Aust. 
- USA site
* Book A Zoom Chat 











About the Guest












John is the founder of The Institute of Wow, specialising in direct response, incentive-based marketing that makes brands stand out. He created one of the world’s most successful promotions by bringing Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement for a “free vacation” home loan campaign, generating billions in extra loans. 
His expertise has been sought by global brands including News Ltd, 7-Eleven, Westfield, Disney, KFC and BP. An authority in leveraging Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, John delivers targeted, plug-and-play customer incentive packages such as fuel savings and free vacations.

"I don't have any big like wins that I'm screenshotting and sharing with the world."

































In this episode, Heather discusses the natural ebb and flow of business, emphasising that quiet months are not a sign of failure but rather a necessary part of the business cycle. She encourages listeners to embrace these slower periods as opportunities for reflection and growth, rather than pushing against them. 
Heather shares personal insights from her own experience and offers mindset tools to help navigate these times, reinforcing the idea that rest is integral to success.
 
Takeaways

Success has seasons, and it's okay to have quiet months.
Business and life have rhythms; not every dip is a failure.
Rest is essential for growth and reflection.
Reframe downtime as a time for absorbing and restoring.
Growth is not linear; compare yourself to your past self, not others.
The best moments often come after quiet seasons.
Mindset is crucial during slow periods; focus on what you can learn.
It's okay to reset and not always be in motion.
Community support helps combat feelings of burnout.
Embrace stillness to gain clarity on your next steps.

 
At a glance…
00:00 Embracing Business Seasons
02:48 Mindset Tools for Quiet Months































See Transcript

"I'm going to ask you for your trust once, but I'm never going to ask you to do that again."

































In this conversation, Chris Christofi shares his insights on business growth, mentorship, team culture, and community engagement. He emphasises the importance of personal growth, having a strong team, and fostering long-term client relationships. 
Chris discusses his journey of starting a business while in debt, the lessons learned over 20 years, and the significance of philanthropy in his work. He encourages embracing change and innovation while maintaining a focus on client needs and community impact.
 
Takeaways

Surround yourself with good people for personal growth.
Having a mentor with integrity is crucial.
A strong team is essential for business success.
Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.
It's important to let go of clients that aren't a good fit.
Starting a business with debt can be challenging but possible.
Reflecting on past decisions can lead to better future strategies.
Celebrating team achievements fosters loyalty and motivation.
Long-term client relationships are built on trust and respect.
Community engagement and philanthropy are vital for business identity.

 
At a glance…
00:00 Strategies for Business Growth and Personal Balance
02:17 The Importance of Mentorship
03:36 Building a Collaborative Team Culture
08:03 Navigating Client Relationships
10:53 Starting a Business from Debt
12:21 Reflections on Business Growth
14:38 Celebrating Team Achievements
16:49 Fostering Long-Term Client Relationships
18:40 Community Engagement and Philanthropy
22:03 Embracing Change and Innovation
25:15 Podcast Insights and Final Thoughts








Resources
Chris' Links:

* LinkedIn
* Instagram
* Facebook
* YouTube
* Website









About the Guest












Chris Christofi is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, property investor, wealth coach, bestselling author, philanthropist, and CEO of Reventon.
He founded Reventon in 2005 from his parents’ home while $348,000 in debt. Today, it is one of Australia’s leading wealth and property investment firms, helping over 10,000 Australians build and protect their wealth. The business has facilitated $3.55 billion in property and finance sales and manages $1.01 billion in client assets.
Under Chris’s leadership, Reventon has grown into a nationally recognised firm offering end-to-end solutions across wealth management, property investment, finance, buyer’s advocacy, and accounting.
He also hosts the podcast Relentless: Life On Your Terms, now in its seventh season, and speaks at conferences worldwide. A dedicated philanthropist, Chris created the Brick-by-Brick Project—donating $840,000 from a home sale—and has raised over $1.

"I didn't even think twice."

































In this episode, Heather discusses the transformative power of asking a simple daily question: 'How can I help one person today?' She shares her personal experiences and insights on how this mindset can ground individuals, simplify their strategies, and foster genuine connections. 
By focusing on helping others, even in small ways, one can create meaningful impact and build relationships that contribute to business growth. Heather encourages listeners to adopt this practice as a way to cultivate purpose and consistency in their lives and businesses.

 
Takeaways

The question 'How can I help one person today?' can ground you.
Focusing on helping one person simplifies your strategy.
Helping others can pull you out of a mindset slump.
Daily impact can create real momentum in your business.
You don't need to go viral to make a difference.
Building relationships is key to business growth.
Creating value without pressure leads to consistency.
Gratitude is important, but helping others is powerful.
Small acts of kindness can lead to significant fulfilment.
Daily rituals of helping can transform your mindset.

 
At a glance…
00:00 The Power of Helping One Person
07:33 Creating Daily Impact and Momentum































See Transcript

"We have to take a step back and figure out what is our strategy."

































Lee Pepper shares insights from his military background and how it has shaped his views on leadership and strategy in business. He discusses the importance of practical learning, building partnerships, and the challenges of modern marketing. 
Lee emphasises the need for businesses to focus on meaningful metrics rather than vanity metrics and highlights the impact of AI on marketing strategies. He also shares personal experiences and advice on designing a balanced life while pursuing professional goals.
 
Takeaways

Start with strategy, not just tactics.
Innovation cannot be commanded; it must be nurtured.
Force multiplication can enhance marketing efforts.
Understanding your team's roles is crucial for effective leadership.
Avoid vanity metrics; focus on meaningful KPIs.
Partnerships should be built on shared goals and values.
Financial stability allows for greater career flexibility.
Limit the number of clients to maintain quality and balance.
AI is transforming marketing; adapt or be left behind.
Engage employees as advocates for your brand. 

 
At a glance…
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:03 Military Influence on Leadership
06:02 Career Journey and Learning
09:07 Practical Learning and Leadership
11:46 Modern Marketing Challenges
15:03 Building Partnerships and Alliances
17:56 Designing a Balanced Life
20:58 The Impact of AI on Marketing
24:11 Final Thoughts and Advice








Resources
Lee's Links:

* LinkedIn
* TikTok
* Instagram
* Offers









About the Guest












Lee Pepper has built a career leading teams that solve technology challenges and drive growth. As CIO and CMO of Foundations Recovery Network, he helped increase shareholder value 60X, leading to its $350M acquisition by Universal Health Services. He also built marketing teams for SpecialtyCare and Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. A U.S.
Army veteran and former staff member on Ross Perot’s presidential campaigns, Lee draws on his background in leadership and strategy to consult on marketing, leadership, and admissions for healthcare clients. He also mentors in Veteran’s Treatment Court. Based in Tennessee, Lee is married to artist and Belmont University professor Jennifer Pepper, with whom he has two sons, Miles and Cy.






















See Transcript

"Luxury is not about the flash, it's more about the feeling."

































In this episode, Heather explores the concept of 'barefoot hospitality' as a reflection of the current anti-hustle movement. She discusses the exhaustion associated with the hustle culture and emphasises the need for simplicity, presence, and a human-centric approach in both business and life. 
The conversation highlights a shift from status-driven success to soul-driven success, advocating for a more mindful and intentional way of living and working.


Takeaways

Barefoot hospitality symbolizes the anti-hustle shift.
People are seeking slower, simpler, and more soulful success.
The hustle culture is becoming less resonant with established business owners.
Simplification is key to personal freedom and business growth.
Luxury is increasingly defined by feelings rather than materialism.
Creating space for presence and joy is essential in business.
A human-centric approach fosters better client relationships.
Sustainability in business growth is more important than scaling.
Ditching the pressure to be everywhere can lead to better outcomes.
Building a grounded and free life is a collective desire.



At a glance..
00:00 Introduction to Barefoot Hospitality
02:53 The Shift from Hustle to Simplicity
05:46 Embracing a Human-Centric Approach
 































See Transcript

"I know what good quality content looks like."

































In this conversation, Leanne Shelton shares her journey from copywriting to embracing AI in business. She emphasises the importance of networking, finding the right mentors, and maintaining a human-first approach in the age of AI. 
Leanne discusses her book 'AI Human Fusion', which focuses on integrating AI into business while preserving human connection. She also provides insights on marketing strategies, navigating AI tools, and the importance of security and ethical considerations in AI usage. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for business owners on leveraging AI without losing their unique voice.
 
Takeaways

Networking has been crucial for building relationships.
Finding the right mentor can significantly impact your journey.
It's important to take time before saying yes to opportunities.
Leanne started her business while managing motherhood.
AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
The book emphasizes a human-first approach to AI.
Healthy habits are essential in the current business landscape.
Be cautious about the security of sensitive information in AI.
Australia is still catching up with AI implementation.
Always ensure a human perspective in AI-generated content.

 
At a glance…
00:00 Introduction and Book Launch Celebration
02:56 Networking and Building Relationships
06:01 Navigating Opportunities and Saying No
08:48 Professional Journey and Transition to AI
11:59 AI Human Fusion: The Book and Its Insights
15:09 Practical Applications of AI in Business
18:02 Legal and Ethical Considerations in AI Usage
20:58 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement
24:00 Reflections on Business Growth and Learning
26:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts








Resources
Leanne's Links:

* Website
* LinkedIn
* Instagram
* Facebook
* AI Human Fusion: A non-techy human-first approach to AI for busy leaders









About the Guest












Leanne Shelton is the CEO and Founder of HumanEdge AI Training, where she delivers global AI coaching, keynote presentations, and conference workshops with a people-first focus. With a background in marketing, copywriting, and training, Leanne has quickly become known for her non-techy, human-centric approach to AI, helping leaders adopt it ethically and confidently.
Since pivoting from her decade-long content agency into AI training, she has helped thousands of professionals to upskill in AI and flip their mindset across Australia and Southeast Asia.
Her new book, AI-Human Fusion, is a non-techy,

"They wanted marketing to be literally like a vending machine."

































In this episode, Heather shares contrasting experiences of two businesses aiming for growth through lead generation. The first business, despite having a solid offer, gave up on their marketing efforts too soon due to a lack of patience and a desire for immediate results. 
In contrast, the second business faced initial challenges but adapted their approach by testing and refining their strategies, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Heather emphasises the importance of mindset, persistence, and the necessity of testing in marketing to achieve success.
 
Takeaways

Marketing is not magic; it's math and mindset.
Testing and tweaking are essential for success.
Don't give up after the first round of testing.
The mindset of the business owner can impact outcomes.
Pivoting can lead to significant wins.
Data should guide your marketing decisions.
A simplified process can improve lead conversion.
Expect to fail in early rounds; it's part of the process.
Marketing requires patience and persistence.
Successful campaigns often come after multiple iterations.

 
At a glance…
00:00 The Divergent Paths of Two Businesses
04:48 The Importance of Testing and Mindset in Marketing































See Transcript

"I had to unlearn everything"

































In this conversation, Heather and Megan Dalla-Camina explore the journey of empowerment, leadership, and the importance of wellbeing in business. Megan shares her transition from a corporate career to founding Women Rising, an organisation focused on women's empowerment and leadership. 
They discuss the necessity of unlearning patriarchal norms, the role of male allies in supporting women, and the importance of women supporting each other. The conversation emphasises the need for self-awareness, intuition, and the inner work required to foster true leadership and create a more inclusive environment for all.
 
Takeaways

Staying grounded in vision and purpose is essential.
Prioritise wellbeing and self-care to avoid burnout.
Unlearning patriarchal teachings is crucial for women.
Good leadership integrates both masculine and feminine traits.
Male allies play a vital role in women's empowerment.
Women need to support each other genuinely.
Recognising and dismantling internalized patriarchal narratives is necessary.
Trusting intuition can guide better decision-making.
Creating space for everyone leads to a healthier work environment.
Inner work is the key to unlocking external power.

 
At a glance…
00:00 Grounding in Purpose and Wellbeing
05:04 From Corporate to Empowerment: Megan's Journey
11:23 Unlearning Patriarchy: Redefining Leadership
18:09 The Role of Women Supporting Women
24:14 Intuition vs. Strategy: Finding Balance
28:50 The Future of Women in Leadership








Resources
Megans's Links:

* Website
* Instagram
* Facebook
* Linkedin
* Books
* Resource









About the Guest












Megan is the founder and CEO of Women Rising, a global leadership platform that has supported over 10,000 women and 1,300 male allies across 68 countries. A former high-powered executive at IBM, GE, and PwC, she built a multi-7-figure business after leaving corporate life behind due to profound burnout. 
Her latest book, Women Rising: The Forces That Hold Us Back, The Tools to Help Us Rise, draws on 20 years of experience and includes case studies from program graduates and corporate partners who’ve implemented her tools inside Fortune 500 companies. Through the Women Rising program and her Show more...