What separates great business leaders from the average?

Hugh Hilton, global dealmaker and business transformation expert, joins Nick on the Australian Business Show for a powerhouse conversation you won’t want to miss.

From restructuring a $1.2 billion company and wiping $65 million in debt in just 45 days, to reinventing broken operations with strategy and creativity—Hugh shares the mindset and tools that separate average leaders from great ones.

In this episode, Hugh opens up about:

The underrated power of curiosity and creative thinking in business

Why most companies fail before they even realise it

What roll-ups and acquisitions really mean for long-term growth

The one phrase that closes more deals than a polished sales pitch

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone serious about building resilient, high-impact businesses.

In this episode of The Australian Business Show, Chris Christofi, entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Reventon, joins Nick for a dynamic collaboration podcast.

Chris shares his incredible journey from dropping out of school to becoming a successful business owner. He dives into the power of business mindset, the importance of getting comfortable with discomfort, and the fine line between luck and hard work.

Chris offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, discussing how resilience and a willingness to take risks can drive success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and a fresh perspective on building wealth and success.

You can find out more about Chris here:
https://chrischristofi.com.au/podcast/
Relentless: Life on Your Terms 
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/relentless-life-on-your-terms/id1527216556 

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Dr. Pat Aouad joins Nick Stehr to talk about Pat’s journey into business, how luck contributes to success, learning when to take advice, how to navigate the age of the individual, how CU Health is changing healthcare, the importance of investing in employee wellbeing, and balancing flexible work conditions.

Dr Patrick Aouad is a consultant specialist neurologist, CEO, Co-Founder of CU Health, and Founder and Lead Presenter for Physician Central. He has worked in the public and private hospital system, with expertise in general neurology, multiple sclerosis, and neuroimmunology.

Prior to Co-Founding CU Health, Pat served as Co-Founder and Managing Director of Loxley Health. He currently serves as the Director of Medicine on the Medical Advisory Committee of North Shore Private Hospital, and is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney.

Pat holds a Bachelor of Medical Science, a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, a Master of Philosophy, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians.

He is passionate about improving patient outcomes, and equitable access to medicines and healthcare. When he is not working, he is with his family, spending time with his three young children.

Timestamp Segments

• [02:03] Pat’s journey into business.
• [08:48] What contributed to Pat’s success?
• [09:29] The truth about luck.
• [13:05] Fail faster.
• [18:26] Pat’s general practices.
• [21:43] Building Advisory Boards.
• [26:39] The age of the individual.
• [33:45] What is CU Health?
• [37:22] The cost of healthcare.
• [42:43] Investing in wellbeing.
• [45:56] Getting to know a business.
• [48:27] Working from home.

Notable Quotes

• “Luck is when inspiration meets opportunity.”
• “A smart man learns from his mistakes, but a genius learns from other people’s mistakes.”
• “If you invest in the mental and physical wellbeing of your team… the number of people problems you have will go down.”
• “Leaders… are just people that bring people together.”

Relevant Links

Dr. Patrick Aouad.

CU Health.

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Dan Copsey joins Nick Stehr to talk about his journey into starting 10+ businesses, managing the recruitment process, advocating for the regulation of the marketing industry, what it takes to earn freedom, navigating the age of the individual, and how to become better at overcoming challenges.

With over a decade of experience in advertising and digital marketing, Dan Copsey is a visionary leader dedicated to innovation and creating meaningful impact. As the CEO and founder of multiple ventures, Dan has consistently pushed boundaries, inspired diverse audiences, and driven sustainable growth.

Dan’s journey is marked by a deep commitment to social impact, extending beyond the corporate sphere. He believes in the power of collective intelligence, collaboration, and unwavering support, echoing Isaac Newton’s reflection, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This philosophy has fuelled his achievements and inspired his continuous pursuit of excellence.

Eager to connect with professionals who share his fervour for innovation, impact, and transformation, Dan is always exploring new opportunities to redefine the contours of advertising, marketing, and social impact.

Timestamp Segments

• [01:28] Reach Outreach Program.
• [06:52] Dan’s background.
• [13:03] Making a bad hire.
• [18:19] The shady marketing industry.
• [22:50] Providing lifetime value.
• [25:37] From construction to business.
• [29:21] Earning freedom.
• [32:11] The learning mindset.
• [34:09] Where Dan finds the time.
• [37:00] Making sacrifices.
• [39:39] The age of the individual.
• [44:14] Time in the seat.

Notable Quotes

• “You’re only as good as your last job.”
• “Business is not for everybody.”
• “Business doesn’t get easier. You just get better at it.”
• “You become the sum of those that you associate with.”

Relevant Links

Dan Copsey.

dancopsey.com.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Adam Schwab joins Nick Stehr to talk about his journey from law to business, founder mode vs manager mode, how much luck is needed to succeed, how Luxury Escapes filled a void in the travel market, innovating business during challenging times, recruiting and retaining quality people, and Adam’s ideal dinner party guests.

Adam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, the Non-Executive Director at Lux Everyday, Co-Founder of the Digicit Melbourne Chapter, Non-Executive Director of Myeloma Australia, and Venture Partner at Aura Group, as well as Investment Committee Member of Save The Children Australia, Mentor at Startmate, and the Co-Host of The Contrarians Podcast. He also Co-Founded MyTable (acquired by Menulog and later sold to JustEat) and Living Corporate Apartments.

In 2010, Adam released his Amazon Bestseller, Pigs at The Trough: Lessons from Australia’s Decade of Corporate Greed. Since 2014, he has been on the BRW Young Rich list, and in 2015, CEO Magazine named him the Australian Young Executive of the Year.

In his spare time, Adam runs Melbourne Marathons barefoot to raise funds for the Myeloma Foundation of Australia.

Timestamp Segments

• [00:43] Adam’s background.
• [03:27] How Adam finds the time.
• [07:18] Getting into business.
• [11:30] Founder Mode.
• [14:44] The luck factor.
• [19:42] Finding the travel niche.
• [22:43] Defining luck.
• [26:06] Scaling a business during challenging times.
• [32:05] Recruiting and retaining quality people.
• [40:59] How challenges have changed over time.
• [46:57] What’s driving Adam?
• [48:59] Who would Adam invite to a dinner party?
• [49:45] The Contrarians Podcast.

Notable Quotes

• “Luck is the biggest thing.”
• “Luck is […] being at the right place at the right time.”
• “If it’s not working for the employer, it’s probably not working for the employee.”

Relevant Links

Adam Schwab.

luxuryescapes.com.

thecontrarianspod.com.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Joseph Foster joins Nick Stehr to talk about lessons he’s faced during his journey, technology’s effect on the modern way of life, how the sports industry has evolved throughout his career, Reebok’s move into the USA, and the power of marketing.

In 1958, with his late brother, Jeff, Joe Foster founded Reebok, the iconic fitness footwear and clothing brand. The Reebok brand has featured as a sponsor for major sports teams in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, England, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Uruguay, USA, and Wales, and has been worn by prominent personalities, including Jane Fonda, Ariana Grande, Shaquille O’Neal, Gin Miller, Andriy Shevchenko, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Venus Williams, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Victoria Beckham, and Cardi B.

Timestamp Segments

• [02:07] Joe’s top lessons.
• [04:12] Travelling away from family.
• [05:39] How technology has changed the way of life.
• [10:41] How has the nature of business changed?
• [14:29] Reebok in the 90s.
• [16:19] Reebok’s history.
• [17:42] Stephen Rubin and Paul Fireman.
• [21:31] Too many presidents.
• [22:41] Bringing in shareholders.
• [27:13] The power of marketing.

Notable Quotes

• “Kids, in particular, they don’t want to be told how to do things.”
• “The only problem with Reebok is, we’ve had more presidents than a Latin American state.”
• “Advertising should always ask a question.”

Relevant Links

reebokthefounder.com.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, David M. Walker joins Nick Stehr to talk about the vital role of the Comptroller General, the parallels between the Roman Empire and the USA, the tragic recent events and their effect on the upcoming US elections*, the threat of the Modern Monetary Theory, and the major government changes that are required.

*Please note that this episode was recorded before Joe Biden stepped down from the U.S. Presidential race. 

Dave Walker is the former Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). He is the founder and CEO of the Comeback America Initiative, and a member of several government and non-profit boards and advisory committees. He is also a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, frequent media commentator, Op-Ed writer, and Congressional witness.

Timestamp Segments

·       [02:09] What is the Comptroller General?

·       [03:58] The challenges of enduring empires.

·       [05:31] The upcoming US elections.

·       [08:03] Modern Monetary Theory.

·       [09:21] What needs to happen next?

Notable Quotes

·       “We need to learn from history, we need to learn from others, and we need to recognise reality.”

·       “The Secret Service should either resign or be fired.”

·       “If you don’t charge, don’t do it.”

·       “We need to deregulate.”

Relevant Links

America in 2040: Still A Superpower? A Pathway to Success.

keepingamericagreat.org.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-m-walker-9a30888/

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Paul O’Brien joins Nick Stehr to talk about AirPhysio’s parabolic growth, how Paul found the gap in the market, the power of listening to people, making life-changing differences in people’s lives, the importance of health education, balancing the commercial demand with the social responsibility, and the future of AirPhysio.

In 2015, Paul co-founded AirPhysio. By 2017, AirPhysio was awarded the Best Product Award at the Yiwu Import Trade Fair, the Start-Up Business of The Year Award at the Optus MyBusiness award ceremony. AirPhysio devices have gone on to become sought-after complementary treatment options for people living with respiratory conditions. In 2021, Paul co-founded Better Breathing Sport, aiming to provide athletes with enhanced performance through improved lung health.

Timestamp Segments

·       [02:42] Paul’s military background.

·       [04:29] Getting into the market.

·       [10:39] AirPhysio’s peak.

·       [12:35] Marketing strategies.

·       [14:19] The power of listening to people.

·       [18:08] The 3 levels of listening.

·       [19:39] Mastering the skill of listening.

·       [22:52] The start of AirPhysio’s parabolic growth.

·       [28:35] Who are the real customers?

·       [32:25] Expanding to 85 countries.

·       [35:42] Affiliate marketing post-iOS14.

·       [37:07] Providing education around lung issues.

·       [40:16] Funding rapid growth.

·       [48:09] Commercial demand and social responsibility.

·       [51:31] What’s next?

·       [55:47] What is failure?

Notable Quotes

·       “Not one single GP, in all the areas we asked, even knew about this technology.”

·       “Success doesn’t have a recipe or a secret, but it leaves clues.”

·       “It takes money to change lives.”

·       “Failure is only failure if you don’t learn from it.”

Relevant Links

www.airphysio.com.

Paul O'Brien.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, David Guest joins Nick Stehr to talk about the nature of business coaching industry, what to look for in a coach, how to build and grow a business, transitioning from self-employment to owning a business, starting a business with the end in mind, and the importance of setting goals.

In 2001, David founded Outcomes Business Group, with their vision of “Reinvigorating the Business Dream and Re-Lighting the Fire that Drives Business Growth.” He has gleaned his extensive business knowledge from reading thousands of books, studying and interviewing over 5000 successful business owners, and focusing on what really works, and has dedicated over 20,000 hours to helping other business owners in his coaching programs.

Timestamp Segments

·       [01:29] What makes a business coach?

·       [06:13] If you’re thinking of getting a coach…

·       [08:08] When someone isn’t coachable.

·       [12:31] Building and growing a business.

·       [17:19] Self-employed vs business owner.

·       [25:36] What will your business look like when it’s finished?

·       [33:38] The importance of setting goals.

·       [43:45] The three levels of goals.

Notable Quotes

·       “It’s hard to sustain a business in that space if you can’t deliver.”

·       “A business is an entity that generates a value that someone is willing to purchase.”

·       “Your business is just an extension of you.”

·       “I want to know your personal goals before I know your business goals.”

·       “Your life, in relation to the existence of the planet, is about half a second long.”

Relevant Links

outcomes.business.

David Guest.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Joseph Foster joins Nick Stehr to talk about the importance of remaining grounded, how to blend family and business, the value of making mistakes, becoming a billion-dollar company overnight, and their fun visit to Dubai.

In 1958, with his late brother, Jeff, Joe Foster founded Reebok, the iconic fitness footwear and clothing brand. The Reebok brand has featured as a sponsor for major sports teams in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, England, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Uruguay, USA, and Wales, and has been worn by prominent personalities, including Jane Fonda, Venus Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, Ariana Grande, Gin Miller, Andriy Shevchenko, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Victoria Beckham, and Cardi B.

Timestamp Segments

·       [01:23] How Joe stays grounded.

·       [03:38] Staying active at 89.

·       [06:22] Family and business.

·       [10:30] Making mistakes.

·       [13:01] Handling massive growth.

·       [15:02] Going to Dubai.

Notable Quotes

·       “You keep friends by being friendly.”

·       “You can’t buy friends.”

·       “What were required to do, as human beings, is have fun.”

·       “Making mistakes are part of the game.”

Relevant Links

www.reebokthefounder.com.

Shoemaker: The Untold Story of the British Family Firm That Became a Global Brand.

The Australian Business Show.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Cameron Holland joins Nick Stehr to talk about making a career out of business, the pillars of success, what makes the Ryman model so successful, making the decision to do business instead of music, maintaining a professional and personal balance, the importance of recording stories, the proposed changes to aged care legislation, the future of aged care, and a celebration of the 3rd Age.

Cameron is CEO of Ryman Healthcare Australia. He is a proven business leader with over 15 years experience leading the commercial and operational arms of some of Australasia’s largest brands, including Luxury Escapes, Australian Unity, Jetstar, Lonely Planet. Cameron has extensive experience in the aged-care, home-care, and retirement-living sector in Australia.

Timestamp Segments

·       [01:10] Making a career out of business.

·       [05:37] The pillars of success.

·       [06:44] The Ryman model.

·       [09:20] Choosing business over music.

·       [12:33] Maintaining business, family, and momentum.

·       [15:43] Favourite sayings.

·       [17:14] Documenting family stories.

·       [19:52] The continuum of care model.

·       [23:25] How to fund the model.

·       [29:07] Self-funded retirement models.

·       [30:45] The future of residential aged care.

·       [39:44] The New Zealand model.

·       [42:23] Hopeful legislation changes.

·       [47:25] The Pod of the 3rd Age.

Notable Quotes

·       “You get what you measure.”

·       “Momentum breeds momentum.”

·       “90% of fatherhood is just showing up.”

·       “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.”

·       “Loss is not failure.”

·       “This ageing population challenge that we have is not new.”

Relevant Links

www.rymanhealthcare.com.au.

Cameron Holland.

Pod of the 3rd Age.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Dr Michael Devadas joins Nick Stehr to talk about what it takes to be in medicine, the importance of discipline and time management, critical medical advancements, measuring real success, the obesity epidemic, how the Covid pandemic affected health outcomes, the new weight-loss drugs, and the business side of surgery.

A specialist Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Dr Michael Devadas performs bariatric (weight loss), oncology (cancer), and general surgery operations.

He is passionate about providing the highest level of care for his patients. His patient-centred, tailored approach to each case, round-the-clock accessibility, and long-term commitment to his patients' well-being sets him apart in his field.

Dr Devadas obtained his Fellowship in General Surgery with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2012. He then completed advanced training in the field of Gastro-Oesophageal Surgery through the highly competitive Australia and New Zealand Gastro-Oesophageal Association. He also holds a Bachelor of Surgery with Honours and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Radiation Technology, Nuclear Medicine from Sydney University.

Timestamp Segments

·       [02:15] Behind the surgical scene.

·       [04:25] Michael’s mentors.

·       [08:30] Getting into Upper GI surgery.

·       [11:03] The parallels between medicine and business.

·       [13:29] Time management.

·       [16:54] Growth through humility.

·       [19:16] Medical advancements.

·       [22:20] What is success?

·       [24:01] The obesity epidemic.

·       [26:08] The state of health in Sydney.

·       [28:34] Mental health since Covid.

·       [30:08] Effective weight loss habits.

·       [33:54] The business of surgery.

Notable Quotes

·       “If you’re doing it for other reasons, you just wont last very long.”

·       “What you don’t see is the sacrifice.”

·       “It’s easy to be human, but it’s hard to be humane.”

·       “Success always looks overnight from the outside.”

·       “All solid cancers are related to obesity and being overweight.”

Relevant Links

www.drmichaeldevadas.com.

Dr Michael Devadas.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Naomi Anderson joins Nick Stehr to talk about Naomi’s interest in aged care, the story behind Aged Care Ready and Caring Clothing, the good and the bad in the industry, ensuring high standards of care in facilities, the slow uptake of technology, the benefits of adaptive clothing, and providing care in patients’ homes.

Naomi is a Registered Nurse and the Managing Director of Aged Care Ready and Caring Clothing. She has considerable experience in management of Aged Care Facilities and has an intimate understanding of the internal workings of facilities, along with a thorough understanding of their clients’ needs.

Naomi has a passion for advocacy and thrives on being able to assist clients in finding the best provider for their individual needs.

Timestamp Segments

·       [01:46] Naomi’s background.

·       [02:39] Getting into aged care.

·       [03:35] Cultural treatment of elders.

·       [05:46] Aged Care Ready.

·       [08:18] The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

·       [11:48] What Aged Care Ready does.

·       [13:25] Finding providers.

·       [15:40] Slow adoption of technology.

·       [19:41] Building a preventative budget.

·       [23:25] Caring Clothing.

·       [27:16] Function and fashion.

·       [29:40] What’s most important to Naomi?

·       [32:25] The advantages of adaptive clothing.

·       [33:29] Caring for somebody in their own home.

·       [39:24] Funding.

Notable Quotes

·       “The Australian culture is heavily influenced by the way that we do treat our elders.”

·       “A lot of families probably don’t want to invest in brand-new clothing once somebody is in residential aged care.”

·       “If somebody has the means to pay for it, then they should.”

Relevant Links

Naomi Anderson.

agedcareready.com.au.

www.caringclothing.com.au.

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, JT Foxx joins Nick Stehr to talk about what it takes to be successful, the three enemies of success, where people should start to become successful in business, and how to practice business.

JT is a global entrepreneur, running businesses in over 50 countries. He is also an internationally renowned speaker, author of Millionaire Underdog, investor, coach, philanthropist, and actor.

Timestamp Segments

·       [02:07] What drives JT?

·       [03:12] Finding the right people.

·       [04:11] Can anyone be successful in business?

·       [04:42] The 3 enemies of success.

·       [05:17] Where to get started in business.

·       [06:20] What it means to practice business.

·       [07:45] The ability to see into people.

Notable Quotes

·       “Doing nothing is boring.”

·       “The greatest coach in life is not success, it’s failure.”

·       “You practice until it becomes automatic.”

Relevant Links

jtfoxx.com

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Australian Business Show, Donna Berry joins Nick Stehr to talk about the birth of Interplay International, the impact of unmet needs, how Interplay is helping change people’s thinking, the missing unconditional love, and the future of Interplay International.

Donna Berry is an award-winning entrepreneur, creator, author, and healer. She has empowered more than 1 million people across the globe through her workshops, programs, events, and live seminars. For more than three decades, thousands of people have enjoyed the warmth, love, and transformational power of healing. Recently, Donna’s business growth was acknowledged at the David Goggins event, showing the explosion of Interplay International across the globe.

Timestamp Segments

·       [01:22] Donna’s turning point.

·       [02:08] Interplay in the making.

·       [03:59] Where Interplay started.

·       [08:55] What creates pain?

·       [11:16] Changing people’s mindsets.

·       [18:51] Why some people still excel in life.

·       [20:48] Evidence-based care.

·       [22:21] Unconditional love.

·       [26:19] What’s next?

·       [28:19] Creating a village.

·       [29:17] Donna’s upcoming books.

Notable Quotes

·       “Nothing’s ever created from your comfort zone.”

·       “It’s easier to do nothing or to go with the status quo.”

·       “If you’ve not been loved, you can’t love.”

·       “Don’t try to change people’s behaviour. Meet their unmet need.”

Relevant Links

www.donnaberry.com.au

www.interplayinternational.com

In this episode of Better Ways for Living, Nick talks to Judy Martin from Anchor Excellence, about her global experience and eventful journey into Aged Care. She talks global education, importance of assistive technology, and developing credible Aged Care study tours for best practices.

Find @NickStehr and @HLSHealthcare on LinkedIn
Learn more about Anchor Excellence and Sage Study Tours at www.anchorexcellence.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we solve disability discrimination, especially in the built environment when one size doesn't fit all? How do we address best practice within NDIS?  Nick and Justin Nix, CEO at Guardian Living cover this and more in this episode of Better Ways for Living.

Find @NickStehr and @HLSHealthcare on LinkedIn

Learn more about Guardian Living at www.guardianliving.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is assistive technology and AI changing the way we deliver care? How effective is the NDIS structure? How do we empower people to stay in their homes longer with assistive technology?

These are some hot topics Nick covers with Trent McHugh in this episode of Better Ways for Living

Find @NickStehr and @HLSHealthcare on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lifehub Group at www.lifehub.group

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are thrilled to have Lou Pascuzzi, CEO at TLC Healthcare on the show today to dive deep into the Aged Care sector. We're going to explore government funding in Aged Care and what needs to change in the industry operational model, and we are sure you'll gain a lot of valuable insights from our conversation.
Find @NickStehr and @HLSHealthcare on LinkedIn

Learn more about TLC Healthcare at www.tlchealthcare.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.