Join us in this weekly podcast to meet the personalities that shape the membership of EO Sydney and beyond.

Hosted by Brendan Torazzi

Ep 62 Sydney EO'er Dean Taylor's Wine Business goes public with market cap of $60M

Dean is on a bit of a Sydney EO holiday at the moment but in the interim he's been whipping up a storm in his publically listed wine business.

In a very short space of time he's changed DW8's market cap from $6M to $60M and got some great institutional investors on during the process. Tune in to find out how he's done it and a little bit about his story.

Ep 61 Meet Melbourne EO'er Kym Huynh & his WeTeachMe Marketplace

Kym's early love of books and family background as refugees is the backdrop for the marketplace WeTeachMe.com which facilitates over 60,000 classes per annum.

Kym's been heavily involved with EO on a regional level so tune in and learn all about his journey with EO supporting him throughout the journey.

Ep 60 Kohen Grogan's Yappy cracks the code to using social media to win billion dollar contracts

Kohen started a social media agency because he wanted to deliver return on investment. He felt there was simply too much fluff. One of his products called Key Person Advantage uses social media to deliver content to key decision makers during tender processes. His unique business model is based on taking a percentage of the win. Kohen is excited, as I was to hear this story of cracking the code.

Ep 59 Futurist Anders Sorman-Nilsson helps companies navigate the seas ahead and picks hot new sectors for investment

In his late teens, Anders family arrived in Canberra from Sweden on a 3 year diplomatic mission. When the time came to leave, Anders wasn’t ready to go and winged himself a full scholarship at ANU studying law and political science. These days he is the managing Director of Thinque, a consultancy business that helps companies see the future and plan for remaining relevant in a fast changing world. In this interview, Anders picks some of the hot emerging sectors ripe for investment and growth in the next few years.

Ep 58 Meet Tony Falkenstein: YPO’er and Godfather of EO NZ

Tony is an impressive businessman having done more than 50 start ups in his career. At an early age, Tony worked for Polaroid, blagging his way into a finance position. After a short period, he realised he wasn’t up for it but stumbled across a unique skill to sell stuff. That skill spat at ideas that made money, fast usually often on a recurring business model. Several of Tony’s businesses have been listed and he is currently the CEO of Just Life Group Limited who trade on the NZ stock exchange. Tune in to this fascinating interview.

Ep 57 Socialites NZ marketer Wendy Thompson discusses next trends in social media

Wendy Thompson's Socialites NZ was one of the first businesses to master the social media agency landscape more than 10 years ago. Following on from that she has become the biggest and well known social media agency players in New Zealand. Recently, during lockdown, she even managed to acquire a competitor! Hear bout this and all the latest social media trends.

Ep 56 EO'er Mike Marr creates 8 start up businesses & acquires many more via TPT Group

Mike Marr is busy building business via his corporate entity TPT Group. Over multiple offices around New Zealand he employs 200+ staff. Having started in 1999, he is 100% owner of the group and continues to grow and learn through the acquisition of relevant businesses. Here Mike's fantastic growth story.

Ep 55 Stunning Architecture by Brisbane Property Developer Warren Swanson

Meet Brisbane property developer Warren Swanston. Warren joined EO first in New York after a string of successful developments in Brisbane sent him overseas looking for the next steps. After 12 months in New York, he returned to Brisbane to continue kicking property goals.

Ep 54 Perth's Jim Tsagalis explains how he built the state's biggest independent commercial real estate agency

This fortnight, in Episode 54, meet Jim Tsagalis from EO Perth who owns WA’s biggest independant commercial real estate agency, Lease Equity. Jim’s been in the real estate game most of his life and started Lease Equity about 20 years ago with a $120 million shopping centre deal, after his employer sold to Mirvac and couldn’t find anyone with the right skills to complete it. Apart from the commercial real estate gig, Jim’s in restaurants and has his own portfolio of property.

Ep 53 Warner Cowin accelerates into building big stuff with EO

Meet the one and only Warner Cowin from EO Auckland who runs a consultancy advising big business on how to build big things. Just 4 years ago in 2016, Warner was in the Accelerator program and has rocketed from that to EO. Covid has created a number of opportunities in how to deliver his service and Warner is making the most of that situation.

Ep 52 Meet Gerard Murtagh Making Dirty Work Profitable

The unexpected loss of Gerard's Dad propelled him into business at the age of 20 running a trading company. Gerard is possibly EO's oldest youngest member after a tenure of 14 years.

Now 35, he has 7 businesses under his belt in quite diverse areas. Find out more how he does it and what his 5 year plan is!

Ep 51 Brigit Esselmont's Tarot Card Business chalking up 1.5million visitors a month

Brigit likes to roll up her sleeves. After learning some SEO, she got to work on a fledging business website in Tarot Cards. Fast forward 10 years later, she is dominating the Tarot card space teaching people all around the world on how to use card reading personally and professionally. Brigit is a member of EO Brisbane and is based on the Sunshine Coast. Visit: biddytarot.com

Ep 50 Meet the incoming FY21 Sydney EO President - Justin Jameson

Justin (JJ) gives us an overview of what's happening in the Sydney chapter for FY21 working with chapters all around Australia and NZ. You'll also learn all about JJ's real life gig at Venture Consulting.

From here we are planning to branch out to stories from other chapters around the country. Please let me know if you know anyone who has an interesting story to tell.

Ep 49 James Lawrence discusses digital marketing opportunities via his Rocket Agency

After starting life as a lawyer, a chance part time job in marketing in his older brother's business turned into a successful long term 3 way partnership. Starting in 2006, the business peaked at 100 people building 10,000 websites before seeing the writing on the wall and venturing into a traditional digital agency.

Ep 48 Emilya Colliver talks about how investing in art can pay huge dividends

Emilya advises some of Australia's biggest companies on what artwork to purchase for their workplaces and developments. After formally studying in London and working for some wealthy collectors, she returned to Australia and started Art Pharmacy as an alternative to purchasing art from galleries. Emilya represents a number of independent and up and coming Australian artists.

Ep 47 Angelica abandoned a professional LA singing career to start her own business

An early singing flirtation in the States was abandoned in Angelica's early 20's. After spotting people drinking Prosecco in Hollywood, she started importing container loads of the stuff from Italy on her return to Australia. Find out more about Star Beverages and Direct Wine Cellars in this candid interview.

Ep 46 Paul Gordon's Catalyze APAC helps big companies make billion dollar decisions!

Well this is all very exotic - Paul advises big companies, often in secrecy, on how to make million and billion dollar decisions. Huge. Learn about how he got into this line of work and the challenges faced when big companies don't trust the phone system or internet (think Department of Defence in bunkers).

Ep 45 Joel Nicholson juggles four businesses to create long term wealth

I love Joel's approach to business - everything is for the long term which is super cool. Taking over a business his father started in the 1970's, Marketsoft has spurned on 3 other businesses mostly around data. Learn about what Joel is doing with Lemontree, BridgeView Consulting and now Data Laundry all drive from the north coast of NSW.

Ep 44 Mad Mex Head Honcho, Clovis Young, shares his Wall Street to Burrito Franchise Story

Growing up in California, Clovis loved eating Mexican. This passion, a return to business school after a successful run on Wall Street, ignited a 1 store Mexican food outlet, Mad Mex, that has turned into a 60 store franchise (21 of which are company owned).

Ep 43 Ali Green shares on her social purpose book publishing business - Pantera Press

12 years ago Ali set out to create a business that celebrated unknown Australian writing talent. As luck would have it their first book Betrayal by Simon Benson (on the politics of Rudd and Gillard) was a runaway success and propelled the business into a strong of fiction titles.

Ep 42 Marcus Dervin journeys from Ashram to multi-million dollar recurring revenues

What started as an IT job hustle at a major bank has turned into a multi-million dollar recurring IT business focussing on the Microsoft environment. Learn how Marcus in 20 short years has gone from backpacker, to ashram devotee to running a highly successful IT business based in Sydney. His next move could be his biggest yet.

EP 41 Steve Chapman has had the biggest year of his life all powered by Nootropics

After an early failed venture at 20, Steve tells us about how he was taken under the wings of a YPO'er, Sam Prince (net worth estimated $294m). Over the next few years, Steve shadowed Sam and learnt everything he could about running successful businesses. In 2016, Shine+ was launched and is now stocked in over 5000 retail outlets.

EP 40 Wondered what the Entrepreneurs Operating System (EOS) is? Find out in the interview

A lot of people have been talking about EOS. After running his own business consulting group, Daniel Davis stumbled across a book called Traction by American EO'er Gina Wickman. Intrigued and inspired by the method he visited the States and ultimately bought the rights to Gino's EOS back to Australasia. The method works for many businesses as processes get systematised.

EP 39 James Vickery re-invents his IT business by moving his workforce offshore

James spent the best part of the last 5 years re-inventing the landscape of his IT services business to create operational flexibility and agility. In this episode we speak to James about how he did it and his new business called Benchmark 365 which effectively creates these efficiencies for other IT businesses.

Ep 37 James Breeze based in Bali, drinking cocktails, working on the business not in it!

We all want that right? Work on the business not in. Find out how James and his wife Kylie have re-invented themselves and life based out of a stunning villa in Bali. James's day regularly consists of surfing, business, travel and instructing staff in Singapore and Sydney from his beautiful villa he has built in Canggu.

EP 36 Victoria talks about adopting her niece and changing the way Australian Executives are recruited

Victoria has had lots of balls in the air of late but is powering through with her new expanded family and Executive Search Company Parity consulting.

EP 35 After a big VC sellout in Canada, Jeff Downs reinvents business in his own way

Jeff has been in Australia 12 years and now owns and runs Redback Connect - a digital recording agency of sorts. Hear about his story from grocery stores, to recruiting agencies, professional sales to setting up and selling out a conference telecom business that was Venture Capital backed. Now running Redback he explains the swings and roundabouts in running business in today's market.

EP 34 Fatima Said riding a wave of success with ecommerce giant eWave after family implosion

Fatima, originally hailing from Austria, has had a wild ride since being initially in business from the age of 16 with her 2 brothers. After the family business imploded after capturing 300,000 monthly subscribers, Fatima and her husband moved to Australia and set up eWave. eWave has become a key enterprise partner of Salesforce.com and global business is now going from strength to strength.

EP 33 Behind the scenes of Sydney EO with Pip Kearney our new GM

Pip has recently taken on the role of GM of the Sydney EO Chapter after working at a global architecture firm. Have you ever wondered what goes on with making the chapter run so smoothly. In this candid interview learn about how you can get involved as well as some of the stuff that the chapter can do for you!

EP 32 Accelerator Aaron Langer's Fashion brand Arms of Eve taking off!

Aaron moved back to Sydney from LA just a couple of years ago with his Australian wife. Listen to this exciting story of Aaron and his wife rebuilding a new fashion brand off the scrap fabric of their last business.

EP 31 Adina Jacobs STM Brand 21 years young and kicking goals internationally!

Adina started her Smarter Than Most (STM) in 1998 when there was no such thing as a dedicated bag for laptops. Hard to believe right? As luck would have it, her and partner Ethan quickly secured some wholesale orders and grew from there. Listen in to hear her story of business success and longevity. She also talks about her Mentor Walks initiative which gives back to women looking to progress in the business community.

EP 30 Tracy Angwin is the master of payroll! Hear about the industry association, training organisation and growing payroll business

Tracy has been involved with payroll businesses for 26 years! Through a combination of luck, naivety and hard work she has mastered a segment which many have neglected to bring in line with modern business. Hear all about how through a gig a PWC she became committed to do her own thing about 10 years and how these businesses are now kicking some serious goals.

EP 29 Stuart Mills talks marketing with online hamper biz GourmetBasket.com.au

Stuart has taken his online gourmet hamper business to the next level by a combination of clever marketing and logistics. Learn about how he's done it in our first Skype Podcast.

EP 28 Steven Richardson discusses SILQ, a Saas business that services the legal fraternity

I love a recurring revenue business. Get a sticky niche that's recurring and it gets even better. Steven started with reporting software for Barristers many years ago and has since branched out into solicitors. Users pay $60-100 per person per month. Overheads are low and with a bit more marketing, move to the cloud, Steven's business continues to grow..

Ep 27: Owen Firth's ReadyGrad is changing the way uni's educate students for the job market

Markets are changing and it's not just go to uni and get a job anymore. Employers, as we all know, want staff with some practical no how - not what's just learnt in a classroom. Owen's programs, are working to be the bridge between the 2 - good for unis, good for employers and good for students looking to get real jobs.

Ep 26: Gaurav Oberoi's husband and wife business ASEA has 400 care staff and growing

There's been major changes to the way the National Disability Insurance Scheme operates in the last few years. This structural change has created both opportunities and challenges for businesses operating in the sector.

Ep 25: Tal Williams from Holman Webb talks law, entrepreneurs and Sydney EO!

Tal and Holman Webb have been avid supporters of the Sydney Chapter for 4 years now since being invited via then president Jamie Warner.

Ep 24: Esha Oberoi interviews Brendan about the role meditation has played in running his Wedding Venue Seacliff House

Well this was unexpected - I invited Esha in for an interview on the podcast and she turned the tables and interviewed me! In this interview we discuss how meditation has helped play a role in running my businesses.

Ep 23: Darcy Small GSEA Australian winner talks about his Coffee project

Darcy was the national winner of the Global Student Entrepreneurs Award (GSEA). At 23, he's just finished an engineering degree at UNSW and has headed straight into business.

Ep 22: Nik Samuelson sells business in 2018 and dives straight into Workclub

Nik is a long standing EO member of about 20 years. Last year and successfully exited his project management business and was looking for something new to get his teeth into.

Ep 21: LIsa Andrews talks about being invited to Necker Island and her multiple fast growth businesses

You'd never suspect it but Lisa is a chartered accountant with a passion for growing businesses fast. In this interview discover how Lisa has achieved so much at such a young age.

Ep 20: Sameer Kassam - 4 kids under 5 and tax reduction business cranking!

Great fireside chat with Sameer about Charternet and their R&D strategy to reduce tax for companies that are investing in innovation.

Ep 19: Accelerator and PR maestro Sharon Zeev Poole talks about Agent 99

Agent 99 Sharon runs comms for the hugely successful Accelerator program for Sydney EO and is of course a member herself of the program. She's been running her small and profitable PR Agency for 12 years and is currently growing this year.

Ep 18: Venture Funder Jason Georgatos talks fast growing business and cash

Jason started life at the Silicon Valley Bank and soon ventured into his own gig with 2 other partners - Partners For Growth.

Ep 17: Rob Rawson's talks about his SAAS play Time Doctor and 30,000 monthly subscribers

Rob Rawson discovered a need for his software in the marketplace after developing it to remotely monitor his own workforce. Fast forward to today and he now has about 30,000 monthly subscribers and 70 staff located all around the world.

Ep 15: Andy Jamieson launches new Insurance Industry disrupter Advisr.com.au

After working several years in corporate, in 2007 started a digital marketing agency in his bedroom that he grew to a team of 30 and sold in 2012.

Ep 14: Gina Lednyak: New York to Sydney and everything in between

Gina Lednyak talks about her early years as a migrant in New York and her social media management agency L&A Social.

Ep 13: Dionne Taylor from Polkadot Communications talks about her new app Story Match

Dionne has been running her PR business profitably for many years. She joined EO a few years back now and it's supported to make a jump to what potentially is a much bigger play.

Ep 12: Daniella Menachemson talks about her cool furniture business BSeatedGlobal.com.au

EO'er Daniella runs her family furniture business BSeatedGlobal.com.au and has focussed on fitouts for the hospitality industry. She's now expanding into an untapped US niche. Find out how.

Ep 10: New Sydney EO Member Libby Ray talks about her exciting

Libby runs a very successful corporate AV business with her husband - servicing trade shows and corporates in Sydney and Melbourne. Libby embraced EO in her first year and she shares her experience around that!

Ep 09: Franziska Iseli talks about business and motorbike adventures on the Silk Road

Well this was fun! 2018/19 Sydney EO Learning Chair Franziska talks about her marketing business Basic Bananas and her travels around the world.

Ep 07: Justin Doobov, EO'er and No.1 Australian Mortgage Broker

Justin talks about his business Intelligent Finance and the changes happening right now in the Australian Banking system and why getting finance is becoming harder.

Ep 05: Chris Gray, master of lifestyle, talks about his strategies to maximise fun time

Chris Gray has always had a great reputation in EO maximising his fun time with boats, cars and travel whilst minimising time on the job. In this candid interview he discusses his low risk property strategies on how he did this!

Ep 04: Coffee Parts king Pedro Lara gives a tour of his cool HQ

Pedro talks about running a business his father initially started in 1999. Pedro is a master of online and has turned Coffee Parts into a category leader.

Ep 03: Marc Levin talks about his involvement with EO today and growing up with a YPO dad

Marc grew up in South Africa and was exposed to the YPO / EO worlds from an early age. He and his brother run a mid-market office furniture business and both joined EO the moment their business JasonL hit the $1 million turnover mark.

Ep 02: Lindsay Rogers talks about her EO journey and the rapid rise of Chello

Lindsay has been an EO member for just 2 years and has grabbed the organisation by the horns. In this interview she deep dives into her business Chello as well as her involvement with the EO board.

Ep 01: Kiel Van Daal, Sydney President FY19, joins Brendan Torazzi to launch the Sydney EO chapter podcast

In this first Episode Kiel talks about what it's like to lead the Sydney chapter and about his digital innovation agency Digilante.com.au.