The Mentor With Mark Bouris

When she was a kid, Tracy Sheens—author, businesswoman, and AI commentator—was obsessed with how tech worked. Today, she’s still tearing systems apart… only now, it’s AI myths she’s dismantling to help businesses win.In this episode, we discuss everything from automation myths to why AI won't steal your job - but not using it might put you behind. She reveals how businesses are winning with AI, the tools worth your time, and why technophobia is more dangerous than any algorithm.The verdict? The future isn't about humans vs machines - it's about humans with machines.Pre-order Tracy's new book here: https://www.qbd.com.au/ai-u/tracy-sheen/9781923225787/Check our Tracy's digital guide here: https://thedigitalguide.com.au/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivana Alfonso has worked many jobs since emigrating from Croatia at a young age. Coming out of the pandemic in 2020, Ivana's husband, a keen angler, found himself selling brag mats and making a considerable profit. Ivana and her husband saw potential, and a way to entertain themselves when self-isolation was the norm. They combined their respective knowledge and skills to create The Bragmat Bloke, a thriving company that offers customers customizable brag mat that reflect the best of design, craftsmanship and reflect a shared love of the outdoors. But with the Australian economy tightening, Ivana is feeling the strain like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In b

When pregnancy left her craving coffee without the guilt, this mum turned her ‘what if?’ into Mumma’s Beans—a warm hug in a cup for thousands of health conscious Australians seeking a lower acidity lower caffeine brew that won't upset their gut or spark jitters and anxiety. Founded during a canceled wedding and fueled by love (and caffeine), they don't just stick to delicious low-acid brews, but also use their beans to craft coffee skincare, made from nothing but Australian sourced natural ingredients.  With the Australian economy tightening, Maika is feeling the strain like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear

Offshore Boat Sales is a family-run business dedicated to crafting high-quality, custom boats—whether for serious anglers or weekend explorers—designed to suit every budget and lifestyle. With trusted brands such as Cutting Edge Marine Plate Alloy Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Garmin Electronics and All things Business through Cutting Edge Business Solutions. But with Australia's economy tightening, they are feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked,

Picture this: a waste management company that doesn’t just haul away your junk—it builds up its community. That’s 'Mildura Waste & Recycling', a 100% locally owned Mildura business with a passion for reliability, fairness, and sustainability run by Mark Forbes-Wilson. From sourcing Aussie-made bins to supporting local fundraisers, they’re all about keeping business—and waste—where it belongs: in trusted hands. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear

Lloyds Building and Constructions Pty Ltd is owned by Anthony Lloyd, a qualified carpenter with an ACT builder's license and over a decade of experience in both commercial and domestic construction. Since completing his apprenticeship in 2009, Anthony has built a strong reputation in Canberra's building industry. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven

Step into The Real Florist, owner Renee Williams's dreamy florist café, a place where fresh blooms and great coffee collide. Located within the heart of Albury's CBD, their talented team has a passion for floristry education, offering workshops to teach you the skills to craft stunning personalised arrangements, all done in a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for flower lovers and caffeine addicts alike! But with Australia's economy tightening, she's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look li

For over 37 years, Sam Beau Patrick has dedicated her career to holistic health—first as a nurse and pharmaceutical rep, then as a naturopath and health performance coach. Today, she’s a published author, art therapist, and life coach who blends science, nature, and creativity to help clients worldwide. But with Australia's economy tightening, she's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t h

Ben Crowley isn’t your typical health entrepreneur. He started out teaching English in Japan, got hooked on boxing, and ended up building one of Australia’s leading supplement businesses. Today, he runs Bulk Nutrients, the flagship sponsor of our Project 100 series.In this episode, I sit down with Ben to unpack how he built a high-growth, direct-to-consumer business that cuts out the middlemen and delivers premium products at unbeatable value. We talk the importance of work culture manufacturing, logistics, product testing, and what it really takes to scale a business without losing control of quality or customer trust. This one’s for the underdogs, the builders, or the health-conscious who want to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.I’ll continue hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. For our latest episode, we have - Jason Spaull from Gold Coast based business Coastal Asbestos, which is dedicated to safely removing and managing asbestos across Queensland. Like many small businesses, Jason is feeling the pressure of Australia’s economic climate, navigating rising costs, compliance challenges, and an uncertain future.This i

Sam Gordon is an entrepreneur, property investor, and host of the Top 1% Podcast, where he shares insights from his journey as a high school dropout to building multiple multi-eight-figure businesses, offering listeners strategies to maximise their potential and impact.In our conversation, we covered how he built his property portfolio, his inspiration from Harry Triguboff, how to identify growth opportunities in real estate, the complexities of scaling a property portfolio, his entrepreneurial journey, and the key lessons he’s learned from speaking with the top 1%.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Dodoro and Katherine Tippett, founders of STEPZ, have been innovating the marine industry since 2017, driven by a passion for safety and accessibility on the water, and an emphasis on adventure. Their specialised boat trailer ladders make launching and retrieving vessels easier and safer for boating enthusiasts across Australia. However, as Australia's economy tightens, they're feeling the strain-like so many small business owners, fighting to stay afloat.It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a vo

Nathan Grant, founder of SlantBoardGuy, has been pioneering posture and mobility solutions through his innovative slant boards since 2010, driven by a passion for helping people improve their wellbeing and physical health through proper alignment. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting to stay afloat.It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real suppor

Kate Inglish, founder of Kate Inglish Designs, has been crafting personalised baby hampers and keepsakes since 2010, driven by a passion for sparking joy and preserving precious memories for new mums. But with Australia’s economy tightening, she’s feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting to stay afloat.It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We wan

Small businesses are the backbone of this country, yet too often, owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. And I know many of you tuning in on The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching the Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel - giving business owners across the country a voice. Every week, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries, from those struggling, from those who feel overlooked, or those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.I’ll keep hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. And kicking it off is someone who lives and breathes small business - Simon Potts, founder of Boxes for Business. Simon sent a powerful brief to Mentored Studios, outlining th

Michael Ramsey is the co-founder of STRONG Pilates alongside Mark Armstrong in 2019, has built a global fitness brand that blends traditional Pilates principles with high-intensity, low-impact cardio training. With a Master of Commerce in Marketing from RMIT University and experience owning F45 franchises, Michael has extensive expertise in brand strategy, business development, and digital marketing.STRONG Pilates is rapidly expanding, with recent launches in the USA, Japan, Singapore, and Dubai - and there’s no sign of slowing down. In our conversation, we discussed what makes STRONG Pilates unique, the key lessons Michael gained from his experience with F45 franchises, and the right approach to scaling a business. We also explored the power of building a brand and community, his biggest entrepreneurial insights, and what’s next for STRONG Pilates.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram,&nbs

Sam Kelly is the Managing Partner and owner of Hello Social - one of Sydney’s top integrated marketing agencies.Recognised as Campaign Magazine’s Social Media and Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, Hello Social has set the standard in the industry.In this episode, we explore Sam’s journey and what makes his agency stand out. I’ll share key lessons from my own experience with rebranding and refining messaging. We’ll also tap into insights from business icons like Richard Branson and Elon Musk, examine how memes are shaping today’s digital landscape, and discuss the strategies that drive a strong social media presence. Sam and I dive into the crucial elements of launching a brand, when is the right time to enter the market, the founder’s role, and the powerful influence of psychology in marketing success.If you’re serious about taking your brand and social media game to the next level, this episode is packed with real insights and practical advice you can’t afford to miss. You c

Stella Petrou Concha is the Founder and CEO of Reo Group, a leading national talent and executive recruitment agency.Stella is a powerhouse in the recruitment agency world and she's also the author of Stone Heart Light Heart: The Intelligence of Self Mastery. Her self-mastery frameworks are embraced by global giants like Google, TikTok, and Meta. She also shares her expertise as a guest lecturer at leading universities, including UNSW, Macquarie, and UTS.We spoke about Stella's journey, the demands of a CEO, how to stand out in a competitive job market, the importance of embracing failure, the role of employers in supporting mental health and productivity, her approach to self-mastery, and her plans for the future.Purchase Stella's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stone-Heart-Light-Intelligence-Mastery/dp/1922357189You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & You

Diogo Ferreira is at the helm of Tuga Pastries, a family-run business that has brought the rich culinary traditions of Portugal to life right here in Australia. With an impressive 14,000 pastries rolling out each week, Tuga Pastries has become an icon in Sydney mainly due to their legendary Portuguese tart—widely regarded as the best in the city.In this episode, we explore Portugal’s rich cultural roots and how they’ve shaped Diogo’s journey and approach to business. He takes us through his family’s migration to Australia, the humble beginnings of their bakery, and the challenges of scaling up while staying true to their standards of quality. Diogo opens up about the relentless work hours it took to gain momentum, the cultural significance behind Tuga’s unique creations, and how the balance of tradition and innovation has been the key to their success.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram,&

Dan Bova, co-founder of The Yard Gym, leads a franchise network of over 50 locations in Australia, with ambitious plans to expand to 200 sites worldwide by 2025.In our conversation, we explored Dan’s journey and early life, his move into gym franchising, the founding of The Yard, and what sets it apart. We also delved into its innovative business model and curriculum, the intricacies of franchising, his strategies for growth, and his bold vision for the future of The Yard.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.