The Mentor With Mark Bouris

It was a massive year on The Mentor. We had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next?Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of 2024.00:00-12:59 (Radek Sali)13:01- 25:15 (Eight Sleep)25:16 - 30:44 (Lia Georgantis)30:46- 40:37 (Nick Palumbo)40:40- 50:01 (Jenny Child)Listen to the full podcast via the links below.#431 Radek Sali#466 Eight Sleep#441 Tim Duggan#451 Lia Georgantis#433 Jenny ChildFollow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a massive year on The Mentor. We’ve had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next?Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of the year.00:00-10:57 (Lewi Brown)10:59-16:24 (Jess Sepel)16:27 - 24:26(Tim Duggan)24:29- 33:50 (Deanne Stewart)33:53- 44:57 (Amanda Price)Listen to the full podcast via the links below.#447 Lewi Brown#429 Jess Sepel#441 Tim Duggan#458 Deanne Stewart#438 Amanda Price Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Baker is the visionary founder of Xolvit, a groundbreaking crowdsourcing app designed to foster student innovation by helping companies tackle pressing social issues. Xolvit's mission is to bridge the gap between socially responsible organisations and the next generation of the workforce.In our conversation, we delved into Helen's inspiring journey, from her upbringing with her adoptive parents in rural Australia to her personal experiences with racism. We explored her impressive corporate career, the challenges she aims to address with Xolvit, and the meaningful work her company is doing. Helen also shared her insights on how businesses should approach employment and diversity, her exciting plans for the future, and much more.To learn more about their Xolvit, check out their website here: https://www.xolvit.io/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTu

Matt Jones is a creative strategist and entrepreneur who co-founded Four Pillars Gin in 2013, transforming it into a multi-award-winning global brand.We had a fascinating conversation about his early career in politics and brand strategy before venturing into the gin business, how he made Four Pillars stand out in a fiercely competitive market, the essence of building a great brand, how they got it so right at Four Pillars, his new book, and what’s next on the horizon. Don’t miss this one if you’re looking to leverage your brand to its fullest potential.Purchase Matt's new book Lessons from Gin: Business the Four Pillars Way here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lessons-Gin-Business-Four-Pillars/dp/1394268378You 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.

Liquid & Larder is the brainchild of two lifelong mates who’ve turned their passion for hospitality into one of Sydney’s most celebrated groups. With four standout venues—Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover, and Alfie’s—Warren and Jimmy have created something special. Warren leads the charge on quality and culture, while Jimmy drives growth as CFO, and together, they’ve built a reputation for execution that matches their authenticity. From The Gidley Burger being crowned the best in Australia and 9th globally, to their steakhouse ranked 24th in the world, these guys have proven they don’t just dream big—they deliver. We unpack their story, their friendship that started in high school, how they’re shaking up Sydney’s dining scene and what's next.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.

Many people driving with Uber or delivering with Uber Eats have innovative business ideas they’re eager to launch or grow. In recognition of this entrepreneurial spirit, Uber partnered with Inspiring Rare Birds to develop the Business Booster Program, designed to help those earning with Uber or Uber Eats achieve their business goals.The 2024 program saw over 4,500 applicants, and I was lucky enough to sit down with three remarkable participants to discuss their experiences with Uber or Uber Eats and how the Business Booster Program has supported their journeys to date. Nicholas Brbot (Cat Harness), Simon Pemberton (Workr.co), and Suraya O’Brien (Flow Rider).Our conversations delved into their journeys, small business development, as well as the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.For more information on Uber's Business Booster program with Rare Birds click here: https://www.uber.com/au/en/u/business-booster/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentore

What makes many of Australia’s most iconic brands stand out is their exceptional branding.The creative process of branding demands relentless effort, strategic vision, and brilliant minds.Hans Hulsbosch is a name synonymous with branding in this country. A renowned designer and branding expert, Hans has been at the helm of projects for some of Australia’s biggest names—Qantas, Woolworths, and Virgin Australia—turning their brand strategies into benchmarks for the industry. As the founder of Hulsbosch Design, he’s been instrumental in shaping the way Australians experience these household names.His son, Jaid Hulsbosch, with over 20 years of global experience, joined the family agency after working in businesses around Europe. Now as Director, Jaid oversees strategy, business development, and culture, driving Hulsbosch’s continued success and creative edge.Together, this father-son duo has propelled Hulsbosch into Australia’s gold standard of branding. Their portfolio includes standout work for organisations li

Mia McLeod is a seasoned digital leader, known for her strategic insight, creativity, and global marketing expertise. With 20 years in the industry, she has excelled in audience engagement, social media, content creation, and digital advertising, holding pivotal roles at top companies like Walt Disney, Sony Music, and Universal Music. Now, she leads Digital Collective Co, where she leads a team in crafting high-impact marketing campaigns that connect with clients and consumers.In this episode Mia dives into the early days of digital marketing, the crucial role of content and how Mia’s career trajectory shaped her expertise. Discover the significance of networking, personal branding, and building a digital agency that drives business growth. Check out Digital Collective Co's website here:https://www.digital-collective.co/Check out Mia's course here: https://beyondthegrid.teachable.com/p/make-money-with-social-courseYou can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-

Charlie Puchala is not your typical entrepreneur. Her journey, spanning from interior design and construction to property development, reflects a relentless commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and redefining industry standards. After immigrating from Poland, Charlie turned early challenges into opportunities, establishing herself as a powerhouse with ventures like Puch Constructions, Charlies Interiors, and Za Collective. Her debut book, Sex, Control, Money, set to release later this year, offers insights on success, personal growth, and the mindset shifts that fuelled her diverse career. Enjoy!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.

If you know me, you know I'm a proud Greek Australian. My pride runs deep, shaped by my dad, who left Greece to build a better life here in Australia. The immigrant mentality he passed on has stayed with me and resonates with many Greeks and others whose families immigrated to Australia. And this is one of the things I value most about Australia, how we celebrate and embrace our multicultural roots, which is what this week's episode of The Mentor is all about.I had the pleasure of sitting down with Yannis Mallikourtis, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney. We shared our Greek backgrounds, discussed his role and life in public service, the challenges Greek Australians face, the importance of preserving the Greek culture and language, why so many first-generation arrivals find success here and much more.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. 

In this episode of the Mentor, Mark Bouris sits down with Matteo Franceschetti and Alex Zatarain, the co-founders of Eight Sleep, to discuss their journey in revolutionising sleep technology.They delve into their personal backgrounds, previous careers, and how they joined forces to launch Eight Sleep.From the early challenges of building their first prototype and navigating manufacturing in China, to creating a product that tracks sleep stages and regulates temperature, Alex and Matteo highlight the crucial role sleep plays in health and longevity. They also talk about the importance of customer feedback, their plans for continued innovation in the sleep fitness industry, and how they now work with some of the world’s top entrepreneurs, scientists and athletes.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 informati

Con and Kerrie Dedes, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, have built their celebrated brands around core values of excellent food, outstanding service, and unforgettable experiences. The Dedes Waterfront Group, which operates seven iconic venues across Sydney’s waterfronts, is renowned for catering to everything from casual outings to high-end fine dining. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Con Dedes draws deep inspiration from his Greek heritage. In this episode, we dive into Con's upbringing, his passion for hospitality passed down from his father, how he met Kerrie, and the pivotal moments that shaped their journey. We also explore the challenges of the hospitality industry, how the couple successfully run their business together, what makes a venue truly great, and what’s next for them.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 omny

Frida Deguise is an Australian comedian, chef, and businesswoman, known for breaking barriers as a Muslim woman in stand-up comedy and creating the family-owned LA Donuts. With her bold comedic style, Frida tackles cultural identity and societal stereotypes, bringing a fresh and unique voice to Australia's comedy scene. Alongside her success in comedy, she continues to thrive as an entrepreneur and has gone viral on social media while doing it.We talked about her childhood, how she inherited her strong work ethic from her parents, her deep passion for food and cooking, her journey to becoming a chef, and the challenges of working in a tough industry. We also delved into her transition to comedy, the creation of LA Donuts, and the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey.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 pr

Paul Nicolaou serves as the Executive Director of Business Sydney, a key voice for Sydney's business community. Business Sydney works tirelessly to advocate for policies that drive economic growth and enhance Sydney's reputation as a global, competitive, and liveable city. With nearly two centuries of history, the organisation plays a vital role in shaping Sydney’s future.We explored his career journey leading up to his current position, his previous work in politics, and his unwavering dedication to public service. He shared insights on his executive responsibilities, his advocacy for small businesses, and the critical challenges of the housing crisis and homelessness. We also discussed the importance of appointing a dedicated minister for small business at both federal and state levels to promote business growth and economic stability, along with strategies to maintain Sydney's standing as one of the world’s leading cities.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsl

Ariana Hendry is the co-founder and Managing director of Beysis, a successful Australian beauty brand known for its customisable and eco-conscious products. Beysis offers a range of beauty essentials, from nail polish to reusable bottles and coffee cups, all designed to be personalised, stylish, and environmentally friendly.We discussed the challenges of getting a quality education today and how her entrepreneurial spirit led her out of the corporate world. We also explored the unique experiences women face in business, why she founded Beysis, how Oprah’s endorsement elevated the brand, what’s next for Beysis, her battle with breast cancer and so much more.Check out Beysis' range of brilliant products here: beysis.comYou 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.

Mark Woodland is a retired soldier and health tech entrepreneur that fixed the childcare booking system and recently sold the app Xplor for $100 million. After selling his company and making a fortune, Mark Woodland took just two weeks of retirement before diving headfirst into his next venture. He's now leveraging technology to transform Australia's healthcare landscape with his latest innovation, Kismet.In our conversation, we spoke about his military career, how a gap in the childcare booking system drew him into the tech world, the urgent need to reform Australia's online healthcare system, his vision for Kismet's future, and much more.Check out Kismet's website here: https://www.kismet.healthcare/You can subscribe to the Mentor 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.

Kellie Hush is a prominent figure in the Australian fashion industry, with over 20 years of expertise. Best known for her six-year leadership as editor-in-chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, she now leads brand and global strategy at The Volte, an Australian fashion rental platform that connects borrowers and lenders, making designer pieces accessible at a fraction of their retail cost.In our discussion, we dove in the fashion world, the TikTok trend that's causing companies to go bankrupt, how The Volte is tackling this issue, and much more.Check out The Volte's website here: https://thevolte.com/You can subscribe to the Mentor 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.

Luke Bevans is the Managing Director and Founder of Impressed Recordings, a pioneering Australian music label that has made a significant impact on the vinyl revival movement. With a rich background in the music industry, including senior roles at Universal Music Australia and Apple Music, Bevans has leveraged his experience to create a unique platform that connects artists directly with their superfans through exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases.We delved into his deep passion for music, his journey through the music industry, ways to improve how artists are treated, the unique experience of vinyl listening, the intricacies of the vinyl manufacturing process, Impressed Recordings' innovative approach, and much more.Check out Impressed Recordings website here: https://impressedrecordings.com/You can subscribe to the Mentor newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudi

Deanne Stewart is a prominent figure in the Australian financial services industry, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Aware Super. Aware Super is Australia’s third-largest superannuation fund, managing $180 billion and serving 1.2 million Australians. As the CEO of one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, Deanne brought invaluable insights into managing time and responsibilities.We explored the profound impact superannuation funds have had on our parent's lives and how Australia's model is regarded as the best. Our conversation went beyond the mechanics of her role; we delved into her journey in the finance world, strategies for navigating and preventing burnout in high-stress environments, the art of making a real difference in the financial services sector, and the critical importance of networking and relationships. We also tackled the immense responsibility that comes with managing billions of dollars and how she maximises her productivity. And if that wasn’t enough, Deanne gave

It's been an eventful couple of years for journalist and content creator Max Sherry. Despite leading the charge in Australian sports media engagement last year for Sports Bible, he ultimately would face redundancy as the company went into a new direction. But instead of feeling sorry for himself, Max joined forces with two former colleagues to launch their own media publishing company, Common Entertainment, which is dedicated to highlighting the extraordinary in everyday life.In our conversation, we delved into the challenges of today's media landscape, Max's journey from the UK as a teenager, his passion for journalism, his experiences at Fox Sports and Lad Bible, the need to be agile in a cutthroat industry, the negative aspects of social media, and how Common Entertainment aims to stand out in the social media game, plus much more. Enjoy!Check out Common Entertainment's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/common.entertainment/You can subscribe to the Mentor newsletter here: https://mentored.com.