Welcome to another episode of Better Business, Better Life. Join Host, Debra Chantry-Taylor as she sits down with guest, Lena Ridley to talk about her journey from a 26-year career in financial services to becoming a passionate EOS Implementer.

Lena shares how embracing the EOS framework helped her shift from the day-to-day grind and how tools like the Accountability Chart, Core Values, and data tracking helped align her team, clarify roles, and drive real growth.

She also opens up about the shift from integrator to visionary and why embracing the EOS Life - where business success and personal fulfilment go hand in hand - was the key to her happiness and growth.

If you’re ready to restructure, refocus, and reconnect with why you started your business, this episode offers practical tools and fresh perspective.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Lena Ridley - EOS Worldwide

► Book a 15mins call with Lena

► Lena Ridley - LinkedIn

Episode 227 Chapters:  

00:35 - Introduction

01:49 - EOS Implementation and Personal Journey

03:44 - Transition from Integrator to Visionary

07:56 - Introduction to EOS and Its Impact

09:34 - Personal Aha Moment and Business Growth

15:51 - Becoming an EOS Implementer

18:33 - Core Values and People Analyzer

24:05 - Impact of EOS on Clients

30:28 - Top Tips and Tools for EOS Implementation

36:38 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In another episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor chats with Jan Lehman, CEO of CTC Productivity and author of Work Smart, Do More - about how to create happier, more effective workplaces combining EOS tools with Microsoft 365 and AI.

Jan shares how leaders can stop making assumptions, start leveraging tech like Microsoft CoPilot, and invest in their teams to work smarter - not just harder. From simplifying software use to creating happier, more productive workplaces, this episode is packed with insights that will help you reduce stress and get more done.

If your team is busy but not productive, this episode will help you work smarter - not just harder.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► CTC Productivity

► Grab your Copy of Work Smart Do More

► Jan Lehman - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:29 - Guest Overview

01:37 - Jan's Career Journey

02:51 - Productivity and Happiness

06:30 - Challenges and Opportunities in Productivity

10:13 - Adopting Microsoft 365 and AI Tools

16:17 - EOS Integration and Personal Impact

32:15 - Top Tips for Improving Productivity

36:35 - AI and CoPilot in Microsoft

40:05 - Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor speaks with EOS implementer and business coach Trisha Drake about her journey from the dental manufacturing world to helping entrepreneurs transform their businesses.

Trisha shares how EOS tools like the Accountability Chart and Delegate & Elevate help leaders gain clarity, reduce overwhelm, and build stronger teams, particularly in the construction industry. She also opens up about her personal journey through breast cancer, and how a mindset shift played a key role in both her recovery and her leadership approach.

From real-world EOS wins to the power of self-reflection, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your business and yourself.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Tricia Drake - EOS Implementer

► Tricia Drake - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:34 - Introduction and Guest Background

02:46 - Trisha's Journey to Becoming an EOS Implementer

07:22 - EOS Tools and Their Impact

13:33 - Mindset and Personal Transformation

24:39 - Applying Mindset Techniques in Business

25:19 - Client Success Stories and EOS Implementation

28:57 - Industry-Specific Insights and Tips

30:48 - Top Tips and Tools for Business Owners

34:48 - Conclusion and Contact Information

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor breaks down why EOS Rocks are a better fit than OKRs for entrepreneurial and fast-growing businesses.

She discusses how OKRs often lead to confusion, scattered focus, and poor follow-through while EOS Rocks bring clarity, accountability, and weekly progress. With practical tips on setting quarterly priorities, assigning clear ownership, and using tools like the Accountability Chart, Scorecard, and Level 10 Meetings, Debra shows how to build a simple, effective execution system that actually works.

If you're feeling stretched too thin by endless objectives, this episode will show you how to simplify, refocus, and gain real traction.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

Chapters:  

00:26 - Introduction to EOS Rocks vs. OKRs

01:07 - Defining OKRs and EOS Rocks

01:58 - Challenges with OKRs in Entrepreneurial Businesses

03:19 - The Power of EOS Rocks and Accountability

05:35 - Real-Life Examples of EOS Rocks in Action

07:08 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Welcome back to another episode of Better Business, Better Life. Host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined once again by family business expert, Sara B. Stern to tackle one of the most critical and often avoided topics of family businesses: succession planning.

On this second part of the family business special, they discuss why successful transitions take time (often up to eight years), how to start the conversation early, and why clearly separating family, ownership, and business roles is key. Sara also shares practical tools like EOS and the Three-Circle Model to help families define legacy, align on goals, and make confident decisions about the future.

If you're thinking about handing over the reins or just want to set your business up for long-term success, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life insights.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Website Link

► Grab a copy of Start Here: A Guide for Family Business Succession and

► Grab a copy of Married to the Family Business

► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:32 - Introduction

02:15 - Sara B. Stern's Background and Expertise

04:23 - Challenges in Family Business Succession Planning

07:25 - Importance of Defining Legacy and Ownership Philosophy

09:29 - Operating the Business Professionally

21:38 - Addressing Conflicts and Seeking Professional Help

22:24 - Real-Life Examples and Practical Advice

26:12 - Final Tips and Tools for Succession Planning

31:55 - Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Sara B. Stern, an EOS implementer and family business expert, for part one of a powerful two-part series on navigating the complex intersection of family dynamics and business strategy.

Together, they explore the Harvard three-circle family business model and how to apply EOS tools to create clarity, define roles, and manage conflict in family-run businesses. Sara shares practical insights on fairness across family, business, and ownership circles, the importance of clearly defined roles like Visionary and Integrator, and why conflict can be healthy if handled in the right context.

If you're navigating blurred roles, tension, or unclear expectations on leading a multi-generational company or just beginning succession planning, this episode offers essential tools for building a stronger business and healthier family relationships.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      
____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Website Link

► Grab a Copy of Start Here: A Guide for Family Business Succession and Married to the Family Business

► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:32 - Introduction

02:12 - Balancing Family Dynamics and Business Strategy

03:38 - Challenges in Family Business Dynamics

05:18 - Defining Fairness in Family Business

08:21 - Role Assignment and Succession Planning

11:14 - The Importance of the Owner's Box

20:54 - Handling Conflict in Family Businesses

23:10 - Practical Tips for Family Business Owners

32:21 - Recommended Books for Family Business Owners

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles a common challenge in family businesses and professional services firms: too many people wearing too many hats.

She explains how too many hats, like founders micromanaging or family members in the wrong roles, can slow growth and drain energy. Debra also introduces powerful tools like the EOS Accountability Chart, GWC framework, and RACI model with an S to bring structure, clarity, and accountability back into the business.

If your team is stretched thin or unsure who’s doing what, this episode will help you untangle the mess and move forward with confidence.

Tune in to learn how structure leads to confidence, where confidence drives results.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

Chapters:  

00:08 - Problem of Too Many Hats in Family Businesses

01:46 - Complexity in Family Businesses

02:18 - Using the EOS Accountability Chart

04:19 - Example of a Multi-Generational Family Business

04:34 - RACI Tool with an S for Complex Businesses

06:46 - Cost of Inaction in Family Businesses

08:55 - Tough Conversations and Emotional Triggers

09:42 - Conclusion

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by guest, Michelle Taylor, a Financial Advisor from Gambin Financial Group to talk about the critical role financial management plays in business success.

Michelle shares her personal journey from surviving leukaemia to building a career helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances. Together, they unpack common financial mistakes, the power of having a personal board of directors, and strategies to avoid "shiny object syndrome." She also introduces her Women in Wealth community, designed to empower women to take control of their financial futures.

If you want to future-proof your business and personal finances, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Tune in to explore essential tips for creating lasting financial strength.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        
___________________________________________        
►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      
____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Gambin Financial Group Website

► Women in Wealth Community

► Michelle Taylor - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:25 - Introduction

03:38 - Michelle's Personal Journey and Financial Lessons

07:40 - Entrepreneurial Challenges and Financial Management

25:09 - Building a Personal Board of Directors

30:27 - Financial Tips for Entrepreneurs

36:02 - Michelle's Women in Wealth Program