Nicky and Ness dive deep into the world of AI with Leanne Shelton, exploring how businesses can integrate AI without losing the human touch. We kick off the discussion by addressing the overwhelming pressure many feel in experimenting with AI tools and Leanne’s advice to start small. From simple tasks like email editing to gradually incorporating tools like Microsoft Copilot or OpenAI, she emphasizes the importance of easing into AI usage.

We then delve into the core principle of using AI to enhance, not replace human efforts. Leanne passionately discusses how relying entirely on AI can lead to generic, lifeless outputs and highlights the importance of training AI tools to reflect your brand’s distinct voice, style, and audience. This approach ensures that your unique expertise and experience shine through, maintaining the authenticity of your content.

Our conversation also touches on the irreplaceable value of human connection, especially in an era of advanced AI technologies like deep fakes. Leanne predicts a resurgence of traditional face-to-face interactions to build trust, which is becoming increasingly vital. She shares her insights on potential future trends, such as agentic AI, which aims to automate backend processes but still requires substantial human oversight to ensure quality and ethical standards.

The episode addresses the cautious approach of Australian and New Zealand businesses towards AI adoption, suggesting a slow yet inevitable shift as security concerns are resolved. Leanne offers practical advice for business leaders hesitant about AI, stressing that while tools may evolve, the fundamental concepts of responsible and effective AI usage will remain relevant.

Leanne wraps up with actionable steps listeners can take within 24 hours to become more comfortable with AI, such as experimenting with different tones and styles to see how AI adjusts its outputs. This hands-on exercise helps users understand the importance of precise input to achieve desired results.

Tune in for a rich discussion filled with expert tips, ethical considerations, and strategic insights to help you navigate the evolving AI landscape without losing your brand's human essence.

Leanne's website - https://humanedgeai.com/

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

Could you be sabotaging your company's success with decision fatigue? Discover how this silent productivity killer might be draining your resources and leaving your business in the dust.

On today's Smart Business Growth Podcast, Nicky and Ness tackle the pressing issue of decision fatigue in leadership. We explore the heavy toll of constant decision-making on leaders, revealing how it can inflate costs, erode profits, and stunt sales. By navigating the chaos of busy traps and disordered work environments, we offer strategies to realign your business goals and sustain a vibrant work culture. Our discussion highlights the importance of staying focused to prevent burnout and avoid fostering a culture of dependency and micromanagement.

We promise you a roadmap to revitalised decision-making. Establishing a clear "True North" can transform your decision-making process by anchoring choices in your core business values and vision.

Learn how empowering your team to become decision-makers not only eases your burden but also nurtures their growth and sense of purpose. We delve into automating decision-making through strategic questioning, ensuring every decision resonates with your objectives.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to enhance your leadership approach and promote enduring business success. Listen in and arm yourself with the tools to overcome decision fatigue and lead your team with renewed clarity and confidence.

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

Join us on a captivating journey with Andy McCarthy, the visionary founder of Gippsland Solar, who shares his extraordinary tale of building a solar empire in the heart of Australia's coal country. Discover how Andy overcame not only industry resistance but also personal demons of entrepreneurial addiction, leading to a transformative journey of self-awareness and reinvention. Through his candid reflections, Andy reveals the high stakes of relentless ambition and the profound impact it can have on personal satisfaction and relationships.

Dive into the essence of what makes a sustainable and inspiring organisational culture, as Andy opens up about the power of personal growth and leadership development. Learn how integrating a life coach into his life during turbulent times became a game-changer, enhancing productivity and well-being. This episode is a masterclass for founders, offering insights into avoiding burnout, the importance of supportive networks, and the art of balancing hustle with a rewarding life. Andy’s experiences with team integration at East Gippsland Solar underscore the significance of creating a thriving organisational culture that empowers and unites.

Explore the nuanced challenges of leadership as we dissect the intersection of ego and empathy in guiding a team towards shared goals. Andy shares his wisdom on maintaining humility, fostering honest communication, and the crucial role of self-awareness in achieving true leadership success. As the world adapts to flexible work models, discover how leading with empathy and balancing personal well-being can redefine success. This episode concludes with Andy’s reflection on legacy and purpose, offering a poignant reminder that success need not come at the cost of well-being.

Buy Here Comes the Sun, Andy's book here - https://andymccarthy.com.au/#here-comes-the-sun
Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-j-mccarthy/

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

In this episode of the Smart Business Growth Podcast, hosts Nicky and Ness explore the concept of New Year's resolutions in the context of both personal and business growth. They discuss the challenges and pressures of setting resolutions, the importance of understanding one's 'why' through vision and mission statements, and the power of selecting a theme or word for the year. The episode encourages listeners to shift from superficial goals to maintaining a sustainable, reflective planning process throughout the year. Tune in for actionable insights and tips on achieving smart business growth.

Research on new years resolutions - https://www.finder.com.au/insights/new-years-resolutions-statistics

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

In the final installment of the summer series revisiting season two's most popular episodes, Nicky and Ness dive into the core reasons people start their own businesses versus the often stark reality that follows. They discuss the importance of redefining success and aligning business goals with personal fulfillment to achieve a balanced work-life dynamic. The episode is packed with actionable advice on questioning default beliefs, setting new boundaries, and using practical tools to foster a healthier hustle. This engaging conversation encourages listeners to pause, reassess, and implement strategies for a more sustainable and fulfilling business journey.

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

In this episode of the Smart Business Growth Podcast, Nicky and Ness revisit a compelling conversation with Mel Packham, a brand strategist focused on ethical and sustainable business practices. The discussion dives into redefining what sustainability in business means in 2024, emphasising the importance of not just environmental impact but also human health, wellbeing, and purpose-driven growth. Mel shares insights on how businesses can adapt to future challenges, including supply chain disruptions and health crises, by fostering resilience and innovation. The episode encourages business owners to reflect on their long-term vision and purpose, aiming for impactful, sustainable practices.

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

In this special summer series episode, hosts Nicky and Ness revisit their popular session with business coach Janine Garner. Janine interviews them, discussing their book 'Healthy Hustle' and its pivotal messages. They explore creating a sustainable business through 'healthy hustle,' covering smart growth, peak performance, and time freedom. They emphasise breaking unhealthy hustle patterns and implementing effective, conscious strategies. Key takeaways include integrating life and business goals, fostering an autonomous team culture, and managing time with intention. The discussion is enriched with real-life examples, like their client James, highlighting practical success.

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley

In this special episode from the Smart Business Growth Podcast's 2024 Summer Series, Nicky and Ness revisit a compelling conversation with James Bartrop, director and founder of ShadowSafe. The discussion centers on distinguishing between unhealthy, hard hustle and healthy hustle. James shares his journey from unsustainable work habits to achieving balanced success, including significant revenue growth, improved family life, and overall well-being. The episode highlights the importance of redefining success, setting boundaries, and continually reassessing business practices to maintain a healthy hustle. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own hustle habits and apply new insights in the new year.

Learn more about Nicky and Ness https://businesstogether.com.au

Buy a copy of Healthy Hustle: The New Blueprint to Thrive in Business & Life www.healthyhustle.com.au

Follow us on socials
Instagram - @b2businesstogether
Facebook - @B2BusinessTogether

Connect on LinkedIn
Nicky LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithnicky/
Ness LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamedling/

Give us a call
Nicky Miklos-Woodley 0403 191 404
Vanessa (Ness) Medling 0400 226 875

Or send us an email hello@businesstogether.com.au

Music by Jules Miklos-Woodley