• Darren Heveren: Are you ready for intergenerational wealth transfer and growth?
    Mar 4 2025

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources:

    https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/DarrenHeverenInformation

    Are you ready for intergenerational wealth transfer and growth?: Insights from Darren Heveren


    In this episode, Darren Heveren, an expert in supporting High Net Worth Families with their intergenerational wealth transfer, shares his deep knowledge and experiences from an illustrious career. Initially a partner at Deloitte, Darren sheds light on the intricacies of family offices in his own practice, their objectives, how to establish and operate one, and the importance of trust. He also talks about the intergenerational transfer of wealth, how the ATO is targeting these families for good governance structures, and the value of having a trusted advisor. Learn how Family Offices can be tailored to individual needs and hear real-life examples of how they operate to preserve and grow family wealth over generations.


    00:00 Getting Started in Family Offices

    02:26 Understanding the Family Office

    03:43 Core Objectives and Services

    05:44 Intergenerational Wealth Transfer

    10:14 Case Study and Trusted Advisor Role

    12:13 Establishing a Family Office

    23:40 Challenges and Solutions

    31:26 The #CriticalFewActions™


    This episode is sponsored by the #CEOMasterclass in #StrategicPlanning and Implementation. Get together with a team of peer business owners and CEOs to develop and test your Strategic Plan, and then, Implement it. Get out of your business into a confidential space to work ON your business, learn from peers who share your lived experience, problem solve and get support from each other.


    #FamilyOffice

    #WealthManagement

    #IntergenerationalWealth

    #FinancialPlanning

    #TrustedAdvisor

    #NotAlone

    #BusinessGrowth

    #BusinessStrategy

    #VisionAndStraetgy #BuildRevenue #DeliverProfitability #SupportPeoplePerformance #DriveAssetReturns #DevelopOrganisationLearning

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    36 mins
  • Rich Hawker - The 4 steps to design spectacular customer experiences
    Feb 25 2025

    Download the Blog Summary & Contact Details:

    https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/RichHawkerdownload1

    Unlocking Business Success: The Power of Customer Experience Design

    Join host John Downes as he delves into critical actions to improve your business with guest Rich Hawker, an expert in customer experience design. Learn how Rich's journey from Deloitte to Bain & Co. fueled his passion for solving human problems with design thinking and agile methodology. Discover what customer experience design entails, its benefits, and a rigorous approach to mastering it. Rich shares valuable insights and case studies, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs, setting customer-led ambitions, and creating a collaborative, emotionally resonant environment that enhances profitability and employee fulfillment. Get ready to transform your business by focusing on what truly matters.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:26 Meet Rich Hawker: Customer Experience Expert

    00:59 Rich's Journey into Customer Experience Design

    03:09 Understanding Customer Experience Design

    04:11 Benefits of Customer Experience Design

    06:12 Approach to Customer Experience Design

    13:38 Client Examples and Success Stories

    20:03 Common Pitfalls in Customer Experience Design

    27:37 Preparing for Customer Experience Design

    30:57 The #CriticalFewActions™ to get started

    #Entrepreneurship #CustomerExperienceDesign #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #CEOMasterclass

    This episode is sponsored by the CEO Masterclass.

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    33 mins
  • Rob Olver: Forget evolution! When should you revolutionise your business model?
    Feb 18 2025
    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources
    Rob Olver: Forget evolution! When should you revolutionise your business model?

    Business Model Transformation: Insights from Rob Olver

    In this episode of the #Critical Few Actions to Improve Your Business podcast, host John Downes speaks with Rob Olver, a business leader who specializes in transforming established companies for sustainable growth. Rob shares his unique framework for business model transformation, adapted from startup methodologies, and provides insightful case studies and practical tips. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in transitioning a traditional business model to a more innovative and sustainable one. Learn how to prioritize actions, leverage digital technologies, and make data-driven decisions to stay ahead in your industry.

    00:00 Introduction to Business Transformation

    00:26 Meet Rob Olver: The 20-Year-Old Startups

    01:18 Origins of Business Model Transformation

    02:50 The Four Stages of Business Growth

    04:21 Challenges and Strategies in Business Innovation

    09:27 Case Study: Environmental Fuel Science Company

    10:48 Leveraging Government Incentives

    22:50 The Importance of Customer Feedback

    28:55 Developing a Successful Product Suite

    31:28 The Art of Predicting Sales

    31:45 Challenges in Data Science Adoption

    32:12 The Lean Startup Approach

    32:43 Achieving Product-Market Fit

    34:50 The Valley of Death for Startups

    36:42 Cultural Differences in Business Innovation

    38:56 Founder Passion and Business Transformation

    43:00 Leveraging Data for Business Growth

    46:04 The Role of Technology in Business Reinvention

    52:00 The #CriticalFewActions™ to start Business Model Transformation

    SUBSCRIBE & SHARE

    If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going.

    Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation.

    Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve.

    Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it.

    I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t? The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do. People who have faced these obstacles before and have the real-world experience to guide you and your team forward.

    That’s why I created the CEO Masterclass—a 12-month, Deakin University MBA-accredited program designed exclusively for business owners and CEOs who are serious about transforming their businesses.

    With 30+ years in business, working with hundreds of companies from $1 million to $100+ million turnover across three continents, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges leaders face—and I’ve helped them break through and achieve real results.

    This isn’t another generic leadership course. It’s a highly focused, small-group program where you’ll work alongside your peers, on your business, break through barriers, and implement real-world strategies—not just to solve the problems holding your business back, but to accelerate your growth faster than

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    56 mins
  • Judy Cheung-Wood: The Start-up Revolutionising Acne-treatment in Australia
    Feb 11 2025

    Journey to Clear Skin: Judy Cheung-Wood's Entrepreneurial Story with Skin B5

    In this episode, Judy Cheung-Wood, CEO and founder of Skin B5, shares her journey from town planning to establishing a successful nutraceuticals business. Judy discusses the personal struggles with acne that inspired her to develop Skin B5, the steps she took to launch her company, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to grow her business. She also shares insights on the importance of personal branding, communication, and partnerships. Tune in to hear Judy's inspiring story and entrepreneurial advice.

    00:00 Meet Judy Chung Wood: CEO and Founder of Skin B5

    00:46 Judy's Personal Struggle with Acne

    02:50 The Birth of Skin B5

    03:25 The First Steps: Research and Development

    05:10 The Breakthrough: Finding Vitamin B5

    06:26 From Idea to Business Plan

    08:56 Securing Initial Funding

    11:10 Challenges and Early Successes

    11:30 Skin B5 Today: A Holistic Approach to Acne Treatment

    14:34 Family Reactions and Support

    16:12 Navigating Partnerships and Ownership

    21:05 Building a Sustainable Business Model

    30:14 Expanding the Product Range

    38:05 Keeping the Team Lean and Efficient

    39:01 Outsourcing and Team Dynamics

    42:30 Handling Skepticism in the Market

    46:47 Navigating Clinical Trials and Dermatologist Support

    50:06 Balancing Work and Life as an Entrepreneur

    52:38 The Importance of Communication and Delegation

    59:06 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Celebrating Success

    01:13:11 Future Innovations and Export Market Expansion

    01:15:26 The #CriticalFew Actions™

    #dermatology #femalefounders #SkincareInnovator #WomenInBusiness #PodcastGuest #StartupJourney

    #Skincare #Entrepreneurship #FemaleEntrepreneur #AcneTreatment #StartupJourney

    #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #BusinessGrowth


    This episode is sponsored by the CEO Masterclass.

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • John Downes: How to prioritise those #criticalfewactions with the OPV Diagnostic
    Feb 4 2025

    CFA019 H John Downes: How to prioritise those #criticalfewactions with the OPV Diagnostic

    Unlock Business Success with #CriticalFewActions™: Prioritize What Truly Matters

    Join John Downes in this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast as he unveils the powerful Organisation Performance and Value Diagnostic he's used with successful clients for over a decade. Learn to systematically assess and prioritize key business decisions, focusing on six critical levers: Vision and Strategy, Building Revenue, Delivering Profitability, Supporting People, Asset Returns, and Organisational Learning. Discover how concentrating on a few high-impact actions can transform your business, drive profitability, and align your team towards shared success. Tune in for practical strategies and real-world examples to elevate your organisational performance.

    00:00 Introduction to #CriticalFewActions™

    00:19 Understanding the Organisation Performance and Value Diagnostic

    00:58 The Importance of Prioritizing Key Business Decisions

    02:49 Exploring the Six Levers of Business Performance

    05:39 Implementing the OPV Framework

    06:48 The Role of Detailed Business Assessments

    10:32 Creating a Focused and Deliberate Business Plan

    12:22 Using the OPV in Consulting

    14:23 The #CriticalFewActions™

    #Leadership #BusinessGrowth


    This episode is sponsored by the CEO Masterclass

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    15 mins
  • Jane Kneebone: What to do when your brand is on the front page and reporters are chasing you.
    Jan 28 2025
    Effective Crisis Communications & Brand Management with Jane Kneebone | #CriticalFewActions™

    In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, John Downes interviews Jane Kneebone, a specialist in marketing, public relations, and strategic communications, with over 25 years of experience across Australia, Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific region. Jane shares insights on brand promotion and crisis management, offering case studies including the Optus data breach, a tragic incident with Deloitte in Thailand, and Diabetes Victoria's communication strategy. Jane also discusses successful branding campaigns like Quit’s anti-smoking initiatives and provides practical tips on traditional and social media engagement. Tune in to learn how to navigate and excel in the complex landscape of business communications.


    00:00 Meet Jane Kneebone: Communications Expert

    03:36 Promoting a Brand

    04:36 Crisis Management: Lessons from Optus and Medibank

    09:40 Successful Brand Management Case Studies

    18:09 The Qantas Debacle

    19:10 Importance of Internal Communication

    23:51 Navigating Social Media

    26:41 The #CriticalFewActions™

    34:24 Final Thoughts and Resources


    #CrisisManagement, #CorporateCommunications, #CrisisCommunication, #BrandManagement, #PublicRelations, #MediaRelations

    #MarketingStrategy, #ReputationManagement, #Leadership, #BusinessStrategy


    #CriticalFewActions



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    37 mins
  • Georgie Chapman - Three essential tips to ensure a successful recruitment
    Jan 21 2025
    Georgie Chapman - Three essential tips to ensure a successful recruitment

    In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, John Downes chats with Georgie Chapman, a partner at HR Legal, about the key considerations in the first phase of the HR lifecycle, Recruitment. This addresses essential tips including:

    1. - job advertisements
    2. - interviews
    3. - pre-employment checks
    4. - letter of offer and employment contracts, and
    5. - terminations.

    Go to https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Georgie-Chapman-HRLegal-018/ for the download, contact details, and more information about this exciting business

    Here are her top tips?

    1. Advertise Right: Clearly define what you’re looking for and craft specific, targeted job advertisements to attract the right candidates.

    2. Interview Carefully and Consistently: Ensure a fair process by asking consistent questions and focusing on cultural and skills fit. Avoid unconscious bias and discriminatory practices.

    3. Offer Reasonable, Accurate Contracts: Start the relationship on the right foot with a fair and clear employment offer or contract, setting expectations for both parties.

    Bonus Tip:

    "Get it right from Day 1!" Georgie emphasizes the importance of:

    • A thorough induction process to help new hires settle in.
    • Monthly check-ins during the first six months, treating each as a checkpoint for continued employment.
    • Giving timely feedback—don’t wait until the end of the probation period to address issues.

    As John says, “If you leave it that late, you’re the one who should be fired!”

    Key Points

    00:00 Starting the Recruitment Lifecycle: Job Advertisements

    06:24 Navigating Job Interviews: Dos and Don'ts

    19:52 Handling Pre-Employment Checks and Offers

    31:24 Understanding Modern Award Classifications

    32:39 Drafting Employment Contracts and Letters of Offer

    33:30 Key Terms in Employment Contracts

    35:00 Casual Employment and Conversion

    37:52 Confidentiality, IP, and Restraints of Trade

    45:40 Termination and Notice Periods

    48:10 Small Business Employers and Probation Periods

    53:03 Onboarding and Induction Processes

    55:51 Resources for Small Businesses

    58:42 HR Legal Services and Client Support

    01:00:32 The #CriticalfewActions™ to start your successful journey


    #RecruitmentTips #HRBestPractices #SmallBusinessSuccess #WorkplaceExcellence


    Sponsored by the CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning & Implementation. https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/ceo-masterclass/

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Chris Moore: Sailor's Grave quest to save a dying timber town
    Dec 17 2024

    Click or copy the link below to find out more about my CEOMasterclass that has delivered more than$65 Million in added value to the participants businesses.

    https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/PeterWestlundCEOMC1

    Meet the Founder: Chris Moore - Sailor's Grave Brewery saving a dying timber town, one beer at a time

    Go to EpPageURL for the download, contact details, and more information about this exciting business


    Join us in this episode of the @CriticalFewActions podcast as Chris Moore, co-founder of Sailor's Grave Brewery, shares the journey of starting the brewery in the rural town of Marlowe, Australia. From landscape architecture to running a restaurant, and finally plunging into the beer industry, Chris explains the motivations, challenges, and creative inspirations behind Sailor's Grave. Discover how a passion for community and unique beer flavors drives their business model, the lessons learned from U.S. breweries, and the ambitious plans for future growth despite the obstacles faced along the way.


    00:00 The Beginning of Sailor's Grave

    00:56 From Landscape Architects to Brewers

    02:04 The U.S. Research Trip

    04:01 Building a Business Model

    05:14 Challenges and Growth

    06:44 The Unique Identity of Sailor's Grave

    08:02 Community and Economic Impact

    20:17 Navigating Organizational Challenges

    23:33 Expansion and Future Plans

    29:43 #CriticalFewActions™for CEOs


    #CraftBeerIndustry #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #CommunityImpact #LeadershipLessons #Podcast


    Sponsored by the CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning & Implementation. URL

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    39 mins