• A Slice of France on Mt Tamborine: Meet Jerome Favier, the Master Baker of Franquette
    Sep 3 2024

    A Slice of France on Mt Tamborine: Meet Jerome Favier, the Master Baker of Franquette

    In this episode of the Most Intelligent Selection podcast, we have Jerome Favier, known as JJ, the founder and owner of Franquette on Mount Tambourine. JJ, originally from France, shares his journey from studying business to becoming a master baker. He recounts his experiences in France and Switzerland, how he ended up in Australia, and the challenges he faced when starting his boulangerie, especially after a devastating tornado. JJ discusses the inspirations behind his bakery, the importance of quality and consistency, and his vision for the future. He also highlights the significance of creating a happy work environment for his staff and the personal sacrifices he made to keep the business afloat. The episode offers insightful anecdotes, JJ's dedication to craftsmanship, and his drive to build a successful, French-inspired bakery that is well-loved by many.

    01:20 JJ's Journey to Australia

    02:35 Becoming a Baker

    05:06 Working in Switzerland

    07:13 Returning to Australia and Starting Franquette

    14:54 Challenges of Running a Bakery

    21:19 Reflecting on Hard Work and Loyalty

    21:58 The Challenge of Innovation in Business

    23:07 Maintaining Quality and Staff Happiness

    24:33 Family Influence and Craftsmanship

    29:22 Future Plans and Business Expansion

    32:30 Favorite Items and Memorable Moments

    36:16 The Meaning Behind Franquette

    38:20 Customer Appreciation and Final Thoughts

    Visit the Franquette Instagram here. Then, Fast for a little before visiting Franquette for real and making a pig of yourself.

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    40 mins
  • Same Same but Different - The Origin Story of Same Same Water
    Sep 2 2024

    Same Same but Different - The Origin Story of Same Same Water

    I feel cooler just by association.

    In this episode of the Most Intelligent Selection podcast, Charlie and Ava discuss the journey of founding Same Same Water, an Australian sustainable water brand. Charlie shares the transition from his family's milk distribution business to water, the challenges they faced, and the marketing strategies they employ. Ava talks about the creative approaches in marketing and content creation for the brand, including collaborations and community involvement. They delve into the importance of sustainability, the dynamics of their partnership, and their ambitious plans for the future.

    00:28 The Origin Story of Same Same Water

    01:29 Marketing and Sustainability Challenges

    03:54 Business Strategies and Social Media

    10:39 Creative Collaborations and Community Building

    15:10 Personal Challenges and Growth

    22:57 Organic Growth on Instagram

    23:27 Design Inspiration and Brand Identity

    24:12 Simplicity in Product and Pricing

    24:55 Trade Show Insights and Market Position

    25:52 Aluminium Bottles and Sustainability

    26:52 Challenges and Future of the Water Industry

    30:25 Building a Lifestyle Brand

    31:58 Entrepreneurial Advice and Personal Stories

    39:05 Future Products and Final Thoughts

    https://samesame.au/

    https://www.instagram.com/samesamesupply/

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    41 mins
  • The Journey of Inforum Education: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Success
    Jun 11 2024

    The Journey of Inforum Education: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Success

    In this episode of the Most Intelligent Selection podcast, we speak with Simon, the managing director and CEO of Inforum Education located in Southport on the Gold Coast. Simon shares his inspiring journey from being a primary school teacher to founding Inforum Education. The discussion covers the challenges faced in establishing and sustaining the school, particularly during the early years and the COVID-19 pandemic. Simon highlights the importance of core values, innovation, and resilience in overcoming these obstacles. He also shares success stories of students whose lives have been transformed by their experiences at Inforum. Emphasizing the significance of finding joy and purpose in one's work, Simon provides valuable insights into the realities of running an educational institution.

    00:42 Early Life and Teaching Journey

    04:30 Starting Inforum Education

    06:33 Challenges and Overcoming Them

    08:51 Impact of COVID-19

    10:34 Current Industry Challenges

    13:15 Success Stories and Achievements

    16:24 Future Goals and Reflections

    25:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    29:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Visit the Inforum website here.

    Visit the Inforum Instagram page here.

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    30 mins
  • Entrepreneurship, Smiles, and Immigration: Marcius Bispo's Journey
    Jun 5 2024

    Exploring Smiles, Business, and Resilience: A Conversation with Marcius Bispo

    In this episode of the Most Intelligent Selection podcast, the host interviews Marcius Bispo, an entrepreneur from Brazil with a unique enthusiasm for smiles and a deep interest in immigration and business. Marcius, who moved to Australia six years ago, shares his journey of founding a FinTech company called SmilePass and his involvement in a dental practice membership program, SmilePass. He highlights the importance of oral health and making dental care affordable. Additionally, Marcius discusses his passion for helping immigrant entrepreneurs through the Immigrant Business Council, underscoring the significance of networking, resilience, and seizing new opportunities. The episode encapsulates his insights on the challenges and successes of his entrepreneurial ventures and his vision for the future of business in a rapidly changing world.

    00:00 Introduction to Season Two
    00:52 Introducing Marcius Bispo
    02:02 Marcius' Journey to Australia
    02:32 The Importance of Oral Health
    05:37 SmilePass and Dental Memberships
    09:05 Entrepreneurship and Immigrant Challenges
    11:59 The Immigrant Business Council
    13:53 Biggest Challenges and Successes
    17:27 Networking and Inspiration
    19:55 Personal Reflections and Advice
    22:42 Favourite Spots and Final Thoughts

    Check out what Marcius is building at https://ibcaustralia.org/

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    24 mins
  • Building Success: Conversations with Fabricio Chavez, (soon to be) Entrepreneur Extraordinaire
    May 16 2024

    Building Success: Conversations with Fabricio Chavez, (soon to be) Entrepreneur Extraordinaire

    In this episode of the Most Intelligent Selection podcast, join the insightful conversation with Fabricio Chavez, a multifaceted entrepreneur and entertainer with a compelling background. Featuring discussions on his entrepreneurial journey, his Brazilian roots, and the challenges and triumphs that shaped his path, this episode offers listeners a blend of motivation and practical advice. Fabricio shares intimate stories from his early inspirations to his endeavors in Australia, highlighting his ambitions for six streams of income, his love for family, and the importance of confidence and perseverance. Get inspired by Fabricio's story and learn how to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and build a legacy of success.

    00:00 Introduction to Season Two

    00:16 Meet Fabricio Chavez

    01:56 Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Beginnings

    09:52 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

    12:29 Future Goals and Business Ventures

    20:37 Secrets to Being a Fantastic Dad

    20:49 Balancing Family Time and Entrepreneurship

    22:20 The Importance of Honesty and Leading by Example

    23:00 Overcoming Language Barriers in Business

    27:15 Building Confidence and Embracing Differences

    30:48 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    33:26 Reflecting on Childhood and Personal Growth

    34:39 Favorite Spots and Activities on the Gold Coast

    36:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Get in touch with Fabricio at LinkedIn here.

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    39 mins
  • Exploring Gut Health and Entrepreneurship with Steve Collins of MyWayUp
    May 3 2024

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Collins, the visionary founder and owner of MyWayUp, a pioneering company in the realm of gut health supplements. Steve shared his journey of entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind MyWayUp, and valuable insights into the importance of gut health.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. The Genesis of MyWayUp: Steve recounted his personal health struggles and how they led him to delve into the world of gut health. Motivated by his own experiences, he embarked on a mission to develop supplements that truly make a difference.
    2. The Gut-Health Connection: Steve shed light on the intricate relationship between gut health and well-being. He emphasized how a healthy gut can positively impact mood, cognition, and overall quality of life.
    3. The Science Behind MyWayUp: With a background in medicine, Steve discussed the scientific principles underpinning MyWayUp's formulations. He highlighted the importance of evidence-based ingredients and rigorous testing in product development.
    4. Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: From navigating regulatory hurdles to building a brand presence, Steve shared the challenges and triumphs of building MyWayUp from the ground up. His entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance and passion.
    5. Empowering Consumers: MyWayUp isn't just about selling supplements; it's about empowering consumers to take control of their health. Steve emphasized the importance of education and transparency in fostering trust with customers.
    6. Future Innovations: Looking ahead, Steve discussed MyWayUp's plans for future growth and innovation. Whether it's exploring new formulations or expanding into new markets, the company remains committed to advancing gut health research.


    Tune in to gain valuable insights into gut health, entrepreneurship, and the journey of building a health-focused brand with Steve Collins of MyWayUp. Whether you're a health enthusiast, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the gut-brain connection, this episode offers something for everyone.


    Get in touch with MyWayUp, and see how you could improve your life by improving your gut health.

    Steve Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamstevecollins/

    Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemywayup/

    My Way Up Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywayupofficial/

    My Way Up LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-way-up/

    My Way Up website: mywayup.com

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • "Empowerment Through Fitness: Dean Siveter’s Approach to Women’s Health"
    Dec 5 2023

    In this episode, we have Dean Siveter, a female weight loss specialist and personal trainer. Originating from London and recently moved to Gold Coast, Australia, Dean shares his journey on how his love for fitness eventually turned into a career and his desire to help others achieve a positive body image and mental health. Dean dives into the challenges of being a male trainer in a female-dominant industry and shares experiences about his move from England to Australia. This episode provides a candid perspective of the life of a personal trainer, fitness tips for people in various life stages and the key factors of maintaining an active lifestyle.

    The Journey to become a Female Weight Loss Specialist

    Dean's Introduction

    The move from London to Melbourne

    The decision to move from Melbourne to Gold Coast

    Dean's Focus: Women's Weight Loss

    The challenges of being a male trainer in a female-dominant industry

    Tips for people looking to make positive fitness changes

    Visit Dean's website here by clicking here.

    Visit Dean's Instagram by clicking here.

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    34 mins
  • The High Stakes of Kiwifruit Farming, A Near-Disaster Skydiving Experience, and The Inspiration Behind the Positivity and more with serial entrepreneur Madson Nonato
    Nov 28 2023

    There are few things as powerful as human resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance. These are qualities that shine brightly in the story of Madson Nonato, a business owner, horticulturalist, agronomist, skydiving enthusiast, and past English student of mine. In this blog, we delve into his captivating journey from being an English language student with humble beginnings to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur.

    Conquering Multilingual Barriers

    Madson's journey began in Brazil, with a burning desire to venture beyond the confines of his home ground. As we track his path, it becomes evident that one of the significant hurdles he encountered was the English language. Attaining proficiency in the language was challenging, but Madson persevered, and as he put it, "You get scared sometimes, but you have to be brave". His hardship paid off as he not only mastered English but also leveraged it to his advantage in various situations, showcasing his unwavering resilience.

    The Thrill of Entrepreneurship

    Madson’s chronicle takes a fascinating turn when he ventures into the world of entrepreneurship. He begun by setting up a gardening business while studying in Australia, then went on to launch a successful business hiring workers for kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand, managing up to 40 employees at its peak. However, life wasn’t always smooth sailing for Madson. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, his thriving business ceased, and he had to start afresh.

    The Rollercoaster Ride of Starting Over

    Starting anew demands grit and an optimistic attitude. Madson shared how he bounced back from losing his business, worked various jobs, continued developing his skills, and then ventured back into entrepreneurship. His positive mindset and adaptability became his driving forces, encouraging him to continuously learn, adapt, and not be afraid to make mistakes.

    Successes, Challenges, and Overcoming Fear

    Among his significant achievements, Madson counts attaining his New Zealand residency as a top victory. It was a milestone that marked the realization of his dreams and reinforced the idea that hard work eventually pays off.

    His passion for skydiving epitomizes his approach to challenges and fear. He perceives skydiving as a metaphor for life – requiring preparedness, responsiveness, and courage. Similarly, Madson tackles challenges head-on, gathers invaluable lessons from his experiences, and stays undeterred by failure.

    Conclusion

    Madson Nonato's story is truly inspiring. His journey reflects the exciting twists and turns that come with chasing dreams across borders, the thrill and challenges of entrepreneurship, the unwavering spirit of resilience, and the audacity to overcome fears. His story resonates with the essence of continuous learning and growth. Pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and having an optimistic outlook, Madson serves as an excellent inspiration for all aspiring entrepreneurs.

    02:50 The Intricacies of Kiwifruit Farming
    05:12 The High Stakes of Kiwifruit Farming
    06:42 The Business Side of Kiwifruit Farming
    10:47 Madsen's Career Journey: From Brazil to New Zealand
    13:13 The Impact of COVID-19 on Madsen's Business
    15:54 Madsen's Return to Australia and New Beginnings
    23:49 Overcoming Challenges and the Power of Optimism
    39:18 The Thrill and Lessons from Skydiving
    42:06 The Risks and Challenges of Skydiving
    42:51 A Near-Disaster Skydiving Experience
    44:36 The Decision to Continue Skydiving
    46:03 The Thrill of Pushing the Limits
    47:28 Reflecting on Personal Successes
    51:09 The Impact of Gardening Legends
    56:15 The Inspiration Behind the Positivity
    01:04:32 The Impact of Family and Overcoming Fears
    01:09:17 The Love for the Gold Coast Lifestyle

    Visit Madson and the Gardening Legends Facebook, here.

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    1 hr and 14 mins