In this episode, I am joined by Tony Falkenstein who will be sharing his experiences with the Topic of ‘Managing the People Issues’.

Tony was born in Auckland, and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland. He is a also serial entrepreneur, who has started over 50 companies.

In 2003, Tony established New Zealand’s first Business High School, at Onehunga High School, with a view to include ‘business and entrepreneurship’ as a subject in the National Curriculum.

In 2011 this goal was attained, and he has assisted the Ministry of Education with establishing Business High Schools throughout the country.

In 2008, he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

In 2010, he was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to business.

In 2011, Tony received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Auckland. In 2012, he received the World Class New Zealand Award for ‘New Thinking’.

Tony has been married to Heather for 39 years, and has one daughter.

In this episode we learn from Tony:

• Why he says if he was able to go back in time he probably wouldn't choose to be an Entrepreneur again
• How he took on swatch watches as his first business - with huge initial success & then spectacular failure
• Why sometimes you have to let people go - how to do it easily & fairly.

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Keith Gillispie, co-founder of REI Automated, who shares his powerful journey from serving in the Marine Corps to building a multi-state real estate empire.

Keith opens up about the discipline and systems mindset he developed in the military, and how that foundation shaped his approach to business. From investing in 34 states to raising over 10 million dollars and helping more than 400 students pursue financial freedom, Keith credits much of his success to one thing: simple, clear, documented systems.

The conversation explores the critical role of Standard Operating Procedures in scaling a business, why clarity beats complexity, and how strong systems create both freedom and resilience. He also shares the reality of overcoming significant personal debt, the pressure of entrepreneurship, and how coaching and accountability helped him turn things around.

This episode is a practical and inspiring look at how structure, principles, and leadership discipline can transform both business and life.

Keith also generously offers his real estate courses free to podcast listeners, making this an episode packed with both insight and opportunity.

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

►Connect with Debra: ⁠debra@businessaction.com.au ⁠
►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/
►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/
___________________________________________       

GUEST’s DETAILS:

► LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-gillispie/

► Website: www.reiautomated.io    

Episode 260 Chapters:  

00:00 – Keith Gillispie’s Journey from Marine Corps to Real Estate Empire

06:24 – Transition to Real Estate and Building Systems

12:17 – The Role of Systems in Personal and Business Life

24:23 – Challenges and Successes in Business Growth

29:32 – Implementing EOS and Principle-Based Decision Making

47:41 – Keith’s Free Real Estate Courses for Listeners

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Marisa Smith, EOS Implementer and co-author of the new book Rollout, to explore The Psychology Behind Successful EOS Adoption.

While many leadership teams implement EOS tools, far fewer successfully embed them across the entire organisation. Marisa shares her journey from software entrepreneur to EOS Worldwide marketing director and now implementer, revealing why self-implementation often stalls and why context, patience, and repetition are essential for lasting traction.

Together, Debra and Marisa unpack the four-phase rollout roadmap: prepare, launch, integrate, and sustain. They discuss why the accountability chart and Vision-Traction Organizer are foundational, how leaders must master the tools before teaching them, and why change management is more psychological than procedural. The conversation also dives into the neuroscience of change, the importance of repetition, and the leadership discipline required to reach 100% strong.

If you have ever wondered why EOS works brilliantly in some organisations and fizzles in others, this episode explains the human side behind successful adoption.

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

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au
►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/
►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/
___________________________________________       
► Marisa Smith – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisabsmith/  
► Website: https://www.marisa-smith.com/

Episode 259 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

02:02 – Marisa’s Entrepreneurial Journey

04:59 – Transition to EOS and Becoming an Implementer

07:19 – Challenges and Benefits of Rolling Out EOS

10:58 – The Importance of Context and Preparation

12:26 – Practical Tools and Tips for Rollout

12:43 – The Role of an Implementer

16:20 – The Psychology of EOS

25:17 – The Journey to 100% Strong

32:22 – Final Thoughts and Resources