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

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor breaks down why so many leadership teams keep setting priorities that never quite land.

Drawing on hundreds of leadership sessions, Debra explains that priorities usually fail not because teams are lazy or uncommitted, but because the system is working against them. Too many priorities, vague outcomes, “forever” initiatives, and reliance on external factors quietly erode confidence, trust, and momentum.

Debra unpacks what strong teams do differently. They limit priorities to three to seven clear, finishable goals per quarter. They write SMART priorities, protect focus time, assume interruptions will happen, and use weekly check-ins to realign rather than panic. She also tackles common leadership traps like founders changing direction mid-quarter, teams chasing perfection instead of progress, and the hidden cost of never finishing anything.

This episode is a practical reset for leadership teams who want fewer priorities, cleaner execution, and the confidence that comes from actually finishing what they start.

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/

Episode 258 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:35 – Why Priorities Fail in Businesses

01:36 – Patterns of Priority Failure

02:39 – Clarity and Prioritisation

03:47 – Strategies for Effective Prioritisation

04:54 – Handling Forever Priorities and External Dependencies

07:32 – Managing Interruptions and Trade-offs

09:31 – Audience Questions and Answers

15:25 – Weekly Meetings and Balancing Flexibility with Accountability

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by David Hori, a business acquisition specialist who has led and supported multiple successful exits, including a sale to Toyota.

David unpacks why exit planning is not a future event but a leadership discipline that needs to start early. He explains how strong teams, clear processes, and transparency create real business value and allow a business to operate without its founder at the centre. Drawing on his experience across VC-funded startups, acquisitions, and exits, David shares practical insights into building businesses that are genuinely exit-ready.

The conversation explores the role of EOS in reducing owner dependency, the importance of involving the leadership team in exit conversations, and why understanding valuation drivers early gives owners more choice and control. David also shares details of his upcoming webinar series designed to help business owners navigate exit planning with clarity and confidence.

This episode is essential listening for founders who want optionality, continuity, and a business that can thrive beyond them.

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:

► David Hori – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdavidhori/

►Topline Operators – Website: https://www.toplineops.com/

Episode 257 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:47 – Introduction and Overview of Business Outcomes

01:23 – David Hori’s Background and Expertise

02:39 – David’s Journey from Law Firm to VC-Funded Startups

05:28 – The Importance of Processes and Systems in Scaling

07:15 – Scaling and the Theory of Constraints

08:09 – Factors Influencing VC-Funded Business Success

10:16 – The Role of Transparency and Team in Exit Planning

14:11 – David’s Experience with the Toyota Exit

16:21 – Key Considerations for Business Owners Planning an Exit

26:16 – David’s Tips for Business Owners Considering an Exit

33:54 – David’s Upcoming Webinar on Exit Planning

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Ryan Hogan, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Talent Harbour, shares his incredible journey from bankruptcy to scaling a business to $55 million using EOS and other tools. Ryan discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, including the crucial role of communication, accountability, and structure in scaling a business.

Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey spans various ventures, from a murder mystery company to Hunt a Killer, where he pivoted to subscription boxes and landed major retailers like Target and Walmart. He attributes much of his success to implementing EOS, joining peer groups like Vistage and EO, and surrounding himself with brilliant problem-solvers.

He offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs, including the importance of having an operating system, seeking business coaching, and investing in peer support. Ryan’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, learning from failure, and the strategic approach needed to grow a business.

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/

___________________________________________

RYAN'S DETAILS:

►Ryan Hogan – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/

►Talent Harbor – Website: https://talentharbor.com/

Episode 256 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:42 – Entrepreneurship and Communication Challenges

02:39 – Ryan Hogan’s Entrepreneurial Journey

04:10 – Transition to Hunt a Killer

45:25 – The Role of EOS in Business Success

45:38 – Talent Harbour and Future Plans

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor unpacks why January so often feels harder than it should for entrepreneurs and leadership teams, and why losing momentum early in the year is far more common than most people admit.

Debra challenges the idea that momentum is about speed, explaining instead that it is built through direction and consistency. She explores the five key reasons January momentum collapses, including unrealistic expectations, goals built on optimism rather than truth, avoiding last year’s unresolved issues, mismatched team energy, and the habit of trying to do everything yourself.

Drawing on real client stories and lived experience, Debra reframes January as a warm up month rather than a sprint. She encourages leaders to start with honest conversations, prioritise fewer meaningful actions, reset team rhythms, and address family business tensions that often surface over the holidays.

This episode is a grounded reminder that momentum is not created through hype or hustle. It comes from clarity, honesty, and giving yourself permission to rebuild at a sustainable pace. If January has already felt heavy or disappointing, this conversation will help you reset without guilt and move forward with confidence.

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/

Episode 255 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:34 – January’s Emotional and Productivity Challenges

02:56 – Biological and Emotional Factors Affecting January Productivity

04:05 – Common Pitfalls and Real Examples of January Madness

08:59 – Rebuilding Momentum with Real Solutions

11:11 – Practical Tips for Maintaining Momentum

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Justine Parsons, founder of Your VA and The Lever, to explore the pivotal shift from managing a business to truly leading one. Justine shares her 27-year journey of building a virtual assistant business from the ground up, growing a team of more than 50 people, and eventually realising that success should not mean constant reactivity, exhaustion, or being needed for every decision. Together, Debra and Justine unpack the moment many founders face where the business works, but the role they are playing no longer does. The conversation dives into the emotional and practical challenges of stepping out of day to day management, trusting others to lead, and redefining what success looks like beyond revenue and growth. Justine reflects the importance of external support, mentorship, and frameworks like EOS in helping her create clarity, build a strong leadership team, and put the right people in the right seats. This episode is a powerful reminder that businesses are meant to serve their owners, not consume them. If you are feeling stuck in the weeds, questioning your role, or sensing it is time to move from managing to leading, this conversation will help you see what is possible on the other side. 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/ ___________________________________________ JUSTINE'S DETAILS: ►Justine Parsons – LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/justineparsons ►The Lever – Website: https://thelever.co.nz/ Episode 254 Chapters:   00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – Transitioning from Manager to Leader 03:24 – Challenges and Solutions with EOS 05:32 – Personal Success and Business Balance 08:43 – The Role of Leadership and Management 18:45 – Building a Strong Leadership Team 47:38 – The Journey to Becoming a Leader 48:03 – The Impact of EOS on Business Growth 48:32 – The Role of External Support in Business Success 50:54 – The Importance of Trust and Accountability 51:08 – The Journey to Personal and Business Freedom