In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor challenges the annual ritual of New Year’s resolutions and explains why most of them quietly collapse by February.

Debra unpacks the three big illusions that keep entrepreneurs stuck. The belief in a magical fresh start, the short-lived energy of January, and the assumption that wanting change is the same as committing to it. She shares a loving truth many leaders need to hear. You are not lazy or undisciplined, you are overloaded and unsupported by structure.

Rather than chasing motivation, Debra offers a simpler, more sustainable approach. Choosing just two non-negotiable anchors for the year, one personal and one business, and building a consistent weekly rhythm that makes progress unavoidable. She explores how creating friction for old habits, setting firm boundaries, and planning energy into the calendar are essential for real change.

The episode also highlights a crucial but often ignored factor in personal follow-through. Your team. Debra explains why individual willpower is not enough, and how tenacious, accountable teams make long-term change possible.

If you are tired of setting goals you do not keep and ready to build a year that actually sticks, this episode will help you replace resolutions with systems and start the year with clarity, compassion, and traction.

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 253 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:33 – New Year’s Resolutions and Structural Failures

01:54 – Three January Illusions

02:51 – Loving Truths and Overloading

04:49 – The Three-Week Slump

06:40 – Setting Goals and Building Systems

07:13 – Creating Friction and Setting Boundaries

09:04 – Treating Yourself with Compassion

10:19 – The Role of Tenacious Teams

In this holiday episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles a familiar but rarely confronted reality for entrepreneurs: most don’t truly rest over the Christmas break, they simply pause while staying mentally tethered to work.

Debra unpacks the subtle behaviours that sabotage real downtime, from “just checking emails” to quietly solving work problems in your head and explains why these habits prevent genuine recovery. She shares why true rest isn’t indulgent or irresponsible, but essential for clear thinking, strong leadership, and sustainable businesses.

Through her signature lens of fierce clarity and loving truth, Debra outlines five practical steps for a healthy Christmas break, choosing presence, resting without guilt, reflecting lightly, reconnecting with who you are beyond the business, and letting go of martyr behaviour. She also explores why family businesses often struggle at Christmas, and how blurred boundaries can quietly undermine both rest and relationships.

The episode closes with Debra sharing her own plans for switching off properly, offering a grounded reminder that a business strong enough to survive your absence is a sign of leadership done well.

So if you’re heading into the festive season exhausted, distracted, or secretly planning to “just check in,” this episode is your permission slip, and your plan, to truly rest.

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 252 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – Christmas Break Realities for Entrepreneurs

02:32 – The Truth About Entrepreneurs’ Christmas Breaks

04:23 – The Importance of Rest for Entrepreneurs

05:20 – Family Businesses and Christmas

08:50 – Preparing Your Business for a Proper Break

11:26 – Debra’s Personal Christmas Plans

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Kerry Boulton, an experienced exit planner, business coach, and investor, for a candid conversation about what really happens when business owners don’t plan their exit.

Drawing on decades of lived experience, Kerry shares her journey from running a major division in the 1980s to owning, exiting, and reinvesting in multiple businesses. She unpacks a confronting statistic from the Exit Planning Institute: 73% of business owners regret selling their business, largely because they failed to plan both the exit itself and what comes next.

Together, Debra and Kerry explore what it truly means to be exit-ready, from strong financials, systems, and succession planning, to reducing owner dependency and thinking deeply about purpose beyond the business. The conversation also dives into family business succession, the emotional realities of exiting, and why starting at least three years early can make all the difference.

This episode is a powerful reminder that exiting a business isn’t a single transaction, it’s a transition. And done well, it can set you up not just for financial security, but for a meaningful and intentional next chapter of life.

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/

___________________________________________

GUESTS DETAILS:

► Kerry Boulton – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessvaluebuildermelbourne/

► Get Her Complimentary Valuation Assessment: https://theexitstrategygroup.com.au/value-builder-questionnaire/

► Get Her Book, The Uncensored Truth about Exit Strategies: https://freeexitstrategybook.com.au/

Episode 251 Chapters:  

0:00 – Kerry’s Introduction and Background in Exit Planning

2:29 – The Journey to Business Ownership and Initial Challenges

7:33 – Implementing TQM and Attracting International Buyers

11:25 – The Importance of Exit Planning for Baby Boomers

14:35 – The Impact of Not Having an Exit Strategy

19:53 – Financial Considerations and the Role of Professionals

25:38 – Family Business Succession Planning

32:58 – The Importance of Systems and Financial Health

36:48 – The Role of Earn-Outs and Private Equity

40:22 – Top Tips for Exit Planning

In this week’s Better Business, Better Life podcast, Debra Chantry-Taylor delves into the costly consequences of half-committing to EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), revealing how partial implementation leads to confusion, trust issues, and stunted growth. Through real-life examples and stories, Debra stresses the importance of committing fully to EOS, including consistently running Level 10 meetings, maintaining accurate scorecards, and setting realistic rocks (priorities).

Debra also highlights the essential leadership practices required for success with EOS, such as clear direction, accountability, and the LMA (Lead, Manage, Accountability) tools, which provide structure and ensure the right people are in the right seats. The episode provides actionable insights for business leaders to get back on track and achieve transformation by embracing EOS tools and practices with dedication and consistency.

If you’re struggling with half-implementing EOS or facing bottlenecks in your business, this episode is a must-listen. It’s time to break free from the chaos and make the full commitment to EOS for your company’s success.

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/
___________________________________________

Free Resources:
Organisational Checkup: https://bbbl.pub/OrgCheckUp

Episode 250 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction
00:41 – Commitment to EOS and Leadership Practices

01:43 – The Great Business Lie and Half-Using EOS

04:50 – Costs of Half-Using EOS

06:26 – The Role of LMA in EOS

08:40 – Full Commitment to EOS

12:19 – Steps to Get Back on Track with EOS

14:57 – Conclusion and Call to Action

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Owen Garrity, founder and lead creative of FPW Media, to explore his remarkable journey from professional photographer to leading a 50-person full-service agency, all without external investment.

Owen shares the pivotal lessons he’s learned along the way, from paying four months’ rent upfront just to secure his first space, to scaling through grit, creativity, and an unshakable belief in saying “yes” to opportunity. He opens up about the challenges of delegation, the balance between control and trust, and the importance of celebrating wins, even when growth feels relentless.

Together, Debra and Owen dive into the core principles that have shaped FPW Media’s success: client-centricity, a commitment to team culture, and the courage to follow intuition. Owen also gives a glimpse into his next chapter, expanding into AI-driven services, new industries, and strategic acquisitions, while maintaining the same passion and purpose that started it all.

This episode is an inspiring listen for entrepreneurs who believe in building something extraordinary from the ground up, one bold decision at a time.

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/
___________________________________________

GUESTS DETAILS:

►Owen Garrity – LinkedIn

►Owen Garrity – Website

Episode 249 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:43 – Owen Garrity’s Journey and Philosophy

04:31 – Building FPW Media from Scratch

08:50 – Lessons Learned in Leadership

17:30 – Growth and Client-Centric Approach

31:02 – Building Trust and Team Dynamics

35:27 – Future Plans and Personal Life

39:07 – Advice for Entrepreneurs

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor welcomes back Scott Rusnak, EOS Implementer, author and cyclist, for an inspiring conversation on designing a life that truly aligns with your values.

Drawing from his new book, Who is the Architect of Your Own Life, Scott shares practical exercises to help you achieve clarity, purpose and balance. He uses his signature analogy of juggling life’s “balls” such as business, family, health and faith to illustrate how to prioritise what matters most without dropping the ones that cannot bounce back.

Together, Debra and Scott explore how EOS tools and strong core values can guide your business decisions and also support your personal growth. They discuss the importance of planning intentional time with loved ones, maintaining daily health habits and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

With plenty of warmth and wisdom, this episode is a reminder that true success is not just about business wins. It is about living deliberately, loving fully and designing your life on purpose.

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/ ___________________________________________

GUESTS DETAILS:

►Scott Rusnak – LinkedIn

►Scott Rusnak – Website

Episode 248 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – EOS Life and Importance of People

05:45 – Scott Rusnak’s Journey and Insights

07:05 – Balancing Business and Personal Life

11:04 – EOS Implementation and Core Values

18:02 – Core Values and Business Success

29:04 – Planning and Clarity Breaks

32:15 – Scott’s Book and Personal Stories

39:28 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor dives deep into the Issues Solving Track (IDS), a core component of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). She explains how spending 80-85% of your problem-solving time on identifying the right issue can lead to better solutions, faster results, and a more efficient team.

She walks you through the three-step IDS process: Identify, Discuss, and Solve, emphasising the power of asking the right clarifying questions, like the Five Whys, to uncover root causes. She also introduces the concept of the Issue Champion, the person who drives the issue-solving process forward, ensuring the issue gets the attention it needs.

Debra also shares real-world examples and practical tips for using IDS effectively, so you can tackle your business problems like a pro. If you're struggling with recurring issues in your business, this episode will help you break them down and come up with actionable solutions.

Tune in to learn how mastering IDS can lead to more sustainable business growth and smoother team dynamics!

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/
___________________________________________        
FREE RESOURCES:
IDS - Getting Clear on the Issue: https://bbbl.pub/IDS

Episode 247 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:36 – Understanding the Issues Solving Track (IDS)

03:49 – The Importance of Proper Identification

05:30 – The Role of the Issue Champion

06:15 – Clarifying Questions in the Identify Step

09:16 – The Discuss and Solve Steps

12:16 – The Five Whys Technique

13:48 – Real-World Examples of IDS in Action

15:14 – Recap and Challenge

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Beth Fahey, a former filmmaker turned bakery owner who grew her business from two to 32 employees before discovering the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

Beth shares how tools like the Accountability Chart and Level 10 Meetings transformed her team’s communication, culture, and focus, and how she now helps other business leaders achieve the same results as a professional EOS Implementer. Together, she and Debra explore what it really takes to create strong leadership, foster accountability, and maintain alignment as a company scales.

They also chat about Beth’s upcoming book on EOS rollout, her inspiring podcast Bad Boss Confessional, and the importance of self-care and vulnerability in leadership.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your EOS journey, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical tools to help you lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.

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 DETAILS:

► Beth Fahey – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethfahey/

► Beth Fahey – Website: https://www.bethfahey.com/

► Beth Fahey – EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/beth-fahey/

► Bad Boss Confessional Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/07WsPdrtQt3h69PPdL2GXB?si=9980d86bf5c94556

Episode 246 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

01:08 – Leadership and Accountability in Business

30:05 – Beth’s Career Journey and EOS Implementation

30:16 – The Impact of the Traction Book and EOS Implementation

30:36 – Level 10 Meetings and Team Engagement

32:08 – Rolling Out EOS and Overcoming Resistance

32:21 – The Role of Leadership Teams and Operational Teams

37:40 – Financial Transparency and Team Engagement

43:36 – The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders

44:44 – Beth’s Podcast: Bad Boss Confessional

49:39 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information