Host @Michael Kerr and guest @Elise Heslop talk through how and why Elise transitioned from a 'safe and secure' corporate role to life as an entrepreneur. After taking a family sabbatical in Italy, she founded Ply Room, a values-based furniture business. After she successfully sold Ply Room she's headed back to a new role in Corporate as Head of Marketing for @earlypay. A full circle with lots of challenges overcome, lessons learned, and pivotal moments.

We dig deep into her experiences of being a solo founder and owner of a #smallbusiness;

• The importance of trusting your instincts to the realities of running a small business
• Finding resilience and adaptability
• The highs and lows of business ownership
• The courage it takes to follow your own path
• Elise's family sabbatical in Italy as a pivotal moment in her career
• The realities of small business ownership - loneliness, stress
• Trying to find balance between business and personal life
• Elise shares insights on finding a supportive network
• What it's like to start then sell a business

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Elise Heslop
• 00:03:00 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
• 00:09:00 Founding Ply Room
• 00:15:00 Challenges and Lessons Learned
• 00:21:00 The Importance of Instincts
• 00:27:00 Balancing Business and Personal Life
• 00:33:00 Conclusion and Reflections

@kerrcapital

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

In this compelling episode of "Owner to Owner," host Michael Kerr dives deep with Dr. Craig West, the visionary founder of Succession Plus. Together, they unpick the transformative power of employee ownership programs and their profound impact on business value and succession planning. Discover how and why these strategies not only enhance business resilience but also foster community well-being. Dr. West shares invaluable insights on;

• How employee ownership programs can significantly enhance business value.
• Why early exit planning is crucial for business success.
• How employee share plans help retain key staff and improve business resilience.
• Why understanding business value is so essential for business owners.
• How succession planning benefits both businesses and communities.
• Employee ownership as a strategic exit option.
• Why employee share plans are gaining popularity in Australia

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Employee Ownership
• 00:00:00 Benefits of Employee Share Plans
• 00:00:00 Valuation and Exit Planning
• 00:00:00 Succession Planning in Australia
• 00:00:00 Community Impact and Business Resilience

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

@Gabe Villarreal founder, business buyer and business growth adviser on scaling a liquor business to a million dollars in monthly revenue. We discuss strategies for over coming the practical challenges of scaling and exiting businesses, as well as the merits of 'holding' businesses rather than selling.

He stresses the importance of imperfect action, learning from failures, and having options in business.

Gabe also talks about his experiences in different industries and countries, and the significance of building a business with an exit strategy in mind.

Takeaways

• The importance of imperfect action over waiting for perfection.
• Learning from failures.
• Having options in business is more important than the exit itself.
• Building a business with an exit strategy in mind is essential.
• Cash flow management is critical for business survival.
• Acquiring an established business can be more efficient than starting from scratch.

@michael kerr

@kerr capital

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

@Jacquie Riddell is an experienced #NFP leader and current chair of the @CBAA. The NFP or #ThirdSector is presenting huge challenges to leadership, employees and the many volunteers. Jacquie and host @Michael Kerr talk about;

• Financial sustainability
• Mergers & Acquisitions in the NFP sector
• The impact of overcrowding in the charity sector
• The need for adopting new and better business models and #tech to improve effectiveness
• Governance, collaboration, and the role of philanthropy
• The future of charities
• The phenomenon of 'accidental retirement' (read Jacquie's article on this here https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7334094500333531138/
• How professionals can transition from corporate roles to the not-for-profit sector

Some key takeaways

1. Not-for-profits need reliable cash, not just goodwill.
2. The charity sector is overcrowded with over 60,000 charities in Australia.
3. Passion alone is not enough; capability is essential.
4. Successful charities adopt business models similar to for-profits.
5. Governance is critical for the growth of not-for-profits.
6. Mergers and collaborations can enhance sustainability in the charity sector.
7. Philanthropy is a major opportunity for charities, especially during wealth transfer.
8. Post-COVID challenges include reduced revenue and volunteerism.
9. B Corps represent a growing trend in socially responsible business.

Chapters:

00:00 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society

05:15 Challenges and Opportunities in the Charity Sector

10:08 Adopting Business Models in Not-for-Profits

15:06 Governance and Capability in Charities

20:25 Social Enterprises and Merging Opportunities

25:18 Collaborative Solutions in Community Broadcasting

27:04 The Importance of Sustainable Revenue

28:59 The Rise of B Corporations and Social Responsibility

31:11 Governance and Effective Leadership in Nonprofits

33:22 The Reality of Nonprofit Work and Organizational Capacity

35:36 Funding Challenges and Opportunities for Charities

37:54 Navigating Post-COVID Challenges in the Charity Sector

39:33 Accidental Retirement: A New Perspective on Career Transitions

41:10 Policy Recommendations for the Charity Sector

@kerrcapital

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

@Michael Kerr welcomes @David Brudenell Executive Director from @decidr.ai discuss the challenges and opportunities for Australian SMEs in adopting AI strategies.

They explore the National AI Readiness Index launched by Decidr, the importance of system design, and how AI can transform small businesses. The conversation delves into the potential of AI to provide #SMEs with the equivalent of thousands of employees, the role of agentic platforms, and the need for businesses to adapt to the fast-paced AI landscape.

Takeaways:

• SMEs need a system built for action, not just belief
• Most businesses lack a plan to integrate AI effectively
• AI can provide SMEs with the equivalent of thousands of employees
• System design is crucial for successful AI integration
• AI is a horizontal technology that thrives on context
• Agentic platforms can unshackle businesses from administrative tasks
• AI can transform hospitality by handling bookings and customer service
• SMEs have the most to gain from AI but are at risk of being outpaced
• AI can help businesses scale and become more resilient

@kerrcapital

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

@Michael Kerr speaks with @Vicki Likoudis from True North Buyers Advocates about the opportunities for tenants and buyers in favorable commercial property market cycle. Vicki sees the opportunity being available for another 6-9 months.

They discuss how small business owners can take advantage of this cycle to negotiate a better lease or acquire a commercial property.

It's a tenant's market right now, making negotiation crucial.

Vicki shares her extensive background in small business and her role as a buyer's advocate, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market cycle, negotiation strategies, and the emotional aspects of property acquisition.

They discuss;

• How buying advocacy can help clients navigate property purchases and leases.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by the current market conditions
• The significance of community ownership
• Why Commercial property can be emotional for business owners.
• Government support is needed for small business funding and mental health
• Negotiation strategies can lead to significant savings for tenants

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Commercial Property Opportunities

01:01 Vicki's Background in Small Business

04:51 Understanding the Role of a Buyer's Advocate

08:13 Current Market Cycle for Commercial Property

11:10 Navigating Vacant Commercial Properties

13:59 Exploring Off-Market Opportunities

15:28 Consultative Approach to Property Acquisition

18:29 Benefits of Buying vs. Leasing Commercial Property

20:57 Landlord-Tenant Relationships and Negotiations

22:21 Negotiating Commercial Leases: A Win-Win Approach

25:09 Regional vs. Metro: Understanding Property Dynamics

28:06 Community Ownership: A New Model for Local Businesses

31:03 The Challenges of Community-Driven Business Models

33:33 The Importance of Local Businesses in Regional Economies

37:13 Government Support for Small Businesses: A Call to Action

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

@Michael Kerr welcomes @Stephen Greenwood, Global CEO of @Valloop, and @Hunter Page, Australian Director of Valloop, to discuss the transformative power of employee ownership.

Valloop via its @platform is reshaping the landscape for SMEs, offering innovative solutions for business transitions, and empowering employees to become legitimate buyers.

We talk about;

1. The rise of employee ownership and its impact on SMEs
2. Why employee ownership is becoming a vital consideration for business owners worldwide
3. Valloop's unique platform and its role in facilitating business transitions
4. The benefits of employee ownership for businesses and local communities
5. The rise of employees as business buyers successfully acquire and manage businesses.
6. The need for better and wider education on Employee Ownership

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

@Phil Gregory from @EWaterSystems joins host @Michael Kerr. They discuss Phil's journey from various jobs to creating a sustainable cleaning technology company tackling a global problem from Australia. This is valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and covers;

1. the importance of purpose and profit
2. raising capital and funding growth
3. technology licencing
4. navigating big competitors
5. the importance of exit planning, and
6. the significance of becoming a B Corp.

Takeaways

• How Phil Gregory's diverse career path led him to start eWater Systems.
• The importance of purpose and profit in business.
• How Phil's personal experiences with environmental issues fueled his passion for change.
• Building strong client relationships is crucial for business success.
• Navigating competition from established chemical companies is a significant challenge.
• Having a clear exit strategy can guide business growth and decisions.
• Becoming a B Corp aligns with eWater's mission of sustainability.
• The future of eWater Systems involves expanding awareness and market presence.
• Government regulations can create unnecessary challenges for small businesses.

It's a really informative listen on the what's and how's that have propelled eWater Systems to the forefront of sustainable innovation.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au