
How To Be Moderately Successful.
Building a business is hard. Maintaining healthy relationships with those that you care about is hard. Staying fit and healthy in your body, your mind and your emotions is hard. This podcast is about finding and sharing tools, strategies and experiences that may help you to achieve and maintain moderate success in your life, whatever that means to you. There is a ton of content created by the billionaires, the ultra successful athletes, and by people that are at a level that the vast majority of us will just never get to. And if you're anything like me, you're totally okay with that. This is a place where we talk about how to build a great business, but not necessarily a massive one. A place to talk about how we build a life that is balanced and integrated, but not necessarily optimised to levels that are not realistic for most of us. In short, it's a place where we explore how to be moderately successful. The work will always remain yours, and for the most part, it's simple, but not easy.I sincerely hope it's valuable to you.-MikeIf you want to talk about working with me get in touch on mike@smbmastery.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeadamscott/
Latest episodes

Apr 2, 2025 • 41min
EP39 Navigating Personal Growth as a Business Owner
Send us a textsummaryIn this conversation, Mike Scott and Simon Hareb discuss the creation of the Intentional Leaders Network, a program and community designed for business owners who have experienced success but seek to integrate intentionality into all aspects of their lives. They explore the challenges leaders face, the importance of accountability, and the process of self-discovery that the network facilitates. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the tools that can help leaders achieve personal and professional growth.TakeawaysThe Intentional Leaders Network aims to support business owners in integrating their personal and professional lives.Leaders often struggle with alignment between their values and actions, which the network seeks to address.Intentionality is crucial for sustainable leadership and personal growth.The program includes a pre-work phase to help individuals reflect on their values and goals.Cohorts provide a supportive environment for leaders to share experiences and hold each other accountable.The offsite experience is designed to facilitate deep self-reflection and clarity on personal identity.Participants are encouraged to confront hard truths and commit to their growth journey.The network is specifically for business owners who are ready to invest in their personal development.The process is iterative, allowing for continuous growth and adaptation to changing circumstances.Community and accountability are key components of the network's success.Chapters00:00Introduction to Simon and Context of the Conversation03:11The Intentional Leaders Network: Concept and Purpose06:06Identifying the Target Audience and Their Needs09:10The Importance of Intentionality in Leadership11:58The Process of Self-Discovery and Growth14:55The Offsite Experience: Tools and Techniques17:52Building a Supportive Community for Leaders20:59The Role of Accountability in Personal Growth23:49Defining the Ideal Participant for the Network27:09Final Thoughts and Call to ActionWant to connect with Simon?simon@theintentionalleaders.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simonhareb?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFind out more about working with me. mike@smbmastery.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeadamscott/

Mar 18, 2025 • 16min
EP38 - Why Equal Equity Splits Often Fail, And How to Do It Right
Send us a textIn this conversation, Mike discusses the critical importance of having open and honest discussions about equity distribution among co-founders when starting a business. He emphasises that while many assume a 50-50 split, this often leads to complications later on. Drawing inspiration from the book 'Slicing the Pie', he outlines a structured approach to fairly allocate equity based on contributions such as cash, time, resources, and intellectual property. By tracking these contributions and applying multipliers based on scarcity, co-founders can engage in meaningful discussions about equity that foster trust and transparency, ultimately leading to healthier business relationships.TakeawaysEquity discussions should happen early to avoid complications later.Assuming a 50-50 split can lead to resentment and conflict.Using a structured approach helps in fair equity distribution.Tracking contributions is essential for transparent discussions.Multipliers can reflect the scarcity of contributions.Difficult conversations are necessary for building trust.A Google sheet can simplify tracking contributions.Equity discussions should be based on data, not emotions.Building a high-trust relationship involves open communication.Avoiding difficult conversations can harm future partnerships.Chapters00:00The Importance of Equity Discussions02:11Mechanisms for Fair Equity Distribution06:46Tracking Contributions and Future Discussions11:03Building Trust Through TransparencyHere is the book reference: https://slicingpie.com/book/Find out more about working with me. mike@smbmastery.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeadamscott/

Mar 13, 2025 • 18min
EP37 Dealing with Failure and Financial Loss
Send us a textIn this episode, Mike Scott shares a personal experience of financial loss and explores the concept of reframing failure. He discusses the emotional journey following a significant loss and emphasizes the importance of separating one's identity from failures. By focusing on identity, environment, and habits, Mike provides insights on building resilience and navigating challenges in business and life.TakeawaysReframing failure can lead to personal growth.Experiencing loss can provide clarity on what truly matters.Your identity should not be tied to your financial status.Emotional responses to loss can vary greatly.Building resilience involves intentional changes in identity and environment.Recognizing that loss is a common experience can alleviate feelings of isolation.Creating supportive environments is crucial for personal development.Habits should align with the identity you wish to embody.Failures can be viewed as events rather than defining moments.Gratitude can emerge even in the face of significant loss.Chapters00:00Reframing Failure: A Personal Journey07:02The Impact of Loss on Identity12:54Building Resilience Through Identity and EnvironmentFind out more about working with me. mike@smbmastery.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeadamscott/

Feb 28, 2025 • 40min
EP36 AI - Getting real ROI in your business.
Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Mike and Gaurav Devshamar discuss the practical applications of AI in business, addressing common misconceptions, data privacy concerns, and the accessibility of AI for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). They explore how AI empowers generalists, automates tasks, and aids in knowledge retention, ultimately transforming business operations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapid changes in technology and encourages business leaders to start integrating AI into their strategies.takeawaysAI is a hot topic and is rapidly evolving.Many businesses fear data privacy when considering AI.AI solutions are accessible for small and medium-sized businesses.AI can empower generalists to perform better in their roles.Automation of tedious tasks can save time and resources.Knowledge retention is crucial for business continuity.AI can help reduce key person dependency in organizations.Onboarding processes can be streamlined with AI tools.Businesses need to prepare for the rapid changes AI brings.Starting with AI can provide a competitive advantage.titlesUnlocking AI for Business SuccessDemystifying AI: Practical Insights for SMBsAI Misconceptions: What Every Business Owner Should KnowEmpowering Your Team with AI SolutionsChapters00:00Introduction to AI in Business03:13Misconceptions About AI06:10Addressing Data Privacy Concerns09:09AI Accessibility for SMBs12:14Empowering Generalists with AI14:57Practical AI Applications for Businesses18:02Knowledge Retention and AI20:52Transforming Key Person Dependency24:09AI in Onboarding and Training26:59The Future of AI in Business29:47Conclusion and Call to ActionGet in touch with Gaurav on gaurav@warpdevelopment.com Follow him on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravdevsarmah-763299169/Find out more about working with me. mike@smbmastery.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeadamscott/

Sep 23, 2024 • 56min
EP35 Your 1-Page marketing plan, with Allan Dib
Allan Dib, author of The One Page Marketing Plan and Lean Marketing, shares his expertise in practical marketing strategies. He stresses the importance of aligning sales and marketing while focusing on customer lifetime value. Dib discusses the necessity of a solid lead capture system and the value of nurturing leads over time. He emphasizes generating referrals proactively and the role of integrators in streamlining marketing tasks. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to enhance their marketing effectiveness.

Sep 9, 2024 • 53min
EP34 Building a systems lead business with David Jenyns
David Jenyns, a thought leader in business systemization, shares keen insights on the vital role of structured processes in achieving operational success. He discusses the principles from his book 'Systemology,' emphasizing the difference between systems and processes. The conversation covers how robust systems can reduce reliance on key individuals while balancing creativity and efficiency. Jenyns also addresses overcoming resistance in teams and the importance of having a systems champion to enhance accountability and streamline operations.

Aug 26, 2024 • 25min
EP33 Gaining alignment where it matters
In this engaging conversation, guest Scott, a speaker on vision and frameworks, dives into the critical role of alignment in organizations. He highlights how misalignment can lead to inefficiency and confusion, stressing the need for a unified vision. Scott introduces practical tools like the essential intent, focusing on excelling at one key goal, and the Stockdale Paradox, which encourages facing harsh truths while maintaining hope. The discussion wraps up with insights on constructive conflict and the value of asking for support, not just agreement.

12 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 52min
EP32 Know Your Numbers! With Chris Wheldon.
Chris Wheldon, an accomplished investor and entrepreneur, joins the conversation to emphasize the critical role numbers play in business success. He reveals the must-know financial metrics, like cash flow and profit margins, that every small to mid-sized business owner should master. Chris discusses how data transparency can enhance acquisition processes and stresses the importance of regular financial assessments. He encourages listeners to measure key inputs weekly and take a proactive approach to financial management to ensure long-term sustainability.

6 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 22min
EP31 Negotiation tools that work
In this engaging discussion, negotiation expert Mike shares invaluable tips for mastering the art of negotiation. He emphasizes the significance of leverage to ensure win-win outcomes. Mike introduces the anchoring technique, advocating for starting higher to gain an advantage. He suggests using phrases like 'Is there any flexibility on this?' to foster better terms. Furthermore, he highlights how questioning unreasonable demands with 'How am I supposed to do that?' can shift the dynamics in your favor. Practical advice for both professionals and everyday life!

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Jul 16, 2024 • 29min
EP30 The three hats you wear as a founder
The podcast discusses the three roles entrepreneurs play: shareholder/investor, director, and employee. It emphasizes separating these roles to maximize productivity. Tools like the 70% rule and Eisenhower matrix are introduced to prioritize tasks and delegate efficiently. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to determine the value of their time and focus on high-value activities.
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