EOS for a Better Business, Better Life

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  

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles one of the hardest parts of leadership, dealing with underperforming employees. With honesty and compassion, she explains why avoiding tough conversations only damages trust, culture, and team morale. Debra introduces practical EOS tools like the People Analyser and the SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) model to help leaders give clear, kind, and effective feedback. She explores how to balance courage with compassion, offering coaching and support where improvement is possible, and guiding respectful exits when it’s not. Packed with real-world stories, including how one business boosted performance by 20% after making a difficult staffing change, this episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to strengthen trust, improve culture, and lead with confidence. Because great leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort, it’s about doing what’s right for the business and the people in it. 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 245 Chapters:    00:00 – Introduction00:38 – Handling Persistent Performance Issues in Leadership   02:12 – Reasons for Avoiding Tough Decisions   04:10 – Using the People Analyser Tool   07:51 – Radical Candour and Specific Feedback   09:58 – Changing the Person or the Role   11:46 – Reflecting and Taking Action   14:05 – Final Thoughts and Resources

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor chats with Sarah Thomas, an email marketing automation expert who reveals how smart, personalised emails can outperform social media and transform customer relationships. Sarah shares her journey from managing data systems at Debenhams to helping businesses craft meaningful automations, from welcome sequences to post-purchase follow-ups and re-engagement campaigns. She explains why success isn’t about list size, but about clean data, segmentation, and connection. Listeners will learn how to audit their customer journeys, implement high-performing automations, and focus on metrics that truly drive conversions. With open rates up to 40%, compared to social media’s 3%, Sarah proves that email remains the most powerful tool for turning subscribers into loyal customers. If you’re ready to ditch generic blasts and start building relationships that convert, this episode is your step-by-step guide.    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: ► Sarah Thomas – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-thomas-9417493a/ ► Tierra Marketing Co. Website: https://www.tierramarketingco.com/ ► Free Resources: Media Kit: https://media-kit-sarah-tierra-marketing-co.tiiny.site/ Email Growth Blueprint: https://www.tierramarketingco.com/email-growth-blueprint      Episode 244 Chapters:    00:00 – Introduction and Background   01:36 – Early Career and Email Marketing   04:18 – Challenges and Importance of Data   05:30 – Customer Life Cycle and Email Automation   11:44 – Mapping the Customer Journey   13:24 – A/B Testing and Metrics   32:32 – Case Studies and Real-World Examples   32:57 – Practical Tips and Tools   33:10 – Final Thoughts and Resources 

In this heartfelt episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor welcomes back relationship coach and former therapist Kathy Rushing to explore how entrepreneurs can strengthen their marriages while building successful businesses. Drawing on decades of experience, and her own 45-year marriage to a serial entrepreneur, Kathy shares her powerful CRAVE framework: Communication, Rituals and Rhythms, Appreciation and Affirmation, Vision, and Energy. Together, she and Debra unpack how small, intentional habits can keep relationships strong through the chaos of entrepreneurship. From recognising early warning signs of drifting apart to using tools like the DISC profile and the Weekly Marriage Compass, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help couples stay connected, communicate better, and build shared visions for life and business. Warm, wise, and deeply relatable, it’s a reminder that success at work means little without harmony at home, and that every great business starts with a strong foundation of love and understanding.    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: ► Kathy Rushing – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-rushing/ ► Lodestar Relationship Coaching Website: https://kathyrushing.com/     Episode 243 Chapters:    00:00 – Introduction and Recap of Previous Discussion   01:54 – Kathy Rushing’s Background and the CRAVE Framework   04:50 – The Importance of Communication and Rituals   05:13 – Balancing Business and Marriage   18:44 – Tools and Assessments for Improving Marriage   31:06 – Identifying Early Warning Signs of Drift   32:40 – Strategies for Managing Stress in Marriage   32:57 – Top Tips for Improving Marriage   49:48 – Conclusion and Resources   

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor sits down with Ian Murray, visionary of Murray Insurance and EOS Implementer, to explore how implementing EOS turned his chaotic insurance agency into a thriving, values-driven business. Ian opens up about his early struggles, working nonstop, feeling frustrated with his team, and trying to self-implement EOS before realising the true power of doing it with his people, not to them. With honesty and humour, he shares how EOS tools like the Level 10 Meeting, Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO), and Leadership + Management Accountability (LMA) framework reshaped his leadership and his company’s culture. From the moment a simple book recommendation, Traction, changed his path, to the pivotal “focus day” that led to one leader stepping down (and the business stepping up), Ian’s story is a powerful reminder that clarity and consistency beat chaos every time. Whether you’re self-implementing EOS or considering bringing in an implementer, this episode is packed with real-world lessons about alignment, accountability, and leading with vision.    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: ► Ian Murray – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianasmurray ► Ian Murray – EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/ian-murray ► Murray Insurance Website: https://www.murrayinsurance.ca/    Episode 242 Chapters:    00:00 – Ian Murray’s Journey to EOS Implementation   07:16 – Challenges and Learnings in Implementing EOS   10:29 – The Impact of Vision and Core Focus   16:17 – The Role of the VTO and Accountability Chart   20:45 – The Power of Quarterly Conversations and LMA   45:17 – Ian’s Ideal Client and Final Tips   

In this week’s episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor dives into one of the most common traps for business leaders, taking on too many priorities and finishing none. Drawing on her experience as a certified EOS Implementer, Debra breaks down the power of setting clear, focused quarterly priorities or “rocks.” She explains why most leaders only have about 65 hours per quarter to work on the business, and how spreading that time too thin leads to burnout and stalled progress. Through practical examples and relatable stories, Debra shows how to define true rocks (not boulders), write SMART goals, and block time to make meaningful progress. She also shares how integrating rocks into weekly meetings and scorecards keeps teams aligned and accountable. Whether you’re a visionary constantly chasing new ideas or a leader buried in the day-to-day, this episode will help you refocus on what truly moves the business forward, fewer priorities, done better.   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: ► ROCKS – Why You Don’t Get Them Done  ► How to Think & Build SMART Rocks      Episode 241 Chapters:    00:00 – Episode Introduction and Purpose   01:22 – Understanding the Concept of Rocks   01:38 – Time Management and Prioritisation   05:08 – Defining and Managing Rocks   13:58 – Writing SMART Rocks   14:10 – Practical Tips for Managing Rocks