EOS for a Better Business, Better Life

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor breaks down why EOS Rocks are a better fit than OKRs for entrepreneurial and fast-growing businesses. She discusses how OKRs often lead to confusion, scattered focus, and poor follow-through while EOS Rocks bring clarity, accountability, and weekly progress. With practical tips on setting quarterly priorities, assigning clear ownership, and using tools like the Accountability Chart, Scorecard, and Level 10 Meetings, Debra shows how to build a simple, effective execution system that actually works. If you're feeling stretched too thin by endless objectives, this episode will show you how to simplify, refocus, and gain real traction.  CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________          Chapters:   00:26 - Introduction to EOS Rocks vs. OKRs   01:07 - Defining OKRs and EOS Rocks   01:58 - Challenges with OKRs in Entrepreneurial Businesses 03:19 - The Power of EOS Rocks and Accountability  05:35 - Real-Life Examples of EOS Rocks in Action  07:08 - Conclusion and Call to Action   

Welcome back to another episode of Better Business, Better Life. Host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined once again by family business expert, Sara B. Stern to tackle one of the most critical and often avoided topics of family businesses: succession planning. On this second part of the family business special, they discuss why successful transitions take time (often up to eight years), how to start the conversation early, and why clearly separating family, ownership, and business roles is key. Sara also shares practical tools like EOS and the Three-Circle Model to help families define legacy, align on goals, and make confident decisions about the future. If you're thinking about handing over the reins or just want to set your business up for long-term success, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life insights. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST’S DETAIL: ► Website Link  ► Grab a copy of Start Here: A Guide for Family Business Succession and  ► Grab a copy of Married to the Family Business ► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn  Chapters:   00:32 - Introduction 02:15 - Sara B. Stern's Background and Expertise   04:23 - Challenges in Family Business Succession Planning 07:25 - Importance of Defining Legacy and Ownership Philosophy   09:29 - Operating the Business Professionally   21:38 - Addressing Conflicts and Seeking Professional Help 22:24 - Real-Life Examples and Practical Advice   26:12 - Final Tips and Tools for Succession Planning   31:55 - Conclusion and Future Plans   

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Sara B. Stern, an EOS implementer and family business expert, for part one of a powerful two-part series on navigating the complex intersection of family dynamics and business strategy. Together, they explore the Harvard three-circle family business model and how to apply EOS tools to create clarity, define roles, and manage conflict in family-run businesses. Sara shares practical insights on fairness across family, business, and ownership circles, the importance of clearly defined roles like Visionary and Integrator, and why conflict can be healthy if handled in the right context. If you're navigating blurred roles, tension, or unclear expectations on leading a multi-generational company or just beginning succession planning, this episode offers essential tools for building a stronger business and healthier family relationships. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST’S DETAIL: ► Website Link  ► Grab a Copy of Start Here: A Guide for Family Business Succession and Married to the Family Business ► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn Chapters:   00:32 - Introduction 02:12 - Balancing Family Dynamics and Business Strategy 03:38 - Challenges in Family Business Dynamics  05:18 - Defining Fairness in Family Business  08:21 - Role Assignment and Succession Planning   11:14 - The Importance of the Owner's Box   20:54 - Handling Conflict in Family Businesses   23:10 - Practical Tips for Family Business Owners   32:21 - Recommended Books for Family Business Owners 

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor tackles a common challenge in family businesses and professional services firms: too many people wearing too many hats. She explains how too many hats, like founders micromanaging or family members in the wrong roles, can slow growth and drain energy. Debra also introduces powerful tools like the EOS Accountability Chart, GWC framework, and RACI model with an S to bring structure, clarity, and accountability back into the business.If your team is stretched thin or unsure who’s doing what, this episode will help you untangle the mess and move forward with confidence. Tune in to learn how structure leads to confidence, where confidence drives results. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________          Chapters:   00:08 - Problem of Too Many Hats in Family Businesses  01:46 - Complexity in Family Businesses   02:18 - Using the EOS Accountability Chart   04:19 - Example of a Multi-Generational Family Business 04:34 - RACI Tool with an S for Complex Businesses      06:46 - Cost of Inaction in Family Businesses  08:55 - Tough Conversations and Emotional Triggers   09:42 - Conclusion  

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by guest, Michelle Taylor, a Financial Advisor from Gambin Financial Group to talk about the critical role financial management plays in business success. Michelle shares her personal journey from surviving leukaemia to building a career helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances. Together, they unpack common financial mistakes, the power of having a personal board of directors, and strategies to avoid "shiny object syndrome." She also introduces her Women in Wealth community, designed to empower women to take control of their financial futures. If you want to future-proof your business and personal finances, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Tune in to explore essential tips for creating lasting financial strength. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST’S DETAIL: ► Gambin Financial Group Website ► Women in Wealth Community ► Michelle Taylor - LinkedIn  Chapters:   00:25 - Introduction  03:38 - Michelle's Personal Journey and Financial Lessons   07:40 - Entrepreneurial Challenges and Financial Management   25:09 - Building a Personal Board of Directors   30:27 - Financial Tips for Entrepreneurs   36:02 - Michelle's Women in Wealth Program   

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, Host Debra Chantry-Taylor dives into how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can help fast-growing family businesses stay focused, aligned, and in control. Using the Harvard Three-Circle model and her own F1 "pit stop" analogy, Debra explains how EOS tools like the Accountability Chart, Scorecard, Rocks, and Level 10 Meetings bring clarity, focus, and alignment to even the most complex family dynamics. If your family business is scaling quickly, this episode will show you how to create structure, improve communication, and keep your business and relationships on track. Tune in to learn how EOS can help you build a business that thrives without losing control. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         Chapters:   00:07 - Introduction  00:50 - EOS for Family Businesses   02:27 - Challenges of Fast Growth in Family Businesses   03:07 - EOS as a Tool for Family Businesses   04:20 - Components of an EOS Pit Stop   06:55 - Foundational Tools in EOS   08:04 - Unique Challenges in Family Businesses   09:43 - The Vision, Traction, Organiser (V/TO) Process   13:49 - Road Map for Family Businesses19:41 - Recap and Final Thoughts   

In another episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor chats with Landon Eckles, co-founder of Clean Juice and now an EOS implementer, about how he and his wife grew their business from a single idea into a 100-store franchise, then found clarity through EOS. Landon shares how he and his wife scaled Clean Juice to 100 stores in just five years and the growing pains that came with it. He reveals how discovering EOS transformed their leadership, decision-making, and meetings, giving their business the structure it needed to thrive through COVID-19 and beyond. Now, as an EOS implementer, Landon is passionate about helping other business owners find the same freedom through simple, effective systems. Tune in to hear how EOS helped one couple build, grow, and exit on their terms and how it might help you do the same. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST’S DETAIL: ► Landon Eckles Website ► Landon Eckles - EOS Implementer ► Landon Eckles - LinkedIn  Chapters:    00:24 - Introduction and Guest Background   03:16 - Challenges and Solutions in Business Growth   11:27 - Implementing EOS and Its Impact   15:57 - Growth Pains and Overcoming Challenges   23:37 - Transition to EOS Implementation   36:08 - Personal Reflections and Advice   38:43 - Conclusion and Future Plans   

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor chats with guest, Susan Toft, founder and CEO of The Laundry Lady, about her incredible journey from doing laundry as a side hustle to building a $9 million national business with over 300 contractors. Susan shares her journey from starting with a $5,000 grant to leading a tech-enabled service business with over 300 contractors. She talks about the realities of bootstrapping, the impact of appearing on Shark Tank, and how staying true to her values, like flexibility and persistence helped her scale sustainably. From MVPs to market expansion, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at any stage. Tune in to an inspiring story of grit, growth, and getting the job done. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST’S DETAIL: ► The Laundry Lady AU and The Laundry Lady NZ ► Susan Toft Website ► Susan Toft - LinkedIn  Chapters:   00:21 - Introduction 02:25 - Susan Toft’s Journey to Success   04:11 - Building and Scaling the Business   07:21 - Challenges and Solutions in Business Growth   14:23 - Branding and Market Expansion   22:29 - Shark Tank Experience and Lessons Learned   34:15 - Personal and Professional Growth   34:41 - Advice for Entrepreneurs   41:27 - Future Plans and Contact Information   

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Barry LaBov, two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and branding expert, to explore the power of differentiation in business.Barry introduces the idea of the “Commodity Monster”, the danger of becoming just another option in the market. He shares powerful stories and practical advice on how to identify your business’s key differentiators, use specific language to tell your brand story, and ensure your customer experience lives up to the promise.If you’re launching a new product, looking to refresh your brand, or simply want to avoid blending in, this episode will show you how to stand out and stay that way.Tune in to learn how to define your difference, and make sure the world knows about it.CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        ___________________________________________        ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner►Connect with Debra: ⁠debra@businessaction.co.nz⁠►See how she can help you: ⁠https://businessaction.co.nz/⁠      ____________________________________________        GUEST’S DETAIL:► ⁠LaBov Website⁠► ⁠Barry LaBov Writes⁠► ⁠Grab Your Copy of "The Power of Differentiation"⁠► ⁠Barry LaBov - LinkedIn⁠Chapters:  00:35 – Introduction02:10 - Barry LaBov's Journey and Philosophy05:40 - The Commodity Monster and Differentiation09:43 - Examples of Successful Differentiation18:07 - The Role of Words and Storytelling30:59 - Practical Tips for Fighting Commoditisation31:12 - The Importance of Imperfection and Innovation35:54 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In another episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by leadership expert and author Kevin Eikenberry to explore what it truly means to lead with flexibility in an ever-changing world. Drawing from his latest book, Flexible Leadership, Kevin unpacks how great leaders adapt their style based on context, not habit—and why that’s more important now than ever. Together, Debra and Kevin dive into the realities of hybrid work, proximity bias, ego management, and how to balance urgency with long-term vision. Kevin introduces the idea of “flexors”—simple questions that help leaders move beyond their default responses—and explains how staying curious, context-aware, and open to new perspectives can dramatically improve team performance and trust. Whether you're leading a small team or a growing organisation, this conversation is filled with timely insights and practical tips to help you lead with confidence and clarity in uncertain times. Tune in to learn how to lead with greater flexibility, curiosity, and confidence. CONNECT WITH DEBRA:         ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/       ____________________________________________         GUEST’S DETAIL: ► The Kevin Eikenberry Group Website  ► Grab a Copy of Kevin's Book - Flexible Leadership ► Kevin Eikenberry - LinkedIn Chapters:   00:36 - Introduction 02:27 - Understanding the Concept of Flexible Leadership 04:12 - The Concept of Flexible Leadership 06:52 - Navigating Uncertainty and Leading with Confidence 12:27 - The Role of AI in Leadership 23:06 - Effective Leadership in a Hybrid Work Environment 28:37 - Managing End Runs and Building Trust 33:02 - Challenges for Leaders in a Changing World 44:02 - Practical Tips for Leaders 45:09 - Conclusion and Call to Action