The Mentor with Mark Bouris

Charles Hinckfuss, founder and creative director of MCM House, joins us to share the story of building one of Australia’s most distinctive furniture brands. In this chat, we get into the hustle behind MCM House — where the ideas come from, how you stay ahead of trends, the grind of running logistics and retail, and what it takes to keep a brand “cool” in a tough market. Charles talks about balancing creativity with business, the influence of global design and boutique hotels, and the lessons he’s picked up building a business that resonates with people. Enjoy! Check out MCM's website here: https://www.mcmhouse.com/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join me as I sit down with Steve Chapman and Taylor Chapman, the husband-and-wife team shaking up Australia’s hydration game with Hyro. We talk about how they turned personal experiences and a passion for wellness into a bold new product, the science behind electrolytes, and what it really takes to launch a startup, raise capital, and build a loyal community. They open up about the highs, the lows, and the lessons that got them here. Check out Hyro's website here: https://drinkhyro.com/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I had the pleasure of hosting a charity breakfast with Premier Chris Minns to raise funds for Chalky’s Gym in Moree. Chalky’s isn’t just a boxing gym — it’s a place where young people in the community learn confidence, discipline, and character. Boxing has changed the lives of many out there. It gives kids purpose, routine, and someone in their corner. It’s also changed the lives of many in areas where crime and poverty are serious problems. As part of the event, I sat down for a live podcast with two legends of the sport, Jeff Fenech and Johnny Lewis. We were also joined by Premier Minns and a representative from Chalky’s (Robert Burton) to talk about the incredible work they’re doing in Moree. We spoke about the power of mentors, the discipline that boxing teaches, and why gyms like Chalky’s are so important — not just for the sport, but for shaping the next generation. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Lamprell — founder of CABN, the off-grid escape reshaping how Australians connect with nature and themselves. Michael opens up about the reality behind a seemingly successful life in global sales and marketing — and the internal struggles that pushed him to make a change. A trip to Harvard and a book on minimalism planted the seed for something different: a simpler, slower, more intentional way of living. We trace Michael’s journey from the first CABN in the Adelaide Hills to a growing movement in regenerative tourism. He shares the lessons learned, the impact on guests and local communities, and why balance is the new luxury. I’m all about working hard — always have been. But I also know what burnout feels like, and why it’s just as important to stop, recharge, and reconnect with what really matters. That’s what CABN is all about. Check CABN's website here: https://cabn.life/ South Australia. Celebrate the Simple Pleasures. Visit southaustralia.com.au to discover yours. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Klaiber built his career in advertising and directing — pitching big ideas and leading creative campaigns for major brands. But these days, he’s using his skills to tackle something more personal: men’s mental health, community, and connection. In this episode, Dave opens up about the highs and lows of the ad world, his own mental health journey, and why he's now focused on storytelling with purpose. From his True South documentary, to his virtual reality projects, and now his new series It Ain’t Over Yet — aimed at emotional resilience — Dave is proof that creativity can evolve and still hit just as hard. Learn more about It Ain't Over Yet and check out David's Website here: https://www.itaintoveryet.tv/ Follow David on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/daveklaiber/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five years of serving up the soul of Sicily in the heart of Paddington, Simone Crivello and Isobel Galloway made headlines a couple weeks ago with a raw, heartfelt message announcing the closure of their beloved restaurant, Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea. In this episode, MB sits down with the couple behind the viral video that struck a chord with small business owners across Australia. From Simone’s roots in Porticello to building a community around Mediterranean hospitality, we explore their journey—what Zafferano meant to them, the harsh realities that forced them to close, and what they believe needs to change to keep small business culture alive. This isn’t just a farewell—it’s a call to action. And it’s not the end of the road for Simone and Isobel. Hear how they’re taking their passion for food, storytelling, and tradition to the next chapter: a cookbook, food tours, and a dream project in Sicily. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We headed down to Aldinga, South Australia, to sit with Trinh and Mike—the couple behind The Little Rickshaw. What started as a weekend pop-up in an old blacksmith’s workshop is now one of the most talked-about restaurants in South Australia. In this episode, we unpack their journey—how they built this restaurant from scratch, what it’s really like working side by side, and the bold, creative approach they bring to modern Asian cuisine. We also talk about life in South Australia—why the slower pace, the strong sense of community, and the focus on quality of life offer a welcome contrast to the hustle of Sydney or Melbourne. Check out The Little Rickshaw's Website here: https://www.thelittlerickshaw.com.au/ South Australia. Celebrate the Simple Pleasures. Visit southaustralia.com.au to discover yours. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve hit the halfway checkpoint.Let’s take a look back at some of the best moments from The Mentor this year — packed with powerful insights and lessons. Who do you want to see next on The Mentor? Drop your suggestions below. Here are some of the highlights so far… Listen to the full podcasts via the links below. #478 Sam Kelly  #483 Deb Sams #482 Tracy Sheen #481 Ben Crowley You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m proud to be a co-owner of The Bird Whiskey, alongside Andrew Nugent — but the person running the show every day is Paul Giles. In this episode, we sit down with the man who’s been flying the flag for The Bird since day one.Paul shares how this whiskey came to life, the story behind the name, and why we’ve taken a different path—focused on authenticity, First Nations culture, and creating something that connects with people, especially women, in a space traditionally dominated by men.This is the real story behind The Bird, from the guy who’s made it soar.Check out The Bird Whiskey's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thebirdwhiskey/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Short went from running major operations in the liquor industry to backing himself and launching Shorty's Liquor—a boutique business that built a reputation serving some of Australia’s biggest corporates. In this episode, he takes us through the highs and lows of building Shorty's from scratch, the grind of sales and team building, and the bold expansion decisions that set him apart.We dig into how COVID-19 forced a business rethink, what came next after a major acquisition, and why David’s now investing in the next wave of growth—including his take on AI’s role in business. It’s a candid, insightful chat with a straight-talker who’s lived the transition from corporate to entrepreneur and come out with hard-won lessons and a renewed vision.Find David's website here: https://shortinc.com.au/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.