The Mentor with Mark Bouris

The housing crisis is hitting everyone, especially first home buyers. Empower Money is changing the game by helping Aussies buy a home with zero deposit. Founder Peter Khoury shares his journey from startup struggles to building an innovative funding model that’s making home ownership possible for more people than ever before. Disclaimer: YBR has a partnership with Empower Money.Check out Empower Money's website here: https://www.empowermoney.com.au/ 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.

Jenny O’Brien is the founder of Beyond Wellness, a bespoke retreat and concierge service in the Barossa. This episode was part of our podcast trip down in South Australia. Jenny shares her journey from community work to creating Beyond Wellness, the challenges she overcame, and how burnout led her to focus on health and healing. She also talks about the impact of her retreats, the role of nature in wellness, and her vision for helping people reconnect with themselves and find balance. Check out Beyond Wellness's Website here: https://www.beyondwellnessco.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.

Sammy Robinson is one of Australia’s most famous influencers, an entrepreneur, and the founder of fashion label One Mile. In this episode, she opens up about her journey from creating content as a teenager to building a successful fashion brand. We dive into her early days on YouTube, the evolution of social media, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life under the spotlight. Sammy also shares the story behind launching One Mile, the realities of building and scaling a fashion business, and the role physical retail plays in today’s digital world. To wrap up, she reflects on what’s next for her career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Check out One Mile's website here: https://onemilethelabel.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.

This week I sit down with Paul Grosmann, CEO of R.M.Williams, to talk about one of Australia’s most iconic and enduring brands. We go back to 1932 and the story of founder Reginald Murray Williams, and how a bloke with no formal training built a business that became a global name. Paul shares what makes the boots and jackets so special, why Aussies are so loyal to the brand, and how it has stayed true to its roots despite decades of changing ownership. He also opens up about his own journey from Nike and McKinsey to Harris Farm Markets, and the leadership lessons he is bringing to R.M.Williams as he drives the brand into its next chapter while keeping its heritage front and centre.  Check out R.M.Williams 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.

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.