Frida Deguise is an Australian comedian, chef, and businesswoman, known for breaking barriers as a Muslim woman in stand-up comedy and creating the family-owned LA Donuts. With her bold comedic style, Frida tackles cultural identity and societal stereotypes, bringing a fresh and unique voice to Australia's comedy scene. Alongside her success in comedy, she continues to thrive as an entrepreneur and has gone viral on social media while doing it.We talked about her childhood, how she inherited her strong work ethic from her parents, her deep passion for food and cooking, her journey to becoming a chef, and the challenges of working in a tough industry. We also delved into her transition to comedy, the creation of LA Donuts, and the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey.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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Nicolaou serves as the Executive Director of Business Sydney, a key voice for Sydney's business community. Business Sydney works tirelessly to advocate for policies that drive economic growth and enhance Sydney's reputation as a global, competitive, and liveable city. With nearly two centuries of history, the organisation plays a vital role in shaping Sydney’s future.We explored his career journey leading up to his current position, his previous work in politics, and his unwavering dedication to public service. He shared insights on his executive responsibilities, his advocacy for small businesses, and the critical challenges of the housing crisis and homelessness. We also discussed the importance of appointing a dedicated minister for small business at both federal and state levels to promote business growth and economic stability, along with strategies to maintain Sydney's standing as one of the world’s leading cities.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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ariana Hendry is the co-founder and Managing director of Beysis, a successful Australian beauty brand known for its customisable and eco-conscious products. Beysis offers a range of beauty essentials, from nail polish to reusable bottles and coffee cups, all designed to be personalised, stylish, and environmentally friendly.We discussed the challenges of getting a quality education today and how her entrepreneurial spirit led her out of the corporate world. We also explored the unique experiences women face in business, why she founded Beysis, how Oprah’s endorsement elevated the brand, what’s next for Beysis, her battle with breast cancer and so much more.Check out Beysis' range of brilliant products here: beysis.comYou can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Woodland, a retired soldier and health tech entrepreneur, shares his journey from the military to innovating Australia's healthcare system. He discusses the urgent need for reform in online healthcare and the inspiration behind his latest venture, Kismet. Woodland explains how Kismet aims to simplify healthcare access and improve the lives of aging populations through technology. The conversation also touches on managing family healthcare finances and the potential of AI in caregiving, revealing his vision for a transformative future in health tech.

Kellie Hush is a prominent figure in the Australian fashion industry, with over 20 years of expertise. Best known for her six-year leadership as editor-in-chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, she now leads brand and global strategy at The Volte, an Australian fashion rental platform that connects borrowers and lenders, making designer pieces accessible at a fraction of their retail cost.In our discussion, we dove in the fashion world, the TikTok trend that's causing companies to go bankrupt, how The Volte is tackling this issue, and much more.Check out The Volte's website here: https://thevolte.com/You can subscribe to the Mentor newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Bevans, the Managing Director and Founder of Impressed Recordings, leads the charge in reviving the vinyl scene in Australia. He shares his passion for the tactile experience of vinyl and its importance in today’s digital age. The discussion uncovers innovative business models focusing on storytelling and community, highlighting how vinyl connects artists with their superfans. Bevans also touches on the evolving music landscape and the joy of rediscovering retro music culture, making a strong case for the vinyl renaissance.

Deanne Stewart is a prominent figure in the Australian financial services industry, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Aware Super. Aware Super is Australia’s third-largest superannuation fund, managing $180 billion and serving 1.2 million Australians. As the CEO of one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, Deanne brought invaluable insights into managing time and responsibilities.We explored the profound impact superannuation funds have had on our parent's lives and how Australia's model is regarded as the best. Our conversation went beyond the mechanics of her role; we delved into her journey in the finance world, strategies for navigating and preventing burnout in high-stress environments, the art of making a real difference in the financial services sector, and the critical importance of networking and relationships. We also tackled the immense responsibility that comes with managing billions of dollars and how she maximises her productivity. And if that wasn’t enough, Deanne gave us a wild story about her experience meeting the King of England.You can subscribe to the Mentor newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been an eventful couple of years for journalist and content creator Max Sherry. Despite leading the charge in Australian sports media engagement last year for Sports Bible, he ultimately would face redundancy as the company went into a new direction. But instead of feeling sorry for himself, Max joined forces with two former colleagues to launch their own media publishing company, Common Entertainment, which is dedicated to highlighting the extraordinary in everyday life.In our conversation, we delved into the challenges of today's media landscape, Max's journey from the UK as a teenager, his passion for journalism, his experiences at Fox Sports and Lad Bible, the need to be agile in a cutthroat industry, the negative aspects of social media, and how Common Entertainment aims to stand out in the social media game, plus much more. Enjoy!Check out Common Entertainment's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/common.entertainment/You can subscribe to the Mentor newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With over 300 million people using dating apps globally, it's a massive market, yet many of my single friends aren’t satisfied with what’s out there. Could a new contender be set to change the game? Enter Bridgette Gale, entrepreneur and co-founder of Hello Darling, a dating app with a twist—it lets your best friend swipe for you.In this episode, Bridgette takes us through her journey, from running a successful bikini brand, where she managed to get the iconic Emily Ratajkowski to wear her designs, and making a daring leap into the tech industry. We explore the philosophy and business model behind the dating app, the dynamic between her and her co-founder, the innovative marketing strategies propelling their success, and much more.You can subscribe to the Mentor newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leigh Anderson, a seasoned paramedic with 15 years of experience, shares his compelling journey into the world of emergency services. He discusses the evolution of paramedics and the crucial balance of empathy and emotional resilience in high-pressure situations. Listeners will be captivated by gripping stories from the field and insights into mastering poise to enhance decision-making under stress. Leigh also offers practical strategies for managing anxiety, making this a must-listen for anyone wanting to thrive in chaotic environments.