The Mentor with Mark Bouris

Amanda Williams cut her teeth in politics as a media advisor in federal and state politics. Here, she learnt how to build someones public image and reputation, starting from ground zero.Amanda was dubbed by the media as a “rising star of the federal media team” – not only was Amanda making a name for her MP, but she was also building one for herself. But one day, after an almost deadly accident, she decided her heart wasn't in politics and decided to lean into her creative, bright self. So she started Yellowpanda, a PR marketing agency that helps other startups get going. Amanda shares her unpredictable story of how she went from politics to PR, why you need to use this time to build brand awareness and why it's more cost-effective to have an analytical strategy in place.  Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. ___If you or anyone you know needs help:StandBy — Support After Suicide on 1300 727 247Lifeline on 13 11 14Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636Headspace on 1800 650 890See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Lamont has been the NSW Small Business Commissioner since June 2020.Chris has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.Having grown up in regional Australia, Chris has a solid interest in supporting regional communities.  Mark and Chris discuss how to deal with landlord disputes, confusion around COVID-19 relief payments, and why NSW isn't hearing from the commissioner directly?Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fred Schebesta is the co-founder of Finder.com.au, one of the largest comparison websites and has recently launched the finder app that combines personal finance management with automated product comparison.Finder is now worth over half a billion dollars – all without funding. Fred is Australia’s highest-profile advocate of cryptocurrencies and sees Bitcoin replacing fiat currency in five years.Fred and Mark discuss honouring your commitment to business, take a deep dive into the cryptocurrency wormhole and why it might become the future of currency. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. ___Disclaimer: The information on this podcast contains general information and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While many of us understand how sex works (maybe), the business of sex work is rarely spoken about. Samantha X is Australia's most know high-class escort best selling author of ‘Hooked’, a book that thrust her into world fame. There are two sides to the Samantha X business; Samantha X Afterdark – a successful e-commerce business selling lingerie and sex toys, and samanthax.com.au helping people feel empowered through life coaching.  Samantha X After DarkSamantha X Life Coaching ___Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the moment, people across the country tune in to their state's press conference every day to hear the latest COVID-19 case numbers. Our physical and mental health is important, but what about our economic health?NSW Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope spoke to Mark about the frustration felt by small businesses and calls upon the minister to be part of the NSW crisis cabinet. Access NSW Business Connect hereJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In nature there's no such thing as waste, so why isn't this the same for business? Instead, society relies heavily on the 'linear economy' – take, make, use, waste. The Circular Economy is rethinking the way we use products and is designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment.Nicole Garofano is the Head of Circular Economy at Planet Ark who has teamed up with Gumtree to encourage Aussies to become part of the circular economy.  Nicole and Mark discuss why more businesses are adopting a circular model, why you should consider implementing it into your own business and why it is the future.Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Suzy Green is the CEO and founder of The Positivity Institute which is dedicated to improving wellbeing in the workplace. Early in her career, she worked for many years with people who were very psychiatrically unwell, before taking the science and psychology of wellbeing out to the public through The Positivity Institute.The Positivity Institute has helped many businesses and employers develop the muscle that is our mental wellbeing.Dr Suzy Green and Mark discuss finding your “golden mean” how to achieve it, resilience and mental toughness and how to create a positive work culture.  Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. ___If you or anyone you know needs help:StandBy — Support After Suicide on 1300 727 247Lifeline on 13 11 14Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636Headspace on 1800 650 890See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"There's an infinite upside to giving something a go." Inefficiency drives Rich Joffe crazy, which is why he's set out to sweeten a bland industry – home insurance.Richard Joffe is the CEO and founder of the insurance tech company Honey.Rich and Mark discuss why so many of us are obsessed with the downside of risk and rarely consider the upside, being deliberate with who you receive advice from and how to find good talent for your business when it feels like a needle in a haystack. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economic cost of a lockdown in a major Australian city is estimated to be nearly $1 billion a week.Lockdowns are crippling the economy, and the small business community is taking a disproportionate hit. A report published by the Australian think tank, Grattan Institute Race to 80: our best shot at living with COVID, has explained how the country could exit lockdown. Brendan Coates is the Economic Policy Program Director at Grattan Institute. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Fung is CEO and co-founder of Airtasker – a marketplace enabling users to outsource everyday tasks. Tim and his co-founder Jonathan Liu launched Airtasker back in 2012, and it has become synonymous with getting odd jobs and services done. Fast forward to 2021, and it has become a listed company on the ASX.  Tim Fung and Mark Bouris discuss how to execute a convincing pitch to your audience, develop a marketplace business and why TV ads are still relevant. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.