The Mentor With Mark Bouris

Step into The Real Florist, owner Renee Williams's dreamy florist café, a place where fresh blooms and great coffee collide. Located within the heart of Albury's CBD, their talented team has a passion for floristry education, offering workshops to teach you the skills to craft stunning personalised arrangements, all done in a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for flower lovers and caffeine addicts alike! But with Australia's economy tightening, she's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look li

For over 37 years, Sam Beau Patrick has dedicated her career to holistic health—first as a nurse and pharmaceutical rep, then as a naturopath and health performance coach. Today, she’s a published author, art therapist, and life coach who blends science, nature, and creativity to help clients worldwide. But with Australia's economy tightening, she's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting against a wealth of challenges.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t h

Ben Crowley isn’t your typical health entrepreneur. He started out teaching English in Japan, got hooked on boxing, and ended up building one of Australia’s leading supplement businesses. Today, he runs Bulk Nutrients, the flagship sponsor of our Project 100 series.In this episode, I sit down with Ben to unpack how he built a high-growth, direct-to-consumer business that cuts out the middlemen and delivers premium products at unbeatable value. We talk the importance of work culture manufacturing, logistics, product testing, and what it really takes to scale a business without losing control of quality or customer trust. This one’s for the underdogs, the builders, or the health-conscious who want to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies.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.

My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel-giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries - those struggling, those overlooked, and those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.I’ll continue hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. For our latest episode, we have - Jason Spaull from Gold Coast based business Coastal Asbestos, which is dedicated to safely removing and managing asbestos across Queensland. Like many small businesses, Jason is feeling the pressure of Australia’s economic climate, navigating rising costs, compliance challenges, and an uncertain future.This i

Sam Gordon is an entrepreneur, property investor, and host of the Top 1% Podcast, where he shares insights from his journey as a high school dropout to building multiple multi-eight-figure businesses, offering listeners strategies to maximise their potential and impact.In our conversation, we covered how he built his property portfolio, his inspiration from Harry Triguboff, how to identify growth opportunities in real estate, the complexities of scaling a property portfolio, his entrepreneurial journey, and the key lessons he’s learned from speaking with the top 1%.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.

Brandon Dodoro and Katherine Tippett, founders of STEPZ, have been innovating the marine industry since 2017, driven by a passion for safety and accessibility on the water, and an emphasis on adventure. Their specialised boat trailer ladders make launching and retrieving vessels easier and safer for boating enthusiasts across Australia. However, as Australia's economy tightens, they're feeling the strain-like so many small business owners, fighting to stay afloat.It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a vo

Nathan Grant, founder of SlantBoardGuy, has been pioneering posture and mobility solutions through his innovative slant boards since 2010, driven by a passion for helping people improve their wellbeing and physical health through proper alignment. But with Australia's economy tightening, he's feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting to stay afloat.It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real suppor

Kate Inglish, founder of Kate Inglish Designs, has been crafting personalised baby hampers and keepsakes since 2010, driven by a passion for sparking joy and preserving precious memories for new mums. But with Australia’s economy tightening, she’s feeling the strain-like so many small business owners fighting to stay afloat.It’s not always a success story. Running a small business can be lonely, and despite being the backbone of this country, too often, business owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I know many of you tuning into The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear—you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching The Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel—giving business owners across the country a voice. In between The Mentor episodes, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We wan

Small businesses are the backbone of this country, yet too often, owners feel like their voices aren’t being heard. And I know many of you tuning in on The Mentor can relate.My team and I have been paying attention, and one thing is clear - you want to hear from businesses beyond Sydney, not just the success stories, but especially those facing real challenges.That’s why we’re launching the Small Business Callout under The Mentor channel - giving business owners across the country a voice. Every week, we’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and what real support from the government should look like. We want to hear from all industries, from those struggling, from those who feel overlooked, or those who have something to say but haven’t had the platform to say it.I’ll keep hosting The Mentor, but these callouts will drop between episodes. And kicking it off is someone who lives and breathes small business - Simon Potts, founder of Boxes for Business. Simon sent a powerful brief to Mentored Studios, outlining th

Michael Ramsey is the co-founder of STRONG Pilates alongside Mark Armstrong in 2019, has built a global fitness brand that blends traditional Pilates principles with high-intensity, low-impact cardio training. With a Master of Commerce in Marketing from RMIT University and experience owning F45 franchises, Michael has extensive expertise in brand strategy, business development, and digital marketing.STRONG Pilates is rapidly expanding, with recent launches in the USA, Japan, Singapore, and Dubai - and there’s no sign of slowing down. In our conversation, we discussed what makes STRONG Pilates unique, the key lessons Michael gained from his experience with F45 franchises, and the right approach to scaling a business. We also explored the power of building a brand and community, his biggest entrepreneurial insights, and what’s next for STRONG Pilates.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram,&nbs

Sam Kelly is the Managing Partner and owner of Hello Social - one of Sydney’s top integrated marketing agencies.Recognised as Campaign Magazine’s Social Media and Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, Hello Social has set the standard in the industry.In this episode, we explore Sam’s journey and what makes his agency stand out. I’ll share key lessons from my own experience with rebranding and refining messaging. We’ll also tap into insights from business icons like Richard Branson and Elon Musk, examine how memes are shaping today’s digital landscape, and discuss the strategies that drive a strong social media presence. Sam and I dive into the crucial elements of launching a brand, when is the right time to enter the market, the founder’s role, and the powerful influence of psychology in marketing success.If you’re serious about taking your brand and social media game to the next level, this episode is packed with real insights and practical advice you can’t afford to miss. You c

Stella Petrou Concha is the Founder and CEO of Reo Group, a leading national talent and executive recruitment agency.Stella is a powerhouse in the recruitment agency world and she's also the author of Stone Heart Light Heart: The Intelligence of Self Mastery. Her self-mastery frameworks are embraced by global giants like Google, TikTok, and Meta. She also shares her expertise as a guest lecturer at leading universities, including UNSW, Macquarie, and UTS.We spoke about Stella's journey, the demands of a CEO, how to stand out in a competitive job market, the importance of embracing failure, the role of employers in supporting mental health and productivity, her approach to self-mastery, and her plans for the future.Purchase Stella's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stone-Heart-Light-Intelligence-Mastery/dp/1922357189You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & You

Diogo Ferreira is at the helm of Tuga Pastries, a family-run business that has brought the rich culinary traditions of Portugal to life right here in Australia. With an impressive 14,000 pastries rolling out each week, Tuga Pastries has become an icon in Sydney mainly due to their legendary Portuguese tart—widely regarded as the best in the city.In this episode, we explore Portugal’s rich cultural roots and how they’ve shaped Diogo’s journey and approach to business. He takes us through his family’s migration to Australia, the humble beginnings of their bakery, and the challenges of scaling up while staying true to their standards of quality. Diogo opens up about the relentless work hours it took to gain momentum, the cultural significance behind Tuga’s unique creations, and how the balance of tradition and innovation has been the key to their success.You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram,&

Dan Bova, co-founder of The Yard Gym, leads a franchise network of over 50 locations in Australia, with ambitious plans to expand to 200 sites worldwide by 2025.In our conversation, we explored Dan’s journey and early life, his move into gym franchising, the founding of The Yard, and what sets it apart. We also delved into its innovative business model and curriculum, the intricacies of franchising, his strategies for growth, and his bold vision for the future of The Yard.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.

It was a massive year on The Mentor. We had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next?Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of 2024.00:00-12:59 (Radek Sali)13:01- 25:15 (Eight Sleep)25:16 - 30:44 (Lia Georgantis)30:46- 40:37 (Nick Palumbo)40:40- 50:01 (Jenny Child)Listen to the full podcast via the links below.#431 Radek Sali#466 Eight Sleep#441 Tim Duggan#451 Lia Georgantis#433 Jenny ChildFollow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a massive year on The Mentor. We’ve had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next?Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of the year.00:00-10:57 (Lewi Brown)10:59-16:24 (Jess Sepel)16:27 - 24:26(Tim Duggan)24:29- 33:50 (Deanne Stewart)33:53- 44:57 (Amanda Price)Listen to the full podcast via the links below.#447 Lewi Brown#429 Jess Sepel#441 Tim Duggan#458 Deanne Stewart#438 Amanda Price Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Baker is the visionary founder of Xolvit, a groundbreaking crowdsourcing app designed to foster student innovation by helping companies tackle pressing social issues. Xolvit's mission is to bridge the gap between socially responsible organisations and the next generation of the workforce.In our conversation, we delved into Helen's inspiring journey, from her upbringing with her adoptive parents in rural Australia to her personal experiences with racism. We explored her impressive corporate career, the challenges she aims to address with Xolvit, and the meaningful work her company is doing. Helen also shared her insights on how businesses should approach employment and diversity, her exciting plans for the future, and much more.To learn more about their Xolvit, check out their website here: https://www.xolvit.io/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTu

Matt Jones is a creative strategist and entrepreneur who co-founded Four Pillars Gin in 2013, transforming it into a multi-award-winning global brand.We had a fascinating conversation about his early career in politics and brand strategy before venturing into the gin business, how he made Four Pillars stand out in a fiercely competitive market, the essence of building a great brand, how they got it so right at Four Pillars, his new book, and what’s next on the horizon. Don’t miss this one if you’re looking to leverage your brand to its fullest potential.Purchase Matt's new book Lessons from Gin: Business the Four Pillars Way here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lessons-Gin-Business-Four-Pillars/dp/1394268378You 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.

Liquid & Larder is the brainchild of two lifelong mates who’ve turned their passion for hospitality into one of Sydney’s most celebrated groups. With four standout venues—Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover, and Alfie’s—Warren and Jimmy have created something special. Warren leads the charge on quality and culture, while Jimmy drives growth as CFO, and together, they’ve built a reputation for execution that matches their authenticity. From The Gidley Burger being crowned the best in Australia and 9th globally, to their steakhouse ranked 24th in the world, these guys have proven they don’t just dream big—they deliver. We unpack their story, their friendship that started in high school, how they’re shaking up Sydney’s dining scene and what's next.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.

Many people driving with Uber or delivering with Uber Eats have innovative business ideas they’re eager to launch or grow. In recognition of this entrepreneurial spirit, Uber partnered with Inspiring Rare Birds to develop the Business Booster Program, designed to help those earning with Uber or Uber Eats achieve their business goals.The 2024 program saw over 4,500 applicants, and I was lucky enough to sit down with three remarkable participants to discuss their experiences with Uber or Uber Eats and how the Business Booster Program has supported their journeys to date. Nicholas Brbot (Cat Harness), Simon Pemberton (Workr.co), and Suraya O’Brien (Flow Rider).Our conversations delved into their journeys, small business development, as well as the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.For more information on Uber's Business Booster program with Rare Birds click here: https://www.uber.com/au/en/u/business-booster/You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentore