The Mentor With Mark Bouris

My guest today is Lia Georgantis, the dynamic force behind Girls with Gems and Sneaky Link.Girls with Gems is a high-end fashion boutique offering a curated selection of Australian and international designers, along with their own in-house brand, Sneaky Link. Initially started by Lia's mother as a jewellery store, it has since transformed into a full-fledged boutique and online shop.In this episode, we’ll delve into how Lia left her promising law degree to reinvent and grow the business. We'll explore the unconventional social media marketing strategies that have created a buzz around Girls with Gems, how she's rewriting the rules of the fashion game, the sacrifices it takes to be successful, the importance of authenticity in today's market, 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I often wonder where I'd be if I hadn't made certain decisions. It might've been a different story, and not a pretty one. My guest today on The Mentor, Jake Paco, knows this all too well.Jake Paco is the founder of Geedup Co, a streetwear brand in 2010 out of Western Sydney. Over the years, Geedup has grown into a global brand with a cult-like following, generating millions in annual sales and in net profits.In this episode, we dive deep into the story behind "Geedup," uncovering its origins and the meaning behind its name. We'll discuss the challenges Jake faced in his youth, including the impact of lacking masculine energy and growing up without a father figure. We'll also explore the dangers of associating with the wrong crowd and making poor choices, emphasising the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. We'll dispel the myth that motivation alone leads to success, demonstrating why discipline and consistency are the true keys. Jake also share insights into Geedup's business strategies,

In this episode, I sit down with Geoff Jones, the CEO of TEG, to dive into the fascinating world of live entertainment.Geoff is a highly qualified leader with a ton of experience, shares the strategies and innovations that have put TEG at the cutting edge of live entertainment, ticketing, and technology. From expanding markets and pioneering new tech to creating unforgettable live experiences, Geoff breaks down the business of live entertainment like you've never heard before.We cover a lot of ground in our chat – Geoff’s early start in the industry, his remarkable military career, his time at Nine entertainment, working with big names like One Direction, Fred Again and Niall Horan. Geoff also talks about his tenure at Nine Entertainment and his experiences with Live Nation. He gives us an inside look at TEG's sports ventures, including pre and post-season football, the A-League All-Stars at the MCG, and international events with teams like Tottenham, Arsenal, and Chelsea. We even touch on topics like the imp

With Stake, Australia's leading investing platform, I'm excited to share the 11th episode of 'Going Public' - a new monthly series giving you unique access to the entrepreneurs, founders and executives who've taken their business public.Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with CEO of United H2 Limited (UHL) Will Davidson, a seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in scaling growth businesses and fostering innovation. Will has a proven track record, including leading Powerwrap's (PWL) IPO on the ASX in 2019 and steering a successful merger with Premium, resulting in a A$500M+ listed enterprise.Currently, Will is spearheading the listing for UHL, the world’s largest and most diversified hydrogen conglomerate. UHL holds a significant stake in 25 groundbreaking companies, including H2X Global, a leader in hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles, poised to make Australia a global hydrogen leader.We delved into the transformative potential of hydrogen energy and the scientific principles driving th

Join us for a cracking chat with Charli Walters, the dynamic CEO of Koh, a company making waves in the cleaning industry with its eco-friendly, refillable, reusable, and recyclable multipurpose products.Charli's strategic brilliance and a decade of experience in leading transformational company growth have made her a standout in the business world, leading to her appointment as CEO of Koh in 2022.It was awesome to hear her career and business journey, the origins of Koh and what separates a successful brand from others, to leaving the family business to forge her own path. She shared insights on the key to building strong business relationships, finding the right price for your products, handling competition, maximising social media, 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Lewis ‘Lewi’ Brown, a retired professional rugby league player and now the creative force behind Earls Collection.Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Lewi moved to Sydney in the early 2000s, where he played for the Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters, and West Tigers feeder sides before making his NRL debut with the New Zealand Warriors. Throughout his career, he played for notable NRL teams, including the Penrith Panthers and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, and represented New Zealand.After retiring in 2018, Lewi founded Earls Collection, a luxury clothing brand inspired by sporting heritage, nostalgia, and the pursuit of being better. The brand’s name, 'Earl,' connects Lewi to his father and grandfather, both of whom tragically took their lives after battling mental illness. Following his father's passing, Lewi left his professional sports career to redefine the name 'Earl' and pursue a new dream. Join me as I delve into Lewi’s inspiring journey from the rugby field to the fashion w

Join us as we dive into the world of mining with the hosts of Money of Mine, Matt Michael, Travis Ricciardo, and Jonas Dorling.Since launching their Daily Mining News YouTube channel in April 2023, Money of Mine has quickly become one of Australia's top sources for mining news. These guys bring a ton of knowledge and unique perspectives. Matt's an ex-underground miner, while Travis and Jonas come from investment banking and equity research backgrounds. The trio break down the daily mining news with a great mix of banter, financial info and current affairs.In this episode, we'll dig into their journey and experiences in the mines, how they teamed up, and the current state of the mining industry. We'll also uncover how they've dominated their niche, the advertising perks of running a mining podcast, and what's on the horizon for them. Plus, I'll share a bit about my own adventure getting involved in a mine overseas.Check out Money Of Mine's Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyofMineYou can subsc

Steve Kamper is a seasoned politician and community leader, currently serving New South Wales as the Minister for Small Business, Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, and Sport. In this episode, we explore Steve's childhood and the influence his parents had on his life. We dive into his career in accountancy, his passion for community service, his relationship with NSW Premier Christopher Minns, and his vision for the future for Small Businesses in NSW, plus much more.You can subscribe to the 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.

With Stake, Australia's leading investing platform, I'm excited to share the tenth episode of 'Going Public' - a new monthly series giving you unique access to the entrepreneurs, founders and executives who've taken their business public.Join us as we dive into the world of Nick Langton, a former financial services executive turned entrepreneur, now the CEO of Alta. In this episode, we explore Alta's journey from inception to going public on the NYSE and reaching a market cap of $42.3 million. Discover how Alta is shaking up combat sports fitness with tech-powered training, available both in-gym and at home. They've now partnered with over 500 gyms! We'll also discuss how MMA icons Conor McGregor, John Kavanagh, Laura Sanko and Daniel Cormier are involved.Earlier this year, Alta was listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker MMA.DISCLAIMER:Views expressed are those of the individual only. This does not constitute financial advice. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnk

Odette Barry is a seasoned publicist, Public Relations mentor, and the Director of Odette & Co, a thriving PR and digital marketing agency based in Byron Bay.With over 15 years of industry experience, Odette has honed her expertise in crafting compelling narratives and amplifying the voices of businesses across various sectors.Now as the head honcho of Odette & Co, Odette is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with clients and her talented team, embodying a collaborative approach grounded in trust and integrity. Her consultancy arm has garnered acclaim for its ability to tackle complex communications challenges and deliver tangible results for clients spanning the technology, education, beauty, wellness, health, and fashion sectors.We spoke about how PR has evolved, creating the right relationships, the importance of controlling your own story, how most marketing boils down to common sense, her work with startups, handling PR disasters, and much more.Learn more about Odette's work here:https:/

This Sunday close to 120,000 people worldwide will ride motorcycles dressed sharply, all in support of raising funds and awareness for research into men's mental health and prostate cancer.The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is a globally acclaimed motorcycle gathering, with its inaugural event in Sydney back in 2012.Over the years, the event has achieved remarkable success, having raised an impressive $50 million USD from the participation of 340,000 riders across 115 countries.It was awesome to speak to Mark Hawwa, the visionary and creator of the global event on The Mentor.Our conversation delved into our shared passion for motorcycles, the inception of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR), reshaping the perception of motorcyclists, the alarming rates of mental health challenges and prostate cancer among men, the strategic business approach driving DGR, Mark's journey in scaling and fostering the expansive community of DGR, and much more.If you want to learn more about the Distinguished Gentleman's

Discover the inspiring story behind Ārepa, a venture born out of a quest to revolutionise brain health. Co-founders Angus Brown and Zac Robinson were driven by personal losses to create healthier energy drink alternatives. The duo partnered with renowned neuroscientist Professor Andrew Scholey to develop a groundbreaking range of natural, caffeine-free products crafted from New Zealand Blackcurrants and Bark.In this episode, I speak to Angus & Professor Scholey; we delve into the journey of Ārepa, from its humble beginnings to its emergence as a game-changer in brain health. Professor Scholey shares his expertise in human psychopharmacology and how it has shaped the scientific development of Ārepa, ensuring its effectiveness and safety. We also explore the concept of 'flow state', Ārepa's role in enhancing cognitive function, attracting attention from elite athletes and high-profile clientele worldwide.Tune in as we discuss the complexities of the human brain, the science behind Ārepa's pro

Tim Duggan is a pioneering entrepreneur who co-founded Junkee Media, Australia’s leading digital publisher for Millennials. Tim's career began as a music journalist for Rolling Stone, and he has since written award-winning books like "Cult Status" and "Killer Thinking." His latest book, "Work Backwards," offers insights into rethinking traditional work models.In this episode of The Mentor, Tim discusses his journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, the success of Junkee Media, his thoughts on work/life balance, and his award-winning books. He also shares his outlook on the future of work and the potential for re-entering the media landscape.You can subscribe to the 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.

With Stake, Australia's leading investing platform, I'm excited to share the ninth episode of 'Going Public' - a new monthly series giving you unique access to the entrepreneurs, founders and executives who've taken their business public.This podcast will delve into the journey of James Graham, one of the youngest CEOs in Australia's public company sector. At 34, James leads Recce Pharmaceuticals (ASX:RCE), a rapidly growing medical technology firm taking on antibiotic resistance, a global health crisis.We explore the highs and lows of building a biotech company, the road to going public, and the impact of Recce's novel approach to fighting infectious diseases. Get insights into James' journey from startup entrepreneur to industry leader, his perspectives on global health, and his vision for making a lasting impact.In 2016, Recce was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with the stock ticker RCE.DISCLAIMER:Views expressed are those of the individual only. This does not constitute financial advice.&nbs

In this week's episode of The Mentor, we explore the creation and growth of COgear, a pioneering workwear brand for women, with its founder, Kym O’Leary. Discover how Kym's journey from a small farm in North Queensland to the financial sector in mining led her to create an innovative solution for women in the workforce. We explore the challenges she faced, the breakthrough moments with major corporations like BHP, and the innovative HMZ technology that is changing the game for women's workwear. Join us as we delve into Kym's inspiring story of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of solving problems that women have faced with a touch of creativity.You can subscribe to the 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.

Sally Belcher is a trailblazing Australian podiatrist with over 15 years of experience in private practice. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Sally relocated to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs where she has proudly owned and led her team at Rose Bay Podiatry for nearly a decade. During this time, she has cultivated the business into a highly successful and esteemed establishment.In an industry often stereotyped to a specific demographic, Sally has defied expectations by broadening the scope of podiatry through innovative language and marketing strategies. Her introduction of the Medical Pedicure has not only transformed traditional foot care but has also attracted a diverse clientele to her practice.Demonstrating a keen eye for niche opportunities, Sally has redirected her focus toward aesthetic podiatry, a strategic move that has propelled her business to new heights and gained recognition within the healthcare space. In this episode, we explore the indispensable role of marketing in healthcare, as Sally shares

This week on The Mentor we delve into the world of startups with Amanda Price, the Head of High Growth Ventures at KPMG Australia.Drawing from her extensive experience, Amanda sheds light on the common challenges faced by founders worldwide and offers strategies for building enduring connections with customers as startups scale.We delved into her expertise in the high-growth ventures industry, the impact of macro and micro factors on investment behaviour, insights into the challenges for Australian startups, we discussed the non-negotiables that VCs typically inquire about, the current startup landscape in 2024 and a host of other topics.If you're planning on entering the startup world, this episode serves as a valuable educational resource.You can subscribe to the 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.

Join Andrew Deveson and Dave Caputo, co-founders of Kapitol Group, as they discuss their journey in revolutionising the construction industry.With Andrew's expertise in delivering high-quality projects and Dave's strategic planning capabilities, Kapitol Group has quickly become one of Australia's fastest-growing construction companies handling multimillion-dollar projects for prestigious clients like RMIT University and Microsoft. Learn how their innovative approaches and commitment to excellence are reshaping the industry while prioritising the well-being of their team and the successful delivery of projects.You can subscribe to the 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.

Light & Glo Designs is an acclaimed business hailing from Melbourne, that specialises in crafting bespoke candles.Established in 2015 by husband/wife duo Suji and Jeeva, the brand boasts an array of award-winning offerings, including candles, diffusers, room sprays, and scents tailored to various moods.The inception of Light & Glo traces back to Suji's maternity leave, during which she began making candles for her son's baby shower, receiving rave reviews from friends. Inspired by this positive reception, Suji and Jeeva embarked on their entrepreneurial journey, founding Light & Glo Designs.We discussed their backgrounds in medicine and science, their transition into the candle business, how they manage their roles as both spouses and business partners, their process for crafting scents tailored to businesses, The Mentor fragrance they developed for Mark, and many other topics.You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-upJoin the Facebook Group.Follow Ma

With Stake, Australia's leading investing platform, I'm excited to share the eighth episode of 'Going Public' - a new monthly series giving you unique access to the entrepreneurs, founders and executives who've taken their business public.Mike Vegar is the co-founder & managing Director of HITIQ, an Australian tech company that provides a total concussion ecosystem with products that support identifying, monitoring & ongoing management of sport-related head impacts. In 2021, HITIQ was welcomed to the Australian Securities Exchange under the vibrant ticker of ASX:HIQ.Learn all about Mike’s journey of taking the tech company public in the eighth podcast of the Going Public series.DISCLAIMER:Views expressed are those of the individual only. This does not constitute financial advice. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for