The Mentor With Mark Bouris

An alarming 6,200 NSW businesses went insolvent in 2025.My latest guest on The Mentor was one of the business owners who had to shut down his business in 2025. In this episode, Dean reflects on the journey of building Living Timber Co from $26 and a garage into a business delivering national projects, before the difficult decision to place the company into liquidation. We explore what happens when passion meets rapid growth, rising interest rates and the quiet pressure many founders carry to do everything themselves. Dean speaks candidly about burnout, the warning signs he overlooked, and why he now views the experience as a failure without regrets, not something to be ashamed of, but something to learn from and move on from. 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 Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverifi

Disclaimer: This episode was first released on 25th August 2025.  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://www.rmwilliams.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 &

It’s been another big 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. 00:00-8:52 (Hyro co-founders Steve & Taylor Chapman) 8:52-23:13 (R.M. Williams CEO Paul Grosmann) 23:14 - 33:36 (Dominique Gill) 33:37- 39:46 (Britt & Taz) 39:47- 48:08 (Mike Christidis) Listen to the full podcast via the links below. #493 Hyro co-founders Steve & Taylor Chapman #495 R.M. Williams CEO Paul Grosmann #499 Dominique Gill  #501 Britt & Taz #489 Mike Christidis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been another big 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. 00:00-9:49 (Sam Kelly) 9:50-20:02 (Tracy Sheen) 20:03 - 27:33 (Jason Titman) 27:34- 32:03 (Little Rickshaw) 32:04- 39:13 (Zafferano) Listen to the full podcast via the links below. #478 Sam Kelly #482 Tracy Sheen #484 Jason Titman #488 Little Rickshaw #489 Zafferano See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​​Nick Cogger is the CEO and co-founder of Better Beer, one of Australia’s fastest-growing beer brands. With a background spanning venues, alcohol, and drinks innovation, Nick’s journey has been anything but overnight. In this episode, Nick breaks down how a chance Instagram scroll led him to The Inspired Unemployed, why influencer marketing only works when ambition matches audience, and how a “reverse pitch” sparked the idea of Better Beer. He shares why he focused on creating a product everyone in Australia can enjoy, and how timing, discipline, and strategy are what it takes to take on the big brewers. Follow Better Beer here: https://www.instagram.com/betterbeer 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 Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. D

At 28, Ari Kaklamanis has already reshaped how Australians consume real estate. He founded Million Dollar Listing Sydney (MDLS) at 17, building the country’s first social-media-driven real estate platform. What began as a small Instagram page is now Sydney’s most-viewed property portal, pulling in more than 21 million views a month. In this episode, Ari breaks down how he spotted the gap, built a global audience, and turned MDLS into a powerhouse that changed the way people buy, sell, and talk about property online. A sharp look at the mindset and strategy behind a founder who rewrote the rules of real estate marketing. Follow Million Dollar Listings Sydney here: https://www.instagram.com/milliondollarlistingsydney/ 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 Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF a

In this episode, Candy Berger, CEO of Lox in a Box, talks through the journey from the early vision to the challenges that shaped the business. She explains how she navigated setbacks, built resilience and scaled what started as a small takeaway bagel shop in Bondi into three thriving locations in Coogee, Bondi and Marrickville, along with a retail line, baked goods and a fast-growing brand. A sharp and honest look at building a modern hospitality business and what it takes to keep growing. Check out the Lox in a Box website here: https://www.loxinabox.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.

Michael Christidis is a 31 year old Melbourne entrepreneur and the Co Founder and Managing Director of Untitled Group, one of Australia’s leading independent live music and events companies. He started young, running uni events and selling tickets before co founding Untitled Group in 2014, now home to festivals like Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music and Arts, Wildlands and Ability Fest. We cover his early entrepreneurial DNA, how he built a nightclub that took off, and how that momentum evolved into major festivals and a wider ecosystem that includes artist management, touring, events and strategic partnerships like The Daily Aus. Mike also opens up about the importance of mentors, the impact of COVID 19, dealing with chaos, staying bulletproof under pressure, diversification and why thinking bigger is the only way forward. 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 &

Every small business owner wants to know the same thing — how do I execute?How do I take the idea in my head and turn it into something that actually works? In this conversation with David Kenney, we break down the real fundamentals of execution — not the theory, but the stuff that actually moves the needle. We cover: David’s background and the thinking behind his new book Why so many people get stuck inside corporate environments and how to handle midlife career shifts The common patterns across successful and unsuccessful businesses The four pillars of capital allocation every founder needs to master Entrepreneurship today vs. 30 years ago — what’s changed and what hasn’t How to apply “Epic Execution” across different industries Finding, testing and validating business ideas the right way Building the right team and why early hires make or break a venture The importance of co-founders — and how to know if you need one Staying relevant

Chris Lucas is one of Australia’s most successful and influential restaurateurs — the visionary behind some of the country’s most culturally defining venues, including Chin Chin, Grill Americano (Melbourne & Sydney), Society, Maison Bâtard, Yakimono, Kisumé and Baby Pizza. In this conversation, we discuss his newest venture, Grill Americano Sydney, and explore the mindset behind building restaurants that don’t just serve food — they shape culture. We cover his Greek heritage and family influences, his journey from corporate life into hospitality, and the lessons learned from decades at the top of Australia’s restaurant scene. 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.

Best friends Di Edwards and Nicola Dale turned their backyard chats into Over the Fence — a growing movement built on connection, courage and purpose. From honest conversations about life to empowering women in business, they’ve created a platform that uplifts and inspires through every episode. Through their different series — Over the Back Fence, weekly chats to uplift and inspire; Over the Money Fence, monthly financial conversations; and Over the Wine Fence, featuring their custom-label wine — Di and Nicola are showing how meaningful conversations can spark real change. Follow their instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 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.

Mark Humphries is a journalist, author, and commentator known for his deep dives into some of Australia’s most fascinating corporate and cultural stories. In this episode, Mark sits down with him to discuss his new podcast series Skase: Fall of a Tycoon, exploring the rise and fall of Christopher Skase and the empire he built with ambition, charm, and a willingness to bend the rules. They talk about Skase’s journey from an 18-year-old graduate with $15,000 and big dreams to the head of Qintex, the role his wife Pixie played in his rise, the high-stakes business maneuvers that defined the 1980s, and the ultimate consequences of unchecked ambition. Mark also reflects on what Skase’s story reveals about the corporate world in the 80s, lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, and why his tale continues to captivate decades later.  Listen to Skase: Fall of a Tycoon here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/skase-collection/105911000    You can subscribe to the Mentored news

Luke Altschwager is the Managing Director at Palm Valley, and he’s partnered with Mick Fanning to build the Gold Coast’s first wave pool. In this episode, Mark sits down with Luke to unpack the massive transformation of Parkwood Village — a project that fuses sport, business, and entertainment into one of the most ambitious developments in Queensland. They talk about Luke’s business journey, the risks, financing hurdles, and the surf technology that’s set to change the way people experience the Gold Coast. Check out the Palm Valley Gold Coast website here: https://palmvalleygc.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.

In this episode, Holly Fowler, founder of Wable, joins us to share how she’s building the world’s first dating app designed specifically for the neurodivergent community. Inspired after watching Love on the Spectrum, Holly opens up about the personal experiences that led her to create Wable, co-founding it with Michael Theo, the stigma neurodivergent people often face in dating, and how her platform is creating safer, more inclusive spaces for genuine connection. We explore the challenges of launching a startup in an overlooked market, the growing investor interest in neurodiversity, and Holly’s vision for the future. 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, The Block 2025 contestants Britt and Taz sit down to share their full story — the stuff you didn’t see on TV. They kick things off by talking about their background as police officers and how their unique bond helped them take on the high-pressure world of reality renovation. Then, they break down their Block journey: the day-to-day grind of renovating under pressure, the challenges they faced, and how they tackled key design decisions. You’ll also get an insider look at their auction prep, marketing strategy, and what really goes down in the lead-up to that nail-biting finale. Britt and Taz wrap up with personal reflections, what they’d do differently, and what’s next for them after The Block. Their real estate agent, Mark Nunn, also joins the conversation to discuss the property play and share his expert insights into the auction process. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group.

Paul Scully is a 51-year-old lifelong Wollongong local and the current NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, serving as the Member for Wollongong since 2016. In this episode, we dive into his family heritage and education, the political background and dynamics that shaped his career, and his perspective on raising the standard of living and government responsibility. We break down the challenges around housing supply and planning reforms, explore how political decisions play out in communities, and discuss innovative government policies designed to tackle today’s pressing issues. Paul also shares how he balances budget pressures with policy implementation, before looking ahead to his future plans and legislative reforms for NSW. 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.CSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominique Gill is the Founder and Managing Director of Urban Core, a multi award-winning construction company generating $80 million in annual revenue, with offices in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. A pioneer in diversity and inclusion, Dominique leads one of Australia’s few female-led building firms, with women making up 50% of the Urban Core workforce. In this episode, Mark Bouris speaks with Dominique Gill about how she’s reshaping construction through purpose-driven leadership and a 50% female workforce. They discuss industry challenges, psychological safety, innovation on site, and why construction remains vital in the age of AI. 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.

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.