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Are you consistently hitting or exceeding your business objectives, or are you stuck watching your business not deliver the full potential you know it's capable of?

You’re not alone. Here, we’ll explore how to zero in on those criticalfewactions™ - the ones that, if you did nothing else, will have the biggest impact on improving your business.

About John Downes

I have gained significant experience as a business mentor from serving over 400 organisations (big, medium and emerging) across 15 industries in Australia, the United Kingdom, Asia and the United States of America. 

In 2009, I retired as a partner from the global consulting firm, Deloitte, to establish this Strategic Mentoring business. I aimed to get much closer to a few business owners and CEOs rather than drive significant projects and teams as I had done for the previous 20+ years around the world. Along the way, I founded a successful, 25 person start-up with two partners and offices up the eastern seaboard serving some of Australia’s largest distributed businesses. This taught me so much about the realities of business ownership!

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Discover Your #CriticalFewActions™

If you know where you want to take your business, do you know what’s holding you back? And if you know what’s holding you back, do you know what to focus on first?

The Organisation Performance & Value (OPV) Diagnostic helps you take focused, targeted action, immediately. It helps you rate over 75 success factors in your business and, then decide the #criticalfewactions™ that, if you did nothing else, would have the biggest impact on helping you achieve your vision.

It’s for CEOs and senior leaders of organisations looking to develop, build or exit their business and wanting to understand, which are the few big-hitters that will give them the best result in improving both the value, and the performance of their business. You already know what they are. But when there’s 80 or more ways to improve your business, it can be overwhelming or confusing to choose just the #criticalfewactions™, that will make all the difference.

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CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation

Limited Seating - Subject to Application and Interview

The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning & Implementation is a carefully structured program designed for dedicated founders, CEOs and senior leaders. Led by seasoned business Chairs with over 30 years of experience and their own firms, the Masterclass provides a confidential and intimate space to collaborate with peers from diverse, non-competing organisations.

Our extensive expertise across various business models, combined with the collaborative group setting, allows you to explore a wide range of innovative ideas and strategies that you won’t find in any traditional/theory-based business management programs and take the time out to work on your business.

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I would absolutely 100% endorse any CEO, owner, or high level manager responsible for a trading result to jump on board the CEO masterclass. You cant lose. The prework is really straight forward. And, because it based on your business, all the prework that you do is stuff that you put in place for your business. It‘s your strategic plan. It‘s your vision. It‘s your #criticafewactions™. Its not wasted time that you’re working on a scenario which is fictitious. You are actually working on your business.
TimGeneral Manager 50 stores
Its like having an Advisory Board, but not just about the numbers. Nurturing, giving advice, but also the structure and the tools to help you get there. I'm surrounding myself with people with not only the experience, but also the heart to support you. Helps you maintain that focus with accountability.
JudyFounder and CEO, Nutraceuticals
The biggest challenge with being an entrepreneur is, that it doesn’t come with a roadmap. The masterclass provides that safety net of having other people around you to have those conversations.
Dominic Founder and CEO, Marketing and Advertising (3 countries)
With John’s CEO Masterclass, we put together a 5-year plan to double the size of our business. John took the journey with us, keeping us to task, and challenging us on decisions along the way. We achieved almost all the desired outcomes over our first five years with John, and feel that this process has given the business a better sense of itself and set us up for future success. John is passionate about his work, he is clear-minded, diligent and outcome focussed, which is why we have engaged him again for our next five-year plan!
James Sales and Technical Director, Engineering Services
The group I’m with, we bonded very quickly. Everyone is very open. I found the honesty and trust was built very early on. It’s comforting knowing you’re not alone.
BelindaFounder and CEO, Recruitment Services

Leaders We Have Served

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#criticalfewactions™ Podcast

A curation of interviews and presentations to support you on your leadership journey as you focus on only the #criticalfewactions™ that will improve your business.

(EP 27) Dr. Ellen Pittman (Nature-Led Innovator): The Unexpected Way Nature Solves Your Biggest Problems

What if nature holds the blueprint for solving your toughest business challenges?

In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, Dr. Ellen Pittman reveals how biomimicry—learning from nature’s designs—can spark innovation, transform company culture, and drive strategic growth.

From termite-inspired cooling systems to honeybee teamwork, nature’s principles can boost efficiency, foster collaboration, and future-proof your business.

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(EP 26) Joe Ciancio (Regional Tech Founder): The Unexpected Growth that came from Coaching and Peer Support

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Ciancio, a regional tech founder whose unexpected surge in business growth might surprise you.

Joe went from tinkering with computers in his parents’ garage to leading a 30-strong IT infrastructure team in regional Victoria that serves clients Australia-wide. If you’re a CEO of a mid-sized business (under $100m turnover) wondering how to scale effectively,

Joe’s journey highlights the power of expert coaching, supportive peer groups, and a relentless focus on culture.

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(EP 25) Georgie Chapman – Why Mid-Sized CEOs Can’t Ignore Bullying & Stress

In this episode, I sit down with Georgie Chapman, HR Legal Advisor and Partner at HR Legal, to uncover why CEOs of mid-sized businesses (under $100M turnover) can’t afford to ignore workplace bullying and stress.

With decades of experience advising companies on employment law, Georgie brings a refreshing perspective that balances legal obligations and pragmatism with genuine empathy for your team.

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(EP 24) Dianne Semmens (Award-Winning Founder): An Inspiring Story of Customer-Led Growth

John interviews Diane Simmons, a longtime friend and successful businesswoman, about her journey from Deloitte’s graduate boot camp to building a 14-person ERP software business.

She shares challenges like self-doubt, staff management, and business growth without major financial backing. Diane offers insights on staffing, client communication, delegation, and adapting to industry changes.

She discusses Acacia’s customer service approach, acquisitions, and market pivots, as well as the value of external advisors and her involvement in a CEO masterclass.

Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and personalised customer service.

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(EP 23) Darren Heveren – Intergenerational Wealth Transfer And Growth

In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ Podcast, John Downes speaks with Darren Heveren, co-founder of Wealthspan, about the strategic role of family offices in managing intergenerational wealth. Darren shares insights on how they operate, their core objectives, and the challenges of balancing wealth governance with family harmony. Packed with real-world case studies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone focused on long-term wealth preservation and strategic planning.

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(EP 22) Rich Hawker – How do you create spectacular Customer Experiences?

Join host John Downs as he explores critical actions to improve your business with guest Rich Hawker, an expert in customer experience design. Rich shares how his journey from Deloitte to Bain & Co. fueled his passion for solving human problems through design thinking and agile methodology.

Discover the core principles of customer experience design, its benefits, and a structured approach to mastering it. Rich provides valuable insights and case studies, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs, setting customer-led ambitions, and fostering a collaborative, emotionally resonant environment that drives both profitability and employee fulfillment.

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(EP 21) Rob Olver – Forget evolution! When should you revolutionise your business model?

In this episode of the #Critical Few Actions to Improve Your Business podcast, host John Downes speaks with Rob Olver, a business leader who specializes in transforming established companies for sustainable growth.

Rob shares his unique framework for business model transformation, adapted from startup methodologies, and provides insightful case studies and practical tips.

They discuss the challenges and opportunities in transitioning a traditional business model to a more innovative and sustainable one.

Learn how to prioritize actions, leverage digital technologies, and make data-driven decisions to stay ahead in your industry.

This is a small snippet of how John’s CEO MasterClass can help you – Click Here to find out more

Click Here to get your PDF summary of the episode including bonus resources (no signup needed)

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(EP 20) Judy Cheung-Wood – Changing The Face Of Australian Skincare

Summary

In this episode, Judy Cheung-Wood, CEO and founder of Skin B5, shares her journey from town planning to establishing a successful nutraceuticals business.

Judy discusses the personal struggles with acne that inspired her to develop Skin B5, the steps she took to launch her company, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to grow her business.

She also shares insights on the importance of personal branding, communication, and partnerships. Tune in to hear Judy’s inspiring story and entrepreneurial advice.

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CFA19 Unlock Business Success with #CriticalFewActions™: Prioritize What Truly Matters

Summary

Join John Downes in this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast as he unveils the powerful Organisation Performance and Value Diagnostic he’s used with successful clients for over a decade.

Learn to systematically assess and prioritize key business decisions, focusing on six critical levers: Vision and Strategy, Building Revenue, Delivering Profitability, Supporting People, Asset Returns, and Organisational Learning.

Discover how concentrating on a few high-impact actions can transform your business, drive profitability, and align your team towards shared success.

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What We Do

Contact Information

  • 03 8564 8652
  • info@criticalfewactions.com.au
  • Suite 195, Waterman Camberwell, Tenancy 111, Camberwell Place Shopping Centre, 793 Burke Road, Camberwell Victoria 3124

The #CriticalFewActions™ podcast including show notes and links provides general information only and is not individualized business advice nor can it be relied upon as such. You must take responsibility for your own advice, decisions and actions.

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