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!
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.
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.
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.
John Cotton, an accounting recruitment expert, has spent over a decade helping firms find top talent across Australia. If you’re a business owner or CEO struggling to attract the best candidates, John uncovers the biggest hiring mistakes and how to fix them. From LinkedIn profile hacks to interview must-dos, this episode is packed with insights to help you stand out in a competitive job market.
In this episode, we explore how **Greg Weston** transformed a struggling family business into a **thriving chemical powerhouse** while ensuring it stayed **Exit-Ready**.
On the **#CriticalFewActions™ Podcast**, Greg shares **30 years of lessons** on scaling, leadership transitions, and exit strategies.
If you’re a **business owner or CEO (<$100M turnover)**, discover why **culture, people, and strategic vision** are the keys to long-term success.
In this episode, I sit down with **Brett Bonser**, a **B2B Growth Expert** who has helped businesses—from start-ups to industry leaders—achieve new levels of revenue.
If you’re a **CEO or business owner** of a **mid-sized enterprise (under $100M turnover)**, discover how **aligning sales and marketing** can drive **consistent revenue growth**.
Brett shares **real-world strategies** that simplify the sales process, ensuring you **engage buyers earlier, create high-value content, and optimise team collaboration**.
These **proven tactics** will help you **boost your bottom line—fast**, even in challenging times.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
