Owner To Owner Podcast

From Corporate to Small Business Owner and back to Corporate: What Elise Heslop learned along the way.

Host @Michael Kerr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljkerr-small-business-adviser/] and guest @Elise Heslop [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-heslop-85187514/] talk through how and why Elise transitioned from a 'safe and secure' corporate role to life as an entrepreneur. After taking a family sabbatical in Italy, she founded Ply Room, a values-based furniture business. After she successfully sold Ply Room she's headed back to a new role in Corporate as Head of Marketing for @earlypay [https://www.earlypay.com.au/]. A full circle with lots of challenges overcome, lessons learned, and pivotal moments.  We dig deep into her experiences of being a solo founder and owner of a #smallbusiness; * The importance of trusting your instincts to the realities of running a small business * Finding resilience and adaptability * The highs and lows of business ownership * The courage it takes to follow your own path * Elise's family sabbatical in Italy as a pivotal moment in her career * The realities of small business ownership - loneliness, stress * Trying to find balance between business and personal life * Elise shares insights on finding a supportive network * What it's like to start then sell a business  Chapters * 00:00:00 Introduction to Elise Heslop * 00:03:00 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship * 00:09:00 Founding Ply Room * 00:15:00 Challenges and Lessons Learned * 00:21:00 The Importance of Instincts * 00:27:00 Balancing Business and Personal Life * 00:33:00 Conclusion and Reflections @kerrcapital [www.kerrcapital.com.au]     Thanks for listening.  Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au [michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au] www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au [www.ownertoowner.com.au]

Enhancing Business Value with Employee Ownership: Craig West Founder of Succession Plus

In this compelling episode of "Owner to Owner," host Michael Kerr dives deep with Dr. Craig West, the visionary founder of Succession Plus. Together, they unpick the transformative power of employee ownership programs and their profound impact on business value and succession planning. Discover how and why these strategies not only enhance business resilience but also foster community well-being. Dr. West shares invaluable insights on; * How employee ownership programs can significantly enhance business value. * Why early exit planning is crucial for business success. * How employee share plans help retain key staff and improve business resilience. * Why understanding business value is so essential for business owners. * How succession planning benefits both businesses and communities. * Employee ownership as a strategic exit option. * Why employee share plans are gaining popularity in Australia Chapters * 00:00:00 Introduction to Employee Ownership * 00:00:00 Benefits of Employee Share Plans * 00:00:00 Valuation and Exit Planning * 00:00:00 Succession Planning in Australia * 00:00:00 Community Impact and Business Resilience   Thanks for listening.  Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au [michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au] www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au [www.ownertoowner.com.au]

To grow your business be brave and get comfortable taking imperfect action, Gabe Villarreal

@Gabe Villarreal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-villarreal-investor-business-growth/] founder, business buyer and business growth adviser on scaling a liquor business to a million dollars in monthly revenue. We discuss strategies for over coming the practical challenges of scaling and exiting businesses, as well as the merits of 'holding' businesses rather than selling.  He stresses the importance of imperfect action, learning from failures, and having options in business.  Gabe also talks about his experiences in different industries and countries, and the significance of building a business with an exit strategy in mind. Takeaways * The importance of imperfect action over waiting for perfection. * Learning from failures. * Having options in business is more important than the exit itself. * Building a business with an exit strategy in mind is essential. * Cash flow management is critical for business survival. * Acquiring an established business can be more efficient than starting from scratch. @michael kerr  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljkerr-small-business-adviser/] @kerr capital  [www.kerrcapital.com.au]   Thanks for listening.  Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au [michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au] www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au [www.ownertoowner.com.au]

Juggling Passion and Financial Sustainability in the NFP Sector: Jacquie Riddell

@Jacquie Riddell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquie-riddell-140555b/] is an experienced #NFP leader and current chair of the @CBAA [https://www.cbaa.org.au/home]. The NFP or #ThirdSector is presenting huge challenges to leadership, employees and the many volunteers. Jacquie and host @Michael Kerr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljkerr-small-business-adviser/] talk about; * Financial sustainability * Mergers & Acquisitions in the NFP sector * The impact of overcrowding in the charity sector * The need for adopting new and better business models and #tech to improve effectiveness * Governance, collaboration, and the role of philanthropy * The future of charities * The phenomenon of 'accidental retirement' (read Jacquie's article on this here https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7334094500333531138/ * How professionals can transition from corporate roles to the not-for-profit sector Some key takeaways 1. Not-for-profits need reliable cash, not just goodwill. 2. The charity sector is overcrowded with over 60,000 charities in Australia. 3. Passion alone is not enough; capability is essential. 4. Successful charities adopt business models similar to for-profits. 5. Governance is critical for the growth of not-for-profits. 6. Mergers and collaborations can enhance sustainability in the charity sector. 7. Philanthropy is a major opportunity for charities, especially during wealth transfer. 8. Post-COVID challenges include reduced revenue and volunteerism. 9. B Corps represent a growing trend in socially responsible business. Chapters: 00:00 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society 05:15 Challenges and Opportunities in the Charity Sector 10:08 Adopting Business Models in Not-for-Profits 15:06 Governance and Capability in Charities 20:25 Social Enterprises and Merging Opportunities 25:18 Collaborative Solutions in Community Broadcasting 27:04 The Importance of Sustainable Revenue 28:59 The Rise of B Corporations and Social Responsibility 31:11 Governance and Effective Leadership in Nonprofits 33:22 The Reality of Nonprofit Work and Organizational Capacity 35:36 Funding Challenges and Opportunities for Charities 37:54 Navigating Post-COVID Challenges in the Charity Sector 39:33 Accidental Retirement: A New Perspective on Career Transitions 41:10 Policy Recommendations for the Charity Sector @kerrcapital [www.kerrcapital.com.au] Thanks for listening.  Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au [michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au] www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au [www.ownertoowner.com.au]

Decoding AI: Strategies for Small Business Success: David Brudenell, Decidr.

@Michael Kerr [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljkerr-small-business-adviser/] welcomes @David Brudenell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbrudenell/] Executive Director from @decidr.ai [https://www.decidr.ai/] discuss the challenges and opportunities for Australian SMEs in adopting AI strategies.  They explore the National AI Readiness Index launched by Decidr,  the importance of system design, and how AI can transform small businesses. The conversation delves into the potential of AI to provide #SMEs with the equivalent of thousands of employees, the role of agentic platforms, and the need for businesses to adapt to the fast-paced AI landscape. Takeaways: * SMEs need a system built for action, not just belief * Most businesses lack a plan to integrate AI effectively * AI can provide SMEs with the equivalent of thousands of employees * System design is crucial for successful AI integration * AI is a horizontal technology that thrives on context * Agentic platforms can unshackle businesses from administrative tasks * AI can transform hospitality by handling bookings and customer service * SMEs have the most to gain from AI but are at risk of being outpaced * AI can help businesses scale and become more resilient @kerrcapital [www.kerrcapital.com.au]   Thanks for listening.  Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au [michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au] www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au [www.ownertoowner.com.au]