Ben Vasiliou: The CEO who defied poverty and made helping disadvantaged youth good business | Ep. 34

DES Podcast #37 | EPIC Entrepreneur Series | Kennie is the affable Indonesian-ex-pat-come-entrepreneur who found her way back to happiness in the orbit of early-stage start-up founders

In this episode of The Doing Epic Stuff Podcast I trade words with the infectiously affable Kenny Robertson (née Kurniawan), Community Leader of Startspace; a free business support service specifically for new and early-stage business founders, provided by State Library Victoria. I love Kennie.  She makes everyone else around her feel good and that’s a rare and powerful thing, especially in the early-stage founder community where wins and effort aren’t necessarily in harmony.  Having personally been a member of Startspace for some time (this very episode was recorded, edited and produced on location but, full disclosure, not in the spiffy dedicated podcasting facility, hence the low-level bg noise…) eventually having Kennie behind the mic felt like a no-brainer. We unpack her entrepreneurial aspirations, side quests and setbacks from humble origins selling handmade bracelets to Indonesian classmates to being a one-time Co-Founder of a Sustainable Tourism start-up.  A spell in corporate retail followed by a shock resignation was soon followed by a sojourn to Melbourne, Australia. But it wasn’t until Kennie returned to her native land that the potential to financially leverage others' desires to explore the nation of over 100 active volcanoes became clear to her.  An apparent step back taken in order to gain a better view… There are all manner of hard-earned experience gems to be discovered from our discussion; navigating challenging co-founder partnerships, the pitfalls of a thriving business built upon an unclear (primary) product/market fit and tips on managing our mental health when our big idea becomes our biggest problem. Dig it. & don’t forget to be YOUR Epic! Mike Drohan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com [https://doingepicstuff.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Dagobert Renouf is the unlikely start-up influencer/entrepreneur leveraging the power of vulnerability | Ep. 36

Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host Mike Drohan. Together we’ll explore the stories and journeys of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Man, being an entrepreneur is a real test. It just is.  There are no safety nets.  No cheer squad when you’re feeling sh*tty about progress (or lack of).  No ‘easy days’ where you can just coast, safe in the knowledge that there will be a pay-check at end of the week. It’s all on YOU! But for some, such as Dagobert Ranouf and his wife Lucy, co-founders of design software-as-a-service start-up known as Logology, there simply is no other choice... One of the few newsletters I subscribe to and always make time to read is called Indie Hackers – what’s an Indie Hacker? (noun) 1. person building an online project that can generate revenue 2. person seeking financial independence, creative freedom, and the ability to work on their own schedule It was within this very newsletter that I first heard of man-like-Dagobert-Ranouf and his truly EPIC entrepreneurial journey - an engrossing story about the shifting fortunes of the digital entrepreneur, the perils of a poor co-founder match and how authenticity and vulnerability have underpinned a last-ditch marketing strategy which has put Logology on a trajectory to success and made Dagobert an unlikely influencer in the Twittersphere. Enjoy and remember to be YOUR Epic! Mike Show notes: * Dagobert’s rather excellent start-up ‘Logology’ – get a designer-quality logo for your start-up in 5 minutes:https://www.logology.co/ [https://www.logology.co/] * Dagobert’s Twitter account – the heart and soul of his iconic meme-heavy marketing strategy: https://twitter.com/dagorenouf [https://twitter.com/dagorenouf] * The Indie Hackers newsletter which I personally subscribe to/first heard about Dagobert Ranouf: https://www.indiehackers.com/newsletter [https://www.indiehackers.com/newsletter] Digging Doing Epic Stuff? * Hit your boy up on The Bird (Twitter): @BehindTheEpicStuff or email (mike@doingepicstuff.com [mike@doingepicstuff.com]) or Insta https://www.instagram.com/doingepicstuff/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/doingepicstuff/?hl=en] * Delve into the complete DES Podcast back catalogue: https://www.doingepicstuff.com/episodes [https://www.doingepicstuff.com/episodes] * Join the fortnightly newsletter: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe [https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com [https://doingepicstuff.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Steve Chapman on harnessing our hidden creative superpowers | Ep. 35

Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host Mike Drohan. Together we’ll explore the stories and journeys of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Steve Chapman is one of the most interesting people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting during my time on earth.  ‘The “(NOT A) LOST CAT”’ project is a prime example of the weird and wonderful pastimes Steve engages in. A hand painted re-production of an original, actual lost cat poster. Steve has now personally re-printed and re-issued his re-production to hundreds of intrigued individuals across the globe who have gone on to display the poster in almost every country on earth. I’m 100% serious – the world map is in the show notes... A Ted X speaker, prolific creative and holder of an MSc in Organisational Change, Steve’s professional life began on a very different trajectory. Having been convinced, by the commonly held belief amongst his secondary school teachers, that he was "either lazy or just not that bright (or both)" -  his difficulties in learning, love of whacky doodling, bizarre storytelling and ad-hoc creating (ofttimes during math class) apparently weren't applicable to a 'respectable' adult life.. This episode is an exploration of un-tapping our creative potential.  * Can we de-tune the fixed way we see the world? * How much of what we do is actually who we are or just a product of social constructs and what happens once we start to challenge them? * What is the improvisers mindset and how has Steve leveraged it to create some of the most interesting and audacious projects you’ve never heard of? Enjoy this full-of-unreal ep. of the Doing Epic Stuff podcast Show notes: Please consider supporting Steve by purchasing a piece of his artwork!! All info is within his website and IG (below) * All things Steve  https://www.shop.canscorpionssmoke.com/product/not-a-lost-cat-poster/ [https://www.shop.canscorpionssmoke.com/product/not-a-lost-cat-poster/] * Hosier lane: Melbourne’s most celebrated laneway for street art: https://www.instagram.com/hosierla/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/hosierla/?hl=en]  * The Power of Neurodiversity (referred to in the podcast as ‘The Gift of…’) which Steve refers to in the context of special needs classes: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-power-of-neurodiversity-thomas-armstrong/book/9780738215242.html [https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-power-of-neurodiversity-thomas-armstrong/book/9780738215242.html] * ‘The Art of Creative Resilience’ – a talk Steve gave which references in relation ‘tuning in’ to signals our body/mind is giving us to help decipher our real feelings toward a given situation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhcp3pozaHI [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhcp3pozaHI] * 9 Meals from Anarchy repay Steve in vegan cooking stock! https://www.ninemealsfromanarchy.co.uk/ [https://www.ninemealsfromanarchy.co.uk/]  Digging Doing Epic Stuff? * Hit your boy up on The Bird (Twitter): @BehindTheEpicStuff [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=6261fc4fe5&e=501ffcea62] email (mike@doingepicstuff.com [mike@doingepicstuff.com]) or Insta https://www.instagram.com/doingepicstuff/?hl=en [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=f30916f752&e=501ffcea62] * Delve into the complete DES Podcast back catalogue here [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=a14908d57c&e=501ffcea62] * Join the fortnightly newsletter: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=aeff3fb501&e=501ffcea62] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com [https://doingepicstuff.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ben Vasiliou: The CEO who defied poverty and made helping disadvantaged youth good business | Ep. 34

Welcome to the Doing Epic Stuff podcast with your host Mike Drohan. Together we’ll explore the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. “What I was attempting to do was tell society what they wanted to hear. Or what I thought they wanted to hear, which was to have this Alpha Bravo male who doesn’t talk about pain. Who doesn’t talk about vulnerability and I was like ‘it’s actually killing me.’ – and it nearly did get to that point.” There’s something very refreshing about someone in a position of power having the courage to be vulnerable. Indeed, Ben Vasiliou, CEO of Youth Projects and a driving force behind their revolutionary Social Enterprise; The Little Social Cafe, credits that same vulnerability with being the catalyst for major positive change both in his professional and personal life.  Having navigated a life below the poverty line, identity crisis, being a young father and the trials of the top position at an organisation committed to breaking the cycle of disadvantage – Ben has an extraordinary story to share with us. A special shoutout to Banyule City Council whom Ben credits with having the vision and resources to make the Little Social Café in Rosanna, Melbourne a reality. If you’re listening to this podcast and based in Melbourne, Australia, do make sure to swing past, grab a delicious coffee for yourself and sprinkle some kindness into someone’s day through their ‘pay-it-forward service’: purchase a drink or snack for someone experiencing homelessness or accessing Youth Projects' homelessness services. EPIC stuff within this episode: * Even an award winning CEO can balls things up from time to time! * Un-packing Youth Projects: providing support (since the 80s!) to young people and individuals experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and other drug issues * Exploring the power of vulnerability and how sharing your story can be a vehicle for good * How to be part of the solution to 116K Australians living homeless and 1 in 8 being below the poverty line  * All about the Little Social Café and how it’s reaffirming a vision of young people being good-to-go in a very competitive job market whilst also providing a sustainable, financially viable business model Show notes: * Youth Projects (Ben is CEO):  https://www.youthprojects.org.au/who-we-are [https://www.youthprojects.org.au/who-we-are] * The Little Social Cafe (Social Enterprise) - get down there and 'pay it forward'!: https://www.youthprojects.org.au/social-enterprise [https://www.youthprojects.org.au/social-enterprise] * Skills Plus: a not-for-profit which Ben was formerly the GM: https://skillsplus.com.au/ [https://skillsplus.com.au/] *  Banyule City Council “the reason why that (The Little Social) has been successful” according to Ben: https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us [https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us]  Digging Doing Epic Stuff? Hit your boy up: * Twitter @BehindTheEpicStuff [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=6261fc4fe5&e=501ffcea62]  * Email: mike@doingepicstuff.com [mike@doingepicstuff.com]  * Insta: https://www.instagram.com/doingepicstuff/?hl=en [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=f30916f752&e=501ffcea62] * DES Podcast back catalogue here [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=a14908d57c&e=501ffcea62] * Fortnightly newsletter: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe [https://8bd.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f2a8cded723cc627e5c6a8f&id=aeff3fb501&e=501ffcea62] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com [https://doingepicstuff.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Rebuilding a fitness empire. Training your age. Can you even flow state?! Feat. ELITE Physical Performance Coach: Russell Jarrett

Ever had a job where, no matter how good you are at it, you can still get fired at any given moment? Pretty stressful, right?  “I could come in and do a terrific job on a team, get them in wonderful physical shape, but if for some reason the performances don’t ensue, ‘cause it’s a win/loss outcome-based environment, you might still lose your job. So, there’s not always that job security with what I do because, at the elite level, you’ve gotta win. " Russell Jarret has managed to sustain a career as an elite Physical Performance/Strength and Conditioning Coach for over 30 years. That’s A LOT of early starts and burpees… Now a proven key player behind the players, his interest in the elite fitness training profession was originally piqued by an inspiring Physical Education teacher. Russell has since worked with some of Australia’s most elite sporting organisations including the Australian Football League, Australian Institute of Sport, Cricket Australia, Women’s National Basketball League, Australian Basketball League and elite level Golf and Tennis as well as literally thousands of individual and group sessions. Then, out of nowhere, the national personal training industry is scuttled overnight… “Lockdown two really punched a hole in us because, when we got locked down a second time it was probably a bit longer, actually, and we’d done all of those things to remain relevant and to remain front of mind and we had no more tricks up our sleeve…" We chat mindset and methods to navigate major change in our lives, the benefit in having a side hustle, how our physical exercise needs to adapt to complement our age AND there’s even some time to throw a couple of questions at Russell provided by Doing Epic Stuff listeners. EPIC. BTW: if you dig the episode, I’d greatly appreciate a review on your preferred podcast listening platform - the more awareness we create together the closer we get to a world where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their epic stuff.  Show notes: * Russell's website incl. his online courses: http://www.russelljarrett.com.au/ [http://www.russelljarrett.com.au/] * All kinds of interesting stuff on his Insta: https://www.instagram.com/russell_jarrett1/ [https://www.instagram.com/russell_jarrett1/] If you enjoyed this episode of the DES podcast or are onboard with my mission of empowering more people to find and follow their extraordinary, more of the time, please consider subscribing to the fortnightly eNewsletter. It features some snackable epic content, the latest DES developments and a heads-up on upcoming episodes: https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe [https://mailchimp.doingepicstuff.com/subscribe] or catch me on the web: doingepicstuff.com [http://doingepicstuff.com/] We out! #doingepicstuff #entrepreneur #motivation  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com [https://doingepicstuff.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]