Podcast · Business

The Mentor with Mark Bouris

by Mentored.com.au · English · Business

Mark Bouris speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs, finding out what makes them tick and their plans for growth. Some business owners are on the way up and enjoying new success, others are at a turning point. Mark digs into their stories and finds out why they set out to create their own path,

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 50 min
Latest: 29 Jun 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

29 Jun 2026 · 49 min

How Sole Traders Can Be Overpaying Thousands in Tax (And What You Can Do About It) | Hnry's James Fuller

James Fuller is the co-founder and CEO of Hnry, an all-in-one accounting and tax platform built specifically for sole traders. In this episode, Mark sits down with James to unpack why 1.5 million Australian sole traders are missing out on thousands of dollars each year in unclaimed tax deductions, and how Hnry is flipping the traditional accounting model on its head. James breaks down exactly how the platform works, why most sole traders are unknowingly overpaying tax, and what it really costs to ignore your admin. Learn more about Hnry here: https://hnry.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

15 Jun 2026 · 43 min
Connor and Fletcher Watson, leveraging connections and revolutionising brand content
Fletcher and Connor Watson are two brothers building a production empire, Wildfire Content, while Connor plays for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. Here's how they're revolutionising branded content through authentic storytelling. This episode dives deep into their journey from starting a charity after a family tragedy to creating compelling documentary-style campaigns for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and major clients like Hyundai. The boys break down their unique approach to "branded documentary" content, how they leverage Connor's sporting connections, and why authenticity…
1 Jun 2026 · 47 min
How Playlunch, the Band Behind “Keith”, Built Success Through Authenticity
Liam Bell turned a COVID lockdown into a seven-piece band phenomenon called Play Lunch. Now he's taking his "bogan funk" sound to America. This episode dives deep into the business of music, from building a seven-person creative team to mastering social media without losing authenticity. Liam breaks down how Play Lunch cracked the code on modern music marketing, built a devoted fanbase through deliberately imperfect branding, and turned merchandise into their financial lifeline. Plus, how they're preparing to export Australian culture to US audiences. • Building a seven-piece band…
18 May 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Luxury Escapes Co-Founder: Creating a Billion-Dollar Travel Empire.
Adam Schwab grew Luxury Escapes from a bootstrapped Groupon clone into a billion-dollar travel empire without raising capital until COVID. Here's exactly how he did it. In this deep dive, Adam breaks down the contrarian moves that built one of Australia's most successful travel businesses. From accidentally discovering the travel arbitrage that competitors missed, to building competitive moats through switching costs and AI-powered personalisation. He reveals why focus beats diversification, how they turned hotel partnerships into a cornered resource, and the metrics that actually matter…
4 May 2026 · 52 min
Creating a 3M+ Audience with Swag On The Beat
Jack Say and Isaac Gibbons turned COVID boredom into TikTok gold, then built SmartAss toilet paper from their viral comedy empire. Jack and Isaac reveal how they went from filming empty supermarket shelves during Melbourne's lockdown to creating a data-driven content machine with 15 success pillars. They break down their "orb" philosophy for protecting business partnerships, landing their product in every Coles store, and building authentic brands that audiences actually want to buy from. The 15-pillar algorithm they use to predict viral content How they turned their first TikTok video into…
20 Apr 2026 · 50 min
#518: $100M+ Founder on how to implement AI in your business. (Finder)
Jeremy Cabral built Finder to $100 million in revenue and 600 employees across 23 countries. Now he's using AI to revolutionise business growth at lightning speed. Jeremy walks through exactly how AI is transforming everything from customer acquisition to operational efficiency. He reveals how companies can implement AI agents to automate complex workflows, shares his framework for extracting institutional knowledge from top performers, and explains why the next 12-18 months will separate winners from losers. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/…
6 Apr 2026 · 26 min
Pitch Expert: The Art of Winning the Room (And Closing the Deal)
Jonathan Pease is Australia's go-to pitch expert, working with executives from the biggest companies in the country. Here's how AI is completely reshaping the way we present and pitch. In this episode, Jonathan breaks down how AI has commoditised content creation but amplified the need for authentic human connection. We explore the critical difference between documents and presentations, why vulnerability is your secret weapon, and how to read the room in real time. Plus, Jonathan reveals his MeWe storytelling framework and explains why the future belongs to those who master taste and…
23 Mar 2026 · 49 min
516 Andrew Sjoquist: How the Future of Business Sits Between Energy and AI
Andrew Sjoquist is building a business at the intersection of two massive shifts: energy and AI infrastructure. Australia wastes an estimated 7.2 terawatt hours of renewable energy every year due to grid constraints. At the same time, demand for data centres is exploding, driven by AI, cloud computing, and digital . WinDC is turning that inefficiency into opportunity. Instead of building traditional, multi-year data centre projects in capital cities, they deploy modular, shipping container-sized data centres directly next to wind and solar farms. These units can be live in as little as 90…
9 Mar 2026 · 50 min
How to Use AI Agents to Grow Your Business & Why AI Will Eliminate 50% of These Tasks by 2026
AI agents are changing how businesses operate. Daniel Vassilev has raised $42 million to scale his company, Relevance AI, which is already helping some of the world’s largest private companies automate entire teams. I sat down with Daniel to unpack what this shift actually means for businesses and for the workforce, and the practical advice on how people can use AI agents to grow their business. In this conversation we discuss: • How AI agents could eliminate up to 50% of go-to-market tasks by 2026 • Why businesses will soon recruit AI agents the same way they recruit…
23 Feb 2026 · 35 min
#514: How to lead at the edge of technological change with OKX Australia CEO Kate Cooper
In this episode, I speak with Kate Cooper, OKX Australia CEO and systems change leader with more than 25 years’ experience driving technology-led transformation across government, global enterprise, banking and digital assets. We unpack what it takes to lead in a fast-moving digital world, from balancing inner clarity with external impact, to communicating effectively through change, understanding the productivity potential of digital finance, navigating regulatory uncertainty, and managing large-scale transformation when systems and culture are shifting at the same time. You can…
9 Feb 2026 · 43 min
#513 The Gen-Z Founder Playbook to Multi-Million Dollar Companies by 30 with Noah Hunter Dorsey
Noah Hunter Dorsey is the founder of Future Fulfilment and a 29 year old entrepreneur selected in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2025, working with major brands including Vegemite, the AFL, and many more. This is a playbook for building multi-million dollar companies before 30. We cover the move from university to entrepreneurship, backing yourself through fear, and why communication and sales are non negotiable skills. Noah breaks down how he learned by doing, identified high income skills, and prioritised execution over theory. We also talk leadership, culture, and scale. How to build…
19 Jan 2026 · 50 min
(REVISIT) The Yard Gym Story: Dan Bova on building a Fitness Franchise powerhouse
We’re currently revamping The Mentor podcast with a new studio and a new structure to bring you even better conversations. In the meantime, check out my podcast with one of the top podcast voices of 2025, Dan Bova. Dan Bova, co-founder of The Yard Gym, leads a franchise network of over 50 locations in Australia, with ambitious plans to expand to 200 sites worldwide by 2025. In our conversation, we explored Dan’s journey and early life, his move into gym franchising, the founding of The Yard, and what sets it apart. We also delved into its innovative business model and curriculum,…
12 Jan 2026 · 54 min
6,200 NSW Businesses Went Insolvent in 2025: Lessons From When It Doesn’t Work Out with Dean Boyd (Episode #512)
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…
5 Jan 2026 · 50 min
REVISIT: R.M.Williams CEO Paul Grosmann on leading Australia’s Iconic Brand
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…
29 Dec 2025 · 48 min
Best of 2025 Part 2: The Hyro duo, R.M. Williams CEO Paul Grosmann, Dominique Gill, Britt & Taz & Michael Christidis
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…
22 Dec 2025 · 39 min
Best of 2025 Part 1: Sam Kelly, Tracy Sheen, Jason Titman, Little Rickshaw & Zafferano
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.
15 Dec 2025 · 44 min
#511 Better Beer: How Nick Cogger & Inspired Unemployed Built One Of Australia’s Fastest Growing Beer Brands
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…
8 Dec 2025 · 41 min
#510 Million Dollar Listing: How Ari Kaklamanis Rewrote Property Marketing in Australia
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…
1 Dec 2025 · 42 min
#509 Lox in a Box Unpacked: From Home Kitchen to a Sydney Success Story with Candy Berger
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…
24 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
#508 Michael Christidis: The Energetic Entrepreneur Behind Australia’s Biggest Music Festivals
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…
17 Nov 2025 · 1 hr
#507 The Art of Execution: What Separates Winners from the Rest with David Kenney
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…
10 Nov 2025 · 51 min
#506 Chris Lucas: The Visionary Behind Australia’s Hottest Restaurants
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,…
3 Nov 2025 · 59 min
#505 Over the Back Fence: Wine, Friendship & Building a Community with Nicola Dale & Di Edwards
Best friends Di Edwards and Nicola Dale turned their backyard chats into Over the Back 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…
27 Oct 2025 · 55 min
#504: Mark Humphries: What We Can Learn from the Rise & Fall of Business Tycoon Christopher Skase
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…
20 Oct 2025 · 40 min
#503 Inside the Wave Pool: The Master Plan That’s Going to Change the Gold Coast with Luke Altschwager
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:…
13 Oct 2025 · 51 min
#502 Holly Fowler: Creating the Dating App for the Neurodivergent World
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…
6 Oct 2025 · 53 min
#501 Britt and Taz from The Block – Behind the Scenes of the hit TV show
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…
30 Sep 2025 · 58 min
#500 Speaking with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for NSW: Hon Paul Scully
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…
22 Sep 2025 · 54 min
#499: Why the Trades Will Be Vital in an AI World with Dominique Gill
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,…
15 Sep 2025 · 46 min
#498 Empower Money: Breaking Barriers to Home Ownership in Australia with Peter Khoury
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…

About The Mentor with Mark Bouris

The Mentor with Mark Bouris is a English business podcast from Mentored.com.au. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Mentored.com.au
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 50 min
Latest episode: 29 Jun 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id981791133
Rights: 2026 Mentored.com.au

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