The Canberra Business Podcast

The urban mobility landscape is changing, and ARIO stands at the forefront of this revolution. Founded just last year with a bold vision to transform how we move through cities, ARIO has quickly established itself as not just another scooter company, but a technology-driven solution to long-standing problems in the micro-mobility space.

Mitchell Price, Head of Government Relations for ARIO, reveals how their three-wheeled ...

When Dr. Chloe Lim discovered her hours as a molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher were being reduced due to funding cuts, she never imagined a request to twist balloons at a church event would transform her career path. Yet six years later, she's the award-winning owner of two thriving Canberra businesses that blend scientific knowledge with creative entertainment.

From laboratory research on DNA's &quo...

"Every six minutes, an Australian business is hacked. Is yours next?"

Roy Borekar, founder of Solution Tech and a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, shatters the dangerous myth that small businesses are too insignificant to attract hackers. In this eye-opening conversation with Greg Harford, Roy reveals why smaller operations are actually prime targets for cybercriminals who recognize these businesses lack the resour...

Chief Minister Andrew Barr offers candid insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Canberra in this wide-ranging conversation about economic growth, budget pressures, and infrastructure development.

Having served as Chief Minister since 2014 and in the Assembly since 2006, Barr reflects on the secrets to his political longevity: "A combination of good policy being good politics, effective campaigning, and ...

What happens when girls in one of Australia's most educated and affluent communities are quietly suffering the poorest mental health outcomes in the nation? The answer: Fearless Women steps in to transform young lives.

Glenda Stevens, founding CEO of Fearless Women and 2024 ACT Senior Woman of the Year, shares the remarkable journey of building an organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable girls and young women. ...

Craig Gillman believes he might have the best job in ACT government, and after listening to his vision for Canberra's city center, you might agree. As CEO of the City Renewal Authority, Gillman is at the forefront of transforming the capital's urban core into something truly dynamic, inclusive, and competitive.

Forget outdated stereotypes about Canberra being dull or family focused. Today's capital boasts th...

"Done is better than perfect" might be the most liberating advice for businesses struggling with content creation. In this revealing conversation, Ty Ridgeway, Managing Director of Shoelace Creative, shares practical wisdom about modern marketing that cuts through the noise of complicated strategies.

The digital landscape has shifted dramatically, with audiences now craving authentic, relatable content over polis...

What keeps you up at night about your business? For many Canberra entrepreneurs, the answer increasingly includes insurance costs, particularly skyrocketing workers' compensation premiums. This eye-opening conversation with Gallagher insurance brokers Ceshton Hanns and Andre Ferreira pulls back the curtain on the sometimes-mystifying world of commercial insurance.

The discussion tackles the pressing question of why premiums con...

What happens when we stop seeing disability and leadership as contradictory terms? Christina Ryan, founder of the Disability Leadership Institute and ACT nominee for Australian of the Year, is transforming how we understand professional achievement and organisational excellence. 

During our candid conversation, Christina shares the profound moment that sparked her mission: realising that disabled people weren't being ...

Governance—a word that makes many small business owners recoil. But what if I told you it's not about bureaucratic red tape or corporate boardrooms, but simply about creating clarity in how you run your business?

In this enlightening conversation with Stephanie Bates, Operations Manager for KPMG Enterprise Advisory and a Director of the Canberra Business Chamber, we unpack what governance actually means for small busi...

In this International Women's Day special episode, guest host Helen Leayr speaks with three inspiring Canberra businesswomen about their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future of gender equality in business.

•  Raffy Sgroi shares how she transformed a traditional automotive business by creating a culture that includes women and focuses on customer communication
• Sarah C. Bailey discusses how perseverance through count...

We discuss key strategies to safeguard your small business from the world of cyber threats in our latest episode featuring cybersecurity expert Roger Smith from Care Managed IT. With cyberattacks on the rise, especially ransomware, small businesses and non-profits are more vulnerable than ever. Roger offers invaluable insights into the Essential 8 strategy, emphasizing the importance of multi-factor authentication and other protect...

Engaging in meaningful discussions about employment for individuals with disabilities is essential. The conversation centers around how Koomarri is transforming the landscape through customized employment solutions.

• Introducing guests Nadine Stephen and Shane Johnson from Kumari
• Overview of Kumari’s mission and services for people with disabilities
• Discussion on the NDIS and its impact on service delivery <...

We sit down with the innovative mind of Zak Farag, founder of Psyquility. His inventive tool is reshaping the landscape for neurodivergent individuals in both educational and professional settings. From personalized emotional regulation strategies to a unique Tetris-like game designed to boost executive functions, Zak shares how Psyquility is setting a new standard in mental health support. We also explore the vital role of design ...

Discover the inspiring journey of Swan Ricco, the visionary behind Lifa Lab, as she reveals how her kitchen experiment blossomed into a flourishing enterprise transforming ancient herbs into modern marvels. Swan candidly shares the hurdles and triumphs encountered while scaling her business during the COVID-19 pandemic. From overcoming marketing challenges to transitioning from a home-based setup to partnering with contract manufac...

How can we create a safer community through mental health education and crisis support? Join us as we engage in a compelling conversation with Carrie-Ann Leeson, the Chief Executive of Lifeline Canberra, who shares her profound insights into the critical work her organization is doing. With a network of nearly 1,000 dedicated volunteers, including 400 highly-trained crisis supporters, Lifeline Canberra plays a pivotal role in suici...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Canberra's broadcasting icon, Cam Sullings, as we trace his journey from a budding news cameraman to an influential radio personality and successful entrepreneur. Cam takes us through his adventurous career, detailing his experiences from Broken Hill to Canberra, and sharing unforgettable stories from the vibrant pub rock scene in Sydney. We dive into his transition from radio to laun...

We kick off the year discussing smart automation and AI tools with our special guest, Vit Muller from Standout from the Pack. Discover how small businesses, particularly gyms, barbers, and accountants, can revolutionize their marketing strategies using an all-in-one platform. Vit shares groundbreaking insights into cost-effective campaigns and the magic of database reactivation strategies. We also dive into AI's ability to ass...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Andrew Sykes, a seasoned partner at RSM Australia, who brings over four decades of experience to our discussion on Canberra's small to medium-sized business landscape. Discover the intriguing dynamics of how different sectors are navigating economic challenges, with retail and hospitality facing struggles while others find ways to thrive. Andrew shares his wisdom on how businesses ...