The Critical Few Actions

John Downes
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The Critical Few Actions

Overwhelmed by trying to do it all? Focus on the criticalfewactions™ that will have the biggest impact on your business's success. In this podcast, host John Downes, a seasoned business advisor with extensive experience in Big Consulting, successful entrepreneurship, and mentoring, helps you defeat the overwhelm. Through real stories from business leaders, experts insights, and John’s own experience, you’ll learn how to prioritize those criticalfewactions™ that, if you did nothing else, will drive your business forward to deliver your vision. We’ll cover everything from setting your vision and strategy to improving profitability and supporting your team’s performance so that you get more pleasure, fulfillment, and financial reward from your business.. Subscribe now and tune in every two weeks to take control of your business’s future—one focused step at a time.

  1. 9H AGO

    Brett Bonser (B2B Growth Expert): The Secret to Boosting Mid-Sized Revenue Now

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/BrettBonserInformation What if the single biggest obstacle holding back your mid-sized B2B business isn’t the market— but your approach to sales and marketing alignment? In this episode, we reveal the surprisingly simple strategies that can supercharge your revenue, even during challenging times. In today’s episode, I sit down with Brett Bonser, a renowned B2B Growth Expert who’s helped many of my clients —from start-ups to industry heavyweights— to unlock new levels of revenue. If you’re the owner or CEO of a mid-sized enterprise (under $100M turnover), prepare to discover how aligning your sales and marketing teams can be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Brett’s unique perspective blends real-world results with strategic insight, showing you exactly what steps to take to boost your bottom line fast. What you’ll learn Buyer-Centric Tactics: Why understanding your customer’s perspective can immediately transform sales success.Content that Converts: How to deliver consistent, high-quality information that positions you as a trusted advisor.Leveraging AI & Tech: Practical ways to integrate AI into sales and marketing for scalable results.Team Alignment for Growth: Simple but powerful methods to foster a cohesive approach across all departments.Brute-force Ai-generated marketing content is NOT your friend Highlights 00:00 - Introduction & Why Alignment Matters 01:13 – Brett’s Approach to Revenue Growth 09:08 – The Impact of AI & Emerging Market Trends 32:02 – Bridging the Gap Between Sales & Marketing 34:08 - Case Study: TeraFirma's Market Education 45:58 – Top Success Factors for SMEs 56:02 – The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your business If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/BrettBonserInformation Download the Episode Summary & Brett’s Contact Details: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/BrettBonserInformation Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation. Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t?  The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do. People who have faced these obstacles before and have the real-world experience to guide you and your team forward. That’s why I created the CEO Masterclass—a 12-month, Deakin University MBA-accredited program designed exclusively for business owners and CEOs who are serious about transforming their businesses. With 30+ years in business, working with hundreds of companies from $1 million to $100+ million turnover across three continents, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges leaders face—and I’ve...

    1h 2m
  2. Dr. Ellen Pittman (Nature-Led Innovator): The Unexpected Way Nature Solves Your Biggest Problems

    APR 1

    Dr. Ellen Pittman (Nature-Led Innovator): The Unexpected Way Nature Solves Your Biggest Problems

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/EllenPittman2Information What if the perfect blueprint for solving your toughest business challenges has been hiding in plain sight all along? In this episode, we explore how biomimicry can transform product innovation, organisational culture, and even your company’s strategic approach. In this latest episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, Dr. Ellen Pittman, a leading biomimicry expert and organisational culture strategist, reveals how nature-inspired solutions can unlock breakthrough ideas in business. From termite mound cooling systems to the collaborative behaviour of honeybees, Ellen’s examples illustrate how adopting nature’s proven methods can radically improve efficiency, spark innovation, and create a healthier workplace culture. What you’ll learn Game-Changing Inspiration: How looking to nature uncovers sustainable, high-impact solutions for everyday business problems.Transforming Company Culture: Using nature’s collaborative models to reduce hierarchy and energise teams.Strategic Evolution: Why embedding biomimicry principles into your long-term vision can future-proof your organisation. Highlights 00:00 - Getting into the un-seen 01:04 – Biomimicry 101: What It Really Means 06:29 – Real-World Case Studies (Eastgate Building, Mantis Shrimp Insight) 09:25 – Biomimicry’s Role in Organisational Culture 23:52 – The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your business If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content:https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/EllenPittman2Information Download the Episode Summary & EEllen’s Contact Details: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/EllenPittman2Information Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation. Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t?  The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do. People who have faced these obstacles before and have the real-world experience to guide you and your team forward. That’s why I created the CEO Masterclass—a 12-month, Deakin University MBA-accredited program designed exclusively for business owners and CEOs who are serious about transforming their businesses. With 30+ years in business, working with hundreds of companies from $1 million to $100+ million turnover across three continents, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges leaders face—and I’ve helped them break through and achieve real results. This isn’t another generic leadership course. It’s a highly focused, small-group program where you’ll work alongside your peers, on your business,...

    28 min
  3. Joe Ciancio (Regional Tech Founder): The Unexpected Growth that came from Coaching and Peer Support

    MAR 25

    Joe Ciancio (Regional Tech Founder): The Unexpected Growth that came from Coaching and Peer Support

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources:https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Joe-Ciancio-Maxsum-Consulting How do you turn a garage startup into a thriving 30-employee venture—especially in a regional market? In today’s #podcast episode, we reveal how coaching, peer support, and a fierce drive for innovation helped one tech founder do just that. 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. KEY TAKEAWAYSEmbrace Coaching & Peer Networks: Why an external perspective can accelerate growth and transform your leadership.Cultivating a Resilient Culture: How Joe’s “build the ecosystem” mentality aligned his entire team and increased client satisfaction.Balancing Passion & Strategy: Turning early interests into a robust business model that navigates changing market demands.The EOS Advantage: How implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System unlocked productivity and focus. OPTIONAL SEGMENT TIMESTAMPS00:00 Joe Ciancio's Early Passion for IT01:24 From University to a Career in Japan04:10 Starting the IT Business07:16 Challenges and Lessons Learned09:03 Game Changers and Growth12:19 The Importance of Coaching and Peer Groups15:03 Implementing EOS for Business Transformation20:28 Future Business Vision21:37 Operational Independence21:50 Challenges in Growth23:22 Advice to My Younger Self27:44 Importance of Leadership31:49 Defining Company Culture35:07 Mission and Vision36:39 The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your business SUBSCRIBE & SHARE If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Joe-Ciancio-Maxsum-Consulting Download the Episode Summary & Joe’s Contact Details: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Joe-Ciancio-Maxsum-Consulting Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation. Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you

    37 min
  4. Georgie Chapman (HR Legal Advisor): Why Mid-Sized CEOs Can’t Ignore Bullying & Stress

    MAR 18

    Georgie Chapman (HR Legal Advisor): Why Mid-Sized CEOs Can’t Ignore Bullying & Stress

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/GeorgieChapman2Information 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. If you’ve been searching for practical guidance on navigating the complexities of bullying complaints or preventing crippling workplace stress, this conversation is your roadmap. What you’ll learn Proactive Bullying Prevention: The surprising financial and cultural costs of bullying—and simple steps to stop toxic behaviour in its tracks.Legal & Managerial Guidance: How to separate “reasonable management action” from bullying, and why clear documentation matters so much.Stress Intervention Strategies: Early warning signs of excessive stress and how leaders can support employees before it derails productivity.Cultivating a Healthier Culture: How to create open channels for complaints, feedback, and mental health support—plus the direct ROI of getting it right. Highlights 00:00 Introduction to Bullying and Stress 01:41 Defining Bullying in the Workplace 03:33 Examples of Unreasonable Behavior 07:58 Addressing Bullying Complaints 12:37 Handling Bullying Informally and Formally 31:10 Role of WorkSafe in Bullying Cases 32:45 Avoiding Third-Party Interventions 33:47 Handling Bullying with Contractors 35:48 Union and Non-Union Worker Dynamics 38:33 Vaccination and Workplace Bullying 40:26 Fair Work Commission and Bullying Orders 42:30 Resources for Dealing with Bullying 44:55 Addressing Workplace Stress 48:16 Supporting Employees with Stress 57:00 Performance Management and Stress 01:03:42 The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your business SUBSCRIBE & SHARE If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Georgie-Chapman-HRLegal-Bullying Download the Episode Summary & Georgie’s Contact Details: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Georgie-Chapman-HRLegal-Bullying Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation. Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t?  The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do.

    48 min
  5. Dianne Semmens (Award-Winning Founder): An Inspiring Story of Customer-Led Growth

    MAR 11

    Dianne Semmens (Award-Winning Founder): An Inspiring Story of Customer-Led Growth

    Download the Blog Summary & Contact Details: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/DianneSemmensInformation In this episode, I sit down with Dianne Semmens, the award-winning founder of Acacia Consulting Services, who has spent 35 years mastering ERP software implementation to help businesses do business better.  Dianne’s story is a compelling blueprint for owners and CEOs of mid-sized businesses looking to future-proof their operations and earn genuine customer loyalty. If you’re juggling the challenges of leading a lean team, integrating acquisitions, or adapting to fast-evolving markets, Dianne’s experiences will inspire fresh ideas and renewed confidence. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Bold Growth Strategies: How to balance calculated risk-taking with market researchTeam Dynamics: The crucial importance of culture, respect, and effective communicationClient-Led Success: How Dianne’s “open-door” policy creates long-term loyalty and referralsAdapt & Pivot: Managing technological shifts and changing customer needs over decadesStrategic Vision: The key to knowing when to consolidate, diversify, or collaborate for growth Highlights 00:00 – Why technology and ERP? Dianne’s Early Career 02:05 – Founding the ERP Business Under Pressure 09:32 – Building a High-Performing Team 15:55 – Customer-Centric Innovations 24:13 – Winning Awards & Recognition 28:58 – Managing Acquisitions & Culture Clashes 37:25 – The Role of External Advisors 46:38 – Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 57:08 – The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your business If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to subscribe/follow the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Dianne-Semmens-Acacia-Consulting/ Download the Blog Summary & Contact Details: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/Dianne-Semmens-Acacia-Consulting/ Podcast Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation.Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t?  The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do. People who have faced these obstacles before and have the real-world experience to guide you and your team forward. That’s why I created the CEO Masterclass—a 12-month, Deakin University MBA-accredited program designed exclusively for business owners and CEOs who are serious about transforming their businesses. With 30+ years in...

    57 min
  6. Darren Heveren: Are you ready for intergenerational wealth transfer and growth?

    MAR 4

    Darren Heveren: Are you ready for intergenerational wealth transfer and growth?

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/DarrenHeverenInformation Are you ready for intergenerational wealth transfer and growth?: Insights from Darren Heveren In this episode, Darren Heveren, an expert in supporting High Net Worth Families with their intergenerational wealth transfer, shares his deep knowledge and experiences from an illustrious career. Initially a partner at Deloitte, Darren sheds light on the intricacies of family offices in his own practice, their objectives, how to establish and operate one, and the importance of trust. He also talks about the intergenerational transfer of wealth, how the ATO is targeting these families for good governance structures, and the value of having a trusted advisor. Learn how Family Offices can be tailored to individual needs and hear real-life examples of how they operate to preserve and grow family wealth over generations. 00:00 Getting Started in Family Offices 02:26 Understanding the Family Office 03:43 Core Objectives and Services 05:44 Intergenerational Wealth Transfer 10:14 Case Study and Trusted Advisor Role 12:13 Establishing a Family Office 23:40 Challenges and Solutions 31:26 The #CriticalFewActions™ This episode is sponsored by the #CEOMasterclass in #StrategicPlanning and Implementation. Get together with a team of peer business owners and CEOs to develop and test your Strategic Plan, and then, Implement it. Get out of your business into a confidential space to work ON your business, learn from peers who share your lived experience, problem solve and get support from each other. #FamilyOffice #WealthManagement #IntergenerationalWealth #FinancialPlanning #TrustedAdvisor #NotAlone #BusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #VisionAndStraetgy #BuildRevenue #DeliverProfitability #SupportPeoplePerformance #DriveAssetReturns #DevelopOrganisationLearning

    36 min
  7. Rich Hawker - The 4 steps to design spectacular customer experiences

    FEB 25

    Rich Hawker - The 4 steps to design spectacular customer experiences

    Download the Blog Summary & Contact Details: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/RichHawkerdownload1 Unlocking Business Success: The Power of Customer Experience DesignJoin host John Downes as he delves into critical actions to improve your business with guest Rich Hawker, an expert in customer experience design. Learn how Rich's journey from Deloitte to Bain & Co. fueled his passion for solving human problems with design thinking and agile methodology. Discover what customer experience design entails, its benefits, and a rigorous approach to mastering it. Rich shares valuable insights and case studies, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs, setting customer-led ambitions, and creating a collaborative, emotionally resonant environment that enhances profitability and employee fulfillment. Get ready to transform your business by focusing on what truly matters. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:26 Meet Rich Hawker: Customer Experience Expert 00:59 Rich's Journey into Customer Experience Design 03:09 Understanding Customer Experience Design 04:11 Benefits of Customer Experience Design 06:12 Approach to Customer Experience Design 13:38 Client Examples and Success Stories 20:03 Common Pitfalls in Customer Experience Design 27:37 Preparing for Customer Experience Design 30:57 The #CriticalFewActions™ to get started #Entrepreneurship #CustomerExperienceDesign #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #CEOMasterclass This episode is sponsored by the CEO Masterclass.

    33 min
  8. Rob Olver: Forget evolution! When should you revolutionise your business model?

    FEB 18

    Rob Olver: Forget evolution! When should you revolutionise your business model?

    Click here for further information and the downloadable resourcesRob Olver: Forget evolution! When should you revolutionise your business model?Business Model Transformation: Insights from Rob Olver In this episode of the #Critical Few Actions to Improve Your Business podcast, host John Downes speaks with Rob Olver, a business leader who specializes in transforming established companies for sustainable growth. Rob shares his unique framework for business model transformation, adapted from startup methodologies, and provides insightful case studies and practical tips. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in transitioning a traditional business model to a more innovative and sustainable one. Learn how to prioritize actions, leverage digital technologies, and make data-driven decisions to stay ahead in your industry. 00:00 Introduction to Business Transformation 00:26 Meet Rob Olver: The 20-Year-Old Startups 01:18 Origins of Business Model Transformation 02:50 The Four Stages of Business Growth 04:21 Challenges and Strategies in Business Innovation 09:27 Case Study: Environmental Fuel Science Company 10:48 Leveraging Government Incentives 22:50 The Importance of Customer Feedback 28:55 Developing a Successful Product Suite 31:28 The Art of Predicting Sales 31:45 Challenges in Data Science Adoption 32:12 The Lean Startup Approach 32:43 Achieving Product-Market Fit 34:50 The Valley of Death for Startups 36:42 Cultural Differences in Business Innovation 38:56 Founder Passion and Business Transformation 43:00 Leveraging Data for Business Growth 46:04 The Role of Technology in Business Reinvention 52:00 The #CriticalFewActions™ to start Business Model Transformation SUBSCRIBE & SHARE If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going. Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation. Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. I get it. Running a business at the top level can feel like you’re isolated. You’re expected to have all the answers—but what if you don’t?  The truth is, at our level, our role isn’t to have all the answers ourselves—it’s to find the right people who do. People who have faced these obstacles before and have the real-world experience to guide you and your team forward. That’s why I created the CEO Masterclass—a 12-month, Deakin University MBA-accredited program designed exclusively for business owners and CEOs who are serious about transforming their businesses. With 30+ years in business, working with hundreds of companies from $1 million to $100+ million turnover across three continents, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges leaders face—and I’ve helped them break through and achieve real results. This isn’t another generic leadership course. It’s a highly focused, small-group program where you’ll work alongside your peers, on your business, break through barriers, and implement real-world strategies—not just to solve the problems holding your business back, but to accelerate your growth faster than

    56 min
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About

Overwhelmed by trying to do it all? Focus on the criticalfewactions™ that will have the biggest impact on your business's success. In this podcast, host John Downes, a seasoned business advisor with extensive experience in Big Consulting, successful entrepreneurship, and mentoring, helps you defeat the overwhelm. Through real stories from business leaders, experts insights, and John’s own experience, you’ll learn how to prioritize those criticalfewactions™ that, if you did nothing else, will drive your business forward to deliver your vision. We’ll cover everything from setting your vision and strategy to improving profitability and supporting your team’s performance so that you get more pleasure, fulfillment, and financial reward from your business.. Subscribe now and tune in every two weeks to take control of your business’s future—one focused step at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    John Downes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 John Downes
  • Show Website
    The Critical Few Actions

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