In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the tumultuous year of 2025, sharing both the challenges and lessons learned in his fencing business. He discusses the tight cash flow, compliance issues, and personal health struggles that impacted his ability to create content and manage his business effectively. Simon emphasizes the importance of mental health, the dangers of desperation in business decisions, and the value of building a trustworthy team. He also highlights the significance of accurate financial tracking and the power of connection through check-ins. Looking ahead, Simon shares his goals for 2026 and encourages listeners to plan for the future.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year in Review

02:48 Challenges Faced: Cash Flow and Compliance Issues

05:21 Health Struggles and Mental Load

07:29 Desperation in Business Decisions

10:13 Learning from Mistakes: A Personal Story

12:38 Shifting Focus: From Tools to Business Management

15:08 The Importance of Accurate Financial Tracking

17:45 Building a Trustworthy Team

20:24 The Power of Connection and Check-Ins

22:40 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026

In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the challenges faced over the past year, including significant drops in turnover due to severe weather conditions in Australia. He discusses the strategies he implemented to adapt to these challenges, such as increasing prices, diversifying services, and focusing on quality over speed. Simon emphasizes the importance of resilience and the cyclical nature of business, sharing insights on how to navigate tough times and prepare for future opportunities.takeaways

• The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for many businesses.
• Weather patterns have drastically affected productivity and turnover.
• Increasing prices can be a viable strategy during tough times.
• Diversifying services can help sustain a business.
• Maintaining quality is crucial for customer satisfaction.
• Taking a wage cut can be necessary to protect staff.
• Investing in equipment can improve operational efficiency.
• Chasing tenders and following up on quotes can generate more work.
• Resilience is key in navigating economic cycles.
• Understanding your numbers is essential for business sustainability.

Chapters

00:00Back From The Brink: A Year of Challenges

03:28Weathering the Storm: Impact of Severe Weather

06:50Adapting Strategies: Increasing Prices and Tendering

10:22Emerging Opportunities: New Jobs and Future Outlook

13:20Resilience and Diversification: Lessons Learned

In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the challenges of overcoming burnout and rebuilding momentum in both personal and professional life. He shares his experiences with managing stress, financial pressures, and the importance of creating effective systems and routines to alleviate the burden of leadership. Simon emphasizes the need for self-care, resetting priorities, and the value of a supportive team in navigating these challenges.

Takeaways

• Burnout is a common issue that many face.
• Taking a break and resetting is essential for mental health.
• Managing finances can add to stress and burnout.
• Creating systems can help alleviate pressure.
• Letting go of control can lead to better outcomes.
• Rebuilding routines is crucial for productivity.
• It's important to prioritize self-care and downtime.
• A supportive team can make a significant difference.
• Leadership requires a shift in mindset.
• Profitability is a key focus in business.

Chapters

00:00Relaunching After Burnout

04:25Managing Pressure and Finances

07:13Building Effective Systems and Routines

08:49New Chapter