In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor breaks down why so many leadership teams keep setting priorities that never quite land.

Drawing on hundreds of leadership sessions, Debra explains that priorities usually fail not because teams are lazy or uncommitted, but because the system is working against them. Too many priorities, vague outcomes, “forever” initiatives, and reliance on external factors quietly erode confidence, trust, and momentum.

Debra unpacks what strong teams do differently. They limit priorities to three to seven clear, finishable goals per quarter. They write SMART priorities, protect focus time, assume interruptions will happen, and use weekly check-ins to realign rather than panic. She also tackles common leadership traps like founders changing direction mid-quarter, teams chasing perfection instead of progress, and the hidden cost of never finishing anything.

This episode is a practical reset for leadership teams who want fewer priorities, cleaner execution, and the confidence that comes from actually finishing what they start.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        
___________________________________________        
►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: ⁠debra@businessaction.com.au ⁠

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/

►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/

Episode 258 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:35 – Why Priorities Fail in Businesses

01:36 – Patterns of Priority Failure

02:39 – Clarity and Prioritisation

03:47 – Strategies for Effective Prioritisation

04:54 – Handling Forever Priorities and External Dependencies

07:32 – Managing Interruptions and Trade-offs

09:31 – Audience Questions and Answers

15:25 – Weekly Meetings and Balancing Flexibility with Accountability

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by David Hori, a business acquisition specialist who has led and supported multiple successful exits, including a sale to Toyota.

David unpacks why exit planning is not a future event but a leadership discipline that needs to start early. He explains how strong teams, clear processes, and transparency create real business value and allow a business to operate without its founder at the centre. Drawing on his experience across VC-funded startups, acquisitions, and exits, David shares practical insights into building businesses that are genuinely exit-ready.

The conversation explores the role of EOS in reducing owner dependency, the importance of involving the leadership team in exit conversations, and why understanding valuation drivers early gives owners more choice and control. David also shares details of his upcoming webinar series designed to help business owners navigate exit planning with clarity and confidence.

This episode is essential listening for founders who want optionality, continuity, and a business that can thrive beyond them.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/

►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/

___________________________________________

GUEST'S DETAILS:

► David Hori – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamdavidhori/

►Topline Operators – Website: https://www.toplineops.com/

Episode 257 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:47 – Introduction and Overview of Business Outcomes

01:23 – David Hori’s Background and Expertise

02:39 – David’s Journey from Law Firm to VC-Funded Startups

05:28 – The Importance of Processes and Systems in Scaling

07:15 – Scaling and the Theory of Constraints

08:09 – Factors Influencing VC-Funded Business Success

10:16 – The Role of Transparency and Team in Exit Planning

14:11 – David’s Experience with the Toyota Exit

16:21 – Key Considerations for Business Owners Planning an Exit

26:16 – David’s Tips for Business Owners Considering an Exit

33:54 – David’s Upcoming Webinar on Exit Planning

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, Ryan Hogan, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Talent Harbour, shares his incredible journey from bankruptcy to scaling a business to $55 million using EOS and other tools. Ryan discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, including the crucial role of communication, accountability, and structure in scaling a business.

Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey spans various ventures, from a murder mystery company to Hunt a Killer, where he pivoted to subscription boxes and landed major retailers like Target and Walmart. He attributes much of his success to implementing EOS, joining peer groups like Vistage and EO, and surrounding himself with brilliant problem-solvers.

He offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs, including the importance of having an operating system, seeking business coaching, and investing in peer support. Ryan’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, learning from failure, and the strategic approach needed to grow a business.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.com.au

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/

►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/

___________________________________________

RYAN'S DETAILS:

►Ryan Hogan – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/

►Talent Harbor – Website: https://talentharbor.com/

Episode 256 Chapters:  

00:00 – Introduction

00:42 – Entrepreneurship and Communication Challenges

02:39 – Ryan Hogan’s Entrepreneurial Journey

04:10 – Transition to Hunt a Killer

45:25 – The Role of EOS in Business Success

45:38 – Talent Harbour and Future Plans