What if the most valuable business advice you could receive wasn't a list of things to do, but a clear guide on what to avoid? This is the powerful philosophy of Colin Wilson, a founder whose journey was forged over 22 years of cold-calling the streets of Melbourne.

In this episode, Sean Dunne sits down with Colin for an incredible deep-dive into the grit, resilience, and strategic thinking required to build a business that lasts. Colin shares the ingenious "paper box" system he used to collect a lifetime of business lessons before he even started his own company, and the story of making the "stupidest decision of all time" — launching his business with two young kids and a huge mortgage.

He also reveals how the COVID-19 crisis, which wiped out half a million dollars of revenue overnight, became the unlikely catalyst for his company’s greatest growth phase. This conversation is a masterclass for any entrepreneur who wants to move from "good to great" and build a business designed for the future.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Question That Changes Everything... and why asking your advisor "What should I do?" is the biggest mistake you can make. What is the one counter-intuitive question that unlocks a level of advice most entrepreneurs never get?

2. The $500,000 Disaster That Built a Lead Machine... When COVID wiped out half a million dollars of his business overnight, Colin launched a simple strategy that generated over 800 new leads. What was the free pivot he made that turned his biggest crisis into his greatest opportunity?

3. The Five Empty Paper Boxes... that became a 17-year business playbook. What was the simple, analogue system Colin used for years to collect priceless business wisdom before he even launched his company?

4. The Moment Your Business Owns You... and the mindset shift required to take back control. Every founder hits a point where their dream becomes a prison. What is the fundamental change in thinking you must make to go from working in your business to owning it?

5. The Secret That Turns Passion into an Enterprise... Are entrepreneurs born or made? Colin’s surprising answer will give hope to anyone who has a deep passion but a fear of the risk. What is the one ingredient you can learn that makes entrepreneurship possible for anyone?

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Connect with Colin Wilson: Website |LinkedIn

Dominium Capital

What happens when the thing you do for fun becomes the only thing you want to do? For Philip Lai, founder of the Australian Combat Sports Academy, it was a signal he couldn't ignore.

In this powerful episode of Origin to Ambition, Sean sits down with Philip to uncover a journey that began with a single, brutal Muay Thai session and led to quitting a stable advertising career with absolutely no plan. Philip shares the raw, unfiltered story of trading corporate life for a three-month trip to Thailand, returning home to build a gym from scratch, and learning one of the hardest lessons in business: trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for unhappiness.

This is a must-listen for anyone feeling the "Sunday Night Dread"—a conversation about trusting your gut, the immense power of niching down, and building a business not just for profit, but for a life.

Key Takeaways & Memorable Quotes:

1. Listen to the "Sunday Night Dread": That feeling of dreading Monday morning is a powerful signal that you're on the wrong path. Don't ignore it.

2. Being the Best Technician Isn't Enough: "I sort of had that mindset, 'If I open a gym, everyone's just going to come in'... but it's not the case." Being great at your craft is different from being great at business.

3. Niching Down is a Superpower: Trying to serve everyone leads to burnout and a diluted product. Focusing on one core offering made Philip happier, clarified his marketing, and improved his business.

4. Build Systems to Buy Freedom: The goal of a business owner should be to build systems that allow the business to thrive without them. Philip's gym grew when he was away because he had a good team and good systems.

5. The Ultimate Currency is Time: When asked about his five-year plan, Philip didn't talk about revenue goals. He talked about reclaiming his time and building a life, not just a business.

Connect with our guest, Philip Lai:

Website: https://philliplaimuaythai.com
Instagram: @philliplaimuaythai

Connect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Dominium Capital

What does a former AFL star and the President of the Hawthorn Football Club know about entrepreneurship? As it turns out, everything that matters.

In this episode, Sean is joined by Andy Gowers for a masterclass in high-performance thinking. Andy shares the game-changing advice he received from Michael Gerber: if you can't sell your business, you don't own a business—you own a job. This single idea reshaped his entire approach to building and exiting his successful wealth management firm.

Andy reveals his powerful "Who's in Your Box?" framework, using Roger Federer’s elite support team as a blueprint for any founder wanting to go from 'good to great.' He breaks down the practical systems of accountability that bridge the gap between intention and achievement, and shares the hilarious but profound lesson of "The Chicken and the Pig" to define true commitment.

This episode is a playbook for accountability, building a winning support system, and adopting the measurable, high-performance mindset of an elite athlete to conquer the world of business. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned CEO, this conversation will force you to rethink who is on your team and what you’re truly committed to achieving.

What we discussed:

1. The Only Reason to Own a Business… and it's not for freedom or to be your own boss. What is the one litmus test that separates a real business from just a job you created for yourself?

2. Roger Federer's Secret Weapon for Success… and how any entrepreneur can build their own. What is the "support box," and why is the lack of one the biggest reason most people never reach an elite level?

3. The Mindset Gap Between Comfort and Success… and the simple accountability partnership that closes it. Why are humans naturally built for comfort, and what system can you implement by next Tuesday to overcome it?

4. The Difference Between a Chicken and a Pig… and what a plate of bacon and eggs reveals about your true level of commitment to your goals. Are you involved, or are you committed?

5. The Hidden Risk of a "Safe" 9-to-5 Job… and why Andy believes entrepreneurship might actually be the more secure path for those willing to embrace it.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Connect with Andy Gowers: Website |LinkedIn

Dominium Capital

What does officiating a high-stakes football match in front of 100,000 fans have in common with building a successful business from the ground up? As it turns out, almost everything.

In this episode of Origin to Ambition, Sean Dunne sits down with Simon Micallef, a former international FIFA referee and the founder of business consultancy Finfocus. Simon shares his remarkable journey from a structured career in banking to the disciplined, high-pressure world of elite sports, and finally to the "controlled chaos" of entrepreneurship.

This episode is a masterclass in leveraging life experience, embracing failure as a learning tool, and understanding the non-negotiable values that create lasting success. Simon gives a raw account of the shock of going solo, the importance of mindset, and why even the best players in the world still need a coach.

Key Takeaway

1. The FIFA Referee's Secret Weapon for Business?
It’s not the whistle. Simon Micallef reveals the one on-field skill he uses to navigate high-stakes client meetings and control chaos. What could officiating a World Cup match possibly teach you about closing your next deal?

2. Why Your Biggest Business Mistake Might Be Your Most Valuable Asset.
Most entrepreneurs live in fear of making a critical error. Simon explains the Thomas Edison-inspired mindset that will make you stop dreading failure and start seeing it as the fastest path to a breakthrough.

3. The "Chaos Phase" Most New Founders Don't See Coming.
Simon thought he was ready to be his own boss. He was wrong. He shares the brutal, unfiltered truth about leaving a stable corporate job and the one shock to the system that almost derailed him in the first 3 months. Are you prepared for it?

4. The Dangerous Lie of "It's Just Business."
Simon explains why separating your personal values from your professional ones is a recipe for failure. He reveals the one simple rule he follows that builds unbreakable trust and turns clients into long-term partners.

5. He Ran Major Financial Firms... So Why Did He Hire an Advisor for His Own Money?
The answer isn't what you think. It reveals a critical secret about delegation, focus, and why trying to do everything yourself is the slowest path to growth.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Connect with Simon Micallef: Website |LinkedIn

Dominium Capital

Ever faced a frustrating problem in your field and thought, "There has to be a better way"? That's exactly where Suzi Wright found herself. As a dance studio owner, she was tired of the high cost and limited options for costumes in Australia. Her solution? A trip to Bangkok that uncovered an "Aladdin's cave" of vibrant, affordable costumes and sparked a brilliant business idea.

In this high-energy episode, Sean is joined by the unstoppable Suzi Wright, founder of Dance Station Costumes. Suzi shares her incredible journey from running a local dance school to building a global business that outfits studios worldwide. She reveals how she turned her personal frustration into a unique two-part business: selling costumes directly and leading exclusive, high-value buying trips for studio owners in Bangkok.

Listen as Suzi dives into the secrets behind her marketing success, explaining how her authentic, charismatic personality helped her build a massive and engaged audience in niche social media groups. This is a masterclass in knowing your customer, evolving your business model, and the incredible power of building a business you are truly passionate about. From navigating disastrous first trips to changing the lives of her Thai suppliers, this is a story of grit, instinct, and heart.

Key Takeaways:

1. Solve a Problem You Know Intimately: Suzi’s most successful idea came from solving her own problem as a dance studio owner. Your expertise and personal pain points are often the most fertile ground for a viable business.

2. Authenticity is Your Best Marketing Tool: Suzi built a massive social media following not with slick corporate posts, but by being her charismatic, knowledgeable, and sometimes silly self. People buy from people they know, like, and trust.

3. Your Customers Are Your Best Consultants: By constantly listening to dance studio owners, Suzi understood their budgets, needs, and pain points, allowing her to tailor her offerings perfectly—from a budget line to stocking costumes locally to cut shipping costs.

4. Evolve or Get Left Behind: The business started with hiring costumes, then pivoted to sales, then added international buying trips and solo costumes. Suzi demonstrates that a willingness to adapt and act on advice is crucial for long-term growth.

5. Success is More Than Profit; It's About Impact: One of Suzi’s proudest achievements is the profound, positive impact her business has had on her suppliers in Thailand, helping their families and enabling the next generation to get a world-class education.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Connect with Suzi Wright: Website |Facebook

Dominium Capital

Ever wondered what it truly takes to leave the security of a corporate job and build a purpose-driven business from the ground up?

In the very first episode of Origin to Ambition, host Sean Dunne sits down with seasoned entrepreneur Chris Rossidis. Chris shares the incredible story of his journey from a lab scientist to the co-founder of Emerge Health, a pharmaceutical company he successfully built and sold to an international partner.

Chris opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to take the leap, driven by a desire to make his own decisions and improve patient access to vital medicines. He gets real about the tough early years—working two jobs, not taking a salary, and managing the immense personal and financial risks.

This is a candid conversation packed with wisdom on the mindset that fuels success, including his "just do something" philosophy, the crucial role of discipline, and the importance of knowing your 'why' beyond the balance sheet. Learn about sacrifice, the power of a supportive family, and the ultimate reward of building a business that aligns with your core values.

Thinking of starting your own venture? Chris shares the powerful "hail storm" moment that completely reframed his perspective on risk and failure—you can't afford to miss it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your 'Why' is Your Fuel: Chris’s primary motivation wasn't financial gain, but improving patient access to medicine. If you get the purpose right and deliver something good for the community, commercial success will follow.
2. Bias for Action: Don't get stuck in endless planning. Successful entrepreneurs "just do something." Pick up the phone, take the meeting, and move forward, even if it’s uncomfortable. Activity breeds activity.
3. Reframe Your Relationship with Risk: Entrepreneurship involves risk, but it’s manageable. Understand the true "worst-case scenario." For Chris, realizing it wasn't catastrophic freed him to pursue his goals with more confidence.
4. Protect Your Mental Health by Switching Off: The "grind 24/7" culture is a myth. Chris stresses the importance of creating boundaries and taking time for yourself to rest. This prevents burnout and allows you to stay focused and fresh.
5. Surround Yourself with Expertise: You don't have to be the smartest person in the room. Build a network of trusted advisors with more experience than you in different areas. Actively listen to their advice to make more informed decisions.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |

Connect with Chris Rossidis: Website |LinkedIn

Dominium Capital

Tired of the polished success stories that leave out the most important details? So are we.

Welcome to Origin to Ambition, the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the entrepreneurial journey. Host Sean Dunne sits down with everyday business founders—the ones who started with a simple idea and turned it into a thriving enterprise—to uncover the unfiltered truths behind their success.

This isn't just another business podcast. It's a collection of real-world blueprints, cautionary tales, and hard-earned wisdom from people who have been exactly where you are. Whether you're just starting, in the middle of scaling, or thinking about your exit strategy, these conversations are for you.

Why You Need to Tune In:

1. Learn from Lived Experience: Go beyond theory and get actionable advice from founders who have navigated the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up.

2. Get Unfiltered Insights: We ask the questions you want answered. What would they do differently? What were their biggest mistakes? What’s the one piece of advice they wish they’d had when they started?

3. Find Relatable Motivation: Hear from real people, not just titans of industry. Their stories will inspire you, validate your struggles, and give you the confidence to take your next big step.

4. Actionable Strategies for Every Stage: Discover practical tips and strategies for starting, scaling, and even exiting your business, tailored for the modern entrepreneur.

Ready to turn your ambition into achievement?

Your journey needs a roadmap. Let the stories on Origin to Ambition be your guide.

Follow the podcast now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you don't miss our premiere episode. The real work starts here.