I've wanted to have this conversation for a while because Heleena is someone I've always admired for the way she continues to evolve.

Most people know her as the co-founder of Bahari, one of Melbourne's best-known Greek restaurants. But what fascinates me is everything she's built beyond that. From Gringlish Co to Phlavour, she's constantly finding new ways to grow while staying true to who she is!

In this episode, we go far beyond hospitality. We talk about growing up in immigrant families, the pressure of building a business, motherhood, burnout, reinvention, and what it really takes to stay relevant after more than a decade in business.

This isn't a conversation about overnight success. It's about resilience, backing yourself, and giving yourself permission to evolve.

If you're building a business, juggling multiple roles, or wondering what's next, I think you'll see a lot of yourself in Heleena's story.

Connect with Heleena:

• Bahari: @bahari_richmond
• Phlavour: @phlavour__
• Gringlish Co: @gringlish.co

Thanks for tuning in guys, I love you all so much x

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Scaling sounds exciting until you’re in it!

Michael Laps breaks down what actually happens when a business starts to grow. More responsibility, harder decisions, and a level of pressure most people don’t talk about.

Michael Laps is a marketing strategist and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience helping founders and leadership teams grow.

At 25, he founded Yoghurt Digital, building it into one of Australia’s leading independent agencies, working with brands like ANZ, H&R Block, R.M. Williams, Converse, and the NRL.

After exiting in 2022, he launched VCMO, where he now helps companies build marketing engines that drive real revenue.

He’s been recognised by the AFR, SmartCompany, AMI, and B&T, and outside of business, he’s travelled to nearly 70 countries and finds his downtime in the kitchen, cooking for the people he cares about.

In this episode, we cover leadership, team dynamics, and the mindset needed to keep moving when things feel stretched.

If you’re building something and feeling the weight of it, this one will hit home!

Love ya xx

Connect with Michael

Website: https://www.michaellaps.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellaps/

Instagram: @michaelfrommarketing

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Okay this one feels different!

I finally got Corey on The Authentic Me Podcast. First time ever. And honestly, it’s been a long time coming.

You guys see what I do, but you’ve never really seen the man I’m dating and how he actually operates in business. So this episode is me bringing you into his world.

Corey is the co-founder behind Reminisce, Tailgate and eventflo. What started as backyard parties now pulls 11,000+ people, built on consistency, culture, and knowing exactly what keeps people coming back.

We get into the real story. The early days. The risks. The pressure. The decisions that shaped Reminisce into what it is today.

We also unpack his newest move, eventflo. A ticketing platform built because he got sick of the gaps in the system and decided to fix it himself.

And yes… we touch on us :) Not enough, which means there’s probably a Part 2 coming but you’ll get a glimpse into how we think, how we handle business, and what it’s like dating another entrepreneur who moves at this level.

I’m excited for you to hear this one. Let me know your key takeaways from this one!

Connect with Corey - Instagram: @coreytopp

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Stay up to date on all things Mel Yu over on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn or Facebook. Thanks for supporting!