Most business owners don’t start their companies dreaming of 80-hour weeks, missed family milestones, and being trapped as the bottleneck — yet that’s exactly where many end up. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who feels time-poor, overworked, or guilty about trading family moments for business growth. You’ll learn how to reclaim 10–20 hours per week, remove yourself as the bottleneck, and build systems that support both your business and your life. Instead of sacrificing personal priorities for revenue, you’ll discover how both can grow together.

In this episode, Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and business mentor George Rivera, who went from grinding 80-hour weeks and running a $20M company as a single-point bottleneck, to creating a true “father-first” operating system that enabled him to scale to $50M while only working ~30 hours/week. George shares the deeply personal story that shaped his mission — from his father missing nearly all his childhood basketball games, to a powerful final promise during his father’s terminal illness: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.”

Through that lens, George explains how he redesigned his business and now teaches other owners to do the same. You’ll learn:

• How to identify bottlenecks and reclaim 10–20 hours/week without slowing growth
• The “$10K/hour filter” for deciding what the owner should actually do versus delegate
• Why flat org charts kill businesses — and how to correct them
• The “Two-Week Vacation Test” to prove your business can run without you
• Simple AI plays that save hours without adding headcount
• How to build systems, outcomes ownership, and consistency across teams
• Why buying back your time can save your family, not just your profits

Whether you’re a parent who feels torn between business and family or a founder who’s simply drowning in tasks, this episode offers a blend of emotional insight and practical frameworks. It’s a conversation about systems, delegation, leadership — but also legacy.

George Rivera helps 7, 8, and 9-figure founders buy back 10-20 hours a week and scale profits, without becoming the bottleneck. He’s the creator of the Father-First Owner OS and author of Buy Back Time Formula. George watched his dad miss his games and later regret it, and he gave George one piece of advice: “Don’t miss Leo’s games.” After grinding through 80-hour weeks, George rebuilt his companies to run without the founder using three levers, people who own outcomes, systems that create consistency, and AI that multiplies efficiency... the core of his $10K/Hour Filter. On this show he’ll share how to end key-person dependency, delegate outcomes (not tasks), and pass the Two-Week Vacation Test, because no one on their deathbed says, “I’m glad I skipped my kid’s game for a client meeting.”

www.buybacktimeformula.com

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If you’ve ever wondered why digital transformation projects fail or felt unsure about what “disruption” actually means, this episode brings much-needed clarity. You’ll learn the difference between digitalisation, transformation, and disruption — and how each impacts your business differently.

Host Paul Sweeney is joined by Juan Jose “J.J.” de la Torre, CEO of Raven and author of the award-winning book Transformation Designed. J.J. explains why more than 80% of transformation efforts fail, why starting with technology is the wrong approach, and how a design-led mindset puts customer needs and value creation first. He also shares real examples of how companies reinvent industries by removing friction instead of adding more tools.

Whether you’re trying to improve systems, rethink your business model, or understand how AI fits into the picture, this conversation gives you a practical lens for making change stick — without wasting time or money.

Juan Jose de la Torre A world leader in digital businesses, disruption, and digital transformation, Juan Jose (J.J.) de la Torre is an expert in the areas of strategy, innovation, and all things digital. He has been recognized as one of the world’s top eighteen digital transformation leaders and a top five digital marketing influencer. J.J. holds an MBA from INSEAD, a master’s degree from La Salle, and an industrial engineering degree from Adolfo Ibanez.

J.J. is a senior executive with decades of experience across the globe. Following his return to his home country, Chile, after twenty years of a successful international career, J.J. joined Virtus Partners as a senior partner. At Virtus, J.J. led the organization’s digital endeavors, which turned into Raven, a unique consulting boutique solely focused on business disruption and acceleration. As Raven’s CEO, J.J. pools strategy, design, technology, and analytics to help clients across industries embrace digital enablers and technologies.

He has founded and successfully traded three start-ups and is also an angel investor for fourteen start-ups, a mentor for more than 150 companies, and the founder of the first information and communications technology incubator in Saudi Arabia as well as the first 360 accelerator in the Middle East. He has even advised the United Nations and has delivered more than two hundred keynotes on entrepreneurship, gaining recognition from Forbes, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and more.

A father of three and a loving husband to his wife, Maria, J.J. is a former professional DJ and now music composer, a PADI diving instructor, and a mountain bike and golf aficionado. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and adventure sports.

www.jjdelatorre.co

Get J.J.'s book Transformation. Designed.

www.raven.inc/en

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If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to grow and scale a business without compromising on the values it was founded on, this episode will give you the blueprint. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn how PLNT Burger has expanded rapidly in a highly competitive industry—while staying firmly rooted in its purpose of creating joyful, sustainable, inclusive food experiences. Whether you're facing growth challenges, struggling with consistency, or feeling pressure to drift away from your mission, this episode shows you how to scale with integrity, empower your team, and make smarter decisions under pressure.

In this inspiring interview, Chris Treloar—CEO of PLNT Burger—shares the origins of the brand, why mission-driven food businesses are gaining momentum, and how his team used unexpected disruption (including COVID) as an opportunity to grow. He talks openly about leadership, staying humble, learning from mistakes, and giving teams the autonomy they need to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

You’ll also hear how Chris builds scalable systems, why he believes in “yes-first” business thinking, and how PLNT Burger educates customers about their environmental impact in a fun, non-intrusive way. If you’re a small or medium business owner looking for practical, values-aligned strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

Chris Treloar has spent his career exclusively in restaurant operations. With a strong background in multi-unit operations management, team development, and systems innovation, Chris is a visionary leader who has consistently driven success in the food service industry. His dedication to excellence, data-driven decision-making, and people-focused approach make him a standout CEO in the field. His commitment to developing systems and procedures, combined with his strong analytical skills, has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's been a part of.

www.plntburger.com

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If you’ve ever assumed that American government contracts are only for big companies—or only for businesses based in the United States—this episode will change everything you think you know. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn how your business, no matter where it operates in the world, can tap into one of the largest and most reliable customers on the planet: the US federal government. From discovering where global opportunities exist, to understanding how small and medium businesses can compete (and often win), to using simple research tools to identify the contracts waiting for you—this episode gives you the roadmap to enter a market worth over $700 billion annually.

Paul Sweeney is joined by Eric Coffie, founder of GovCon Giants, bestselling author, and internationally recognised expert in US federal procurement. Eric breaks down why the US government actively seeks overseas vendors, which industries are in highest demand, and how small business owners can leverage their agility, responsiveness, and lower overheads to outperform major corporations. You’ll also hear practical advice on using AI and government platforms like SAM.gov to find opportunities, how to prepare before a tender is released, and why mindset—not resources—is the biggest obstacle for most business owners.

If your business sells anything—goods, services, trades, logistics, tech, professional expertise—there may be a US government contract waiting for you. This episode shows you exactly where to start.

Eric Coffie is the Founder and CEO of GovCon Giants, an education and consulting firm helping small and minority-owned businesses enter the US federal contracting space. He build his career in government construction, where his company, Evankoff Construction, secured millions in federal contracts.

Today, Eric leads GovCon Giants in providing training, mentorship, and resources for businesses pursing govenrment contracts. His clients have collectively secured tens of millions in federal awards, and his work is grounded in real-world experience collaborating with agencies, small business programs, and prime contractors.

Outside of work, Eric is known for his approachable, no-nonsense style and for sharing lessons from his personal journey in business. He's passionate about helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and navigate government contracting with confidence.

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If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you know your business offers something incredible—but the world isn’t noticing—this episode is for you. Many business owners excel at creating a great product or delivering exceptional service, yet struggle to get seen, recognised, and paid what they’re worth. In this conversation, Joel Pilger reveals how he went from running a thriving studio to now building a global community supporting creative entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Joel shares how business owners can evolve from “doing everything themselves” to leading a business that is visible, sustainable, connected, and profitable. You’ll discover how learning the fundamentals of business, building the right relationships, and shifting from isolation to community can be the catalyst for long-term success. Whether you’re a creative, consultant, trade business, or service provider—the principles Joel shares can transform how you operate and grow.

You'll learn:

• Why great work alone isn’t enough—visibility and connection matter
• The mindset shifts that move businesses out of survival mode
• The danger of delegating without understanding
• How collaboration—yes, even with competitors—creates exponential opportunity
• Why treating business as an art can reignite passion and drive growth

This episode is filled with wisdom, real-world experience, and actionable insights for any entrepreneur ready to stop hiding in the shadows and start building a business that’s truly seen, valued, and in demand.

Joel Pilger helps creative studios and production companies — typically generating $1–10M in annual revenue — master the art of the business so they can attract better clients, command bigger budgets, and build the studio of the future. For 20 years, Joel helmed Impossible Pictures until exit. Now, through Joel's ecosystem of accelerators, community, and connections, he guides hundreds of studios worldwide — names like Sarofsky, STATE, Laundry, Giant Ant, Polyester, Kill 2 Birds, and Antfood — and many more on the rise. No theories. No consultants. No wannabes. Just real-world experience from one who has built, scaled, and sold a studio… and now helps others do the same.

Is your studio future ready? Take the quiz

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If you’re a business owner, one day you will exit your business — whether by choice or circumstance. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are not ready when that moment arrives. And that lack of preparation could cost you the biggest payday of your life.

In this episode, host Paul Sweeney is joined by investment banker and exit strategist Cameron Bishop, who has been on both sides of the table — acquiring more than 50 businesses for private equity firms before switching focus to helping owners maximise their sale value. Cameron reveals the key factors buyers look for, the most costly mistakes sellers make, and what you should start doing now, even if selling feels years away.

You’ll learn:

• Why preparing years in advance creates dramatically higher business value
• The importance of accurate accounting (especially accrual-based reporting)
• How owner dependency sabotages valuation — and what succession planning really means
• How customer concentration or vendor reliance can make a business unsellable
• Why professional advice isn’t a cost — it’s an investment that often returns millions

Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want a stronger, more resilient business, this episode will reshape how you think about value — and what it takes to unlock it.

Cameron Bishop is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving exceptional growth and transformation across diverse industries. He began his career in publishing, culminating in his leadership of Intertec Publishing, where he scaled the company from a small business to a $400 million enterprise with a global footprint. Subsequently, he co-founded Ascend Media, a high-growth media company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to build successful organizations from the ground up.

Beyond his corporate successes, Cameron has dedicated himself to advising and mentoring business owners. His experience spans various roles, including CEO of SkillPath Seminars, where he spearheaded a company-wide transformation, and his work with Capitus, guiding businesses through strategic transitions and maximizing their value. Cameron is passionate about empowering business leaders to achieve their full potential and continues to leverage his deep expertise to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, unlock new opportunities, and achieve lasting success.

www.raincatcher.com

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Running a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending?

In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Haskell to unpack the smart side of cost management—one that doesn’t sacrifice quality, capability, or growth. Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or trying to improve margins, this episode will help you recognise the difference between cutting costs and optimising them.

Michael shares practical strategies including how to:

• Identify hidden inefficiencies eating into profit
• Decide which roles must remain local and which can be outsourced or made remote
• Use alternate staffing models (salary, contract, offshore talent) to protect cashflow and capability
• Improve margins without compromising service or output
• Shift thinking from “spend less” to “invest smarter”

Listeners will walk away with a clearer, more confident approach to costs—one that strengthens operational discipline and business value rather than weakening it.

Michael Haskell is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience helping businesses grow smarter and faster. He’s taken companies public and now serves as the managing partner of Navitas Consulting, a firm that helps businesses scale by placing top finance talent - remotely and cost-effectively.

Michael has worked across New Zealand, Singapore, and the U.S., and is passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and impactful. He’s also a dynamic speaker who shares real-world advice on growth strategy, cost management, and leadership.

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Running a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure about what’s really going on in your business, this conversation will show you how to turn your mess into meaningful insights that help you grow.

In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Sonya Corkery from Clear Plans Consulting—an expert in business systems, operations and strategic planning. Sonya shares why business owners become overwhelmed with data and systems, the biggest risks of messy or outdated information, and the powerful role data plays in decision-making and long-term planning. She breaks down what “cleaning up your business” really means—from choosing the right software to setting up systems properly, creating meaningful dashboards, and using both data and intuition to steer your business forward.

Sonya also explains the importance of engaging specialists, building a strong advisory team, and structuring your operations so you can scale safely and profitably. Whether you’re a sole trader, a fast-growing trade business, or a larger organisation managing complex projects, you’ll walk away with clear steps to regain control, reduce stress, and set your business up for sustainable success.

Get the Profit First book here – Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

Sonya Corkery has worked in business operations and data management for many years, and offers listeners practical solutions to streamline their business operations and achieve their goals. Sonya offers actionable strategies to 'clean up' their businesses and gain clarity on their trajectories. She is a business owner, wife, and mother that helps to empower fellow business owners to take control of their enterprises and design the lives they desire.

www.clearplanconsulting.com.au

Get 1:1 support cleaning up and understanding the overall health of your business. De-code your business health in 20 minutes with a friendly obligation-free chat.

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