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In this candid episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the red flags that signal it’s time to rethink your accountant or business advisor, and what “great” should look like instead. They start with the biggest warning sign: a reactive advisor who only appears at tax time. From there, they cover a checklist of concerns, including advisors who don’t understand your industry or goals, cling to outdated systems, hide behind vague invoices, sugarcoat tough truths, miss deadlines, or get defensive when you ask questions.

Stuart and Mena draw a clear line between bookkeepers who record history and advisors who help shape your future, forecasting cash flow, pressure-testing plans, and translating numbers into decisions. You’ll learn practical next steps if you spot problems: raise concerns directly, assess whether things improve, then run a clean transition if you switch, ensuring records, logins, and systems are handed over smoothly. They close with “green flags” to seek: proactive contact, plain-English explanations, industry fluency, modern tech for real-time visibility, and a partner who both celebrates your wins and challenges your blind spots. Bottom line: your advisor should add clarity, not confusion, and feel like part of your team, not just a name on your BAS.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Holistic Accountant, Stuart and Mena challenge the traditional metrics of success in business. While financial milestones like profit, revenue, and market share have long been the gold standard, the question is: Is that really enough? They explore how modern entrepreneurs are redefining success to include personal well-being, work-life balance, purpose-driven impact, and long-term sustainability.

Stuart shares why hitting every financial goal can still feel empty if your work lacks meaning. At the same time, Mena highlights the rise of businesses that value culture, customer trust, and social responsibility just as much as financial growth. Together, they unpack the personal side of success, the dangers of comparison, and how to align your business outcomes with your values.

The duo also explores common traps, chasing vanity metrics, burnout disguised as ambition, and losing authenticity while pursuing someone else’s idea of success. They offer a practical framework for defining success on your own terms, incorporating financial, emotional, and cultural dimensions.

This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur or business owner looking to build a business that doesn’t just grow, but truly fulfils. Because real success isn’t just about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode of The Holistic Accountant, Stuart and Mena dive into the complexities of business partnerships, why they’re formed, where they go wrong, and how to prevent them from falling apart. While many partnerships start with good intentions, complementary skills, and a shared vision, they can quickly unravel due to misaligned values, poor communication, unequal contributions, and a lack of role clarity.

Mena unpacks common reasons partnerships fail, including mismatched goals, blurred responsibilities, financial power struggles, and the absence of formal agreements. Stuart outlines early warning signs of trouble, such as disengagement, secrecy around finances, and passive-aggressive communication. They also explore how the initial “honeymoon” period can blind partners to potential incompatibilities until pressure mounts.

Most importantly, the episode offers practical advice for prevention: define roles early, align on values (not just vision), put legal structures in place, maintain scheduled communication, and agree on an exit plan while things are still amicable. Stuart and Mena stress that successful partnerships require more than good ideas; they need structure, self-awareness, and shared commitment. Whether you’re in a business partnership now or considering one in the future, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help protect both your business and your relationships.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore the powerful concept of synergy and how strategic integration can fuel sustainable business growth. They start by demystifying what synergy really means: intentional alignment, not accidental collaboration, and why it’s essential for small businesses, even those without large teams. From aligning goals between departments to reducing friction and duplication, synergy is all about pulling in the same direction.

The conversation then moves into vertical integration, owning or strategically aligning with different parts of the supply chain. Stuart and Mena discuss backward and forward integration, digital tools that enable “virtual” integration, and how businesses like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix have mastered structural synergy by integrating across their value chain.

They highlight how integration without synergy is ineffective, and how the best results come when systems and culture are aligned. Real-world examples and practical tips help listeners identify breakdowns in collaboration, align team KPIs, and build partnerships grounded in shared purpose.

Finally, they explore the human side of synergy, trust, communication, and leadership, and warn against over-integration or forced alignment. Whether you’re scaling a business or improving internal collaboration, this episode offers a practical roadmap for unlocking the synergy effect in your business.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the provocative, but crucial message behind the title “Don’t Trust Your Accountant.” It’s not about questioning your accountant’s integrity, but recognising the limits of what they can (and should) do for your business. Stuart explains why business owners must take full ownership of their financial understanding, because while accountants report the history, it’s up to you to fly the plane.

Mena highlights that accountants are compliance-driven, often focused on tax returns and financial statements after the fact, not strategy or real-time insights. Stuart delves into the core financial concepts every owner must grasp, including the difference between profit and cash flow, understanding unit economics, and knowing your break-even point. Mena then outlines why forecasting your tax position is vital and how to plan around different structures like trusts and companies.

They also discuss how growth consumes cash and why forward planning is essential for confident decision-making. Most importantly, they encourage business owners to treat their accountant as a partner, not a crutch.

If you're running a business and relying too heavily on your accountant to interpret your numbers, this episode is your wake-up call. Financial literacy isn’t optional; it’s your most powerful leadership tool.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us a text

In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore why every business owner should conduct regular health checks, not just when things go wrong, but as a proactive strategy for long-term success. They break the health check process into six core areas, starting with financial health, where Mena explains how to assess profitability, cash flow strength, and balance sheet resilience. Stuart then examines client and market health, highlighting the importance of avoiding overreliance on key clients, staying relevant in your market, and keeping your lead pipeline strong.

Mena dives into operational health, discussing the need for scalable systems, up-to-date technology, and robust risk management, including cybersecurity. Stuart covers people and culture, identifying key person risk, the value of staff engagement, and building capability for the future. Mena also unpacks strategic health, asking whether your vision is still clear, your competitive edge is still relevant, and whether you're actually executing on your strategy. Finally, Stuart turns the spotlight on the owner’s health: is the business still serving your lifestyle, delivering a return on effort, and capable of running without you?

This episode is a practical, thought-provoking guide for stepping back from the day-to-day and making sure your business is truly fit for the future.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us a text

In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore the lesser-known “1%ers” in business—small, smart strategies that can make a big difference to your personal lifestyle when implemented correctly. While most business owners focus solely on income, employees, and long-term value, Stuart challenges listeners to also think about how their business can improve everyday life, without crossing any lines.

Mena kicks things off by explaining how to maximise credit card reward programs through business expenses, turning points into luxury travel perks. Stuart dives into the electric vehicle (EV) Fringe Benefits Tax exemption and how owning an EV through your business can deliver both tax efficiency and personal enjoyment. Mena shares how combining work-related travel with leisure and leveraging loyalty programs can result in elite status benefits that flow through to your personal life.

They also touch on technology and education, how small businesses can supply multiple portable electronic devices tax-efficiently, and how conferences or leadership training can double as valuable personal development. Stuart wraps it all up by reminding business owners that with proper structuring and compliance, your business can support the lifestyle you want, not just your professional goals. A must-listen for business owners looking to get more value out of what they’ve built.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us a text

In this episode, Stuart and Mena shift the focus to young entrepreneurs, those building businesses but wondering how to build wealth beyond them. It’s easy to pour everything into your business when it feels like your best asset. But what happens if growth slows down or plans change? The biggest risk for entrepreneurs is having all their wealth tied to a single venture. That’s why this episode is packed with the right questions to ask your accountant or financial adviser if you want to protect what you’ve built and set yourself up for long-term financial freedom.

Stuart and Mena cover a wide range of strategic questions, from whether to buy your own home or invest first, to choosing between property, shares, or a blend of both. They explore how to use your borrowing capacity wisely, where to hold your investments (personally, trust, or company), and how to balance reinvesting in your business with building a portfolio outside of it. They also discuss protecting assets, managing liquidity, using superannuation, and preparing for future generations.

If you’re a business owner asking “what’s next?” financially, this episode gives you a roadmap to start building freedom outside your core business, one smart decision at a time.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.