For The Daring Growth Seekers - Marketing In The AI Era

Done By Nine

For the Daring Growth Seekers is the marketing and business podcast for New Zealand and Australian business owners and small marketing teams building purpose-driven service businesses in the AI era. Hosts Jordan & Jacqueline from Done By Nine share weekly [STRATEGY] episodes on AI-powered marketing, plus [Off Mic] raw, behind-the-scenes episodes where we share what it’s really like to grow a business as a couple in the disruptive AI era — the decisions, challenges, and dynamics most leaders don’t talk about! Honest, actionable, and values-led — subscribe now to grow with purpose!

  1. 13/10/2025

    AI Won't Fix a Messy Business w/ Kieran Lee

    A recent MIT report found 95% of business AI projects fail to deliver any return on investment. The reason is simple: most businesses grab generic tools that look good in a demo but break under the pressure of real, complex work. Essentially, they're trying to build on a messy foundation. Success with AI isn't about buying the latest tool; it's about getting your house in order first. In this episode, I'm sharing a condensed conversation with business consultant Kieran Lee, who explains why a process-first approach is the only way to join the 5% of businesses that are actually getting results. Tune in to learn: The critical difference between the 95% of failing AI projects and the 5% that succeed. Why mapping your internal processes is the essential first step before you even think about AI. How to start structuring your business data so it's ready for effective automation. A practical framework to avoid wasting money on tech that won't deliver real value. If you're feeling the pressure to adopt AI but want to do it smartly, this conversation provides the foundational roadmap you need. Chapters: 01:23 The Rush to Adopt AI: Common Pitfalls01:55 Interview with Kieran Lee: Getting Your House in Order02:58 Understanding Business Processes and AI Integration06:13 The Role of Technology in Modern Consulting08:23 Automation and AI: Opportunities and Challenges11:45 Preparing for the Future: Structuring Your Business for AI

    14 min
  2. 29/09/2025

    Ben Annabel on Building a Business, Burning Out, and Starting Again

    In this episode, Ben Annabel, founder of accounting and advisory firm Recharge Group joins us. Recorded for the Most FM Business Hour, this interview covers the entire lifecycle of a business owner - from the initial hustle of a startup to the difficult decision to exit and the journey of starting over with a new purpose. Ben shares the practical strategies he used to scale his first business, Evergreen Plumbing, and the personal challenges with burnout and mental health that led him to sell it. He talks openly about the importance of brand, why he's now focused on "slow growth," and how his personal experiences have shaped his new venture helping other tradies build sustainable businesses and lives. This is a must-listen for any business owner navigating the pressures of growth. In this episode, you’ll learn about: - The disciplined financial strategy that set his first business up for success. - How to scale a trades business and the unique shareholder model he used. - The realities of burnout and the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs. - Transitioning from a high-growth hustle to a sustainable, purpose-driven business model. - The power of niche marketing and building a brand that connects with a specific audience. Chapters: (01:34) Introducing Ben Annabel from Recharge (03:53) Starting a plumbing apprenticeship and the value of trades (09:18) The decision to start his first business, Evergreen Plumbing (16:33) Scaling the business and the strategy that fuelled its growth (26:16) The transition from Evergreen Plumbing to the Recharge Group (33:44) The health challenges and burnout that led to the decision to exit (37:02) The importance of mental health and finding support as a business owner (41:07) Founding Recharge Group with a unique focus on wellness (52:47) How retreats are helping business owners recharge and refocus

    49 min

About

For the Daring Growth Seekers is the marketing and business podcast for New Zealand and Australian business owners and small marketing teams building purpose-driven service businesses in the AI era. Hosts Jordan & Jacqueline from Done By Nine share weekly [STRATEGY] episodes on AI-powered marketing, plus [Off Mic] raw, behind-the-scenes episodes where we share what it’s really like to grow a business as a couple in the disruptive AI era — the decisions, challenges, and dynamics most leaders don’t talk about! Honest, actionable, and values-led — subscribe now to grow with purpose!