The Wisepreneurs Podcast

Nigel Rawlins
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For independent professionals building practice on their own terms.Working lives have extended far beyond what anyone predicted. Organisations need people who can navigate complexity and ambiguity—and increasingly, these professionals want to work independently.Hosted by Nigel Rawlins, Wisepreneurs features conversations with experienced professionals about what it actually takes to build sustainable independent practice.What we explore:● Turning accumulated expertise into visible market presence● Building business through partnerships and collaborative networks● AI tools that amplify rather than replace experienced judgment● Navigating the transition from employment to independence● Sustaining cognitive capacity for the long term80+ episodes of real conversationsYour accumulated expertise is your competitive advantage. This podcast shows you how to systematically leverage it. 80+ episodes. Real conversations. No motivational fluff. Find transcripts and more: https://www.wisepreneurs.au/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/

  1. 6D AGO

    Miklós Pohl OAM Music Is Medicine

    Dr Miklós Pohl OAM is a Melbourne-based plastic surgeon, violinist, violist, and founder of the Australian Doctor's Orchestra. Born in Hungary, he fled as a nine-year-old during the 1956 Revolution and arrived in Australia as a refugee. Music has been a constant thread through his life, from childhood violin lessons to performing chamber music across the globe. During COVID, Miklós wrote Music Is Medicine, featuring interviews with 28 doctor-musicians alongside his own reflections on amateur music making. The book was self-published through community pre-orders, with all proceeds going to Motor Neuron Disease research in memory of his friend, artist Tom Samek. At 78, Miklós continues to work part-time at the Skin Health Institute in Carlton, plays viola and violin regularly, and is planning his next musical adventure at the Aldeburgh Festival in the UK. Contact: mikipohl1@icloud.com Book: Music Is Medicine by Dr Miklós Pohl OAM (Amazon, Booktopia, or direct from the author with proceeds to Motor Neuron Disease research) People mentioned Hazel Edwards OAM -- Author and writing mentor (Wisepreneurs Episode 43) Dr Michael Best (Wisepreneurs Episode 76) Laurie Smale (Wisepreneurs Episode 70) Chris Martin -- Professional violist, first conductor of the Australian Doctor's Orchestra Rowan Thomas -- Anaesthetist, concert master for 12 years Professor Benny Friedman -- Professor of Medicine, Sydney University Philip Griffin -- Plastic surgeon and violist (deceased) Tom Samek -- Artist (Hobart), book proceeds dedicated in his memory Organisations and places Australian Doctor's Orchestra (founded 1993) Skin Health Institute, Carlton, Melbourne Mount Buller Chamber Summer School for Strings Amateur Chamber Music Players (international network) Aldeburgh Festival (Snape Maltings), UK Leopold Auer Festival, Veszprém, Hungary The Barge, Brooklyn Bridge, New York Please Donate to Motor Neuron Disease, Victoria: MND Victoria  Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    45 min

  2. JAN 29

    The Tradie Who Built an AI Business: Darren Waldron's Journey

    In this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Darren Waldron, an Australian who has made a remarkable career pivot from carpenter to AI automation specialist while living in Zurich, Switzerland. Darren shares how his personal frustrations with slow business follow-up, both as a tradesperson sending quotes and as a consumer waiting for responses, led him to develop AI-powered solutions for lead management. His company, DS Walden, specialises in two core services: database reactivation and speed to lead. Database reactivation involves building custom AI systems trained on a business's products, services, and brand voice, then deploying them via SMS or WhatsApp to reengage leads from previous marketing campaigns. Darren explains how companies typically only convert a fraction of their leads, leaving significant untapped potential in their databases. His performance-based model means businesses only pay when meetings are generated. Speed to lead addresses the critical gap between when someone submits their details through an ad and when a salesperson actually makes contact. Darren's systems can engage new leads within minutes, qualifying them and booking appointments automatically. The conversation explores how Darren taught himself these technical skills despite having no coding background, combining online courses with extensive AI-assisted learning. He candidly discusses the challenges of being taken seriously as a carpenter selling technology solutions in Switzerland's highly educated business environment. This episode offers practical insights for professionals considering how AI might transform their own businesses, along with an inspiring example of leveraging transferable skills from traditional trades into cutting-edge technology services. Resources Mentioned: ChatGPT (AI assistant)Gemini (Google's AI)Claude Code (Anthropic's coding assistant)Notion (note-taking and database app)DS Walden website: www.dswaldron.chLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dswaldrongmbh/ Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    49 min

  3. JAN 1

    Building a Sustainable Consulting Practice with Melisa Liberman

    Melisa Liberman accidentally started consulting 13 years ago when her CEO asked her to stay on after she resigned to move to Hawaii. That unplanned beginning revealed something most consultants learn too late: that success comes from systematic business development, not perfect pitches.  Now a coach for consultants, Melisa helps experienced professionals build practices that generate $500,000+ without employees or feast-famine cycles. In this episode, you'll discover why consultants who think like CEOs rather than subject matter experts scale faster, how the Business Development Formula creates predictable pipeline through quantifiable metrics, and why diagnostic conversations eliminate adversarial selling.  Melisa explains six pathways for generating leads without cold outreach spam, reveals how AI amplifies consulting capability while human judgment justifies premium rates, and shares why fractional support networks replace traditional hiring.  If you're building an independent practice or considering the transition from corporate, this conversation provides strategic frameworks rather than motivational platitudes. Melisa Liberman's Resources: Pipeline Scorecard Assessment: pipelinescorecard.com - Diagnostic tool that evaluates lead generation effectivenessIC Growth Podcast: icgrowthpodcast.com - The Grow Your Independent Consulting Business podcast with 250+ episodes on building sustainable consulting practicesMelisa's Website: melisaliberman.comConsultant Sprint: consultantsprint.com - January lead generation sprint using proven process to fill pipeline with group of consultants (waitlist available)Melisa's Book: Available through her website, includes chapter on working "on the business" (WOB) vs "in the business" (WIB) to prevent feast-famine cyclesAI Tools Discussed: ChatGPT (paid subscription recommended) Gemini - Alternative AI tool for research and technical problem-solvingConnect with Melisa: LinkedIn: Melisa Liberman Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    52 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Making Space for Deep thinkers with Meredith Fuller OAM

    Psychologist Meredith Fuller returns for her fourth Wisepreneurs conversation to address a challenge facing many experienced professionals: feeling invisible at work despite making substantial contributions. Drawing from over 45 years counseling individuals who "don't quite fit,"  Meredith explores why reflective, introverted thinkers struggle in organizations that reward rapid-fire responses over deep insight. She introduces the concept of "liminal space"—that uncomfortable transition period between who you were and who you're becoming—and reframes it as productive territory rather than professional limbo.  Listeners will learn practical language for articulating pattern recognition capabilities, understand how physical sensations function as legitimate business intelligence, and discover concrete strategies for making invisible work visible.  The conversation connects to Jean Boulton's complexity science framework, showing how organizations function as adaptive systems rather than machines, and why your need for processing time produces insights others cannot generate. Books & Authors Jean Boulton - The Dao of Complexity (referenced in episode introduction regarding organizations as adaptive systems vs machines)Carl Jung - Referenced for work on shadow work, reflective self, and archetypal selfGabor Maté - Mentioned for work on addiction and the need for feeling loved and valuedRelated Episodes Episode 78: Mayumi Kataoka on forest therapy and why your brain needs trees (complementary discussion of slowing down and attunement)Concepts & Frameworks Liminal Space - The transitional period between identities or states of being; productive uncertainty rather than professional limboCongruence - Maintaining authentic self across all contexts (work, rest, home, with friends, with colleagues); being comprehensively true to yourselfEmbodied Intelligence - Physical sensations and somatic awareness as legitimate business dataThe Fallow Period - Necessary reflection time where nothing much appears to be happening before breakthrough thinking emergesHeart-Mind Integration - Chinese concept that rejects Western mind-body dualism; thinking and feeling as unified processReflexive Interweaving - Creating stability through patterns that repeat but adapt, maintaining core identity while responding to context Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    1h 3m

  5. 11/28/2025

    Mark Trinham: Building Sustainable Art Practice Through Environmental Values and Collaboration

    Mark Trinham has spent 30 years building a thriving full-time art practice without formal business training—creating large-scale public artworks, running a successful collaboration company, and maintaining creative independence.  In this conversation, Mark reveals how he moved from illustration and graphic design into public art and sculpture, developed a sustainable business model that keeps him booked 18 months ahead, and learned when to say no after decades of saying yes to everything. You'll discover how Mark positions accumulated expertise in environmental connection and place-based storytelling as premium capability, why collaboration amplifies rather than dilutes artistic voice, and how he's now creating space for fine art practice after 30 years of commissioned work.  This isn't intended to be a motivational interview about following your passion—the intent is to provide you with the practical insight into what it takes to build recognised expertise, navigate pricing without business training, and sustaining creative work across several decades. And, to actually do that and succeed as an artist. Resources Mentioned, all in Australia Organizations & Networks: Regional Arts VictoriaSurf Coast Arts - TorquayVenues & Creative Spaces: Ashmore Arts, TorquayCowrie Market, TorquayProjects & Artworks: Torquay Mosaic Sundial (1995) - Mark's first public art projectDiamantina Shire Land Art, near BetootaWildlife Collector Cards Project (2009-2014) - 135 A3-sized realistic paintings of local wildlife for LandcarePublications: Bush Tails, The Quest - written by Ali Cork, illustrated by Mark TrinhamMusic: Moonah (band) recently released fifth CD "Ghost Country" (EP). Lucy and The Night Sky - Nine-piece band that Mark and his Moonah bandmates backed as supporting musicians.Nightjar Independent Arts Festival - Arts market with food vendors and live musicContact & Portfolio: Instagram: @marktrinham - Mark's primary platform for current work updates and postsFacebook: Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    54 min

  6. 11/14/2025

    Jon Younger Why Keep Working at 73? On Talent, Wisdom, and Interesting Questions

    At 73, Jon Younger has spent his career understanding how talent evolves—from HR executive at Exxon to business builder to independent advisor on the future of work and AI.  In this conversation, Jon addresses the positioning challenge experienced professionals rarely voice: how do you justify premium rates when younger consultants cost less and AI handles routine knowledge work? Jon explains why accumulated professional judgment creates diagnostic capabilities that remain valuable despite automation, how the traditional four-stage career model breaks down in the AI era, and what systematic business architecture independent practitioners need beyond corporate scaffolding.  You'll learn specific frameworks for using AI as cognitive amplification rather than content generator, why freelancing requires treating your practice as genuine business rather than hobby, and how to maintain intellectual engagement while managing finite energy in later career stages. This episode provides immediately applicable frameworks for positioning crystallised intelligence as competitive advantage, not obsolete experience. Resources Mentioned Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman RBL Group (Robert Baker Lawrence Group) Matt Mottola of Human Cloud on freelancing and future of work research Outlier AI (owned by Scale AI) Turing, Brain Trust Surge AI Kaklachra Mercor ChatGPT Plus and Claude Pro Gleicher's Formula for Change Career Stages Model The Hamming Question Contact Jon Younger LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-younger-phd-57a41455/ Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    1h 8m

  7. 10/30/2025

    Mayumi Kataoka: When Your Brain Needs Trees, Not More Productivity Hacks

    In our hyperconnected world, we respond to time scarcity by optimising, accelerating, and implementing more productivity systems. But what if the solution isn't doing more—it's doing less? Mayumi Kataoka, a certified forest therapy guide based in Sydney, takes professionals on three-hour walks that cover barely 1.2 kilometers. Participants consistently report losing track of time and finding clarity they didn't know they were missing. In this conversation, Mayumi shares her journey from IT professional and martial arts instructor to nature photographer to forest therapy guide, revealing how each phase built the observational capacity she now brings to her practice. She explains the science behind Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing), why our genes expect natural environments, and how systematic sensory engagement creates measurable cognitive benefits. Connect with Mayumi Kataoka Website (Individual Practice): forestminds.com Website (Collective): foresttherapycollectivensw.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/forestminds Resources "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkerman Challenges conventional productivity by exploring life's brevity (4,000 weeks if you live to 80) and advocating for acceptance of limits. "The Extended Mind" by Annie Murphy Paul Examines how thinking extends beyond the brain through tools, environments, and bodies. "The Distracted Mind" by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen Explores how modern technology fragments attention and reduces cognitive performance. Organizations Japanese Forest Therapy Society Original institution developing Shinrin-yoku practices, maintaining certified sites throughout Japan, and supporting global research into forest bathing benefits. International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance Provides forest therapy guide certification and research. Based in Melbourne. Key Concepts Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing): Japanese therapeutic nature immersion practice backed by 40 years of research. Biophilia Hypothesis: E.O. Wilson's theory that humans have innate tendencies to connect with nature, evolved over 2 million years. 4E Cognition: Understanding cognition Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    37 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    Anna Burgess Yang on Business Resilience and Smart Automation

    When Anna Burgess Yang was diagnosed with a brain tumor just weeks before surgery, her three years of systematic business building became the difference between collapse and continuity. In this conversation, Anna shares how strategic financial planning, smart automation systems, and operational frameworks allowed her FinTech writing business to run for two months without her active involvement. She reveals the specific tools, workflows, and thinking that transformed her solo practice from vulnerable to resilient—from Zapier automations that generated social media content to the financial buffers that eliminated money stress during recovery. This episode offers practical guidance on building sustainable solo businesses through emergency planning, automation architecture, and strategic tool selection. Essential listening for any professional concerned about the precariousness of independent work. Resources Mentioned Automation and Productivity Tools: Zapier - Automation platform connecting apps and workflows (most expensive tool Anna uses but saves significant time) https://zapier.comMake.com - Alternative automation platform mentioned by Nigel as more affordable for non-US users https://www.make.comAirtable - Database platform for tracking client work and content library https://airtable.comTrello - Project management and content planning tool https://trello.comBuffer - Social media scheduling platform https://buffer.comChatGPT Pro - AI tool for content generation and categorization https://openai.com/chatgptCanva - Graphics creation tool https://canva.comLoom - Video recording and sharing platform https://loom.comNote-Taking and Knowledge Management: Reflect - Note-taking app Anna uses (Obsidian competitor with bidirectional linking) https://reflect.appObsidian - Free note-taking app mentioned by Nigel https://obsidian.mdBusiness and Accounting: Google Workspace - Email and productivity sui Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the show Connect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/new Stay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletter As a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter

    38 min
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About

For independent professionals building practice on their own terms.Working lives have extended far beyond what anyone predicted. Organisations need people who can navigate complexity and ambiguity—and increasingly, these professionals want to work independently.Hosted by Nigel Rawlins, Wisepreneurs features conversations with experienced professionals about what it actually takes to build sustainable independent practice.What we explore:● Turning accumulated expertise into visible market presence● Building business through partnerships and collaborative networks● AI tools that amplify rather than replace experienced judgment● Navigating the transition from employment to independence● Sustaining cognitive capacity for the long term80+ episodes of real conversationsYour accumulated expertise is your competitive advantage. This podcast shows you how to systematically leverage it. 80+ episodes. Real conversations. No motivational fluff. Find transcripts and more: https://www.wisepreneurs.au/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/

Information

  • Creator
    Nigel Rawlins
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Wisepreneurs Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Wisepreneurs Podcast