Thriving Business

Dr Kate De Jong & Sam Morris
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THRIVING BUSINESS Business Insights to Help You Grow Your Business with Ease We’re two seasoned business owners — Sam Morris and Kate De Jong — sharing our nearly thirty-year combined experience of starting and growing service-based businesses from the ground up. We so many small businesses struggling or falling prey to expensive promises of quick fixes or silver bullets. Both of us know what it REALLY takes to start and grow a business, we've done it many times over and we've got the blisters to prove it! We’ve joined forces to share our knowledge and experience so you can find the easiest path to success, doing it your way, and most importantly — staying true to yourself.

  1. Ep #2 | Define Your Business Identity: The Foundation of Revenue Generation

    21H AGO

    Ep #2 | Define Your Business Identity: The Foundation of Revenue Generation

    Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2 of the Thriving Business Podcast! Over the next 18 episodes, we're walking you through all the essential elements of business building in a structured way, based on our Thriving Business Wheel, with the following four quadrants: Quadrant 1: Earn (Revenue Generation) Quadrant 2: Keep (Profitability) Quadrant 3: Grow (Capacity and Scaling) Quadrant 4: Lead (Lead with Impact) Today's episode begins in quadrant one (revenue generation) by covering the foundational topic of Business Identity. "Marketing fails when a business doesn’t know its own soul." You'll discover why it's essential to clarify your brand values, mission, vision, and “why”, even if you've been in business for a while now. These foundational elements flow into your branding, marketing and sales, which all create your ability to bring in the money. Tune in as Sam and Kate help you strengthen your business identity, the engine of your revenue generation machine. 00:00 Revenue Generation Kickoff 00:51 Business Identity Matters 02:57 Branding Foundations 04:17 Personal vs Brand Persona 05:36 The Oh Eight Story 07:31 Brand Vision Board Exercises 09:30 Audience First Branding 11:42 Start With Why 16:27 Because Taglines Work 17:59 Premium Branding and Design 22:11 Messaging From Your Why 23:31 Vision Mission Values Framework 25:17 Values as Verbs 26:41 Clarity Before AI Messaging 27:51 One Clear Offer 28:56 Market Research Mindset 31:54 AI and Competitor Gaps 33:02 Ads as Research Tools 35:09 Specificity Wins Clients 37:40 Brand Bar Exercise 41:30 Identity Evolves Over Time 46:40 Final Wrap and Next Episode Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    49 min
  2. Ep #1 | The Roadmap to Business Success: Unveiling Our New Framework, The Thriving Business Wheel

    MAR 4

    Ep #1 | The Roadmap to Business Success: Unveiling Our New Framework, The Thriving Business Wheel

    Introducing the Thriving Business Wheel: An 18-Episode Framework for Growth Without Burnout Hosts Kate De Jong and Sam Morris share a new 18-episode plan for the Thriving Business Podcast built around the “Thriving Business Wheel,” a four-quadrant framework that encompasses: Earn (revenue generation)Keep (profitability)Grow (capacity and scaling)Lead (leadership). In this episode, Kate and Sam excitedly talk through the preview of their upcoming curriculum and why business owners need an all-encompassing framework like this.  Over the next 4-5 months, Kate and Sam will be sharing everything they've learned in their combined 30+ years of business experience on the topics outlined below. QUADRANT 1: REVENUE  Earn Money | Market & Sell Powerfully Business identityCraft an Irresistible OfferEverything you need to know about MarketingHow to become great at SellingQUADRANT 2: PROFITABILITY Keep More | Operate Efficiently Money masteryCharge what you're worthAI systems for maximum efficiencyWhen to outsource and delegateQUADRANT 3: CAPACITY Grow Smart | Powerful Business Model Your business model: Plan strategicallyTo hire or not to hire? Build a strong teamDeliver a remarkable client experience every timeDesign a business that doesn't break youQUADRANT 4: LEADERSHIP Lead with Impact  Getting up when you're knocked downSelf-awareness, the most underrated business skillEmotional Intelligence: The missing piece in most business leadersLead from your values: Align your business with you who you areSERIES FINALE Your Thriving Business: The Full Picture At the end of each quadrant they will run a live workshop, culminating in an August 2026 BALI RETREAT, with details to be shared on their website. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Podcast Relaunch Plan 01:23 Thriving Business Wheel 04:02 Live Workshops and Retreat 07:29 Quadrant One Earn 07:49 Business Identity Basics 10:26 Branding That Builds Trust 12:04 Irresistible Offer Design 14:05 Marketing Channels Made Simple 17:15 Sales Without the Ick 19:05 Quadrant Two Profitability 19:20 Money Mastery and Profit First 21:39 Pricing for Profit 23:16 AI Systems for Efficiency 25:35 Outsource and Delegate Right 25:57 Hiring Before You’re Ready 26:51 Delegation Ego and Talent 27:59 Outsourcing Virtual Assistants 28:52 Capacity Quadrant Overview 29:16 Business Model and Scaling 31:13 Building a Strong Team 32:41 Remarkable Client Experience 33:25 Social Proof and Reviews 35:26 Business That Doesn’t Break You 37:38 Leadership Quadrant Begins 38:02 Resilience Through Setbacks 41:14 Self Awareness and Feedback 45:23 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 46:21 Leading From Your Values 48:37 Thriving Wheel Wrap Up 49:24 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    51 min

  3. JAN 29

    Life Quakes: When Everything Breaks and You Still Have to Show Up

    In our first episode of 2026, Kate sits down with Donna West, founder of Donna's Balcony Views and resilience expert to talk about ‘Life Quakes’: those unexpected and brutal events or situations in life that crack your world open and force you to rebuild from the rubble. Life Quakes include things like workplace trauma, death of a loved one, miscarriage, illness, divorce, survival of traumatic events like tsunamis or bushfires, just to name a few. Having suffered her own ‘life quake’ in recent years, Donna now helps people through the aftermath of life quakes to find solid ground, and to eventually rebuild. What We Cover Life Quakes defined: The moments that permanently rewire how you see yourself and the worldSurvival mode is success: In the beginning, making it through the day is a celebration in itselfThe mask tax: What it costs to pretend you're fine when you're fracturing inside. And how to keep showing up each day, even when you want to stay in bed and cry.The power of a single act: How a single person's courage can be the sliding door moment that saves a lifeAfter the rubble: Rebuilding your identity as a new person, navigating the grief process, and finding yourself againHow isolation kills healing: Surrounding yourself with good people is essential.If you're going through a life quake, or you feel like you're holding it together with duct tape and sheer will, we hope you find this conversation helpful. 👉 Listen now. Share it with someone who's silently carrying their own quake.  👉 Subscribe to our podcast for real talk and real strategies that help you build a business that thrives.  👉 Connect with Donna West to learn more about navigating life quakes and rebuilding resilience here: https://donnasbalconyviews.com.au/  Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    45 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    The Brushing & Flossing of Marketing: Reviews, Local SEO & Getting Found with Maria Sandy

    In this episode of The Thriving Podcast, Kate and Sam sit down with special guest Maria Sandy from Bits Web Design to unpack what really makes a small business visible, trusted, and profitable online. Maria shares how she went from designing buildings in her previous career as an architect to “architecting” websites through design, local SEO, and reviews that actually work for real-world businesses. Maria explains why a website has to be both beautiful and functional because if it doesn’t look good or doesn’t work, it’s costing you leads both ways. She dives into the “brushing and flossing” of marketing: getting consistent reviews so Google and future clients see you as a real, active, trustworthy business. Maria also demystifies local SEO, Google Business Profiles, and how AI tools like ChatGPT actually use your reviews and authority signals to decide who to recommend. This conversation is especially helpful if you’re a local or service-based business owner who feels overwhelmed by websites, SEO, and all the noise about “AI replacing everything.” Maria shows that the basics, clear messaging, solid foundations, reviews, and an alive-looking online presence still matter more than hacks or tricks. Episode Highlights: How Maria pivoted from traditional architecture to digital “business architecture” for local businessesWhy aesthetics and functionality must work together on your websiteReviews as the “brushing and flossing” of your marketing—and why asking 3 times mattersHow Google Business Profiles, reviews, and local SEO work together to get you found in the map packWhy AI recommendations (like “best X near me”) still rely on solid SEO and reviewsThe role of blogs, FAQs, and ongoing content in building real authority over timeWhy “no website needed” advice can be expensive in the long run If this episode gave you an “aha” about your own online presence, take one small action today: choose one thing, update your Google Business Profile, ask three past clients for a review, or refresh a key page on your website so it’s clearer and more human. Then, share your win with us: Send us a message about what you changed and what happened next.If you enjoyed this conversation with Maria, follow The Thriving Podcast and leave a review so more local business owners can find these practical, no-nonsense conversations.Find Maria Sandy here - https://bitswebdesign.com.au/ Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    54 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    When Life Hits: How to Build a Business That Runs Without You

    In this episode, Kate and Sam welcome special guest Joanne Ross Wells, founder of JRW Bridal, an established custom couture bridal brand in Perth, WA. Joanne shares her journey as a global citizen from growing up in Rhodesia, spending time in London and the USA, being born in New Zealand and immigrating to Australia eight years ago. Jo then built her successful business from the ground up. Joanne opens up about the significant curveballs life has thrown her way in recent years, including major health setbacks and family challenges. She reveals the crucial business shifts she was forced to make, like outsourcing production and learning to delegate, which ultimately led to unexpected freedom and growth. This conversation is a must-listen for any entrepreneur struggling with work-life balance, the fear of outsourcing, or tying their personal identity too closely to their business success. Joanne offers powerful lessons on shifting your mindset from "sales" to "service," embracing continuous learning (especially in social media and AI), and the importance of finding your purpose beyond the bottom line. Episode Highlights: The Global Citizen Entrepreneur: Joanne's fascinating heritage (Scottish, South African, born in NZ) and how it influences the global flavour in her design collections.From Lingerie to Couture: The evolution of Joanne’s creative journey, from making lingerie as a farmer's wife in Zimbabwe to studying fashion design at age 40.Learning to Dance in the Rain: How Joanne navigated multiple major life challenges (health, family struggles) and structured her business to prioritise relationships over work, thanks to being her own boss.The Freedom of Letting Go: The pivotal moment when Joanne realised that outsourcing production was the necessary path to gaining empty space for creative ideas and avoiding burnout.Identity Crisis in Business: Why entrepreneurs, especially women and personal brands, often struggle with wrapping their self-worth around their business success (and Sam and Kate share their own identity shifts).The Power of Purpose: Joanne's discovery that reading reviews and focusing on the positive impact she has on her brides' wedding days is enough to drive her, shifting focus from ego to service.The Key Mindset Shift: How Joanne overcame being a "shocking salesperson" by changing her focus from "sales" to "service", always seeking to be of service to the bride.Navigating AI & Innovation: How designers are embracing new tools like 3D body scans and virtual try-ons, and why expertise and wisdom remain crucial even with advancements in AI.Niche Networking: Joanne's advice on shifting from broad networking to focused, niche relationship-building with targeted referral partners (like photographers and venues).The 10,000-Hour Rule: Why founders must develop core skills (like pattern making or production) before outsourcing to maintain quality control and avoid getting burned. Are you ready to stop wearing all the hats in your business? Joanne’s journey proves that delegation is the key to scaling and surviving challe Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    52 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    Exploring the Emergence of Agentic AI: The Latest in the Unfolding AI Evolution

    In this episode, Sam Morris and Kate De Jong dive deep into the fast-evolving world of AI agents, intelligent digital assistants that don’t just generate ideas, but take action on your behalf. From their earliest experiences experimenting with ChatGPT and Claude.ai to their recent exploration of agentic platforms like Sintra AI, Kate and Sam unpack how you can integrate AI into day-to-day business operations. They discuss the hype, the practical challenges, and the genuine benefits for entrepreneurs who want to scale in an efficient and effective way. Their early trials provide some interesting insights for small business owners. Highlights: From generative to agentic: Kate and Sam trace how the conversation around AI has shifted from simple copywriting tools to intelligent agents that manage workflows, marketing, and even strategic planning.DIY learning with AI: Sam explains her clever method for “training” GPTs using YouTube transcripts from experts , turning free online content into custom virtual mentors.Behind the hype of Sintra AI: Kate reviews her hands-on experience with Sintra’s virtual “AI employees”, from the business coach Buddy to the copywriter Pen, and how she’s using them to systemise her business and increase her revenue.Data, integrations & next steps: The duo break down what’s real, what’s still in beta, and how far these tools can (and can’t) go in automating small business success.Human authenticity in an AI world: They close with reflections on why personal stories, voice, and connection still matter more than ever, even as AI gets smarter.Key Takeaway: AI isn’t here to replace your creativity or intuition, it’s here to amplify it. With the right systems and a curious mindset, tools like Sintra, Claude, and ChatGPT can become not just assistants, but collaborators in building a truly thriving business. Tune in now! Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    49 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    What Kind of Business Are You Really Running? The 5 Different Types of Small Businesses in Australia’s Business Landscape

    In this episode, Sam and Kate explore the five different types of small businesses—a framework Kate has been developing after nearly a decade of personal experience with different types of business owners. If you've ever felt like traditional business advice doesn't quite fit what you're building… you're not alone. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why traditional business models (like those from The E-Myth by Michael Gerber) don’t work for everyone.The five types of small businesses—and why knowing which one you’re building changes everything.The danger of following blanket advice that doesn’t align with your business type.Why you don’t have to scale, hire a team, or build a sellable company to be successful.How thought leaders, consultants, and solo entrepreneurs are playing a different game altogether.Kate shares her "aha" moment after attending a seminar steeped in Gerber-style advice—and the honest conversation she had with a fellow high-performing consultant who felt completely alienated by it also. Together, Kate and Sam unpack the assumptions behind mainstream business support and why they don't always reflect the modern business landscape. If you don’t know what kind of business you’re running, you don’t know which game you’re playing—and every type has different rules. Which of the five business types are you building? ➡️ Tune in now to discover the model that fits your vision—and stop trying to squeeze into a framework that doesn’t work for you. 📩 Got thoughts or questions about today’s episode? DM us on or email us. We’d love to hear where you see yourself in this model—and how it’s helped (or hindered) your growth. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if this episode resonated with you. Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | Digital Systers 🌐 Website: https://www.digitalsysters.com/ 📱 Instagram: @sammorris.businesscoach Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    35 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    Standing Tall: Flipping the Script on the Tall Poppy Syndrome with Kim Lancer

    In this episode, Kate sits down with leadership expert and global Executive Coach Kim Lancer, founder of Tall Poppies Leadership, who is on a mission to help one million leaders lead confidently and "stand tall." Growing up in Australia, Kim experienced firsthand how the country's notorious "Tall Poppy Syndrome" encourages high achievers to downplay their success. After spending most of her career overseas in the UK and USA—where this cultural phenomenon is less prominent—Kim returned to Australia determined to flip the script. She founded her business to help leaders embrace their achievements and develop authentic, powerful leadership styles. Now Kim empowers executives across five continents to confidently own their success rather than hide it. Her signature "Know, Trust, Be Yourself" methodology is transforming leadership development by turning a culture of cutting people down into one that lifts everyone up. If you've ever felt pressure to downplay your wins or shrink to make others comfortable, you'll enjoy this conversation. Key Highlights & Takeaways: 🌍 From Exchange Student to Global Leadership Expert Kim's 20-year international career journey—from Dutch exchange student to NYC executive—shaped her culturally aware, human-centric approach to leadership development. 🎯 The Confidence Crisis in Leadership Why confidence is the most overlooked yet critical leadership skillHow self-doubt ("Kevin," as Kim calls it) sabotages even high performersCultural differences in confidence expression between Australia/NZ and US/UK markets💡 The "Know, Trust, Be Yourself" Framework Know Yourself: Build genuine self-awareness through intentional reflectionTrust Yourself: Learn to manage (not eliminate) self-doubt effectivelyBe Yourself: Leverage your unique quirks and strengths as leadership advantages🌺 Tall Poppy Syndrome Decoded Why Australia and New Zealand struggle with celebrating individual achievementThe business cost of cultural pressure to "stay humble"How leaders can "stand tall" without apology⚖️ The Gender Confidence Divide Women acknowledge self-doubt more openly but may underestimate their capabilitiesMen often mask internal struggles behind confident facadesWhy both genders need safe spaces for authentic leadership development🧠 Strategic Self-Awareness Tasha Eurich's research: 95% think they're self-aware, but only 10-15% actually areSelf-awareness as competitive advantage, not just emotional intelligenceUnderstanding your energy patterns, values, and impact on others🚀 Leadership as Personal Growth Confidence as a developable skill, not fixed traitLearning to sit with discomfort and use it as fuel for growthWhy sustainable transformation beats quick coaching fixesReady to lead with more confidence and authenticity? Connect with Kim Lancer at Tall Poppies Leadership: https://tallpoppies.us/ Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business Connect with Your Hosts: Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com Sam Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

    54 min
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About

THRIVING BUSINESS Business Insights to Help You Grow Your Business with Ease We’re two seasoned business owners — Sam Morris and Kate De Jong — sharing our nearly thirty-year combined experience of starting and growing service-based businesses from the ground up. We so many small businesses struggling or falling prey to expensive promises of quick fixes or silver bullets. Both of us know what it REALLY takes to start and grow a business, we've done it many times over and we've got the blisters to prove it! We’ve joined forces to share our knowledge and experience so you can find the easiest path to success, doing it your way, and most importantly — staying true to yourself.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Kate De Jong & Sam Morris
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Thriving Business
  • Show Website
    Thriving Business

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