Less Than 15

DFK Australia New Zealand

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BUSINESS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Bite-sized and actionable Business Bulletins from guest experts to keep you up to date with the issues that matter. The show is brought to you by DFK Australia New Zealand - Leading Accountants and Business Advisors.

DEC 4

Expert Q&A: Your Burning Cybersecurity Questions Answered

AI deepfakes, email security risks, and the single action to take tomorrow In this extended final episode of our Cyber Resilience series, Aron Robertson answers real questions from business owners just like you. From AI-powered deepfakes to managing employee mobile devices, from understanding the Notifiable Data Breach scheme to the uncomfortable truth about email security, this Q&A session covers the practical concerns and tough questions that keep business owners up at night. Aron provides honest, detailed answers that cut through the confusion and give you clear next steps. Questions answered in this episode: AI and emerging threats: How is AI making attacks more sophisticated? (Voice impersonation, deepfakes, and what's coming in 2026)Device management: Should we require phones and tablets to be managed corporate devices? (Risk assessment framework)Notifiable Data Breach scheme explained: What triggers a reportable breach? Who do you notify? What is the "harm" test?ISO 27001 certification: Will it soon be required for professional services firms? (Spoiler: It's already happening in government tenders)The first action to take tomorrow: What's the single most important step to strengthen your defences?Email security reality check: How unsecure is email really? Should you avoid sending personal data via email?Supply chain risk: Why your client's poor security becomes your problemBuilding a safety culture: How to create an environment where employees report suspicious activity without fearToken theft attacks: The emerging threat that bypasses MFARansomware evolution: New "double extortion" tactics—stealing data before encrypting itSocial engineering in the AI era: Why verbal confirmation isn't foolproof anymoreKey Takeaway: The human element—building a culture where your team understands their value to attackers and feels safe reporting concerns—is your most powerful defense, even as technology evolves. Featured Expert: Aron Robertson, Chief Commercial Officer, Strategic Group Part of The Cyber Security Series: Episode 4 of 4 Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

20 min
DEC 3

Your Defence Playbook: Strategies, Insurance & Compliance

Beyond technology: insurance coverage, business continuity, and compliance explained Now that you understand the threats and how attacks unfold, it's time to build your defences. In this comprehensive episode, Aron Robertson shares the essential strategies every business should implement - from multi-factor authentication to endpoint detection, from incident response planning to business continuity frameworks. But protection isn't just about technology. Aron also explains the critical role of cyber insurance (what it actually covers and when to engage your insurer) and the governance frameworks that are increasingly becoming requirements for professional services firms, not just enterprises. In this episode, you'll discover: Defence Strategies: Core resilience tactics every business needs (beyond basic MFA)Why endpoint detection and response (EDR) is replacing traditional antivirusThe critical importance of incident response planning before disaster strikesAccess control: understanding who has access to what (files, email lists, systems)Why security training and email hygiene are your strongest defencesThe four phases of business continuity planning: assessment, recovery, finalisation, testingBusiness impact analysis: mapping every system to understand cascading failuresWhy your disaster recovery plan is "just paper" until you test itCyber Insurance: Why cyber insurance is now essential, not optionalFirst-party coverage: crisis management, data recovery, business interruptionUnderstanding data extortion and ransom payment regulationsThird-party coverage: regulatory costs, multimedia liability, security liabilityWhen to engage your insurer (earlier than you likely think)Governance & Compliance: Essential Eight maturity model explainedISO 27001: why it's coming to SMEs, not just software companiesHow compliance requirements are becoming client tender requirementsOther frameworks: NIST, SOC 2, and what they mean for professional servicesKey Takeaway: Effective cyber resilience requires three pillars: technical defences, financial protection through insurance, and governance frameworks that prove your due diligence. Featured Expert: Aron Robertson, Chief Commercial Officer, Strategic Group Part of The Cyber Security Series: Episode 3 of 4 Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

14 min
DEC 2

Anatomy of an Attack: Four Scenarios That Could Hit Tomorrow

From reconnaissance to encryption - how criminals execute attacks in real time In this episode, Aron Robertson walks through the complete lifecycle of a cyber attack - from reconnaissance to exploitation to execution - then reveals four real-world scenarios that are hitting Australian businesses right now. From business email compromise to ransomware, these aren't hypothetical threats. These are the most commonly reported incidents affecting organisations just like yours, and Aron explains exactly how they unfold. In this episode, you'll learn: The three-phase attack lifecycle: reconnaissance, exploitation, and executionWhy attacks are methodical processes, not random eventsScenario 1: Business email compromise - how attackers impersonate trusted clients to redirect paymentsScenario 2: The insider threat - how one clicked malicious link can expose your business for monthsScenario 3: Identity theft through credential stealing and MFA fatigue attacksScenario 4: Ransomware - what really happens when attackers encrypt your systems in under an hourWhy multi-factor authentication (MFA) is NOT a silver bulletHow modern malware uses AI to constantly change and evade detectionThe behavioural signals and "tradecraft" that reveal an attack is underwayWhy unmanaged home devices create dangerous vulnerabilitiesPassword reset timing: how attackers exploit the window before you change credentialsKey Takeaway: Understanding how attacks actually work - step by step - is essential to recognising the warning signs and implementing effective defences. Featured Expert: Aron Robertson, Chief Commercial Officer, Strategic Group Part of The Cyber Security Series: Episode 2 of 4 Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

14 min
DEC 1

The Growing Cyber Threat: Why Every Business is a Target

Welcome to the first episode of our Cyber Security series with Aaron Robertson, Chief Commercial Officer at Strategic Group. In this episode, we unpack the sobering reality of today's cyber threat landscape. With attacks costing Australian businesses more than ever before—and large enterprises seeing costs double in just one year - no organisation is too small to be a target. Aaron reveals the latest data from the Australian Signals Directorate and explains why the human factor, not technology failure, is behind 70% of breaches. In this episode, you'll discover: Latest Australian cyber threat statistics: why incidents are at record levelsThe real cost of cyber attacks for SMEs versus large businesses (and why it's doubled)The human factor: why 70% of breaches aren't caused by system failuresWho's really behind cyber attacks (it's not teenagers in hoodies)The sophisticated business model of modern cybercrime organisationsHow attackers use AI and "crime-as-a-service" to scale their operationsDark web job postings: how criminal enterprises recruit and operateThe reconnaissance phase: what attackers learn about your business before they strikeWhy publicly available information (LinkedIn, websites) is weaponised against youKey Takeaway: Cyber attacks aren't random events—they're methodical, business-like operations. Understanding how attackers think is your first step toward protection. Featured Expert: Aron Robertson, Chief Commercial Officer, Strategic Group Episode 2 drops tomorrow: Anatomy of an Attack. Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

9 min
JUL 21

Season 2 Finale: 10 fast, practical episodes you may have missed

Season 2 of Less Than 15 was packed with sharp, actionable insights from across the DFK Australia New Zealand network, and our brilliant guests. In this finale episode, our host Angela Raspass recaps each episode and pulls out key takeaways you can use straight away. From workplace culture to cashflow, AI to estate planning, this 10-episode season offers something for every business owner. If you missed a few along the way (or need a quick refresher), this wrap-up episode is the perfect place to start — or re-start — your listening. 💡 What we covered: Why psychosocial hazards aren’t just HR talk — they’re leadership essentialsThree commandments for using AI without losing your brand voiceHow ESG can be a strategic tool, not a compliance headacheThe 30% task burden that’s holding you back — and how to shed itWhy profit ≠ cash (and 5 fixes if your bank balance is hurting)Rethinking risk by starting with your people, not just your policiesWhat business estate planning really means — and the docs you needThe true pros and cons of self-managed super for business ownersWhat marketing metrics matter (hint: it’s not likes or follows)The 3 big valuation myths that could derail your exit✅ Your action step: Scan the season titles and pick two episodes you didn’t listen to. Queue them up on your next commute, walk, or coffee break - and follow the links on the podcast page to grab the expert resources mentioned in each.Guest Highlights: This season featured insights from: Ep 11 – Wendy Jeffery-Lonnie (DFK Gooding Partners) Understanding psychosocial hazards in the workplaceEp 12 – Leanne Shelton (Human Edge AI Training) How to keep your AI on-brand and authenticEp 13 – Chaitanya Mawji (DFK CIB) Why ESG matters for small business (and how to make it strategic)Ep 14 – Kristy Smith (Virtual Elves) The 30% task burden holding you back — and how to let it goEp 15 – Mike McNab (DFK Oswin Griffiths Carlton) Profit ≠ Cash: Why your bank balance might be lying to youEp 16 – Lisa Sisson (Unearth Consultancy) Risk starts and ends with people — not policiesEp 17 – Melissa Healy (DFK Everalls & Everalls Wealth) Estate planning for business owners: Who’s holding the fort?Ep 18 – Daniel Shaw (DFK Benjamin King Money) Is a self-managed super fund the right move for your business?Ep 19 – Leanne O’Sullivan (Adventure Digital) The digital blind spots in your marketing (and what to track instead)Ep 20 – Steven Tindale (DFK Gooding Partners) The 3 big valuation myths that could derail your exitWe look forward to welcoming you to our next client support initiatives. Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

16 min
JUL 14

The 3 big valuation myths that could derail your exit

What many owners get wrong about timing, taxes and true value If you think business valuation only matters when you're ready to sell, think again. This week, we speak with Steven Tindale, Partner at DFK Gooding Partners in Perth, about why getting an accurate business valuation well before a sale is one of the smartest strategic moves an owner can make. Steven outlines the financial, strategic, and legal reasons to get a valuation early, and why waiting might cost you more than you think. From understanding your true market position to avoiding unexpected tax surprises and preparing for retirement or succession, this conversation offers many practical insights. In this episode: When and why you really need a business valuation (it’s not just for sale time)Why your sale price may differ from your business valuationCommon valuation misconceptions that catch business owners outThe “silver handcuff” effect (and why you might not be able to walk away)Key financial and non-financial factors that influence valueActions you can take now to strengthen your valuation positionReady to find out how sale-ready your business really is? The Business Valuation Scorecard from DFK Gooding Partners takes just a minute to complete and gives you a clear snapshot of your business’s valuation risks and opportunities. It’s a smart first step before considering an official valuation—or even just starting the conversation. About our guest: Steven Tindale is a Partner with expertise in Business Services and Advisory at DFK Gooding Partners in Perth. With over 17 years of experience, Steven specialises in accounting, tax and advisory services and has a particular focus on business valuation, helping owners understand their value and maximise outcomes. Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

14 min
JUL 7

Before you post on the socials again, listen to this

The smart way to measure what’s working in your online marketing Most business owners invest time, energy, and budget in digital marketing—often without knowing what's actually working. In this energising episode, Leanne O’Sullivan from Adventure Digital joins us to reveal the blind spots many businesses have and how to uncover the metrics that matter. Spoiler: it’s not all about likes and follows. We unpack the four key areas of digital marketing, explain how to utilise your existing data more effectively, and walk you through how to track your customer journey more clearly. Whether you’re marketing a service or a product, this episode will help you stop guessing and start making more informed, confident decisions. What we cover: Why social media ≠ your whole digital marketing strategyThe four key digital marketing areas you should focus onHow to use UTM tracking and Google Analytics more effectivelyThe real role of email marketing and what to pay attention toWhy segmentation improves client retention and ROIWhat not to do before reviewing your dataAction Step: Download the free Google Data Studio template from the podcast page and connect your website analytics. Begin benchmarking where your traffic, leads, and sales are actually coming from so you can do more of what works. Visit this link to access the resource. Guest Bio: Leanne O’Sullivan is the founder and CEO of Adventure Digital, a marketing agency based in regional NSW that helps purpose-driven businesses thrive online. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Leanne specialises in simplifying digital marketing and helping clients understand what really drives leads and conversions. She’s a passionate advocate for data-informed decisions and smart, sustainable growth. Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

14 min
JUN 30

Is an SMSF right for you as a business owner?

What business owners need to know before managing their own super For business owners, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) can offer flexibility, control, and some strategic benefits you might not have considered. But is it the right fit for you? In this episode, we chat with Daniel Shaw, Director and SMSF specialist at DFK Benjamin King Money in Melbourne, to explore when and why an SMSF might be a smart move—and the common traps to avoid. Daniel explains the key benefits of SMSFs, who they’re best suited to, and the responsibilities that come with taking the DIY super path. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could (or should) rent your business premises from your own super fund, this one’s for you. What we cover in this episode: What a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is and how it differs from industry fundsWhy SMSFs can suit business owners and when they’re not the right fitHow SMSFs can hold and lease commercial property to your businessExamples of surprising (but legal) SMSF investment optionsCommon risks and misconceptions—and how to avoid costly mistakesWhy early advice is essential, not optionalAction step: Download our free checklist: The Lifecycle of a Self-Managed Super Fund and start thinking through whether this might be the right option for your business and retirement strategy. Then have a conversation with your accountant or licensed financial advisor. Our Guest Daniel Shaw is a Director at DFK Benjamin King Money in Melbourne and the firm’s in-house SMSF specialist. With deep experience in accounting, business strategy, and compliance, he helps clients utilise self-managed super funds strategically, balancing flexibility with smart risk management. Less Than 15 is a show brought to you by leading Accountants and Business Advisors, DFK Australia New Zealand. We help business owners make better decisions with our local knowledge, national connections and global reach. Search for a firm here and have a conversation with us today!

13 min

Bite-sized and actionable Business Bulletins from guest experts to keep you up to date with the issues that matter. The show is brought to you by DFK Australia New Zealand - Leading Accountants and Business Advisors.

Creator

DFK Australia New Zealand
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

28
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 Less Than 15
Show Website

Less Than 15