The Business Game

The Business Game
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The Business Game The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level. We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit. If you are: • Trying to get your first consistent revenue • Building your first real team • Breaking through the messy middle • Scaling toward eight or nine figures • Or preparing for exit There is an episode that meets you where you are. Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle. Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not. The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one. Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules. Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up. Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com

  1. 20h ago

    LEVEL TWO: Visual Thinking Expert on Working with Dan Martell, the Future of IP, and Owning Your Genius

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Simon Bowen, founder of The Models Method and creator of the Genius Model, a visual thinking framework used in more than 30 countries to help founders, leaders and organisations make complex ideas simple, scalable and impossible to ignore.  After growing up in small country towns in Western Australia and spending decades consulting on billion-dollar infrastructure projects, military operations, government initiatives and corporate strategy, Simon discovered that the fastest way to align people, influence decisions and scale ideas isn't through more words... it's through better models.  We asked him about visual thinking, why most businesses struggle to communicate what makes them valuable, how founders can make their thinking scalable, and why the future belongs to leaders who can simplify complexity in a world increasingly dominated by AI.  Let’s dive in, With Simon Bowen:  Why every great business idea starts as a drawing  The visual thinking framework that's influenced hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue  How he secured a $20 million funding commitment with an eight-minute presentation  Why PowerPoint is failing founders and business leaders  The psychology behind models that change minds and drive decisions  How to communicate complex ideas in a way people can never unsee  Why founders are often the biggest bottleneck in scaling their businesses  The role AI will play in making businesses either irrelevant or irreplaceable  How visual models create alignment across teams, customers and stakeholders  The communication skill Simon believes will define the next generation of leaders  If you're a founder, business owner or leader trying to communicate more effectively, scale your thinking, or build a business that isn't dependent on you being in every conversation, this episode is packed with practical lessons on influence, leadership, communication and making your genius visible.  Connect with Simon Bowen: Website: modelsmethod.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  2. Jul 16

    LEVEL 4: Video Editing CEO: From A $200 Startup... to 90 Employees

    Send us Fan Mail Starting a business with $200 is impressive. Rebuilding it three separate times after devastating setbacks is something else entirely. In this Throwback Thursday episode of The Business Game, Dave Feinman shares the lessons behind scaling his video editing business Viral Ideas into a global creative venture with more than 90 employees. From losing 80% of his revenue overnight to building systems that allow creativity to scale, Dave explains why operational complexity – not finding customers – is the real challenge of growth. If you're building a team, creating systems, or learning how to lead through increasing complexity, this conversation is full of practical advice you can apply immediately. Let's dive in with Dave Feinman: How to scale a creative business without sacrificing qualityWhy every business is only as strong as its biggest bottleneck Building systems that allow creativity to flourish Leading a global remote team Why founders must stop working with people and start working through people The leadership lesson Dave lives by: be the person you needed in your darkest momentConnect with Dave Feinman Website - https://www.viralideamarketing.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-feinman-7a069255/ The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses  High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  3. Jul 13

    LEVEL SIX: Serial Entrepreneur on Why Everything in Business Is Ones and Zeros

    Send us Fan Mail Level 5: $30M-$100M  Executive Layer and Division Growth  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Robert Indries, Managing Partner of Elkridge Advisors. Robert is an engineer turned powerhouse entrepreneur who has generated more than $500 million in business value, built a diverse parallel portfolio of companies, and successfully executed an eight-figure exit from an AI venture.   Robert’s path wasn't built on the typical "Instagram entrepreneur" fantasy. From growing up on a small Transylvanian farm to hitting absolute rock bottom, eating one Subway sandwich a day with only $100 left to his name. Robert learned the hard way that business operates on cold, hard math, not wishful thinking. Today, he looks at the world like a motherboard, designing systems with absolute redundancy so businesses can thrive entirely without him.   In this episode, Robert cracks open the playbook on Level 6 business growth, sharing why he views life and operations through a binary lens: it's either a one or a zero, there is no gray area.   Lets dive in, With Robert Indries:  Why 96% of businesses never hit seven figures, and why true statistical wealth is actually built through careers.  How treating business like a motherboard eliminates key-person dependencies and systemic collapse.  How losing all his savings in a disastrous early venture completely revolutionized his rule on getting paid upfront.  The precise criteria Robert uses before doing business with anyone, including why it must make money, make the world better, and feature people he actually likes.  Why high-level founders focus exclusively on the upside of an investment rather than the price tag.  Why Robert prefers stepping back as a "support character" or "tank" rather than chasing fame, finding his joy in watching his team win.  A candid look at the emotional toll of high-stakes business, navigating internal turmoil, and taking action anyway.  Whether you’re looking to untangle your operations, transition from operator to true owner, or figure out how to scale dozens of cross-border acquisitions a year, Robert’s unfiltered, mathematical approach to business excellence will fundamentally change how you view your company.   Connect with Robert Indries Website - https://elkridgeadvisors.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertindries/  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses  High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  #TheBusinessGame #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SystemsEngineering  #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #ScalingBusiness #FounderMindset #AssetManagement Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  4. Jul 9

    LEVEL ONE: Property Founder on Why He Walked Away From a $250K Career to Start From Zero

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 1: $0M-$1M START UP AND SURVIVAL STAGE  In this episode of The Business Game, we sit down with Matthew Nowell, founder of MPAC Property Group, RentFinder Australia, and a new building company focused on cashflow positive investments.   Matthew shares how he had a $250,000 leadership role in the mining industry before making the life-changing decision to leave it all behind at 39. He opens up about the mindset that helped him embrace uncertainty, why he believes failure is one of the greatest teachers in business, and how networking, integrity and a long-term approach have fueled the rapid growth of his business.  We also dive into the changing property investment landscape, why Matthew believes cashflow-positive investing is the future, and the lessons he's determined to pass on to his children about backing yourself and creating your own path.  Whether you're thinking about changing careers, building a business from the ground up, or looking for a fresh perspective on property investing, you don't want to miss this episode. Let’s dive in, With Matthew Nowell:  Walking away from a high-paying career to start a business Why failure is essential for long-term success Building a business through networking and relationships The importance of staying true to your values Creating cashflow-positive property investments Balancing entrepreneurship with family life The mindset required to reinvent yourself at any stage of life   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Business Game and leave us a review. New episodes every week featuring founders and business leaders sharing the lessons they've learned at every level of the game.  Connect with Matthew Nowell: Website: https://www.mpacpropertygroup.com.au/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-nowell-93a05491    The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  5. Jul 6

    LEVEL THREE: Marketing Veteran on Why Most Founders Burn Out and How to Avoid It

    Send us Fan Mail Level 3: $3-$8M DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Phil Ohren, Founder and CEO of Intender, a growth marketing agency on a mission to make advertising useful, not annoying.  Like many founders, Phil spent years chasing growth, building teams, serving clients, and pushing for the next milestone. But behind the scenes, he found himself facing something he never expected: burnout so severe it left him with writer's block, strategy block, and a growing realisation that his identity had become tied to external validation.  In this episode, Phil shares the lessons that came from that experience, including why he believes many entrepreneurs are unknowingly people-pleasers, how learning to let go transformed his leadership, and the advice from a mentor who told him he was operating like "a genius with a thousand helpers". A mindset that simply doesn't scale.  Let’s dive in, With Phil Ohren:  • Why founder burnout often starts with seeking validation from others   • The leadership shift required to stop being the bottleneck   • Why Phil would build a CRM before writing vision and values   • The power of accountability frameworks inside growing businesses   • How being "neuro-spicy" became one of his biggest strengths as a founder   • Why curiosity is a competitive advantage in business   • The future of AI and why Phil believes robots will transform advertising   • How small, consistent wins compound into massive growth over time  Whether you're trying to scale a business, build a stronger leadership team, or avoid the mistakes that lead many founders to burnout, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections from someone who's lived through it.  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses  High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  6. Jul 2

    LEVEL FOUR: Global Entrepreneur on What the World's Most Successful Founders Have in Common

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 4: $8M - $20M GROWING PAINS AND OPERATIONAL COMPLEXITY  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Skye Blanks, Chief Operations Officer at the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) and founder of Herman Todd Consulting Group, to unpack what it really takes to grow a business beyond founder hustle and into something that can scale sustainably.  At this stage of the game, the challenge isn’t just getting customers or staying busy, it’s about building systems, delegating effectively, creating strategic partnerships, and turning a founder-dependent business into one that can operate without you in the room.  In this conversation, Skye shares how he built credibility as a young executive operating on the global stage, what small business owners consistently get wrong when they hit a growth plateau, and why the businesses that scale fastest are the ones willing to think beyond their industry, their local market, and their own four walls.  Lets dive in, with Skye Blanks:  Why most growth plateaus are strategy problems, not market problems The role SOPs play in scaling without chaos How strategic partnerships can unlock growth faster than more marketing Why founders need to stop building businesses that collapse without them What Skye has learned from advising businesses across industries and countries The mindset shift from doing everything yourself to leading through trust and delegation If you’re a founder trying to move from being the person who does everything to the person who leads a business that can grow, this episode will give you a clear look at what needs to change next.  Connect with Skye Blanks: Website: https://icsb.org/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/skyeblanks  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  7. Jun 29

    LEVEL THREE: An Inventor on Exiting Seven Companies, Holding 100 Patents, and Building With AI

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 3: $3M - $8M   DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP   On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re joined by Mark Vange, founder and CEO of Autom8ly, a serial tech entrepreneur who has built and sold seven companies, holds more than 100 patents, and has spent decades building at the edge of software, gaming, fintech, and now AI.  In this episode, Mark unpacks what founders are getting wrong about AI, why most businesses are still using it far too narrowly, and how leaders should think about implementing AI as a true productivity partner rather than just another shiny tool. From the rise of “cooperative AI” to the risks around security, compliance, and trust, this conversation is a practical look at what business owners need to understand if they want to stay competitive as AI reshapes the way companies operate.  Let’s dive in, With Mark Vange:  Why Mark believes AI should be treated like a new team member, not just a piece of software The biggest mistakes businesses make when trying to adopt AI too quickly How founders can use AI to remove friction and reclaim time without losing the human element Why trust, compliance, and security are becoming the real battlegrounds in AI adoption What Mark has learned from building, scaling, and exiting multiple tech companies across different industries   Connect with Mark Vange: Website: https://autom8ly.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markvange    If you’re trying to work out how AI fits into your business in a practical, strategic way, and what the next wave of innovation might mean for founders, we made this episode for you.  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

  8. Jun 25

    LEVEL SIX: Pharma Innovator On Franchising, Bootstrapping and Long Term Success

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 6: $50M – $150M  GOVERNANCE, DATA & SERIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Barry Patel, Founder and CEO of Galt Pharmaceuticals, a company redefining how pharmaceutical businesses are built, scaled, and distributed.  Starting with no outside investors and bootstrapping his way through one of the world’s most heavily regulated industries, Barry shares how he built a pharmaceutical company using an unconventional franchise model, why he believes founders should avoid raising capital for as long as possible, and the surprising leadership lessons that came from realizing he had become the bottleneck in his own business.  We also dive into the realities of scaling in healthcare, navigating FDA regulations, building systems that create competitive moats, and what it takes to lead a company where every decision carries significant financial and human consequences.  Whether you're building your first business or leading a company through rapid growth, Barry’s insights on leadership, resilience, systems, and long-term value creation offer a masterclass in playing the business game at a high level.  Let’s dive in, with Barry Patel:   • How Barry bootstrapped a pharmaceutical company without investors  • The unconventional franchise model powering Galt Pharmaceuticals  • Why founders often become the bottleneck to growth  • The hidden challenges of scaling in highly regulated industries  • Building systems, structure, and competitive moats  • Why creating value matters more than chasing money  • Barry’s philosophy on leadership, stoicism, and long-term success  If business truly is a game, Barry Patel’s approach to winning might surprise you.  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

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About

The Business Game The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level. We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit. If you are: • Trying to get your first consistent revenue • Building your first real team • Breaking through the messy middle • Scaling toward eight or nine figures • Or preparing for exit There is an episode that meets you where you are. Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle. Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not. The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one. Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules. Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up. Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Business Game
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Business Game
  • Show Website
    The Business Game