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. 2d ago

    YOU'RE THE BOTTLENECK OF YOUR OWN BUSINESS

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Andrew Sparks, Founder of exyt® and creator of Exit OS — a practical operating system designed to help founder-led businesses remove owner dependence, build stronger leadership teams, and scale without the founder becoming the bottleneck.  After leaving school at just 15 to become a plumber, Andrew built multiple successful businesses before studying psychology and performance, combining decades of real-world business experience with human behaviour to create a framework that helps founders reclaim their time and build businesses that can run without them.  We asked him about the "Second Stage Squeeze" that traps so many business owners, why working harder eventually stops working, how to build accountability into a growing company, hiring great leaders, creating systems that scale, and what it really takes to build a business that gives you both time and financial freedom.  Let’s dive in,  with Andrew Sparks:  Why leaving school at 15 became the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey The "Second Stage Squeeze" that traps founders as their businesses grow Why working harder eventually becomes your biggest bottleneck How to stop being the person every decision depends on Building leadership teams that actually take ownership Why most businesses accidentally create a prison for the founder The psychology behind scaling a business without losing control How Exit OS helps founders reclaim 10-20 hours every week Why hiring exceptional people is the closest thing to a business cheat code What true success looks like beyond revenue and growth If you're a founder, business owner, or entrepreneur who feels like your business can't function without you, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, delegation, systems, accountability, hiring, and building a business that creates freedom instead of burnout.  Connect with Andrew Sparks: Website: myexyt.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theandrewsparks  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. 6d ago

    He Lost Everything... And Rebuilt Bigger & Better

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Sahil Nijhawan, CEO of Nexus DMC Oceania and an entrepreneur who has spent more than 20 years building businesses across travel, real estate, construction, AI, and consumer brands.  LEVEL 5: $30M-$100M: Executive Layer and Divisions  When COVID brought the global travel industry to a complete standstill, Sahil lost the business he had spent years building. With no income and no clear path forward, he went from leading a thriving company to stacking shelves at Coles at 4am, working in supermarkets, teaching short courses, and rebuilding his life one step at a time.  Today, Sahil leads Nexus DMC Oceania, helping power a global travel platform supporting 190,000 travel agents across 18 countries, while simultaneously building and investing in AI-native businesses designed for the future.  We asked him about overcoming failure, scaling multiple businesses at once, using AI to multiply your time, why community matters more than ever in an AI-driven world, and what it really takes to become fearless as a founder.  Let's dive in,  With Sahil Nijhawan:  How COVID wiped out his business almost overnight Why working in a supermarket became one of the greatest lessons of his life The mindset shift that made him fearless as an entrepreneur How Nexus supports 190,000 travel agents globally Why founders must stop being the bottleneck How his AI assistant "Nova" helps manage multiple businesses Why persistence matters more than talent or timing The importance of building community in an AI-first world How to scale businesses without losing local trust and relationships The lessons he learned from building, losing, and rebuilding everything If you're a founder, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur looking for a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and building businesses that can survive almost anything, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons.  Connect with Sahil Nijhawan: Website: https://www.nexusdmc.com/cp/oceania-dmc-21557 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sahil-nijhawan-2018aba  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. Aug 10

    AI WON'T REPLACE YOU - LACK OF ORIGINALITY WILL

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Jonathan Aberman, Founder and CEO of Hupside, a venture capitalist turned entrepreneur who has spent more than 25 years helping launch over 40 technology companies and advising founders on what separates good businesses from truly exceptional ones.  LEVEL 2: $1M-$3M Dollars. First Teams, First Systems  After decades investing in innovation, Jonathan returned to the founder's seat with a bold mission: to prove that in a world increasingly powered by AI, the greatest competitive advantage isn't artificial intelligence, it's human originality.  We asked him whether AI is really replacing people, why originality is becoming the most valuable business asset, the common traits shared by successful founders, why self-awareness matters more than confidence, and what it takes to build a company that stands out instead of blending in.  Let's dive in,   With Jonathan Aberman:  Why AI is becoming a "sameness engine" for business Why originality will become the biggest competitive advantage of the AI era The founder trait Jonathan says every successful entrepreneur shares Why self-awareness beats confidence every time The biggest reason great business ideas never become great companies Why timing matters just as much as execution Why entrepreneurs need people who tell them the truth The hidden downside of wealth that nobody talks about Why building on top of AI platforms could be a dangerous strategy How Jonathan is trying to build a company that changes the future of work If you're a founder, entrepreneur, business owner, or anyone trying to understand how AI will reshape business over the next decade, this episode is packed with practical insights, thought-provoking ideas, and a refreshing perspective on why humans still matter most.  Connect with Jonathan Aberman: Website: https://www.hupside.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanaberman/  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.

  4. Aug 6

    Miranda McLennan X walking away from a successful business to start something new

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Miranda McLennan, Founder of Those Who Dare Agency and what many would call the queen of reinvention.  Level 1: STARTUP & SURVIVAL STAGE: $0M – 1M   After spending more than 15 years building businesses across hospitality, fashion, aviation, construction and business consulting, including co-founding an award-winning restaurant in the Italian Dolomites, Miranda has built a career by saying yes to opportunities, trusting her intuition, and reinventing herself whenever life called for it.  Today, she's launching Those Who Dare Agency, helping creators, brands and media personalities build meaningful long-term commercial partnerships while proving that sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you take the leap before you're ready.  We asked her about pivoting careers, walking away from successful businesses, building community, launching a business prematurely, and why having great people around you matters more than having the perfect plan.  Let's dive in,   With Miranda McLennan:  Why Miranda has reinvented herself time and time again throughout her career How a 12-month trip to Italy turned into five years and an award-winning restaurant The lessons she learned from building a business in Europe and working with luxury brands like Porsche and Audi Why saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes in business How ChatGPT helped her discover the business she was meant to build Why nothing in business or life is permanent The biggest advantage of surrounding yourself with great people What founders need to hear before launching their next big idea Why community involvement has become one of her greatest passions What it really means to be one of "Those Who Dare" If you're a founder who's considering a pivot, waiting for the perfect time to launch, or wondering whether it's too late to reinvent yourself, this episode will give you the confidence to back yourself and take the next step.  Connect with Miranda McLennan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/miranda-mclennan-2039b6166  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. Aug 3

    Darragh de Stonndún X AI AND ROBOTICS ARE CHANGING THE FUTURE!

    Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Darragh de Stonndún, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR), a global automation company with more than 550 people across the US, UK, and Ireland.  Darragh is doing business at Level 7: $500M-$1B - The Global Expansion Stage  Over the past 25 years, Darragh has helped transform AIR from a collection of regional engineering businesses into a global automation platform. Today, he’s leading the company through its next phase of integrating acquisitions across multiple countries, embracing physical AI, and preparing for a future where the data generated by industrial robots could become more valuable than the robots themselves.  We asked him about scaling a company across borders, why AI doesn’t scare him, the biggest mistakes businesses make when adopting new technology, and how leaders can build organisations that thrive without them.  Let’s dive in,   With Darragh de Stonndún:  Why staying a regional business would have cost AIR everything The leadership shift required to manage teams across three countries Why physical AI and humanoid robotics will transform manufacturing The real reason AI should excite, not scare, business leaders Why taking shortcuts with AI could become incredibly dangerous How Darragh built an iPhone app in four hours without writing a single line of code Why industrial data may soon become more valuable than the machines themselves The advantage smaller companies have over billion-dollar competitors How AIR maintains agility while scaling globally What winning in business looks like when you're no longer the person making every decision Connect with Darragh de Stonndún: Website: https://industrialrobotics.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/darraghdestonndun    If you're a founder, business owner, leader, or simply curious about where AI, robotics, and manufacturing are heading, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, innovation, and scaling a business on a global stage.  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 27

    LEVEL FIVE: SaaS Founder on Why Distribution Beats Product Every Time

    Send us Fan Mail On today's episode of The Business Game, we're sitting down with Yega Kumarappan, Founder and CEO of Paperflite, an AI-powered sales enablement platform helping enterprise sales teams close deals faster through intelligent content, conversation and deal insights. Over the past eight years, Yega has built a global SaaS company by staying ahead of rapid technological change... and he's convinced that in the AI era, your product is no longer your competitive advantage. As artificial intelligence makes it possible for almost anyone to build software in days instead of months, Yega believes the real winners won't be the companies with the best technology – they'll be the ones who can distribute it the fastest. He shares why founders need to stop obsessing over features, embrace the "boring work" of execution, and build organisations that can move as quickly as technology itself.  We asked him about scaling a SaaS company in the AI era, why distribution has become more valuable than product, how leadership changes as companies grow, and why the future belongs to founders who can execute faster than everyone else. Let's dive in, with Yega Kumarappan:  Why AI has made technology the easiest part of building a business  The reason most SaaS products can now be copied in minutes  Why distribution has become the biggest competitive advantage  How AI is compressing 50 years of innovation into just five  Why founders need to stop chasing shiny objects  The "boring work" that actually creates billion-dollar businesses  Why great governance should feel like freedom—not control  The leadership mistake that cost his company valuable time  Why hungry teams outperform large teams  His definition of winning in business and life Connect with Yega Kumarappan: Website: https://www.paperflite.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yegakumarappan/ 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. Jul 23

    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.

  8. 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.

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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
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Business Game
  • Show Website
    The Business Game