The Critical Few Actions

John Downes
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Overwhelmed by trying to do it all? Focus on the criticalfewactions™ that will have the biggest impact on your business's success. In this podcast, host John Downes, a seasoned business advisor with extensive experience in Big Consulting, successful entrepreneurship, and mentoring, helps you defeat the overwhelm. Through real stories from business leaders, experts insights, and John’s own experience, you’ll learn how to prioritize those criticalfewactions™ that, if you did nothing else, will drive your business forward to deliver your vision. We’ll cover everything from setting your vision and strategy to improving profitability and supporting your team’s performance so that you get more pleasure, fulfillment, and financial reward from your business.. Subscribe now and tune in every two weeks to take control of your business’s future—one focused step at a time.

  1. Carmen McKinney: How to beat AI Slop With Numbers You Can Trust

    4D AGO

    Carmen McKinney: How to beat AI Slop With Numbers You Can Trust

    Carmen McKinney: How to Beat AI Slop With Numbers You Can TrustSubscribe/Follow and click here for further information and the eBook of resources: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/ Please let me know if I’m on the right track with the podcast. It means the world to me to know I’m adding value. Are you making strategic decisions based on data you assume is accurate? Are you leading growth plans without checking if your assumptions stand up? Are you unsure whether AI is helping or quietly increasing your risk? If you rely on information that may no longer be trustworthy, this episode is for you. In this conversation, John Downes speaks with IBISWorld’s Carmen McKinney about why data quality is declining, how CEOs can strengthen their planning with real benchmarks, and how to cut through AI slop to make better long-term decisions. For leaders of mid-sized organisations, this discussion highlights how evidence-based insight can reshape your strategy and focus your team. What You’ll Learn:== Why AI is flooding the internet with unreliable information == How to validate gut feel with credible benchmarks == How to identify your winnable market == Why strategic focus beats busywork == How to sharpen your planning with trusted research Highlights00:00 Introduction to Carmen and IBISWorld 05:20 What industry research really tells leaders 07:17 Strategic planning made clearer with benchmarks 20:24 AI slop and declining data quality 32:13 The future of industry research and AI 39:52 #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do TodayWhen I work with successful business leaders, I often see how easy it is to plan from assumptions rather than evidence. Many still rely on instinct, even when the market is shifting faster than they expect. Here are the three key insights I took from the conversation: Insight 1: The risk of poor-quality information. AI slop is making it harder to trust what you read. So, what can you do? Use validated, professional sources for major decisions. Ask your team to show the source and evidence for every assumption. Insight 2: Balancing gut feel with benchmarks. Gut feel only draws on what you already know. So, what can you do? Benchmark your projections against real industry data. Check whether your chosen markets are already dominated by large competitors. Insight 3: Narrow your focus to win. Most companies try to change too many things at once. So, what can you do? Choose one clear competitive position and align your resources. Stop or pause low-value initiatives to protect execution. If you found this conversation valuable, please Subscribe / Follow, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve organisation performance and value. Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and ImplementationAre you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution—and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. This isn’t another generic leadership course. It’s a highly focused, small-group programme where you’ll work alongside your peers, on your business, break through barriers, and implement...

    41 min
  2. Grant Lingwood-Smith on the Four Habits of High-Performing CFOs

    FEB 1

    Grant Lingwood-Smith on the Four Habits of High-Performing CFOs

    Please Subscribe/Follow so I know I’m adding value and to give you more like this. Find further information and the eBook of resources: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/ Are you getting the insights you need from your finance team?Do your budgets and KPIs actually drive performance?Is your CFO helping your business learn, or only reporting numbers? If you struggle to get meaningful insight from your finance function, this episode is for you. A great CFO helps your organisation plan well, measure what matters, and learn from results. In this conversation, Grant Lingwood-Smith explains the four habits that set high-performing CFOs apart and how medium-sized businesses can turn finance into a genuine learning engine. What You’ll Learn:== Why collaborative budgeting builds ownership and accountability == How effective management information sharpens decision-making == How to simplify OKRs and KPIs to drive real performance == The power of structured reflection and replanning == What great CFOs and CEOs do differently Highlights00:00 Introducing Grant Lingwood-Smith 01:56 What makes a great finance team 04:18 Balancing support and accountability 08:10 Budgeting and forecasting challenges 19:09 Creating effective management information 29:38 Why performance measures matter 30:56 Simplifying OKRs for all roles 32:12 Assigning accountability for OKRs 33:18 Clear OKRs and KPIs that motivate 35:16 Engaging employees with business goals 38:09 Wins and challenges in business metrics 47:26 How great teams reflect and replan 54:34 What great CEOs and CFOs do differently 01:00:14 #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do Today:When I work with successful business leaders, I often see a gap between the numbers they report and the actions they take. Too many treat finance as compliance rather than a learning engine. Here are the three key insights I took from the conversation: Budget and Track Performance. Many CEOs treat budgeting as a financial task rather than a shared commitment. So, what can you do? • Involve your leadership team in setting assumptions so they own the numbers. • Review results monthly with a focus on learning, not blame. Creating and Using Management Information. Reports often show everything but explain nothing. So, what can you do? • Redesign reporting packs to focus on what is actionable. • Give each KPI a clear owner with responsibility to act. Reflect and Re-Plan. Growth stalls when leaders skip reflection. So, what can you do? • Schedule quarterly reflection sessions to discuss patterns, not just data. • Embed a ‘what did we learn?’ question into planning cycles. If you found this conversation valuable, please Subscribe / Follow, leave a comment. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and...

    1h 2m
  3. David Sanders: Why Getting Product/Service Costing Right Is the Key to Growing Performance and Value

    JAN 25

    David Sanders: Why Getting Product/Service Costing Right Is the Key to Growing Performance and Value

    Have you Subscribed/Followed yet? Please do so I know I’m on the right track and adding value. Click here for further information and the eBook of resources: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/ Do you really know what your products cost? Or, just what your system says they do? When your data tells you one thing, but your invoices say another, who do you trust? And what if the purpose behind your costing model is the reason you can’t see what’s really happening? If you’ve ever wondered why your numbers don’t match your experience, this episode is for you. In this conversation, John Downes speaks with Dave Sanders, CEO of Bestrane, about the truth behind product costing and how CEOs can use it to make better decisions and improve their Organisation Performance and Value. What You’ll Learn:== How to reveal hidden behaviours through your costing model == Why AI can’t replace good judgement in decision-making == How accurate costing improves business performance and value Highlights:00:00 Dave Sanders and The Journey into Product Costing 02:38 Understanding Product Costing 04:10 Case Study: Electronic Components and Software 07:33 The Role of Invoices in Costing 17:40 Challenges in Product and Service Costing 21:52 Value-Based Pricing in Practice 23:10 Challenges in Service Pricing 25:26 Costing in Software Businesses 34:29 AI's Impact on Costing and Decision Making 38:20 Critical Actions for Founders and CEOs The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do TodayWhen I work with successful business leaders to create their Strategic Plans and help them implement them, I often find that their product and service costing doesn’t tell the full story. Many assume they know their margins, until the data reveals how sales or customer behaviour drives unseen cost. The first Insight is about Purpose-Driven Costing. Many costing models exist to satisfy accountants rather than decision-makers. So, what can you do? • Define what decision each cost figure is meant to support. • Align every measure with your business purpose: service, efficiency, or value. The second Insight is about Revealing Hidden Behaviour. Linking costs to activity exposes how teams or branches use resources differently. So, what can you do? • Analyse behaviour patterns behind cost drivers. • Use costing to start conversations that improve performance, not assign blame. The third Insight is about Thinking Before You Automate. AI can model hundreds of scenarios, but leaders must still decide what matters. So, what can you do? • Use technology to test options but decide with intent. • Keep purpose and human judgement at the centre of every decision. Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and Implementation Are you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past—a major challenge with no clear solution; and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. This isn’t another generic leadership course. It’s a highly focused, small-group programme where you’ll work alongside your peers, on your business, break through barriers, and implement real-world strategies; not just to solve the problems holding your business back, but to accelerate your growth faster than you thought possible. Find out more here: a...

    40 min
  4. Ben Verney: How to Restructure a Business in Distress, Before It’s Too Late

    JAN 18

    Ben Verney: How to Restructure a Business in Distress, Before It’s Too Late

    Please help me by hitting the Subscribe/Follow button. Click here for information and the eBook of resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/Ben1Verney1EpisodePage How close is your organisation to a financial tipping point you haven’t yet recognised?What would you do if your creditors or the tax office called tomorrow demanding payment?Could your business survive a cash flow crisis next quarter? If you’re worried about your business cash flow or growing debt, this episode is for you. In this episode, John Downes speaks with restructuring expert Ben Verney, who helps organisations in distress navigate recovery through practical restructuring, Voluntary Administration, and turnaround strategies. Together they unpack what business restructuring really means, when to act, and how to protect jobs, reputation, and future value. For CEOs and founders, this conversation offers clarity, calm, and the confidence to make the right next move. It also helps you understand where you could significantly put yourself at personal and professional financial risk. What You’ll Learn:== How to recognise early warning signs of financial distress == The role of Voluntary Administration in saving businesses == Metrics every CEO should track to stay ahead of problems == How to manage emotional and legal pressures during crisis == Practical steps to protect your people and your company’s value Highlights00:00 Introduction to Ben Verney and His Expertise 04:29 Defining Business Restructuring 06:20 Case Study: Restructuring During COVID-19 09:41 The Voluntary Administration Process 17:42 Challenges and Considerations in Restructuring 23:01 Alternative Solutions and Flexibility in Restructuring 28:15 Emotional Challenges for Business Owners 30:02 The Importance of Seeking Advice 31:57 Key Metrics for Business Health 34:15 Understanding Legal Liabilities 38:07 Voluntary Administration Process 39:56 Restructuring in Different Business Environments 46:56 #CriticalFewActions™ for Business Owners and Senior Leaders The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do Today When I work with successful business leaders to create their Strategic Plans and help them implement them, I often see them wait too long before confronting distress signals. Most CEOs believe short-term fixes will solve cash flow pressure until it becomes a crisis. Restructuring, done early and professionally, is a way to preserve value and lead responsibly. Here are the 3 key insights:1 – Recognise distress early Too many businesses treat tax debt as cash flow. So, what can you do? Review cash flow, payroll, and tax obligations monthly.Engage advisers before problems compound. 2 – Build a realistic recovery plan Delayed decisions destroy trust and options. So, what can you do? Model multiple turnaround scenarios and discuss them with your board or peers.Communicate early with creditors and your team to maintain confidence. 3 – Lead through restructuring, not from fear Restructuring done right saves livelihoods. So, what can you...

    49 min
  5. Fiona Hansen: How to Put a Price on Your Brand Before Someone Else Does

    12/14/2025

    Fiona Hansen: How to Put a Price on Your Brand Before Someone Else Does

    Please please click Subscribe/Follow so I can keep giving you valuable insights.Click here for further information and the eBook of resources: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/ Please let me know if I’m on the right track with the podcast. It means the world to me to know I’m adding value. Do you know what your business is really worth, beyond what’s on paper?Are your brand, customers, and systems working as valuable assets? Or are they being overlooked?When it comes time to sell, will you be negotiating from strength or surprise? If you’re thinking of an exit and you’ve never valued your intellectual property or brand, this episode is for you. In this episode, Strategic Mentor, John Downes explores what underpins a solid strategic plan and implementation of that plan as he speaks with valuation expert Fiona Hansen about how CEOs can uncover the real worth of their intangible asset: brand, customers, and systems. Fiona explains how these unseen drivers of value can make or break a negotiation and why smart CEOs treat IP valuation as an ongoing discipline, not a last-minute exercise.  What You’ll Learn: == Why systems, customer bases, and brand are often undervalued assets. == The core valuation methods every CEO should understand. == How to calculate customer lifetime value and reduce valuation risk. == Why your brand can never be worth more than your business. == The critical steps to prepare your business for exit.  Highlights 00:00 Why Valuing Intellectual Property Matters 01:09 Case Study – How a Mobile Betting Company Valued Its IP 05:04 The Three Core Valuation Methods Explained 12:34 How to Value a Customer Base 15:21 Brand Value and the Louis Vuitton Example 21:46 Market Valuation vs Traditional Techniques 27:30 Preparing Your Business for Exit 32:56 The #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders   The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do Today: When I work with successful business leaders as a Strategic Mentor, exploring what underpins a solid strategic plan and implementation of that plan, I often find they’re focused on profit and revenue but overlook the assets that create them. Most CEOs underestimate how much systems, customer data, and brand equity contribute to overall enterprise value. Here are the three key insights I took from the conversation: 1 – Systems as Assets.   The first insight is about valuing your systems. Problem: Many treat systems as cost centres, not core value drivers. So, what can you do? Identify the systems that enable sales and efficiency.Estimate how much revenue depends on each—this defines your asset value. 2 – Customer Value The second insight is about customer bases. Problem: CEOs see databases, not long-term revenue streams. So, what can you do? Measure churn and retention over several years.Segment customers to calculate lifetime value (CLV). 3 – Brand and Profit The third insight is about brand. Problem: Awareness alone doesn’t equal brand value. It must link to profit. So, what can you do? Identify how your brand supports pricing power or loyalty.Use industry royalty benchmarks to quantify brand worth. If you found this conversation valuable, please Subscribe / Follow, leave a...

    34 min
  6. Rachel Delaney: From Startup to Sale-The Hidden Legal Traps That Can Derail A Business Exit

    12/07/2025

    Rachel Delaney: From Startup to Sale-The Hidden Legal Traps That Can Derail A Business Exit

    Subscribe/Follow and click here for further information and the eBook of resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/RachelDelaneyPodcastUpdate1 Please let me know if I’m on the right track with the podcast. It means the world to me to know I’m adding value. Are you protecting your business, or leaving value exposed every day? Could a single contract clause undo years of hard work? Would investors discover something you never knew you didn’t own? If you want to protect value and avoid costly legal surprises, this episode is for you. John Downes speaks with Rachel Delaney, Founder and Fractional General Counsel at Resident Legal. Rachel shows how early legal action saves money, builds confidence, and makes a business exit-ready. What You’ll Learn:== Why early legal involvement creates confidence, not cost == How to lock down your intellectual property before investors ask == Ways to empower teams through Contract Playbooks == The rise of wage-compliance risk and how to avoid it == Why exit readiness starts with strong legal foundations Highlights00:00 Rachel’s legal journey and career path 02:17 Why startups need early legal support 04:13 Case study: IP issues that cost founders 06:37 Legal essentials every startup should know 08:07 How Contract Playbooks protect and empower 10:49 Understanding wage theft and compliance risks 14:01 Legal challenges during growth and major deals 16:51 Fractional legal counsel for scaling businesses 23:55 How to prepare for exits and mergers 38:40 #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do Today When I work with successful business leaders, I often see them delay legal steps until problems become urgent. Waiting too long is always costly. The first Insight is about locking down intellectual property early. If you don’t own it, you can’t sell it. • Audit all IP ownership with founders and contractors. • Include written IP assignment clauses before work begins. The second Insight is about being contract-ready. Teams lose deals—or accept risk—without a playbook. • Build a Contract Playbook listing red flags and escalation rules. • Train staff to use it and call for help early. The third Insight is about preparing for exit long before sale. Messy records erode confidence and reduce value. • Treat legal housekeeping as part of value creation. • Build your data room now so due diligence confirms success. If you found this conversation valuable, please Subscribe / Follow, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and value. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/ Sponsor: The CEO Masterclass in Strategic Planning and ImplementationAre you a business owner or CEO striving to elevate your business to new heights? But right now… you’re not hitting the targets or objectives your business needs to achieve. Or maybe you’ve hit a roadblock you can’t move past, a major challenge with no clear solution, and there’s no one in your world you can talk to about it. This isn’t another generic...

    41 min
  7. Marie Felsbourg: From Trauma to Triumph. How Marie Felsbourg built Astral Consulting in Information Management

    11/30/2025

    Marie Felsbourg: From Trauma to Triumph. How Marie Felsbourg built Astral Consulting in Information Management

    Subscribe/Follow and click here for further information and the eBook of resources: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/ Please let me know if I’m on the right track with the podcast. It means the world to me to know I’m adding value. => Can you really separate your life from your business? => What if your hardest experiences became the foundation for your greatest success? => Are the patterns in your organisation helping it grow? Or, are they holding it back? If you’ve ever faced setbacks that shaped how you lead today, this episode is for you. In this episode, John Downes speaks with Marie Felsbourg, founder of Astral Consulting, a specialist in information management and governance. Marie built her business from personal challenge and resilience, helping Australia’s largest corporates and government agencies prepare for the AI era with systems that ensure compliance, trust and performance. Her story shows how discipline, self-awareness and people development can turn adversity into long-term growth. What You’ll Learn:== How to turn personal hardship into leadership strength == Why developing people from the bottom up drives business resilience == How information patterns define your organisation’s success == Practical ways to prepare your business for the AI future == The importance of discipline and accountability in growth Highlights00:00 Meet the Founder: Marie Felsbourg 00:43 The Fascination with Patterns 03:07 The Birth of Astral Consulting 06:03 Challenges and Growth 06:32 Information Management and AI 09:09 Building a Business from the Ground Up 15:38 Navigating Personal and Professional Life 25:10 Intern Programs and Global Opportunities 30:27 The Unexpected Benefits of COVID-19 31:26 Navigating the CEO Masterclass 32:14 The Importance of Perspective and Resilience 35:43 The Role of Information Governance 37:45 Innovating Business Models with Managed Services 44:20 Leveraging Positive Psychology for Team Development 51:52 Advice for Young Professionals and CEOs 55:23 #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do TodayWhen I work with successful business leaders, I often see that many struggle to connect the personal lessons from their own lives to how they lead their organisations. Marie’s story reminds us that resilience, focus and discipline are as vital in business as in life. Here are the three key insights I took from the conversation:Insight 1 – Turning personal challenges into business strength Many founders separate personal and business growth, yet they often inform each other. So, what can you do? • Reflect on how your life experiences shape your leadership decisions. • Build systems and habits that keep you focused when life throws its next curve ball. Insight 2 – Developing people from the bottom up Growth stalls when leaders don’t invest in the next generation of talent and processes. So, what can you do? • Create structured development pathways for your team—from interns to leaders. • Build repeatable processes so knowledge is retained and scaled, not lost in handover. Insight 3 – Understanding patterns in information management Most leaders don’t see the repeating patterns in their operations until they become bottlenecks. So, what can you do? • Map the critical information flows in your organisation and ask where data gets lost or duplicated. • Use those patterns to...

    56 min
  8. Dianne Semmens: Are You Only Using 20% of the ERP You’ve Paid For? How to Level Up

    11/23/2025

    Dianne Semmens: Are You Only Using 20% of the ERP You’ve Paid For? How to Level Up

    Subscribe/Follow and click here for further information and the eBook of resources: https://criticalfewactionspodcast.com.au/DianneSemmens4EpisodePage Please let me know if I’m on the right track with the podcast. It means the world to me to know I’m adding value. Are you only using 20% of the ERP you’ve paid for?Could Phase 2 of ERP adoption be where the real value lies?What if the tools you already own could save time and margin? If you’ve implemented ERP but stopped after the basics, this episode is for you. Many mid-sized businesses install ERP systems, survive go-live, then hit pause. The system runs, but the value stalls. In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, John Downes speaks with Dianne Semmens, CEO of Acacia Consulting Services. Dianne explains how most organisations miss out on mobile functionality, automation, and AI-driven decision support already included in their ERP licence. CEOs will learn how to unlock this “second wave” of ERP and avoid leaving value on the table. What You’ll Learn: == Why most businesses plateau after ERP go-live == How mobile ERP apps streamline expenses, time-tracking and approvals == Simple workflow automations that cut rework and protect margins == How AI is already embedded in ERP and what to switch on today == Why post-implementation reviews matter to capture new functionality Highlights 00:00 Why most CEOs underuse ERP 02:00 Five next-level ERP functions 03:00 Mobile apps for expenses and pay-on-glass 05:30 Automations that boost service and reduce margin loss 07:30 Business alerts and stock management 09:00 MRP and manufacturing planning 10:30 AI integration into ERP 13:00 Natural language queries in ERP 17:30 Efficiency vs headcount: creating capacity 19:00 Post-implementation reviews and missed opportunities 21:00  #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do TodayWhen I work with successful business leaders, I often see ERP value stall after go-live. The basics work, but advanced capability sits idle. So think about these three insights I took from the episode: The first Insight is about mobile ERP apps. Many businesses miss them. The problem: wasted time on manual forms. So, what can you do? Check if your ERP has a mobile app tailored to your versionsPilot simple functions like expenses, timesheets, or pay-on-glass sign-off. The second Insight is about workflow automations. Manual processes eat time and margin. So, what can you do? Start with small wins like automated order confirmations.Review ERP workflows already available but not yet enabled. The third Insight is about AI-driven ERP decision support. Many teams still export to spreadsheets while AI sits unused. So, what can you do? Ask your ERP provider what AI tools are embedded.Enable natural language query features to answer questions without coding.  If you found this conversation valuable, please hit the Subscribe / Follow button, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve organisation performance and value. Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: a href="https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    22 min
See All (67)

Trailer

About

Overwhelmed by trying to do it all? Focus on the criticalfewactions™ that will have the biggest impact on your business's success. In this podcast, host John Downes, a seasoned business advisor with extensive experience in Big Consulting, successful entrepreneurship, and mentoring, helps you defeat the overwhelm. Through real stories from business leaders, experts insights, and John’s own experience, you’ll learn how to prioritize those criticalfewactions™ that, if you did nothing else, will drive your business forward to deliver your vision. We’ll cover everything from setting your vision and strategy to improving profitability and supporting your team’s performance so that you get more pleasure, fulfillment, and financial reward from your business.. Subscribe now and tune in every two weeks to take control of your business’s future—one focused step at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    John Downes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 John Downes
  • Show Website
    The Critical Few Actions