The Owners Outlook Podcast

Owners Outlook

Owners Outlook is a podcast that dives deep into the journeys of successful entrepreneurs, business owners, athletes, and creators. Join us as we explore their stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to truly ’own your success.’ Each episode offers real-life lessons, expert advice, and inspiring conversations to help you navigate your own path to success.

  1. 23h ago

    Choosing the Harder Path: Chezzi Denyer on Purpose, Freedom and Owning Success

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun Lord sits down with Chezzi Denyer for a deeply personal conversation about success, fulfilment, grief, courage and what happens when the life you worked so hard to build no longer feels completely aligned with who you are. Chezzi spent years building a successful career in television, working across major newsrooms and networks and achieving many of the goals she had dreamed about since childhood. But despite the success, there was still something missing. Following the devastating loss of a close friend, Chezzi began asking much bigger questions about life, purpose and what really matters. That period ultimately led her down an unexpected path into mediumship, reconnecting with experiences from her childhood, and eventually finding the courage to share a part of herself she had kept hidden for years. Her journey became the foundation of her book, The Weird Little Girl Who Talked to Ghosts — a book she feared could completely change how people saw her, but which went on to sell out its first print run within weeks. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Success, Achievement & FulfilmentChezzi reflects on achieving the career she had always wanted while still feeling that something was missing.Why traditional ideas of success don’t necessarily lead to happiness.How her definition of success has changed from achievement and financial security to freedom and authenticity. Grief, Purpose & A New DirectionHow losing one of her closest friends forced Chezzi to question the meaning and purpose of life.The experiences that led her to begin studying mediumship.Why some of the most difficult moments in our lives can completely change the direction we take. Choosing the Harder PathWhy Chezzi believes there are moments when we have to choose between the comfortable path and the unknown one.The fear she felt stepping away from what was familiar and publicly sharing a side of herself people had never seen.Why courage doesn’t necessarily mean removing fear — sometimes it means moving forward despite it. Reconnecting With YourselfChezzi shares how slowing down, meditation and checking in with herself helped her become more present.Why listening to your inner voice can become difficult when life is constantly moving.Practical ways she uses mindfulness, journaling and meditation to quiet a busy mind. Perspective, Forgiveness & GrowthChezzi opens up about confronting difficult memories from childhood and learning to look at those experiences from different perspectives.How empathy helped her move from anger toward understanding and forgiveness.Why reconnecting with parts of herself she had pushed away became one of the most freeing parts of her journey. Redefining SuccessChezzi reveals the biggest lie she believes she was sold about success: that achieving it would automatically make her happy.Why happiness now comes from watching the people she loves enjoy their lives.And why, when asked what owning her own success means today, her answer is simple: freedom. This conversation is about much more than career or achievement. It’s about having the courage to question the path you’re on, listening to what feels true to you, and recognising that success can mean something completely different at different stages of life. Maybe owning your own success isn’t about constantly achieving more. Maybe it’s about having the freedom to become more of who you actually are.

    Choosing the Harder Path: Chezzi Denyer on Purpose, Freedom and Owning Success
  2. Sep 24

    The Art of Reinvention: Creativity, Building a Business and Defining Success with Carlene Duffy

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun Lord sits down with interior designer and former The Block contestant Carlene Duffy to explore a journey shaped by creativity, opportunity, pressure and learning what success really means on your own terms. Carlene’s path has been anything but conventional. From meeting her husband Michael while performing at Universal Studios in Japan, to raising a young family, renovating homes and eventually landing a place on The Block, each chapter has opened the door to something new. But behind the opportunities came pressure. Carlene reflects on what it was really like navigating the intensity of The Block, suddenly becoming public-facing, working in media and learning that not every opportunity needs to be accepted. She also shares how those experiences shaped the way she now thinks about balance, creativity, business and protecting her time. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Taking the LeapHow a last-minute audition for The Block became a major turning point in Carlene and Michael’s lives, and why sometimes taking the opportunity before you feel completely ready can change everything. Pressure, Resilience & PerspectiveCarlene opens up about the intense pressure of renovating on television, being away from her children and making constant decisions under scrutiny — and why that experience left her with the mindset of, “If we could do that, we can do anything.” Learning When to Say NoAfter The Block, Carlene and Michael were quickly thrown into television appearances, campaigns and brand opportunities. Carlene shares what she learned about being more intentional with opportunities and understanding that publicity isn’t always worth saying yes to. Turning Creativity Into a CareerCarlene discusses the transition from being obsessed with interiors to building Carlene Duffy Studio, managing a growing team and balancing the creative side of the business with marketing, accounting, operations and everything that comes with running your own company. Protecting Your Time & Finding BalanceFrom creating her own “Friday Flex Day” to becoming more protective of weekends, Carlene shares how she is still learning to create structure around her work without losing the freedom and creativity she values. Backing Your Own PerspectiveCarlene shares one of the biggest mindset lessons from her creative career — learning to block out the noise, trust your own perspective and stop comparing your journey to everyone else’s. What Does It Mean to Own Your Own Success?For Carlene, success isn’t simply financial. It’s loving what she does, having flexibility for her family, being able to take holidays, maintaining independence and building a lifestyle that works for her. This is a conversation about creativity, resilience, ambition and perspective — and a reminder that sometimes success isn’t about doing more, but becoming clearer on what actually matters to you. Tune in to hear Carlene’s story and her perspective on building a career, business and life that feels genuinely her own.

    The Art of Reinvention: Creativity, Building a Business and Defining Success with Carlene Duffy
  3. Sep 11

    More Than the Game: Jason Behrendorff on Resilience, Perspective and Owning Success

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun Lord sits down with professional cricketer Jason Behrendorff for an honest conversation about resilience, perspective, family, discipline and what it really takes to keep moving forward when your plans don’t go the way you expected. From growing up in Canberra with a love of sport to earning a professional cricket contract in Western Australia and eventually representing Australia on the world stage, Jason’s journey has been filled with incredible highs — but also years of injuries, setbacks and moments where his career could have gone in a completely different direction. Jason opens up about the stress fractures that repeatedly interrupted his career, the decision to undergo back surgery in 2019, and the mindset that helped him continually rebuild and return to the game he loves. But this conversation goes well beyond cricket. Jason reflects on how becoming a husband and father changed his definition of success, why understanding your “why” matters, and how creating an identity outside your career can help you navigate both success and failure with greater perspective. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: The Journey to Professional Cricket Jason shares what it was like growing up playing almost every sport he could, before cricket eventually became the clear path forward. He reflects on moving from Canberra to Western Australia at just 19 years old, leaving his family behind and suddenly training alongside players who had competed at the highest level. Resilience Through Injury A major theme throughout Jason’s career has been resilience. He discusses dealing with repeated stress fractures throughout his foot, legs and back, and how years of rehabilitation forced him to develop a strong mental approach to adversity. Jason also shares why sometimes you need to allow yourself to have difficult days before refocusing on the next step forward. Understanding Your Why Jason explains how his motivation has evolved throughout his life. Early in his career, success meant playing cricket for Australia and achieving the goals he had dreamed about as a kid. Today, his motivation is increasingly centred around his family, creating opportunities for his children and building freedom and flexibility into his life. Balance, Identity & Perspective One of Jason’s biggest lessons has been learning that cricket doesn’t need to define everything. Through university study, business courses, outside interests and eventually becoming a father, Jason developed an identity away from professional sport. That perspective has helped him handle difficult performances, injuries and setbacks without allowing them to consume every part of his life. Consistency, Habits & High Performance Jason shares the habits that helped him pursue professional sport, including consistency, routines, goal setting, visualisation and understanding what success actually looks like for you personally. Rather than copying somebody else’s routine, Jason believes in building a framework that allows you to consistently become the best version of yourself. What Does It Mean to Own Your Success? For Jason, owning success starts with understanding yourself and knowing why you’re pursuing something. And as life changes, so can your definition of success. Today, success is increasingly about having the freedom to choose where he spends his time, being present for his family and continuing to challenge himself to grow. It’s a conversation about much more than cricket. It’s about understanding what drives you, finding perspective when things don’t go your way, and continuing to show up through the difficult chapters. Chapters: Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience, perspective, family and the mindset required to keep moving forward — even when the journey looks completely different to the one you originally imagined.

    More Than the Game: Jason Behrendorff on Resilience, Perspective and Owning Success
  4. Sep 3

    Painting Her Own Path: Britney Turner on Purpose, Pressure and Owning Success

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun sits down with artist and entrepreneur Britney Turner to explore what happens when creativity becomes more than a passion — and you decide to build a life around it. Britney shares her journey from studying criminology and working in the corporate world to eventually taking the leap into becoming a full-time artist. But behind the freedom of pursuing her passion came pressure, burnout, self-doubt and the challenge of separating her own definition of success from the expectations of others. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Taking the LeapHow Britney knew there was something missing from the security of corporate life, and why leaving wasn’t an impulsive decision but a carefully considered risk. Creativity & Finding Your FlowWhy solitude, nature, movement and removing outside noise have become such an important part of Britney’s creative process — and why some ideas are better left to develop rather than acted on immediately. Pressure, Burnout & Self-BeliefBritney opens up about the pressure that came as her artwork gained recognition, including a six-month period where she struggled to create at all. She shares how learning to let go of metrics and external validation helped her rediscover why she started painting in the first place. Why Rest Can Be ProductiveAfter years of hustle, Britney realised that constantly pushing harder wasn’t going to take her into the next chapter. She discusses creating space for health, rest and life outside of work — and why balance now helps her produce her best work. Turning Creativity Into a BusinessFrom learning marketing and Meta ads to pricing artwork and creating accessible options through originals, prints and wearable art, Britney shares the business lessons she’s learned along the way. Owning Your Own SuccessBritney challenges the idea that success is measured by followers, money, recognition or constant growth. Instead, she believes owning your success means defining it for yourself, having the courage to change direction, protecting your peace and remembering to enjoy the journey while you’re still building. It’s a thoughtful conversation about ambition, creativity, pressure and perspective — and a reminder that sometimes success isn’t about doing more. It’s about knowing what actually matters to you. Maybe the question worth sitting with after this episode is: Are you building a version of success you genuinely want — or one you think you’re supposed to want?

    Painting Her Own Path: Britney Turner on Purpose, Pressure and Owning Success
  5. Aug 21

    A Life of 100 Chapters: Glenn on Resilience, Purpose & Perspective

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun sits down with Glenn for a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, discipline, mental health, opportunity and what it really means to make the most of the life you’ve been given. Glenn’s journey has taken him through Air Force cadets, an electrical apprenticeship, policing, professional triathlon, Ironman racing, motorsport, aviation, television and decades of charity work. But behind the achievements is a much more personal story of setbacks, rebuilding and learning how to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go to plan. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Being the Best With What You HaveGlenn shares the philosophy that has followed him throughout his life — success isn’t always about being the best in the world, but about getting the absolute best out of yourself with what you have. Discipline, Hard Work and OpportunityFrom elite sport to business and policing, Glenn explains why some of his biggest opportunities came simply from showing up, working hard and being willing to ask the question — even when the answer might be no. Mental Health and Rebuilding From Rock BottomGlenn openly reflects on PTSD, divorce, drinking, losing contact with his children and reaching one of the lowest points of his life. He shares how he slowly rebuilt himself and why keeping busy, setting goals and accepting help became so important. Helping Others and Finding PerspectiveOne of the most powerful chapters of Glenn’s story is his friendship with blind athlete Nathan Johnston, who he guided through triathlons and the Hawaiian Ironman. Glenn explains how helping others changed his perspective on success and became one of the most rewarding parts of his life. Kindness, Trust and RespectGlenn shares his belief that we should be slower to judge people, more willing to understand what others may be carrying and conscious of how we speak about people when they’re not in the room. What It Really Means to Own Your SuccessFor Glenn, success isn’t ultimately measured by television appearances, sporting achievements or recognition. It’s measured by outcomes — the people you help, the relationships you build, the problems you solve and the impact you leave behind. This is a conversation about living fully, learning from mistakes, taking opportunities and continuing to grow through every chapter of life. If there’s one message Glenn leaves us with, it’s simple: Be the best with what you have.

    A Life of 100 Chapters: Glenn on Resilience, Purpose & Perspective
  6. Aug 16

    The Sauce Boss: Sumeet Saigal on Purpose, Perseverance and Owning Success

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, host Shaun Lord sits down with Sumeet Saigal — MasterChef Australia standout and founder of her own simmer sauce range — to unpack a journey that spans continents, careers, and courage. From early morning cups of tea with her grandfather in India to walking away from an arranged marriage and building a life from scratch in Sydney, Sumeet shares the mindset that's carried her through every reinvention. Here's what you can expect from this episode: The Early Foundations How conversations with her grandfather shaped Sumeet's belief that anything was possibleLeaving India at 21 to study in Sydney — alone, with zero expectations, before Google existedThe real reason she chose Sydney over Melbourne (and it wasn't the MBA)Chasing the Food Dream Why she always wanted to be a chef, and how life redirected her into the airline and tourism industry insteadThe pivotal phone call from her son that pushed her to finally apply for MasterChefWhat it really felt like behind the scenes — the pressure, the raw emotion, and forgetting the cameras were even thereTurning a Competition Win into a Business Winning the simmer sauce challenge on the show and taking it as a signThe steep learning curve of turning a home kitchen recipe into a shelf-stable product — from food technologists to IP lawyersNavigating failure, patience, and the "long game" mindset required to build a food retail brand from nothingMindset, Pressure, and Purpose How Sumeet handles high-pressure moments by acknowledging emotion first, then compartmentalising itWhy operating from joy and gut feeling has been her biggest driverHer advice for anyone sitting on a passion they haven't acted on yetThe Owners Outlook Question What owning success really means to Sumeet, and why it's less about a finish line and more about the moments of joy along the wayTune in for a raw, honest conversation about betting on yourself — whether that means moving across the world alone, applying for your dream show, or building a business from a kitchen recipe with nothing but instinct and hustle to guide you.

    The Sauce Boss: Sumeet Saigal on Purpose, Perseverance and Owning Success
  7. Jul 30

    The Art of Enough: Catherine Hiller on Freedom, Creativity and Redefining Success

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun sits down with artist Catherine Hiller to explore what can happen when we stop following someone else’s definition of success and begin listening to what genuinely makes us feel alive. After studying art in Paris, Catherine spent 20 years building a successful career in advertising across the United Kingdom and Australia. She eventually worked her way into senior leadership, but as her responsibilities grew, so did the stress—and she found herself moving further away from the work and creativity she once enjoyed. Painting became Catherine’s way of processing that pressure. What began as a creative outlet in the evenings slowly attracted interest online, leading to exhibitions, commissions and growing demand for her work. Then, after returning from a Christmas break and realising she no longer cared about the problems she was being paid to solve, Catherine trusted her instincts, resigned that same day and became a full-time artist. She has never looked back. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Trusting Your Instincts Catherine shares why some of the most meaningful decisions in her life were made before fear had the opportunity to take over. She reflects on leaving France for Australia at just 18 years old, accepting challenges throughout her advertising career and eventually walking away from a secure leadership position to pursue an uncertain creative path. Turning Experience Into Opportunity Although Catherine left advertising behind, she explains why those 20 years were never wasted. From understanding clients and managing commissions to marketing, social media, cash flow and running a business, the skills she developed in her previous career became an important foundation for her success as an independent artist. Creating From Passion, Not Pressure Catherine discusses why she has never painted simply to make money. For her, art is an intuitive form of expression—something she turns to when she is happy, stressed or processing life. She believes audiences can feel when work is authentic and that meaningful success often follows when the passion comes first. Designing a Life Around Freedom Rather than building the biggest business possible, Catherine has intentionally built a life that gives her time. Her mornings are often spent swimming, walking to the studio and painting. Her afternoons are left open for nature, friends, her dog and simply living. She explains why she has resisted opportunities that would create more revenue but also bring more administration, pressure and working hours. Letting Go of Other People’s Expectations Catherine opens up about the judgement she has faced as an artist—from people questioning whether her career pays the bills to assumptions that she must rely on someone else financially. Instead of allowing those opinions to define her choices, she has learned to trust herself, develop a thick skin and remain focused on the life she wants to live. Redefining What Success Looks Like For Catherine, success is not about status, money or constant growth. It is freedom, peace, meaningful time with the people she loves and the ability to make her own decisions. Her perspective invites us to ask an important question: if money and other people’s expectations were removed, how would we actually choose to spend our lives? Tune in for an honest and refreshing conversation about creativity, courage, trusting your gut and building a version of success you would be happy to live with for the rest of your life.

    The Art of Enough: Catherine Hiller on Freedom, Creativity and Redefining Success
  8. Jul 22

    The Artist Behind the Passion: Matilda on Creativity, Conservation and Owning Success

    In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun sits down with artist, graphic designer, storyteller and wildlife educator Matilda to explore what happens when a lifelong passion becomes more than a creative outlet—it becomes a career, a purpose and a way to contribute to something bigger. Matilda’s creative journey began almost as soon as she could hold a pencil. Drawing became her way of processing emotions, capturing the wildlife around her and expressing how she saw the world. What started as childhood curiosity eventually grew into published books, professional design work and a career built across illustration, storytelling and conservation education. But building a life around creativity hasn’t come without uncertainty. Matilda opens up about procrastination, burnout, freelancing, the pressure to constantly pursue the next achievement and the growing impact of generative AI on artists and designers. Through it all, she continues to return to the same driving force: a genuine love for her craft and a desire to use her creativity to give wildlife a voice. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Turning Passion Into a Career How Matilda began drawing from an early age and used creativity as a form of expression and therapy. The childhood signs that she already had an entrepreneurial mindset. How writing and illustrating a children’s book at 13 showed her that a creative idea could become something real. Why completing one meaningful project can create the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities. Betting on Yourself The moment Matilda decided to take her creative work seriously and explore freelancing full-time. Why taking a risk doesn’t always mean having everything figured out. How she built momentum by working on her business outside of her regular employment. The importance of backing yourself—even when doing so feels uncomfortable or unrealistic. Procrastination, Productivity and Burnout Why creative people can become distracted by the excitement of their next idea. How deadlines, checklists and small wins help Matilda remain focused. The challenge of maintaining passion when creativity becomes your profession. Why rest and reflection are essential when you’re constantly pushing toward the next goal. Creativity in the Age of AI Matilda’s honest perspective on the rise of generative AI and its impact on artists. Why the value of creative work goes beyond the finished product. The passion, relationships and human experience that can’t be replicated through convenience alone. How artists can continue to differentiate themselves through authenticity, care and connection. Wildlife, Conservation and Purpose How Matilda combines illustration, storytelling and wildlife education. Why she feels responsible for speaking on behalf of animals and plant species that cannot speak for themselves. The importance of drawing attention to lesser-known species—not only the animals that traditionally receive the spotlight. How education can create curiosity, compassion and a desire to protect the natural world. Redefining Success Why high achievers often reach one mountain and immediately begin looking toward the next. Matilda’s experience of being highly driven while struggling to recognise how far she has already come. The role journaling, mindfulness and positive self-talk can play in acknowledging progress. Why owning your success can mean feeling content, happy and proud of the work you’re contributing to the world. What I took from this conversation is that passion isn’t always loud or effortless. Sometimes it looks like finishing the project, taking the risk, pushing through uncertainty and remembering why you began. For Matilda, success isn’t simply about how many projects she completes. It’s about creating meaningful work, contributing to something greater than herself and learning to appreciate the journey while still remaining open to what might come next.

    The Artist Behind the Passion: Matilda on Creativity, Conservation and Owning Success

About

Owners Outlook is a podcast that dives deep into the journeys of successful entrepreneurs, business owners, athletes, and creators. Join us as we explore their stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to truly ’own your success.’ Each episode offers real-life lessons, expert advice, and inspiring conversations to help you navigate your own path to success.

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