Epic Execution Podcast

EPIC Execution

Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators who aim to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product-Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with CEOs who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. Each episode has actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential.

  1. FEB 9

    Ep 23. Why Your Business Isn’t Transferable (Yet) — Nick Bradley on the Metrics That Drive Exits

    In this episode of Epic Execution, David Kenney sits down with Nick Bradley (author of Exit for Millions and a long-time private equity operator) to unpack what founders routinely miss about building a business that’s actually sellable. Nick explains the two metrics PE cares about (MOIC and IRR), why profitability is still the north star in PE thinking, and how the “cost of capital” era changes what’s fundable. They also dig into what “defensibility” really means through a PE lens (risk reduction + transferability), why key-person risk goes far beyond the founder, and why scaling too early breaks the company. Key Takeaways: "PE only plays two games: MOIC + IRR."Private equity evaluates deals through two lenses: multiple on invested capital (turn $1 into $3–$5) and internal rate of return (how fast they do it). Everything else ladders up to those scorecards. “Profitability isn’t a nice-to-have. In PE, it’s the starting line.”Nick contrasts PE with venture: PE isn’t “spread betting.” It prefers fewer, profitable businesses it can scale with precision, and it’s wary of long or unclear paths to sustainability. “Defensibility = risk reduction + transferability.”He frames defensibility as the business’s ability to keep cash flowing with predictability and sustainability, while also being transferable to a buyer without fragile dependencies (like a few customers or a single key operator). ___________________________________________________________ Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with people who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential. Check out Epic Execution for more!

    1h 3m
  2. Ep 22. From Rooftops to Reality TV: Red Bull’s Dom Di Tommaso is Now a Prime-Time Star (Red Bull, Parkour, freerunning)

    09/14/2025

    Ep 22. From Rooftops to Reality TV: Red Bull’s Dom Di Tommaso is Now a Prime-Time Star (Red Bull, Parkour, freerunning)

    In this high-energy episode, host David Kenney sits down with elite parkour athlete and content creator Dom Di Tomasso. From mastering gravity-defying stunts to mastering the business of influence, Dom shares the pivotal moments that shaped his evolution from athlete to entrepreneur. Key Takeaways: Passion fuels discipline, and discipline drives success. Risk assessment is as critical in business as it is in free running. Viral content stems from emotional resonance with your audience. Brand partnerships, when authentic, can amplify your reach and impact. Community is the backbone of long-term growth and development. Monetisation strategies must reflect personal values. Relevance in the digital age requires constant adaptation. Advice for aspiring athletes: Prioritise skill over the spotlight. Whether you're building your brand, navigating the creator economy, or just love adrenaline-filled stories, this episode will flip your perspective. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with CEOs who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential. Check out ⁠Epic Execution⁠ for more.

    1h 2m
  3. Ep 21. Carolyn Breeze (Venture Capital, Tech Founders, Capital Allocation)

    09/07/2025

    Ep 21. Carolyn Breeze (Venture Capital, Tech Founders, Capital Allocation)

    Meet Carolyn Breeze, The Women Revolutionising Venture Capital In this episode of Epic Execution, we sat down with Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners, to explore how she is reshaping the venture capital landscape. We dive into Scalare’s flexible investment model, designed to support early-stage tech founders without the traditional VC pressures. Carolyn shares her perspective on the power of capital allocation, the growing role of AI in startups, and the critical importance of building strong teams. Together, we discuss the acquisitions that are expanding Scalare’s services, the rise of unicorns in Australia, and how a supportive ecosystem can transform the founder's journey. Whether you’re a founder navigating challenges, an investor seeking innovative models, or simply curious about the future of startups, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Key Takeaways: Scalare’s unique investment model prioritises founders, freeing them from traditional VC constraints. Hands-on support and acquisitions expand services for early-stage tech companies. Mastering capital allocation is essential for founders’ long-term success. AI is becoming central to startup efficiency and growth. The Australian startup scene is producing unicorns at a rapid pace. Building strong teams and ecosystems elevates founders and the industry. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with people who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential.  Check out StartWithEpic⁠ for more.

    56 min
  4. Ep 20. How to Sell to Customers and Investors

    08/31/2025

    Ep 20. How to Sell to Customers and Investors

    In this week's episode of Epic Execution, David and Mike break down what it really takes to win over both customers and investors. Drawing on years of experience with pitch decks and startup presentations, they share actionable insights to help founders sharpen their messaging and stand out in a crowded market. From crafting precise, compelling pitches to understanding that traction is more than just revenue, this conversation highlights the essential elements of building momentum. We also explore B2B sales strategies, the importance of engaging directly with customers, and how to create unique value propositions that resonate with stakeholders. Whether you’re preparing for your next investor pitch or looking to refine your go-to-market strategy, this episode offers practical advice to help you execute with impact. Key Takeaways: Clarity in communication makes pitches more persuasive.Focus on solutions instead of over-explaining problems.Traction goes beyond revenue, showing customer engagement and growth.Strong B2B sales require knowing your audience and structuring pilots.Investors care about margin creation, not just cost savings.Building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders drives long-term success. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with people who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential.  Check out StartWithEpic⁠ for more.

    42 min
  5. Ep 19. Start-Up Funding Without the Fluff

    08/24/2025

    Ep 19. Start-Up Funding Without the Fluff

    In this week’s episode, we cut through the noise on start-up funding, no fluff, just the core strategies founders need to raise capital from a position of strength. We unpack why preparation is everything, how to define traction beyond revenue, and the power of customer validation in proving market demand. From avoiding common fundraising pitfalls to mastering the art of storytelling in your pitch, this conversation offers a clear roadmap for founders who want to attract the right investors and keep them. You’ll learn why timing your raise, understanding your cash runway, and building a repeatable business model matter more than chasing quick wins. This episode is anchored around the Start-up Funding Without the Fluff course, a proven system to strip away distractions and focus on what truly drives investor confidence and business growth. If you’re ready to sharpen your pitch, boost your traction, and raise on your terms, this is your starting point. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with people who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential.  Check out StartWithEpic⁠ for more.

    43 min
  6. Ep 18. Catherine Lacavera (Ex-Google VP, Law, Technology)

    08/10/2025

    Ep 18. Catherine Lacavera (Ex-Google VP, Law, Technology)

    The One Lesson Catherine Lacavera Learned at Google, and Why Founders Need to Hear It: If you can’t protect it, don’t bother building it. Catherine spent 16 years inside Google, fighting legal battles that shaped the future of tech from billion-dollar copyright fights to AI’s legal grey zones. She saw brilliant ideas lose value because no one thought about IP until it was too late. Founders need to know this: In AI, everything can be copied. Execution matters, but defensibility is what makes it last. This episode goes deep on: What founders get wrong about IP and legal strategy How to scale without handing your moat to the market Legal tech trends reshaping AI, privacy, and compliance What founders need to pitch with clarity and conviction Why execution beats ideas and how to act on it, and would you believe How lawyers can become growth partners, not just risk managers If you’re building fast and ignoring the legal layer,  this is your wake-up call. From navigating the complexities of the U.S. legal system to building trust in high-stakes AI environments, Catherine brings sharp insight and actionable advice for founders, legal teams, and investors alike. Stay tuned for our signature lightning round of rapid-fire insights on investment, legal readiness, and scaling smart. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with people who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential. Check out StartWithEpic⁠ for more.

    1h 1m
  7. Ep 17. Michael Harries (Robotics, AI, Tech)

    07/28/2025

    Ep 17. Michael Harries (Robotics, AI, Tech)

    What does it take to go from the Australian tech scene to making waves in Silicon Valley?  In this week’s episode, we sit down with Michael Harries, an Aussie kicking ass in the world of robotics and deep tech. With a track record of shaping frontier technologies in AI and quantum computing, Michael shares his journey, insights, and hard-won lessons from the global innovation frontlines. We explore the fast-paced evolution of AI, the engineering realities that many startups often overlook, and why deep tech ventures require an entirely different playbook, from funding to talent acquisition to risk mitigation. Michael doesn’t hold back on what it takes to get from the lab bench to boardroom, and how Australian startups can punch above their weight with better commercialisation strategies. Key Takeaways: Deep tech is the backbone of breakthrough innovation. Success in AI and robotics hinges on top-tier talent. Founders need to enhance their communication skills to bridge the gap between science and business. De-risking is non-negotiable for attracting deep tech investment. Traditional VC approaches don’t cut it—deep tech needs bespoke funding strategies. Systems thinking helps founders navigate complexity at scale. Many AI startups underestimate the engineering lift. Australia has global potential—but must get smarter about commercialisation. Accelerators should ditch cookie-cutter models in favour of tailored support. Government support can be a game-changer if used strategically. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with CEOs who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential. Check out startwithepic for more.

    1h 1m
  8. Ep 16. The Million Dollar Business Map — Your Path to Real Revenue

    07/20/2025

    Ep 16. The Million Dollar Business Map — Your Path to Real Revenue

    In today’s episode, we dive deep into Chapter 5 of Epic Execution and its powerful companion course, The Million Dollar Business Map. Designed for founders, this course is the essential toolkit for building a business that not only launches but also works. Whether you're building a five-million-dollar SME or dreaming of the next unicorn, this episode shows why the first million in revenue is the ultimate rite of passage. Inside the episode and the course: How to build your million-dollar plan with clarity — pricing, acquisition, and retention included.Why “having a CFO” isn’t enough — every founder needs financial fluency to steer the ship.Three practical worksheets from the course that force real-world traction and focus.What most founders get wrong about traction — and why 100 paying customers is your real MVP.How to test if you're solving a problem worth solving, and why 10x solutions beat 10% tweaks.The validation checklist: interviews, usage data, NPS, viral coefficients, and moreThe mindset shift: stop guessing, start learning, and fall in love with your customer's pain, not just your idea. Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators seeking to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it effectively. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with CEOs who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. We dive deep, asking the hard-hitting questions that unlock the secrets behind explosive growth, effective team leadership, strategic capital management, and groundbreaking product development. Each episode features actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential. About the course: The Million Dollar Business Map is Course 5 in the Start With Epic curriculum — a hands-on, plain-English program guiding founders through business design, validation, and execution. Packed with templates, examples, and frameworks, it helps you build with intent and accelerate with confidence. 👉 Enroll now at startwithepic.com and build the business you were meant to lead. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with fellow builders.

    47 min

About

Epic Execution is the definitive podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators who aim to build companies, raise capital, and deploy it. Our central themes are team selection and leadership, validating your way to Product-Market Fit, and creating genuine customer value and enduring engagement. Hosted by David Kenney, we bring you unfiltered conversations with CEOs who have built extraordinary companies from the ground up. Each episode has actionable insights and strategies designed to maximise your business potential.