The Real Math of Business with Alena Bennett

Alena Bennett
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Welcome to the Real Math of Business with Alena Bennett, where you plus this podcast equals better decisions. I’m Alena Bennett, speaker, author and leadership expert. I work with chief executive officers and chief financial officers really to help them create universally investable companies, where people serve people, and the math just works. Each week, I interview a new guest to get their insights on the business landscape, as well as answering a listener question, and giving you my WINATM (What I'm Noticing At The Moment) to help you win atm.

  1. 9h ago

    The Four Questions That Help Leaders Solve Intractable Problems with Adrian Wolfberg - Ep. 41

    What are intractable problems, and how do you solve them?In this episode, we are joined by Adrian Wolfberg to dive deep into how organisations can effectively generate, interpret, and act on knowledge under uncertainty.Adrian Wolfberg is a researcher, author, organizational scientist, former U.S. intelligence officer,and former naval officer whose work focuses on how organizations generate, interpret, and acton knowledge under conditions of uncertainty. He earned a Ph.D. in organizational behaviorfrom Case Western Reserve University, and an Honors B.A. from York University, Canada.Drawing on experience spanning national security, organizational research, and knowledgemanagement, he examines the individual, organizational, emotional, and cognitive dynamics thatshape decision-making when problems are complex, ambiguous, and forward-looking. He recentpublications have focused on AI, knowledge integration, sensemaking, and the challengesorganizations face in translating insight into effective action. He is currently the founder andCEO of Organizational Insight Consulting LLC.Adrian shares insights from his extensive research on AI, knowledge integration, and the emotional dynamics that shape our choices. Discover how the stakes in business compare to national security, healthcare, and elite sports, and why understanding these dynamics is crucial for success.To read Adrian Wolfberg's latest book Who Leads When AI Thinks: https://www.amazon.com.au/Who-Leads-When-Thinks-Decisions/dp/3032197163And to reach out to Adrian:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianwolfberg/For Alena's 2026 CFO Report:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/cfo-annualreportAnd for Alena's FY27 whitepaper on Economic Exhaustion - https://www.alenabennett.com.au/economic-exhaustionFor more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/Chapters:00:00 Intro + Thought Provoking Headline: New World Map03:48 Introduction to Adrian Wolfberg06:37 The Intersection of Sectors: Business vs. National Security09:50 Understanding the Four Ways of Knowing11:36 The Importance of Context14:35 Context and Decision-Making Dynamics18:46 Intractable Problems in Organizations24:25 Divergent Perspectives in Leadership25:00 The Interplay of Data and Human Insight27:02 The Balance of People and Numbers in Business28:04 Exploring Full Spectrum Analysis34:31 Navigating Complexity in Decision Making41:16 Listener Question: Career Change Insights48:05 Conclusion and ResourcesWhat's your biggest challenge with decision-making in your organization? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on organizational behavior and decision-making strategies!#DecisionMaking #OrganizationalBehavior #KnowledgeManagement

  2. Sep 8

    Clarity Beats Motivation — The Financial Mindset That Changes Everything with Amir Rodnia - Ep. 40

    Why does clarity beat motivation every time? And how can you begin to think about making more money per year without changing your job?In this episode, we chat to the fantastic Amir Rodnia. We dive deep into the concepts from his book, Freedom Game Plan, where he shares practical strategies to escape the wage cage and build wealth. We also chat about his freedom framework, as well as swapping some great stories and insights along the way. To pick up your copy of Freedom Game-Plan: https://www.rodnia.com.au/books/#freedom-gameplan And to reach out to Amir: https://www.rodnia.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-rodnia/ https://community.rodnia.com.au/ And for Alena's 2026 CFO Report: https://www.alenabennett.com.au/cfo-annualreport And for Alena's FY27 whitepaper on Economic Exhaustion - https://www.alenabennett.com.au/economic-exhaustion For more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/ https://www.alenabennett.com.au/economic-exhaustion Chapters:00:00 Thought Provoking Headline - Plastic to Cookies03:09 Introduction to Amir Rodnia and His Mission06:03 Understanding the Wage Cage and Financial Freedom14:54 The Importance of Financial Literacy23:07 The Freedom Framework: Think, Plan, Do, Gear Up28:15 The Real Math of Business: People vs. Numbers29:51 People Over Profits: The Key to Business Success31:47 The Current State of Business: A 90/10 Ratio33:56 Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Sustainability37:24 The Skill Gap: Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term World42:28 Empowerment and Individual Responsibility49:11 Building a Community for Change51:18 Introduction to The Real Math of Business51:18 Listener Question: Navigating Freelance Cash Flow56:20 Conclusion and Resources for CFOs What's your biggest challenge with financial planning? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights on building wealth and achieving financial freedom!#FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #FreedomGamePlan

  3. Aug 31

    Economic Exhaustion: Are You Feeling It? - Bonus Episode

    This week, we wanted to drop off a bonus episode about something I am calling Economic Exhaustion.All of us have a lot on our plates, but how do you manage this as well? I share my experiences, my thoughts and my tips.Are you struggling with economic exhaustion? Check out the whitepaper here: https://www.alenabennett.com.au/economic-exhaustion What are your tips for staying on top of it?Check out the channel for full episodes as well as fun bonus episodes.For more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/

  4. Aug 24

    The Hidden Cost of Broken Trust: From the Boardroom to the Sporting Field with Errol Amerasekera

    What can be the effect of not addressing an eye-roll in a meeting? Maybe it's nothing, or maybe it could be a symptom of a much deeper culture issue.In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of adaptive safety in organisations with Errol Amerasekera, author of "From Fear to Flow: The Adaptive Safety Revolution." Discover how safety, trust, and culture impact high-performance teams and the importance of addressing trust issues in real-time, as well as understanding what great culture can look like. We also blend the chat with some recent news from the AFL.Errol Amerasekera, is an author, consultant, performance coach, and speaker, who, for nearly two decades has worked across elite sport, corporate organisations, and high-stakes professional environments. He is a thought leader in the area of what safety looks like in an organisational context and developed the concept of Adaptive Safety. He is also the owner of Bluestone Edge, a consultancy that supports organisations with the complexities of leadership, culture, performance, and inclusion.To get your copy of "From Fear to Flow: The Adaptive Safety Revolution": https://errolamerasekera.com/my-book-from-fear-to-flow-the-adaptive-safety-revolution/And to reach out to Errol:https://errolamerasekera.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/errol-amerasekera-a254154/https://www.bluestoneedge.com/For more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/ Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:48 Introduction to Errol Amerasekera02:30 The Impact of Recent Events on Team Dynamics04:21 Trust and Psychological Safety in High-Performance Teams11:33 Cultural Standards vs. Performance Outcomes13:12 The Shift from Extractive to Relational Performance14:54 Understanding Relational Infrastructure in Teams19:28 Role Clarity for Athletes and Professional Expectations25:20 Compassion and Accountability in Leadership27:48 Understanding Role Clarity in Organizations29:50 The Interplay of Culture and Performance32:59 Integrating Culture into Business Practices34:46 The Math of People and Performance37:49 Focusing on Process Over Outcomes40:39 The Role of Leadership in Creating Safety43:37 Feedback as a Tool for Growth52:18 Listener Question: Measuring ROI in Culture for SME's52:33 Understanding ROI in Employee Wellbeing53:26 Measuring the Cost of Poor Wellbeing54:52 The Impact of Workplace Connection on SMEs57:45 Calculating Opportunity Costs and ROIWhat's your biggest challenge with creating a safe and trusting environment in your organization? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for more insights on leadership and culture!#AdaptiveSafety #Leadership #TeamCulture

  5. Aug 17

    Athletes, Actors & Entrepreneurs: What High Performers Know About Pressure with Bernadette Schwerdt

    What is it like to be in the headspace of someone just before they kick the goal after the siren to win the game?In this episode, Bernadette Schwert shares her unique insights on high performance, the importance of managing friction, and the power of curiosity and empathy in business and life. Discover practical strategies for achieving your goals and creating meaningful connections.Bernadette is an award-winning Australian entrepreneur, author and copywriting coach. She is the founder of the Australian School of Copywriting and has helped thousands of business owners and writers create high-performing content.A former senior account director and copywriter at Young & Rubicam, she has worked on campaigns for brands including Apple, American Express, Optus and Colgate. She is a TEDx speaker and the bestselling author of How to Build an Online Business and Secrets of Online Entrepreneurs.She was also the co-author of Radek Sali’s book How to Build a Billion Dollar Business, and is a ghostwriter for many of Australia’s top CEOs and entrepreneurs. Her book, "Secrets of the New Online Entrepreneurs," is out now.Finally, you may have seen her on TV as well. Bernadette is a professional actor and has appeared in Neighbours, The Games, Round the Twist, Winners and Losers and Jack Irish. She is also a trained yoga teacher and was the inaugural in-house mindfulness coach for the Carlton Football Club.To grab your copy of SECRETS OF THE NEW ONLINE ENTREPRENEURS:https://bernadetteschwerdt.com.au/books/To Reach out to Bernadette:https://bernadetteschwerdt.com.au/au.linkedin.com/in/bernadetteschwerdthttps://www.copyschool.com/For more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to The Real Math of Business04:40 The Importance of Slowing Down06:02 Introducing Bernadette Schwerdt08:02 Bernadette's Career: From Actor to Author13:46 What Connects High Performers: Athletes and Actors19:36 Balancing Creativity/Performance with Money24:49 Working in Your Area of Passion27:10 Navigating Changes in the Market with Culture28:20 Navigating Friction30:40 Lessons From Interviewing the Ultra-Wealthy34:37 Exploring the Math:People Ratio47:00 Lower Stakes Work: Applying this Information50:12 Why Everyone Needs Copywriting Skills55:46 How Would You Like To Be Remembered?59:38 Listener Question: Staying Positive Amid Negativity

  6. Aug 10

    Why Purpose Beats Pure Profit with Jason Dunn - Ep. 38

    We are lucky to be catching Jason Dunn on the day after his big book launch in Sydney CBD Dymocks for his new book Greatness Doesn't Care.In today's episode, Jason chats about his life, inflection points and his Real Math of Business Ratio. He also chats aboutIn his new book, Greatness Doesn't Care, he challenges one of the most common assumption in leadership: that exceptional performance is driven by talent. Instead, he argues that long-term success is built through discipline, resilience and the decisions leaders make every day, particularly when circumstances are difficult. At 62, Jason is still competing in some of the world's toughest endurance events, having completed more than 14 IRONMAN competitions and multiple ultramarathons while building several successful businesses. Drawing on lessons from both elite endurance sport and entrepreneurship, he explores what separates high performers from everyone else, why many leaders unknowingly limit themselves through fear and self-doubt, and how to build the mindset required to perform under pressure. Unlock the secrets to leadership success with Jason Dunn's insights from his book, Greatness Doesn't Care. Discover how discipline, resilience, and daily decisions shape exceptional performance.Grab your copy of Greatness Doesn't Care: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Greatness-Doesnt-Care/Jason-Dunn/9781923186514And to reach out to Jason:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-dunn-72650227/For more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest04:24 Jason Dunn's background and book launch experience08:04 The impact of gratitude and mindset on success11:10 Building belief and nurturing mindset16:45 Resilience as a process and the role of purpose22:01 The balance of people and math in business28:08 The true purpose of business and authentic leadership32:11 Redefining greatness and personal achievement38:12 Final lessons and reflections from Jason DunnWhat's your biggest challenge with leadership? Drop it in the comments!Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership and personal growth!#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #GreatnessDoesntCare

  7. Aug 3

    The Empowerment Paradox: Women, Men and Systemic Change with Megan Dalla-Camina - Ep. 37

    How much has thw work environment, and its expectations changed recently? And how can the change that's coming be something that works better for you and your business?In this fantastic chat with author Megan Dalla-Camina, we break down how the dirty word of "patriarchy" may be controlling a lot more than we think (even for men).Megan Dalla-Camina is the Founder and CEO of Women Rising, an award-winning leadership company that has supported thousands of women and male allies across 76 countries to build meaningful careers, grow their leadership and create lasting impact. Following an 18-year executive career with IBM, GE and PwC, Megan founded Women Rising to help organisations develop exceptional women leaders, engage male allies and build more inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.A sought-after keynote speaker, leadership expert and PhD researcher, Megan is the author of Women Rising, a practical guide to navigating leadership and career success with confidence, courage and authenticity. Her latest book, She Who Remembers, reflects the evolution of her work, exploring identity, purpose and what it means to lead without losing yourself. Megan's work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets globally, including Forbes, Fast Company, CNN and Psychology Today.To grab a copy of her books:https://megandallacamina.com/books/And to reach out to Megan:https://megandallacamina.com/https://www.instagram.com/megandallacamina/?hl=enhttps://womenrisingco.com/our-founder-1/For more information on Alena and the Real Math of Business:https://www.alenabennett.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenabennett/Chapters:00:00 Thought Provoking Question: Aussie Success at Commonwealth Games04:31 Introduction to Megan Dalla-Camina and Women Rising06:15 Understanding Patriarchy and Its Impact10:08 The Empowerment Paradox Explained15:01 Shifting the Narrative: Women vs. System19:12 Awakening Women to Their Power24:24 The Role of Male Allies in Change31:58 The Collective Effort for Change33:08 Understanding the Real Math of Business34:52 People vs. Math: The Leadership Equation38:10 The Impact of AI on Business Ratios40:20 Empathy and Leadership in the Age of AI43:22 Where Are the People in the Equation?46:01 Masculine and Feminine Traits in Leadership54:27 Taking Action: Recommendations for Change01:01:57 Listener Question: Good Metrics

  8. Jul 27

    Our 1st Anniversary Special!

    Happy 1 year anniversary to the Real Math of Business with Alena Bennett.We have been talking about the Real Math of Business for over a year now, and we wanted to celebrate with some of our favourite chats.To our amazing audience and fantastic guests, thank you so much for making this show what it is. We can't wait for another year of this!Chapters: 00:00 Cruz Gamboa08:09 Edward Podolski18:17 Liz Mcmillan21:45 Kylie Paatsch28:07 Bill Withers38:38 David Fish

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About

Welcome to the Real Math of Business with Alena Bennett, where you plus this podcast equals better decisions. I’m Alena Bennett, speaker, author and leadership expert. I work with chief executive officers and chief financial officers really to help them create universally investable companies, where people serve people, and the math just works. Each week, I interview a new guest to get their insights on the business landscape, as well as answering a listener question, and giving you my WINATM (What I'm Noticing At The Moment) to help you win atm.

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