Business Builders Podcast

Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Business Builders is dedicated to helping you grow your business and yourself through real-world insights and peer learning. Our mission is to inspire Business Builders like you to invest in self-development, sharpen your skills, and become more effective leaders. Hosted by passionate and experienced Business Builders, Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian, we believe that the journey of growth never stops. Join us as we explore how to become the best leaders and business builders we can be—together.

  1. Mar 19

    What’s at Stake for South Australia’s Future

    What’s really at stake for South Australia’s future?In this Business Builders session, Damian Percy sits down with South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis to unpack the key forces shaping the state’s next decade, including energy, infrastructure, housing, migration, and workforce capability.Recorded live in front of a Business Builders audience, this is a practical and candid discussion about opportunity, constraints, and what needs to happen next.🔍 In this episode, we explore:✅ The scale of upcoming investment across energy, defence, and industry✅ Why workforce and skills shortages may be the biggest constraint to growth✅ The realities of housing affordability and supply✅ The role of migration in shaping economic outcomes✅ How government and business intersect in driving progress🎤 Speakers:Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, Treasurer of South AustraliaDamian Percy, Co-Founder, Business Builders 💡 Key Insights“South Australia has a once in a generation opportunity, but opportunity means nothing if we don’t have the capacity to deliver it.” “The biggest constraint on growth right now isn’t demand, it’s people. We simply don’t have enough skilled workers.” “You can attract investment, but if people can’t find housing, the system starts to break down very quickly.” “The next four years will determine whether South Australia captures this moment or misses it.” 🎥 Filmed and recorded by our sponsor: Click Films - https://www.clickfilms.com.au

    1 hr

  2. Jan 18

    Fitness Capacity Beats Weight

    Being skinny does not mean being fit. And for business owners and leaders, mistaking weight for health can quietly undermine long-term performance, decision-making, and independence. In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton Gowland and Ron review and unpack a powerful live presentation from exercise physiologist Max Martin, recorded at an in-person Business Builders event. Presented in front of a live audience, the session challenges common assumptions about health, ageing, and performance, particularly for busy professionals who believe looking “healthy enough” is good enough. The discussion explores why fitness capacity, not body weight, is one of the strongest predictors of how long and how well we live. From cardiovascular fitness and VO2 max to strength, balance, and cognitive capacity, the episode reveals why being “skinny but unfit” can carry serious long-term risks that are often overlooked. A key theme is the relationship between physical fitness and brain health. Max explains how cardiovascular fitness and strength training play a role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, reframing exercise as a long-term investment in mental clarity, independence, and decision-making ability. This is not about aesthetics or chasing a gym body. It is about building the physical and cognitive capacity required to sustain energy, clarity, and leadership over decades, not just quarters. In this episode, you will learn: Why weight is a poor proxy for real health and longevity What fitness capacity actually means and why it matters for performance How VO2 max links to mortality, cognition, and resilience The connection between physical fitness, brain health, and dementia risk Why “skinny but unfit” can be more dangerous than people realise How strength, balance, and cardio protect independence as you age What business owners should prioritise when time and energy are limited If you care about long-term performance, better decisions, and remaining effective well into the future, this episode will challenge how you think about health. Featured presentation: Max Martin, Exercise Physiologist Hosts: Brenton Gowland and Ron

    43 min

  3. 10/11/2025

    How to Make Government Listen: Small Business Can Drive Real Change

    What does it really take to make government listen? In this episode, we sit down with Simone Douglas — publican, business advocate, and founder of the Business Owners Collective — to unpack how small business owners can influence government decisions, shape better policy, and drive change that matters. From rallying hundreds of hospitality operators during COVID to getting real reform on the political radar, Simone shows how small business can have a powerful voice — when it’s used strategically and collectively. 🔍 What You’ll Learn How to get government’s attention — and why facts matter more than frustration. The importance of building a “tribe” — why collective voices carry weight. How to engage media effectively — developing relationships that amplify your story. Turning emotion into influence — staying calm, credible, and solution-focused. Inside story: How Simone’s $33 chicken parmi went viral and changed public perception. Real-world advocacy tips — how to meet with ministers, frame your argument, and offer workable solutions. 🗣️ Key Quotes “You can make change happen — but you do have to get the attention of the people in power.” – Simone Douglas “If you’re emotional, it’s very difficult to be heard. The people you’re speaking to will react to your emotion, not your argument.” – Simone Douglas “Go to government with solutions, not complaints.” – Ron Tomlian “You’re never powerless. Politicians work for us — whether they realise it or not.” – Simone Douglas If you found this episode useful, hit Subscribe for more conversations that help business owners rethink how they operate, connect, and grow.

    42 min

  4. 07/27/2025

    How to Network: The Only Two Networking Tactics You Need

    Most networking advice focuses on how to start a conversation. But what do you do after that? In this episode, Brenton and Ron reveal the only two networking tactics you’ll ever need — and neither involves collecting business cards or giving your elevator pitch. The secret? 👉 Find alignment 👉 Do things together These two principles are at the heart of every strong business relationship. Whether you're nurturing your current network or expanding into new circles, this episode breaks down how to make your networking activities feel more natural, valuable, and effective. You’ll learn: How to spot when someone is truly aligned with your goals and values Why doing things with others (even menial tasks) builds connection Conversation starters that are actually interesting How introverts can network on their own terms A practical, no-fluff approach to turning events into opportunities This episode is about how to network in a way that is sure to build strong connections. 🔗 Subscribe to Business Builders for more real-world insights on building relationships and growing a business that matters.

    24 min

  5. 05/20/2025

    Leaders Don’t Have The Luxury To Do Nothing

    In this candid conversation, Cameron Johnston shares the raw reality of building a business up from four people to a diversified group that includes more than 100 staff across five businesses and the challenges he's faced along the way. From failing his first attempt at payroll to driving trucks with critical payloads across Australia during a crisis, Cameron has learned the hard way what it means to carry the weight of leadership and the necessity of delegation. We talk about the moments that defined his journey, from facing near-collapse, letting go of control, hiring a CEO, and the power of surrounding yourself with good people. Whether you're scaling a business, managing a team, or simply feeling stuck — Cameron’s story will inspire you to keep moving, even when standing still feels like the easy option. What You'll Learn: Why leaders can’t afford to wait for the perfect moment to actHow Cameron transitioned from corporate life to business ownershipWhat to do when you’re at rock bottom — and still have to leadThe tough truth about employing people (the good and the bad)How delegation, trust, and a bit of strategic ignorance can set you freeWhy comparison is toxic, and your business journey must be your ownThe surprising power of peer groups and speaking honestlyThe personal side of leadership: burnout, balance, and bringing your family along About Cameron Johnston: Cameron is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of the Rowlands Group, a collective of businesses with a focus on design, manufacturing, urban infrastructure and asset management. With over 25 years of experience, Cameron brings honesty, humility, and humour to the often-over-glamorised world of business leadership. He’s also a host of Business Builders and a firm believer in giving back by sharing the lessons he learned the hard way.

    32 min

  6. 04/01/2025

    How to Network: Planning Your Networking in Just Two Steps

    If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by networking—or not sure where to start—this episode breaks it down into two simple but powerful steps: nurture your network and fill your network. That’s it. Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian walk through how to structure your networking activities using a framework inspired by Dunbar’s Number. From your tight-knit inner circle to your wider connections, you’ll learn how to identify who’s in your network, who’s missing, and how to maintain meaningful contact with the people who matter most. 👥 What You’ll Learn: The two core activities that drive meaningful networkingHow to apply Dunbar’s Number to structure your networkThe difference between your core, close, active, and engaged networksWhy nurturing your existing connections is more valuable than constantly seeking new onesThe importance of cadence — and how to schedule relationship-building into your calendarPractical ways to stay top-of-mind with your network (without it feeling transactional)How to spot new opportunities to connect, far beyond traditional networking events 🔑 Key Idea: Networking is not a random act — it’s a discipline. Nurture your relationships. Fill the gaps. Repeat.

    20 min

  7. 03/06/2025

    Mini Networking Masterclass

    I wish someone had taught me this Mini-Networking Masterclass when I started out.... Networking is the most powerful tool for career growth, business success, and new opportunities, yet most people do it wrong. If you’ve ever left a networking event feeling like a used car salesman or wondering if all this effort is actually getting you anywhere, you’re not alone. In this 25-minute masterclass, we’ll break down: ✅ The #1 mistake most people make in networking (and how to avoid it) ✅ The Networking Framework that actually works (Dunbar’s Number) ✅ How to build relationships that bring real value (without being salesy) ✅ Why most professionals network without a clear purpose—and how to fix it ✅ The “Give, Give, Give, Ask” principle that will transform your approach 🚀 Key Takeaways: If you don’t have a networking plan, you’re wasting your efforts.It’s not just about meeting people—it’s about building long-term relationships.Your existing network is the most valuable tool you have.Stop thinking transactional—start thinking strategic! 👉 If you found this episode valuable, hit subscribe and drop a comment with your biggest networking challenge! #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Masterclass #CareerSuccess

    30 min

  8. 02/11/2025

    Think You Can’t Succeed? This Film Director Proves You Can!

    In this episode of Business Builders, we sit down with Australian film director Matthew Holmes to uncover the remarkable similarities between filmmaking and building a successful business. From overcoming setbacks like floods on set to navigating an evolving film industry, Matthew shares his incredible journey of risk-taking, resilience, and never giving up on his dreams.Discover how this director made four successful films, including The Legend of Ben Hall and the upcoming Fear Below, by thinking outside the box and creating opportunities where none seemed possible. His advice isn’t just for filmmakers—it’s for anyone chasing success in business, startups, or creative industries.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ Why resilience and risk-taking are crucial for success in both business and filmmaking 2️⃣ How Matthew Holmes built a successful career in a highly competitive film industry 3️⃣ The secrets to motivating and managing large teams through collaboration 4️⃣ The importance of thinking outside the box to overcome resource constraints 5️⃣ How to pitch your ideas effectively and attract investors to support your vision 6️⃣ The seismic shifts in the film industry and what they mean for creators and businesses today.Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into planning your networking strategy based on your network map.✨ Key Takeaways and Practical Advice: • Resilience and Risk-Taking Are Essential for Success• Think Outside the Box to Create Opportunities• Success Requires Persistence and Vision• Collaboration Is Key to Building Great Projects• You Don’t Need Everything to Be Perfect to Start• Master the Art of Pitching• Industry Is Changing—Adapt or Get Left Behind• Creative Leadership Requires Motivation and Vision• Attracting Investors Requires More Than a Good Idea📙 Here's what's in this video - enjoy!00:00 - Introduction Introduction and episode overview00:25 - Matthew Holmes’ story: From passion projects to feature films01:23 - Shocking film industry statistics and the odds of success03:51 - The entrepreneurial mindset: What keeps Matthew motivated07:53 - Navigating changes in the film industry business model13:46 - How to lead and motivate teams in high-pressure environments14:52 - Taking big financial risks and finding innovative ways to finish projects18:13 - Balancing passion and financial reality in business21:52 - Mastering the art of the elevator pitch23:02 - The impact of AI on the film industry and creative work27:55 - Final advice: Never give up, and attract opportunities by taking action🎙️ Follow us for more Business Builders goodness• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessBuildersNetwork• Podcast - https://businessbuilders.buzzsprout.com• LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/10370740👥 Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn• Brenton Gowland - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentongowland• Ron Tomlian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontomlianbusinessmentor🌟 Partner Highlights:Adapt_CO: Helping companies transform through marketing. https://adaptco.com.au/📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!Thank you for tuning in—remember to KEEP ON BUILDING! 💪

    31 min
See All (81)

About

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Business Builders is dedicated to helping you grow your business and yourself through real-world insights and peer learning. Our mission is to inspire Business Builders like you to invest in self-development, sharpen your skills, and become more effective leaders. Hosted by passionate and experienced Business Builders, Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian, we believe that the journey of growth never stops. Join us as we explore how to become the best leaders and business builders we can be—together.

Information

  • Creator
    Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brenton Gowland and Ron Tomlian
  • Show Website
    Business Builders Podcast