11/25/2025

You don’t have to do it alone: Why mentors and support networks matter most with Emily Bitkow

Being your own boss can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, host Liv Phyland speaks with Emily Bitkow, Co-Founder of VIVRA, former participant in the Self-Employment Assistance program and now an Asuria Business Mentor, about the game-changing role of mentors, accountability and support networks in business. Emily shares her journey of launching and growing a company, the moments when she realised she needed help, and how surrounding herself with the right people made all the difference. From building resilience to making smarter decisions, her story shows why support is not a weakness but a winning strategy. This conversation is essential for small business owners, start-up founders and freelancers who feel stuck or isolated. If you’ve been trying to carry the entire load yourself, this episode will show you how finding the right guidance and community can accelerate your growth and lighten the pressure. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 min

11/18/2025

Stop undervaluing yourself: The pricing mistakes that kill small businesses with Josh Butt

Charging too little might win you work in the short term, but can destroy your business in the long run. In this episode, host Liv Phyland talks with Josh Butt, founder of Ampel, about the hard lessons he learned from underpricing his services. Josh shares how undervaluing his work led to burnout, why so many small business owners and freelancers fall into the same trap, and how he eventually found the confidence to set new prices. You’ll hear practical strategies for recognising your value, communicating it to clients and building a pricing model that supports growth instead of draining your energy. This conversation is essential for start-up founders, consultants and creatives who struggle to put a true price on their work. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 min

11/11/2025

Money mindset for entrepreneurs: How to charge what you are worth without guilt with Jason Eisner and Shasta Stevic

Your mindset about money can make or break your business. In this episode, host Liv Phyland speaks with Jason Eisner, Co-Founder of BrandQuest, and Shasta Stevic, Founder of Montu Restorations and Self-Employment Assistance program participant, about how entrepreneurs can overcome guilt around charging and finally recognise their true value. Jason and Shasta share the pricing mistakes they made early on, the beliefs that held them back, and the turning points that helped them build confidence in asking for what they’re worth. You’ll learn how to shift from a scarcity mindset to a growth mindset, stop discounting your services and create a healthier relationship with money. This conversation is full of practical strategies for freelancers, small business owners and start-up founders who undercharge and overwork. This episode will help you reframe the way you think about pricing and give you tools to build a business that’s financially sustainable. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 min

11/04/2025

How to manage your time as your own boss without burning out with Jason Eisner

One of the biggest challenges of self-employment is managing your time without burning out. In this episode, host Liv Phyland speaks with Jason Eisner, Co-Founder of BrandQuest about the real pressures that come with being your own boss and how to balance freedom with structure. Jason shares the mistakes many entrepreneurs make when they blur the line between work and life, and the practical steps he uses to create boundaries, protect his energy, and stay productive without working around the clock. You’ll hear strategies for setting realistic routines, managing competing demands, and avoiding the guilt that comes with taking a break. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner or start-up founder, this conversation will help you stop the cycle of overwork and build a healthier approach to time management so you can grow your business and still enjoy your life. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 min

10/28/2025

Boundaries beat burnout: The realities of being your own boss with Marc Ryan and Josh Butt

This episode contains discussions about suicide and mental illness. Discretion is advised. Being your own boss can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. In this episode, host Liv Phyland talks with Marc Ryan, Founder of Fairy Floss and Chaos and Self-Employment Assistance program participant, and Josh Butt, Founder of Ampel, about the real work behind self-employment. They unpack what it means to wear many hats, when to outsource things like accounting and legal, and how to set boundaries so you don’t end up working around the clock. You’ll hear stories about burnout, mental health, long stretches on the road, and the basics that keep you steady such as sleep, food, water and real downtime. Marc and Josh also share practical ways to say no, protect your energy, create sacred time with family and build a support network so you’re not doing it alone. If you’re juggling too much or feeling stretched thin, this conversation will help you reset and run your business more sustainably. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 min

10/21/2025

Turning failure into opportunity: Entrepreneurs share how rejection fuels success with Shasta Stevic and Emily Bitkow

If you’re building a business, you’re going to face rejection. The question isn’t if you fail, but how you respond when it happens. In this episode, host Liv Phyland chats with Shasta Stevic, Founder of Montu Restorations and Self-Employment Assistance program participant, and Emily Bitkow, Co-Founder of VIVRA and Asuria Business Mentor – Self-Employment Assistance, about the tough setbacks that almost made them walk away from their businesses. They talk about the false starts and failures that forced them to rethink their approach and keep moving forward. Instead of quitting, they learned how to pivot, adapt and turn failure into fuel for growth. This conversation is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, start-up founders and freelancers who feel stuck or discouraged. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will show you how to see rejection as a teacher and use it to build a stronger, more resilient business. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 min

10/14/2025

Success takes time: The truth about overnight business myths with Jason Eisner

Behind every story of an overnight success is years of hard work, persistence and patience. In this episode, host Liv Phyland sits down with Jason Eisner, Co-Founder of BrandQuest, to unpack what it actually takes to grow something that lasts. Jason shares the setbacks and slow seasons that shaped his approach, and how staying consistent helped him turn small steps into big results. You’ll learn why defining your point of difference matters more than chasing trends, how to see your brand through your customer’s eyes and why quick fixes rarely stick. Whether you’re starting your own business, or working to grow an existing one, this conversation will give you the tools to stay focused and remind you that persistence pays off. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In the series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast How to listen to the U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 min

10/07/2025

U Talks - The Asuria Podcast trailer

U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In the series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustraliaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast How to listen to the U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 About our host Liv Phyland -- Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year Asuria support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Asuria's integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Asuria's work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, Asuria manages the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-usSelf-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekersEmployers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employersTraining and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 min

09/30/2025

Confidence comes from action: How entrepreneurs beat imposter syndrome with Marc Ryan and Emily Bitkow

This episode contains discussions about suicide and mental illness. Discretion is advised. The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is waiting until they feel ready. In this episode, host Liv Phyland talks with two founders, Marc Ryan, Founder of Fairy Floss and Chaos and Self-Employment Assistance program participant, and Emily Bitkow, Co-Founder of VIVRA and Asuria Business Mentor -Self-Employment Assistance, about how perfectionism and imposter syndrome nearly stopped them from starting their businesses. They share how hesitation turned into momentum, and why the fastest way to build confidence is to launch before you feel fully prepared. This is a raw and practical conversation for entrepreneurs, freelancers and small business owners who feel stuck in the planning stage. If you’re still tweaking your idea, waiting for the perfect timing, or convincing yourself you need more confidence, this episode will challenge that belief and give you the motivation to finally begin. This episode is part of the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ series of U Talks - The Asuria Podcast, sharing stories from entrepreneurs, start-up founders and participants in the Self-Employment Assistance program to help you navigate the challenges of running your own business. About the host: Liv Phyland is a presenter, influencer and small business owner with more than a decade on Australian television, including hosting Network Ten’s Start Me Up, ABC3 and The Loop. She is also an experienced MC for major events such as the ARIA’s Red Carpet, The Retailer Awards and Tropfest. Passionate about wellbeing, Liv co-founded Girls Who Glow and leads Liv Your Life, initiatives that help women build confidence, improve health and live with purpose. U Talks - The Asuria Podcast brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and community leaders to share the lessons that shaped their journeys. In this series ‘What I Wish I Knew’, we bring you conversations with entrepreneurs, start-up founders and small business owners as they reflect on the lessons learned through self-employment and the Self-Employment Assistance program. Covering themes like confidence, pricing, resilience and work–life balance, each episode offers practical strategies and real stories for anyone starting, running or growing a business. For more podcast episodes and information, visit: https://www.asuria.com.au/podcast. Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Asuria-AU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AsuriaAustralia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsuriaAustralia How to listen to U Talks - The Asuria Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asuriaaustraliaListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fNtDbn3ngDgNk5FRcAlqPListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-talks-the-asuria-podcast/id1837576109Listen on iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/292099046 Disclaimer: The advice shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your individual business needs. It is not intended as professional or legal advice. Before making any major business decisions, you should seek guidance from qualified experts who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances. About Asuria: Asuria is a leading public service provider, supporting thousands of people each year through employment, training, education and health programs. We empower people, communities and nations to be effective and productive by delivering frontline public services across employment support, training and education, business start-up services and health and wellbeing. Every year we support thousands of people into sustainable employment, including many who face significant barriers to work. Our integrated approach provides job seekers with personalised mentoring, training and support to help them find work, progress in their careers or set up their own businesses. We know the sense of achievement and pride that comes with securing meaningful employment, and we want everyone to be able to experience that. Our work supports not only individuals but also employers. We provide tailored recruitment and training solutions to help businesses find candidates with the right skills. From vacancy profiling to candidate sourcing, checks and selection, we manage the process end-to-end to help employers build stronger workforces. Learn more about Asuria and our services here: About us: https://www.asuria.com.au/about-us Self-Employment Assistance program: https://www.asuria.com.au/self-employment Job Seekers: https://www.asuria.com.au/job-seekers Employers: https://www.asuria.com.au/employers Training and education: https://www.asuria.com.au/training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

32 min

U Talks - The Asuria Podcast

Episodes

You don’t have to do it alone: Why mentors and support networks matter most with Emily Bitkow

Stop undervaluing yourself: The pricing mistakes that kill small businesses with Josh Butt

Money mindset for entrepreneurs: How to charge what you are worth without guilt with Jason Eisner and Shasta Stevic

How to manage your time as your own boss without burning out with Jason Eisner

Boundaries beat burnout: The realities of being your own boss with Marc Ryan and Josh Butt

Turning failure into opportunity: Entrepreneurs share how rejection fuels success with Shasta Stevic and Emily Bitkow

Success takes time: The truth about overnight business myths with Jason Eisner

U Talks - The Asuria Podcast trailer

Confidence comes from action: How entrepreneurs beat imposter syndrome with Marc Ryan and Emily Bitkow

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U Talks - The Asuria Podcast trailer

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