Beyond Growth with Reyan Fernando

Reyan Fernando

Leadership lessons from business, life, and the journey within. Beyond Growth with Reyan Fernando is a podcast for leaders navigating the real work of business and personal growth. Hosted by Reyan Fernando, a business leader and coach, this show goes behind the scenes to explore what it truly takes to align a team, scale a business, and build something that lasts. Subscribe and join the journey beyond growth.

  1. Mark Neeld: Building Geelong's Sporting Future | Leadership, Geelong United & the Rise of the Venom

    Jun 2

    Mark Neeld: Building Geelong's Sporting Future | Leadership, Geelong United & the Rise of the Venom

    In this episode, Reyan Fernando sits down with Mark Neeld, CEO of Geelong United Basketball, to explore a remarkable leadership journey spanning elite AFL, high-performance sport, and community impact. From his years as a player, coach, and football executive to leading one of Australia's fastest-growing basketball organisations, Mark shares what it takes to build winning cultures, develop great people, and create a lasting sporting legacy. Mark takes us behind the scenes of launching the Geelong Venom WNBL team in just three months, a bold undertaking that required vision, community support, and relentless execution. He discusses the challenges of building a professional sporting club from scratch, the importance of increasing female participation in sport, and why creating pathways for women and girls remains a key focus. The conversation also explores leadership under pressure, lessons learned from his time at the Melbourne Demons, managing public scrutiny, and maintaining a high-performance mindset while staying connected to the community. Whether you're a business leader, sports fan, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into resilience, culture, leadership, and the power of bringing a community together around a shared vision. Topics covered:• Building high-performance cultures• Launching the Geelong Venom WNBL team• Leadership lessons from AFL and basketball• Community ownership and engagement in sport• Developing female participation and coaching pathways• Managing pressure, setbacks, and public scrutiny• The future of sport in Geelong A fascinating conversation with one of Geelong's most influential sporting leaders. You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode was proudly brought to you by⁠⁠ ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 19m
  2. Kate Darby: Rewriting the AFLW Playbook - Grit, Motherhood, and Legacy

    May 19

    Kate Darby: Rewriting the AFLW Playbook - Grit, Motherhood, and Legacy

    Dive into the extraordinary story of Kate Darby, an AFLW pioneer who defied expectations and reshaped the game. From her childhood dream of playing footy to her late-career debut at 27, Kate shares the grit and determination that defined her path. Discover how a life-changing encounter with a young fan ignited her passion for community work, and hear the powerful account of her return to elite sport after becoming a mother – a journey that not only led to her best season but also inspired significant policy changes within the AFLW. Now coaching the next generation, Kate's legacy is one of unwavering spirit, profound impact, and continuously rewriting the playbook for what's possible. Get in touch with Kate at Kate Darby Talks You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠. This episode was proudly brought to you by⁠ ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 26m
  3. Hyper-Growth & Hustle: Tom Simic on Building Australia's Biggest CFO Advisory

    May 5

    Hyper-Growth & Hustle: Tom Simic on Building Australia's Biggest CFO Advisory

    Join Reyan Fernando for an inspiring chat with Tom Simic, founder of Simic Financial, as he reveals his ambitious plan to become Australia's largest virtual CFO advisory. Discover the incredible discipline behind his success, from earning six university degrees before 30 to being named "Young CA of the Year." In this episode, Tom unpacks: His "make friends, not sales" networking philosophy that fuels massive referrals. How Simic Financial helps businesses avoid the "idiot tax" by providing strategic financial guidance beyond traditional accounting. The power of "lock-in" periods and digital minimalism for hyper-focused growth. His vision for revitalising the Geelong entrepreneurial community. A sneak peek into his upcoming ebook: "The CFO blueprint for scaling to fifty million." If you're a business owner looking to scale, optimize profits, or simply be inspired by relentless ambition, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to learn how Tom is redefining financial advisory and building an empire, one strategic move at a time. You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠. This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 16m
  4. Beyond the Finish Line: The Art of Conversation, AI, and Strategic Growth with Vaibhav Kashyap

    Apr 21

    Beyond the Finish Line: The Art of Conversation, AI, and Strategic Growth with Vaibhav Kashyap

    In a special "tables turned" episode, host Reyan Fernando steps into the guest seat as he's interviewed by Vaibhav Kashyap, the creator of the popular LinkedIn series "Espresso Exchanges." Vaibhav begins by sharing his own story: navigating the Australian job market as an international student and creating "Espresso Exchanges" as a powerful tool for intentional networking. He offers tactical advice on building a personal brand, creating authentic content by sharing failures, and why embarrassment is an emotion to be explored, not avoided. Then, Reyan opens up about his own journey; pivoting from a 20-year career in IT, the burnout that led him to a new path, and his philosophy on why you should never have a "finish line." This conversation is a deep dive into the mindset required for continuous personal and professional evolution. In this episode, you will learn: How to transform casual coffee chats into strategic networking opportunities.Why AI is a tool to be embraced for growth, not feared (plus, a debate on ChatGPT vs. Claude).Actionable tips for creating compelling content on LinkedIn by telling your authentic story.The power of community and conversation in overcoming the loneliness of entrepreneurship.How to balance the relentless pursuit of ambitious goals without sacrificing what's truly important.You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠. This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 10m
  5. The Authenticity Advantage: Building a Bulletproof Brand in the Age of AI with Zoë Wood

    Apr 7

    The Authenticity Advantage: Building a Bulletproof Brand in the Age of AI with Zoë Wood

    How do you build a personal brand that stands out when the internet is flooded with low-grade, AI-generated content? In this episode, Reyan sits down with Zoe Wood, a Video Confidence Coach who helps leaders build unshakeable trust with their audience. Zoë breaks down why old metrics like "engagement" no longer equal revenue and how authenticity has become the most valuable currency. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to leverage video, build a sustainable content strategy, and create a brand that lasts. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why building trust is more critical than chasing engagement.Practical techniques to overcome camera shyness and project confidence.The three essential pieces of tech to instantly improve your video quality.How to find your ideal audience and create a content plan that doesn’t lead to burnout.The simple but powerful mindset shift required to master marketing repetition.How to navigate the world of AI without alienating your audience.Find out more about Zoë Wood by visiting https://vcc.training/You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or www.reyanfernando.com.au This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 16m
  6. Unconventional Path to Sales Mastery with Leanne Taylor

    Mar 24

    Unconventional Path to Sales Mastery with Leanne Taylor

    Is the secret to world-class sales found in a fast-food drive-thru or a five-star hotel? For sales veteran Leanne Taylor from Taylor Made Sales, the answer is a resounding yes. In this episode, Leanne charts her incredible journey from hospitality and real estate to becoming a powerhouse in tech sales, proving that the core of selling isn't about products, it's about people. She reveals the powerful, repeatable strategies that have defined her success, demonstrating how genuine service and human connection can triumph in any industry. Tune in to learn: The "Know Me, Like Me, Trust Me" framework that builds unbreakable client loyalty. The critical difference between a "hunter" (BDM) and a "nurturer" (Account Manager), and which one your business needs first. Actionable daily habits like "ten calls before ten" to create consistent results. How to leverage your CRM to build authentic relationships (right down to your client's coffee order). Whether you're a business owner struggling to build a sales engine or a salesperson looking to elevate your craft, this conversation is a masterclass in building a career based on service, discipline, and authentic human connection. You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or reyanfernando.com.au This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 12m
  7. The CEO's Guide to Flying First Class for a Fraction of the Cost with Gagan Gupta from Turn Left for Less

    Mar 10

    The CEO's Guide to Flying First Class for a Fraction of the Cost with Gagan Gupta from Turn Left for Less

    Ever dreamed of turning left when you board a plane but winced at the 5-8x price tag? What if you could fly in business or first class for a fraction of the economy price? In this episode, Reyan sits down with Gagan Gupta, the founder of Turn Left For Less and a travel hacking expert who hasn't paid full price for a premium flight since 2014. Gagan breaks down the exact strategies he has used for over a decade—and now teaches to hundreds of business owners—to unlock luxury travel. You will learn: The "Positioning" secret: How to fly business class to Europe for as little as $2,100 by starting your trip from an Asian hub. For business owners: How to turn $30,000 in monthly expenses into over one million frequent flyer points per year.  Check out pay.com.au to setup your free account.How to earn hundreds of thousands of "free" points annually through everyday bills like insurance, utilities, and even your weekly grocery shop. The crucial difference between earning points and redeeming them for 4x (or even 8x) their value. Why you should never use your Flybuys or credit card points for a cash discount again.This episode is your masterclass in transforming travel from a cramped ordeal into a luxurious experience. Stop paying for someone else's upgrade and start flying better. Find out more at https://landing.turnleftforless.com/

    1h 4m
  8. Shaping a City’s Future: Leadership, Growth, and the Vision for Geelong with Matthew Fletcher from KPMG

    Feb 24

    Shaping a City’s Future: Leadership, Growth, and the Vision for Geelong with Matthew Fletcher from KPMG

    Geelong is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, but growth on its own does not guarantee prosperity. The real question is how leaders shape that growth so it benefits the whole community. In this episode, Reyan sits down with Matthew Fletcher, the leader who established KPMG in Geelong, starting from his back bedroom and a rotation of local cafés, which has grown into a thriving team of more than 30 people. Along the way, he developed a powerful framework he calls the Three R’s: Reputation, Relationships, and Relevance. This conversation is a masterclass in strategic leadership and community building as Matt unpacks what it really takes to build something that lasts, including: How KPMG in Geelong evolved from simply being “in the room” to actively “creating the room” His horizon management approach for turning long-term vision into practical, near-term action The opportunities and tensions facing Geelong as it looks toward doubling in size by 2050 Why great leadership is about empowering others, owning the blame, and ultimately making yourself dispensable If you care about business growth, regional leadership, or the kind of thinking required to shape a city’s future with intention, this is a conversation you will want to spend time with. You can connect with Reyan Fernando via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ or his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠. This episode was proudly brought to you by ISO365 - ISO Compliance, as a Service.

    1h 22m
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About

Leadership lessons from business, life, and the journey within. Beyond Growth with Reyan Fernando is a podcast for leaders navigating the real work of business and personal growth. Hosted by Reyan Fernando, a business leader and coach, this show goes behind the scenes to explore what it truly takes to align a team, scale a business, and build something that lasts. Subscribe and join the journey beyond growth.

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