The Growth Concept With Keoni Upton

Keoni Upton
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 The Growth Concept exists to empower individuals on their journey of personal and professional development by sharing real conversations, practical wisdom, and inspiring stories. Through interviews with mentors, experts, and everyday heroes making an impact, we provide tools, insights, and motivation to help you grow in mindset, business, communication, health, and purpose so you can create the life you truly want to live, as I document my own journey and lessons along the way. 

  1. Connection Happens Before Conversation: Body Language, Trust & Storytelling (ft. Shil Shanghavi)

    FEB 4

    Connection Happens Before Conversation: Body Language, Trust & Storytelling (ft. Shil Shanghavi)

    In this episode of The Growth Concept, I sat down with Shil Shanghavi — a public speaking and storytelling specialist, and former Head of Speaker Coaching for TEDxPerth.We got into what really creates presence when you speak: authenticity, building trust before you even say a word, and how to start reading body language so you can tailor the way you communicate — whether you’re in a casual conversation with friends, a professional setting, a sales environment, or delivering a speech to a room full of people.Shil’s story adds real depth to everything he teaches. He grew up with a severe stutter, and still went on to become a global speaker and coach — which makes this conversation even more powerful if you’ve ever struggled with confidence, fear of judgement, or feeling like you’re not “naturally” good at speaking.If you want to speak with more clarity, show up with stronger energy, and learn the non-verbal cues that change everything — this one’s for you.Connect with Shil:Website: https://shilshanghavi.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakershil/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shilshanghaviFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chatterboxps/Keywords:public speaking, communication, storytelling, authenticity, body language, stuttering, personal growth, audience engagement, emotional connection, self-improvementChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Conversation03:12 Who is Shil Shanghavi?05:49 Childhood Challenges and Stuttering09:04 The Journey to Public Speaking11:59 Understanding Communication and Body Language15:12 The Power of Authenticity in Speaking18:11 Techniques for Engaging an Audience21:04 The Importance of Connection in Communication24:04 Navigating Professional vs. Casual Interactions26:57 The Role of Silence and Non-Verbal Cues29:47 Lessons from Public Speaking Experiences32:59 Final Thoughts and Advice36:13 Perth Unfiltered and Community StorytellingIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the show and share this episode with someone you care about most to elevate them in their public speaking journey.And in return, I will do my best. I’ll keep improving this show every single day — and I will not stop. I’ll continue bringing the guests you want on and having these real conversations to elevate your growth, my growth, and yours.Thanks for tuning in. This is The Growth Concept.

    56 min
  2. Is property Investing Dead? Understanding everything YOU need to KNOW to START: FT Niro Thambipillay

    JAN 21

    Is property Investing Dead? Understanding everything YOU need to KNOW to START: FT Niro Thambipillay

    In this episode of The Growth Concept, I sat down with Niro Thambipillay, the founder of Investment Rise, to have a real conversation about property investing — without the fluff. Niro’s been in the property game for over two decades, and what I love about his approach is how data-driven and simple he keeps it. We talked about the biggest traps beginners fall into, why owner-occupier demand matters more than hype, and the mindset shift people need if they want property to become a genuine wealth-building tool — not just an expensive gamble. If you’re a first-time investor (or you’ve been thinking about getting started but feel overwhelmed), this episode will help you think clearer, move smarter, and avoid a lot of the common mistakes. What we coverWhy most people were never taught how to make money work for themThe biggest misconceptions beginners have about investingWhy owner-occupier demand is a key filter (and what happens when it’s missing)How Niro thinks about growth vs cash flowThe role of debt as a tool (when it’s used with a plan)A simple way to evaluate areas without overcomplicating itMy biggest takeawaysDon’t buy based on a “cheap entry point” alone — demand is everything.If an area is mostly investors buying, that’s a red flag worth paying attention to.The goal isn’t just owning property — it’s building financial certainty over time.Keep it simple: do people actually want to live there long-term?Sound bites from Niro“You don’t learn about how to make money work for you.”“If you think you’re going to work hard, pay taxes, and save your way to wealth, you’re probably in for a rude shock.”“The biggest thing I was missing was owner-occupier demand.”“Keep it simple: Do people want to move to this area?”Chapters / timestamps00:00 Introduction to Property Investing01:36 Meet Niro Thambipillay05:09 From Employment to Property Investment11:13 The Emotional Side of First-Time Investing17:40 Owner-Occupier Demand (the game-changer)21:08 Common Property Investing Misconceptions25:34 Cash Flow vs Growth30:59 Debt and Wealth Creation36:08 Climate Risk & Property Value40:16 Final Thoughts: It’s Not Too Late About Niro ThambipillayNiro started investing in property in 2002 and has spent over a decade helping others invest in residential property through his company Investment Rise. He’s focused on building trust, using research-backed decision-making, and helping everyday people create long-term financial security through smart acquisitions. Connect with Niro / Investment RiseWebsite: https://www.investmentrise.com.au/about-us/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investwithniro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@investwithniroLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirothambipillay/

    52 min
  3. Ep 5 Podcast on the Streets From Burnout to Balance:Wellbeing, ADHD & Self Awareness: Jules Sullivan

    JAN 8

    Ep 5 Podcast on the Streets From Burnout to Balance:Wellbeing, ADHD & Self Awareness: Jules Sullivan

    In this episode of The Growth Concept, wellbeing coach Jules Sullivan shares a deeply honest conversation about navigating burnout, mental health challenges, ADHD, and major life events that reshaped her perspective on success, energy, and self-worth. Jules reflects on how burnout forced her to reassess her career and values, how an ADHD diagnosis helped her better understand her energy levels, and why self-awareness is the foundation of sustainable wellbeing. She also opens up about the importance of rest, creating space for emotions, and letting go of external expectations. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder — sometimes it comes from listening more closely to what you need. This episode marks the final instalment of the Podcast on the Streets of Perth series filmed at Kings Park. Recorded outdoors in a space known for reflection and calm, this conversation brings the series to a grounded and intentional close. Natural background sounds are part of the experience, capturing the atmosphere of the moment and the authenticity of the conversation.

    25 min
  4. Ep 4 Podcast On The Street | Self-Discovery, Purpose & Inner Growth with Coach Naz

    JAN 7

    Ep 4 Podcast On The Street | Self-Discovery, Purpose & Inner Growth with Coach Naz

    In this episode of The Growth Concept, Coach Nas shares his journey as both a personal trainer and a musician, exploring how transformation starts from within. With over 14 years of experience in personal training, Nas reflects on how physical training became a gateway to deeper self-belief, discipline, and purpose. He opens up about navigating mental health challenges, how music became an outlet during difficult seasons, and why self-acceptance is the foundation for lasting change. This conversation moves beyond aesthetics and performance, focusing instead on the inner work required for real growth. At its core, this episode is about self-discovery, responsibility, and learning to believe in yourself — even when the path forward isn’t clear yet. This episode continues the Podcast on the Streets of Perth series, where we step outside the studio to capture conversations in their most natural form. You’ll hear the world moving around us — intentionally kept to preserve the rawness and presence of the moment.

    20 min
  5. Ep 3 Podcast On The Street: From Insecurity to Empowerment: Sam Gee on Fitness, Confidence & Growth

    JAN 6

    Ep 3 Podcast On The Street: From Insecurity to Empowerment: Sam Gee on Fitness, Confidence & Growth

    In this episode of The Growth Concept, Sam G shares his journey from being an insecure teenager to becoming a fitness coach dedicated to helping others build confidence through training, nutrition, and mindset. Sam opens up about the pressures he faced in high school, his struggles with body image, and the negative influences that once held him back. He reflects on a pivotal turning point that forced him to reassess his direction and commit to a more purposeful path. We dive into the realities of social media, dealing with hate, building a personal brand through authenticity, and why creating real value matters more than chasing attention. This conversation highlights consistency, community, and the power of showing up — even when confidence isn’t there yet. Episode 3 continues the Podcast on the Streets of Perth series, where we step out of the studio and into real environments. You’ll hear the city around us — people, movement, and everyday life — kept intentionally to preserve the authenticity of the conversation.

    29 min
  6. Ep 2 Podcast On The Streets Finding Your Voice: How Simran Virk Built Confidence Through Adversity

    JAN 5

    Ep 2 Podcast On The Streets Finding Your Voice: How Simran Virk Built Confidence Through Adversity

    This episode continues our Podcast on the Streets of Perth series, where conversations happen in real-world settings rather than studios. You’ll hear the city around us — movement, life, and energy which we’ve intentionally kept to preserve the authenticity of the moment. In this episode of The Growth Concept, Simran Virk — a public speaking coach — shares her powerful journey of overcoming personal challenges and finding purpose through helping others find their voice. Simran opens up about facing bullying in high school, the resilience it built within her, and the pivotal role a supportive teacher played during a difficult chapter of her life. We explore how confidence is built (not born), why mistakes in public speaking matter far less than we think, and how social media can distort self-worth if we’re not intentional. This conversation is about mindset, purpose, confidence, and taking life one step at a time — even when the path feels uncertain.

    26 min
  7. Ep 1 Overcoming Barriers, Finding Purpose Ft Callum Lane Podcast On The Streets Of Perth!

    JAN 4

    Ep 1 Overcoming Barriers, Finding Purpose Ft Callum Lane Podcast On The Streets Of Perth!

    This episode marks the first instalment of our new series, Podcast in the Park — recorded outside to bring a more raw, relaxed, and natural feel to the conversations. Because of the outdoor setting, you’ll hear some background noise throughout the episode. We embraced it as part of the experience, and we hope you enjoy the authenticity. In this episode of The Growth Concept, Callum Lane sits down to share his journey from a young kid who loved building cubby houses to becoming a passionate trade specialist at Bunnings. Callum opens up about the influence of his family, the challenges he faced in school, and how finding purpose through work helped shape his mindset. We dive into what the Australian Dream means to him, the role mentorship has played in his development, and why real-world experience often matters more than formal education. This conversation is about passion, hard work, creativity, and building a life you’re proud of — brick by brick.

    12 min

  8. 12/28/2025

    25 lessons From 2025

    In this solo episode, I sit down to reflect on 2025 without a doubt one of the most transformative years of my life. I share 25 lessons shaped by real experiences across personal growth, building a podcast, launching a media company, relationships, discipline, failure, and long-term thinking. This episode isn’t about perfection or overnight success. It’s about the process learning to sit with discomfort, embracing failure as feedback, and understanding that consistency and discipline will always outperform motivation. I dive into the power of mentorship, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how communication, personal branding, and community have played a massive role in opening doors I never thought possible. We close with a strong focus on the future aligning daily actions with long-term goals, investing early (in mindset, skills, and finances), and intentionally becoming the person your future requires. If you’re heading into a new year wanting clarity, direction, and grounded perspective this episode is for you. Key Takeaways2025 forced growth — personally, professionally, and mentallyFailure isn’t something to avoid; it’s something to learn fromDiscipline will always beat motivation in the long runLife moves fast — waiting for the “right time” is a trapRest isn’t weakness; it’s part of sustainable successDaily reflection compounds clarity and self-awarenessYour environment and circle directly shape your outcomesMentorship accelerates learning and shortens mistakesCommunication is a skill that pays dividends everywherePersonal branding is leverage, not egoTime, technology, and community are tools — use them wiselyInvesting early (in yourself and financially) changes your futureWho you become daily matters more than what you say you want Email: growthconceptmedia@gmail.com

    35 min
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 The Growth Concept exists to empower individuals on their journey of personal and professional development by sharing real conversations, practical wisdom, and inspiring stories. Through interviews with mentors, experts, and everyday heroes making an impact, we provide tools, insights, and motivation to help you grow in mindset, business, communication, health, and purpose so you can create the life you truly want to live, as I document my own journey and lessons along the way. 

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