The Business Game

The Business Game
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The Business Game The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level. We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit. If you are: • Trying to get your first consistent revenue • Building your first real team • Breaking through the messy middle • Scaling toward eight or nine figures • Or preparing for exit There is an episode that meets you where you are. Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle. Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not. The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one. Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules. Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up. Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com

  1. 3d ago

    LEVEL ONE: Property Founder on Why He Walked Away From a $250K Career to Start From Zero

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 1: $0M-$1M START UP AND SURVIVAL STAGE  In this episode of The Business Game, we sit down with Matthew Nowell, founder of MPAC Property Group, RentFinder Australia, and a new building company focused on cashflow positive investments.   Matthew shares how he had a $250,000 leadership role in the mining industry before making the life-changing decision to leave it all behind at 39. He opens up about the mindset that helped him embrace uncertainty, why he believes failure is one of the greatest teachers in business, and how networking, integrity and a long-term approach have fueled the rapid growth of his business.  We also dive into the changing property investment landscape, why Matthew believes cashflow-positive investing is the future, and the lessons he's determined to pass on to his children about backing yourself and creating your own path.  Whether you're thinking about changing careers, building a business from the ground up, or looking for a fresh perspective on property investing, you don't want to miss this episode. Let’s dive in, With Matthew Nowell:  Walking away from a high-paying career to start a business Why failure is essential for long-term success Building a business through networking and relationships The importance of staying true to your values Creating cashflow-positive property investments Balancing entrepreneurship with family life The mindset required to reinvent yourself at any stage of life   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Business Game and leave us a review. New episodes every week featuring founders and business leaders sharing the lessons they've learned at every level of the game.  Connect with Matthew Nowell: Website: https://www.mpacpropertygroup.com.au/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-nowell-93a05491    The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    57 min

  2. 6d ago

    LEVEL THREE: Marketing Veteran on Why Most Founders Burn Out and How to Avoid It

    Send us Fan Mail Level 3: $3-$8M DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Phil Ohren, Founder and CEO of Intender, a growth marketing agency on a mission to make advertising useful, not annoying.  Like many founders, Phil spent years chasing growth, building teams, serving clients, and pushing for the next milestone. But behind the scenes, he found himself facing something he never expected: burnout so severe it left him with writer's block, strategy block, and a growing realisation that his identity had become tied to external validation.  In this episode, Phil shares the lessons that came from that experience, including why he believes many entrepreneurs are unknowingly people-pleasers, how learning to let go transformed his leadership, and the advice from a mentor who told him he was operating like "a genius with a thousand helpers". A mindset that simply doesn't scale.  Let’s dive in, With Phil Ohren:  • Why founder burnout often starts with seeking validation from others   • The leadership shift required to stop being the bottleneck   • Why Phil would build a CRM before writing vision and values   • The power of accountability frameworks inside growing businesses   • How being "neuro-spicy" became one of his biggest strengths as a founder   • Why curiosity is a competitive advantage in business   • The future of AI and why Phil believes robots will transform advertising   • How small, consistent wins compound into massive growth over time  Whether you're trying to scale a business, build a stronger leadership team, or avoid the mistakes that lead many founders to burnout, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections from someone who's lived through it.  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses  High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    1h 13m

  3. Jul 2

    LEVEL FOUR: Global Entrepreneur on What the World's Most Successful Founders Have in Common

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 4: $8M - $20M GROWING PAINS AND OPERATIONAL COMPLEXITY  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Skye Blanks, Chief Operations Officer at the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) and founder of Herman Todd Consulting Group, to unpack what it really takes to grow a business beyond founder hustle and into something that can scale sustainably.  At this stage of the game, the challenge isn’t just getting customers or staying busy, it’s about building systems, delegating effectively, creating strategic partnerships, and turning a founder-dependent business into one that can operate without you in the room.  In this conversation, Skye shares how he built credibility as a young executive operating on the global stage, what small business owners consistently get wrong when they hit a growth plateau, and why the businesses that scale fastest are the ones willing to think beyond their industry, their local market, and their own four walls.  Lets dive in, with Skye Blanks:  Why most growth plateaus are strategy problems, not market problems The role SOPs play in scaling without chaos How strategic partnerships can unlock growth faster than more marketing Why founders need to stop building businesses that collapse without them What Skye has learned from advising businesses across industries and countries The mindset shift from doing everything yourself to leading through trust and delegation If you’re a founder trying to move from being the person who does everything to the person who leads a business that can grow, this episode will give you a clear look at what needs to change next.  Connect with Skye Blanks: Website: https://icsb.org/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/skyeblanks  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    49 min

  4. Jun 29

    LEVEL THREE: An Inventor on Exiting Seven Companies, Holding 100 Patents, and Building With AI

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 3: $3M - $8M   DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP   On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re joined by Mark Vange, founder and CEO of Autom8ly, a serial tech entrepreneur who has built and sold seven companies, holds more than 100 patents, and has spent decades building at the edge of software, gaming, fintech, and now AI.  In this episode, Mark unpacks what founders are getting wrong about AI, why most businesses are still using it far too narrowly, and how leaders should think about implementing AI as a true productivity partner rather than just another shiny tool. From the rise of “cooperative AI” to the risks around security, compliance, and trust, this conversation is a practical look at what business owners need to understand if they want to stay competitive as AI reshapes the way companies operate.  Let’s dive in, With Mark Vange:  Why Mark believes AI should be treated like a new team member, not just a piece of software The biggest mistakes businesses make when trying to adopt AI too quickly How founders can use AI to remove friction and reclaim time without losing the human element Why trust, compliance, and security are becoming the real battlegrounds in AI adoption What Mark has learned from building, scaling, and exiting multiple tech companies across different industries   Connect with Mark Vange: Website: https://autom8ly.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markvange    If you’re trying to work out how AI fits into your business in a practical, strategic way, and what the next wave of innovation might mean for founders, we made this episode for you.  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    54 min

  5. Jun 25

    LEVEL SIX: Pharma Innovator On Franchising, Bootstrapping and Long Term Success

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 6: $50M – $150M  GOVERNANCE, DATA & SERIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Barry Patel, Founder and CEO of Galt Pharmaceuticals, a company redefining how pharmaceutical businesses are built, scaled, and distributed.  Starting with no outside investors and bootstrapping his way through one of the world’s most heavily regulated industries, Barry shares how he built a pharmaceutical company using an unconventional franchise model, why he believes founders should avoid raising capital for as long as possible, and the surprising leadership lessons that came from realizing he had become the bottleneck in his own business.  We also dive into the realities of scaling in healthcare, navigating FDA regulations, building systems that create competitive moats, and what it takes to lead a company where every decision carries significant financial and human consequences.  Whether you're building your first business or leading a company through rapid growth, Barry’s insights on leadership, resilience, systems, and long-term value creation offer a masterclass in playing the business game at a high level.  Let’s dive in, with Barry Patel:   • How Barry bootstrapped a pharmaceutical company without investors  • The unconventional franchise model powering Galt Pharmaceuticals  • Why founders often become the bottleneck to growth  • The hidden challenges of scaling in highly regulated industries  • Building systems, structure, and competitive moats  • Why creating value matters more than chasing money  • Barry’s philosophy on leadership, stoicism, and long-term success  If business truly is a game, Barry Patel’s approach to winning might surprise you.  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    1h 2m

  6. Jun 22

    LEVEL 2: Veteran Business Strategist on Why Following Your Competitors Is the Fastest Way to Fail

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 2: $1M – $3M FIRST TEAM, FIRST SYSTEMS  Most founders think scaling is about working harder... but Michael Barbarita learned the opposite.  In today's episode of The Business Game, Michael shares lessons from more than 30 years building and operating businesses across retail, manufacturing, finance, and service industries. From growing a retail company from $2.5 million to $8 million in under five years to serving as a CFO, Treasurer, board member, and business advisor, he's seen what actually drives sustainable growth.  We discuss delegation, systems, the 80/20 Rule, strategic partnerships, and why many founders accidentally become the biggest obstacle to their own growth.  Whether you're building your first team or trying to create a business that can grow without relying on you for everything, this episode is packed with practical insights.  Let’s dive in  with Michael Barbarita:  • Why most founders struggle with delegation  • The 80/20 Rule in business  • How to stop being the bottleneck  • Systems that support growth  • Strategic partnerships and joint ventures  • The biggest scaling mistakes business owners make  • Lessons from building and advising multiple companies  Connect with Michael:  Website: www.nextstepcfo.net  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbarbarita/  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    1h 7m

  7. Jun 18

    LEVEL TWO: A Software Pro Tells Us Why Claude Is The Best Developer He's Ever Worked With

    Send us Fan Mail What if the best software developer for your business isn't an agency, a freelancer or even an employee?  According to Paul Salvage - Fractional CTO & founder of Productly - the best developer for your business is... you.  In this episode of The Business Game, Paul explains why AI is fundamentally changing software development, why traditional agencies are becoming obsolete, and how founders can now build products themselves with the help of tools like Claude. With over 30 years of experience in product development, Paul has seen every major technology shift firsthand. He shares how AI has compressed development timelines from months to weeks, why owning your technology is becoming critical for startups, and how business owners can use AI to gain a competitive advantage.   Let's dive in with Paul Salvage: Why agencies are being disrupted by AI  The new "build with you" model for software development  How founders can create products without coding  The role AI agents are playing inside modern businesses  Common mistakes businesses make when adopting AI  What happens to companies that fail to adaptIf you're building a startup, running a service business or simply trying to keep up with the pace of AI innovation, this is the episode you want to hear! Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    48 min

  8. Jun 15

    LEVEL ONE: AI Growth Expert on the AI Trick That Saves Me Hours Every Week

    Send us Fan Mail LEVEL TWO: $1M to $5M FIRST TEAMS, FIRST SYSTEMS STAGE  On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Robyn Anderson, Founder of JAM AI and creator of Club JAM. One of the fastest-growing AI communities helping small business owners actually understand and implement AI into their day-to-day operations.  After building 17 different AI courses around tools that quickly became obsolete, Robyn realized the real opportunity wasn’t selling information… it was building a community that could evolve alongside the speed of AI itself.  Now, with hundreds of members inside Club JAM, Robyn helps entrepreneurs use tools like Claude, ChatGPT, NotebookLM and AI agents to save time, streamline operations, and scale smarter, even while balancing motherhood, consulting, speaking gigs, and building the business mostly between 4:30AM and school drop-off.  If you’re trying to understand AI without getting overwhelmed, build smarter systems, create leverage in your business, or simply keep up with how fast technology is changing...  this episode is for you!  Let’s dive in, with Robyn Anderson:  • why she almost gave up trying to keep up with AI  • the biggest mistake she made building 17 AI courses too early  • why Claude is becoming the go-to AI tool for business owners  • how she creates custom AI-generated podcasts for herself every day  • the simple prompt every business owner should try immediately  • how AI can help build systems, SOPs, marketing, and operations  • why community became more valuable than selling courses  • the truth about AI “slop” and fake AI content online  • why personal brands should stop relying on AI avatars  • how she built a growing AI business while raising two kids  • the hidden challenge of hiring people into AI-powered businesses  • how she uses AI to save massive amounts of time every single day  • the emotional AI interview process that made members laugh and cry  • why speaking for free became the growth engine for her business  • how to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed  The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses  High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88  This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.

    55 min
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About

The Business Game The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level. We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit. If you are: • Trying to get your first consistent revenue • Building your first real team • Breaking through the messy middle • Scaling toward eight or nine figures • Or preparing for exit There is an episode that meets you where you are. Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle. Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not. The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one. Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules. Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up. Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Business Game
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Business Game
  • Show Website
    The Business Game