Rooster Radio - Business & Personal Growth Insights & Stories From Entrepreneurs And Leaders In Business, Health, Tech & More

We end 2018 with some reflection, picking up on an episode we recorded almost a year ago to the day. It was episode 100, when Rooster Radio co-host James Begley unpacked what was the hardest year of his life, in raw detail. A number of our listeners were a bit stunned - it seems not many people understand the financial and personal impact that running a startup can have. After posting the episode, there were more than a few phone calls from concerned mates asking if Begs was holding up ok. (But there are many gold nuggets on business and resilience in that episode, so make sure you wind back to episode 100 if you haven't already - here's the link.) Now, a year later, a lot has happened since that fateful episode. The rollercoaster has continued, but this time with more amazing successes and achievements. James' startup PickStar got funded, launched new tech, grew significantly and the future looks bright .. and yet, of course, 'the unknown' always remains. So in this episode, Andrew put Begs under the mi

Tobi Pearce and his fiancee Kayla Itsines are behind the remarkable Adelaide based fitness empire Sweat, which is hitting around $100 million in annual revenue, and saw the couple's wealth valued at $486 million on the AFR Young Rich List in 2018. The company was initially built on the back of Kayla's unbelievable social media presence (which by the way has passed 10 million followers on Instagram and 23 million on Facebook) and their product, the Bikini Body Guide - giving users a work out plan, nutrition information, recipes and more. Now, Sweat is becoming the 'Netflix of health and fitness' with millions around the world consuming content on a monthly subscription via the Sweat app. It is hard to believe that just 10 years ago, Tobi was homeless and trying to find his way in life. We talk about his personal journey and meeting Kayla. We go deep into the mechanics of how the duo built this amazing company and the strategy behind it. Tobi also talks about managing rapid growth, leadership, dealing wit

Dr Michelle Perugini is an academic, entrepreneur, and an internationally renowned expert in health, medical research, advanced analytics, and cognitive AI. Michelle spent the first 13 years of her career in health and medical research, specialising in predictive genetics and translational medicine. Michelle then co-founded global technology company ISD Analytics with her husband Don, who is also an accomplished scientist, selling the business to Ernst and Young (EY) in 2015. With little time to rest, the Perugini's founded Life Whisperer, a company that uses technology to help improve the chances of IVF couples having children. This is AI-driven, cloud based image analysis that improves the accuracy of healthy embryo selection in IVF. In conjunction with Life Whisperer, the duo also launched another AI company, Presagen. It has been a remarkable journey for someone who didn't feel born for entrepreneurship. Michelle shares her story, the naivety of her approach to her first company, and the learnings fro

"I opened my cab door that morning, and watched the first plane crash into the building above our heads." Antony Ceravolo was living the corporate life as an investment banker in New York's World Trade Center when he saw the 9/11 attacks happen in front of his eyes. It was the series of moments that would change the world, including his own. In the fallout, many investment bankers lost their jobs and Antony was forced to turn to his own business ideas. Now, Antony is known for building global tech companies. First there was Red Bus Media, an out of home media network, and then LoveFilm, a DVD distribution and video streaming company that Antony sold to Amazon for around $AU300 million. He could've comfortably stopped there. Instead, he moved home to Adelaide and built his next company, Sine, developing technology to make it easy for visitors, contractors and staff to check in to the everyday locations they attend. Sine has checked in more than 20 million visitors, working with some of the world's biggest b

It has been quite some time since our last episode (sorry), we took a break from Rooster HQ to focus on our REAL businesses. But now we're back with our SouthStart series, which we're excited about. We're interviewing some of the stars of the Southstart Conference, which celebrates the collision of people, ideas and technology in Adelaide on November 21 to 23. And first cab off the rank is the man behind SouthStart in 2018, Craig Swann. SouthStart fell into the hands of Craig and his business partners last year, and he has done an amazing job pulling together a world class event and activating an 'interesting' startup community in Adelaide. Craig is a highly successful global innovator, in his own right. The Canadian founded companies in New York City, including award winning interactive agency CRASHMEDIA and the internet's first online music studio, Looplabs. Millions of people have benefited from Craig's innovations, including Steve Jobs, who demoed Looplabs for the launch of the Safari Browser at an Ap

Dr Phillp Alvelda is one of America's Leading tech engineers and minds. A pioneer in Artificial Intelligence, Dr Alvelda has been developing anthropomorphic AI and machine learning tools, digital twins, and synthetic personalities. He is the founding CEO of Cortical.AI, and is formerly of NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Agency (a department of the US Defence Force). He also founded Mobi TV, the first company to bring live TV to mobile devices. Dr Alvelda is at the forefront of a world where technology is advancing mankind, pioneering a brain-machine interface industry that helps the blind see, the deaf hear and the paralysed regain movement. And yet fear of AI and a perceived threat of robots remains, concerns that Dr Alvelda addresses in our interview. We cover that and a range of other issues including the future of anthropomorphic AI, opportunities, ethical considerations and much more. Dr Alvelda will be in Adelaide sharing his insights at Hybrid World, a tech conference held on July 23 and 24

Most governments and leaders are grappling with the challenge of transitioning to a culture of innovation where both people and business prosper. Finland has done this, and more. Rooster Radio jumped onto Skype and called in to Helsinki for an interview with Andre Noel Chaker, who has spent more than 25 years living in Finland studying it's business culture. His books, The Finnish Miracle and The Finnish Miracle - One Hundred Years of Success, are best sellers, revealing Nordic insights into achieving business and personal success. You're probably asking .. why Finland and why should we care? Andre tells us that Finland has developed a culture of entrepreneurship, courage, trust and invested heavily into its people. The economic and social outcomes have been remarkable, and there is much for countries like Australia to learn. Andre will be in Adelaide sharing his insights at Hybrid World, a tech conference held on July 23 and 24, 2018. Find out more about Hybrid World: http://hybridworldadelaide.org Ro

Back in episode 86 we talked to Paul van der Linden, who quit his job at IBM to start his own technology company, outThought. At the time, Paul talked about the hopes, fears and challenges of leaving the corporate life to pursue his dreams (If you missed the chat, click here http://roosterradio.biz/blog/2017/7/24/ep-86-the-jump-case-study-part-1-paul-van-der-lindens-hopes-and-fears-after-quitting-ibm) Almost a year later, we sit down with Paul again for Part 2 to talk about how his journey has progressed - expectations versus the reality of starting his company, which is at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, virtual assistants and bot technology. Paul talks about winning his first clients, the early successes, struggles and evolution of the business ... as well as his own personal development throughout the process. Go back to Part 1 here http://roosterradio.biz/blog/2017/7/24/ep-86-the-jump-case-study-part-1-paul-van-der-lindens-hopes-and-fears-after-quitting-ibm Find out more about outThought

Brad Krauskopf is an entrepreneur and workplace innovator who is a leading voice in coworking and flexible work. He is the founder of Hub Australia, the country's largest co-working community with spaces in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. But first, you may be wondering what co-working actually is. Typically, it's where independent workers come together at shared workspaces, renting desks or offices under flexible membership arrangements, creating communities of entrepreneurs, freelancers and startups that not only share facilities but also ideas and knowledge. Coworking has gone from niche to mainstream in recent years, there are now numerous spaces in most cities throughout the world, which have sprung up in parallel with our shift in work culture.  Brad talks about his story as well as the power of coworking, coworker culture, collaboration benefits, work trends and much more.  Find out more about Hub Australia - https://www.hubaustralia.com/ Rooster Radio is hosted by Andrew Montesi and James Begley -

This episode was first published on Off-Field, the podcast that focuses on the world of sport outside of the arena - find out more at off-field.co  Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie was one of the world's great fast bowlers during the mid 2000s when Australia was dominating international cricket. He took 259 test match wickets, and who could forget the double century he made against Bangladesh in 2006. If not for injuries, his record could've been even better. He's now a highly respected cricket coach, and led the Adelaide Strikers to victory in the 2018 Big Bash League. In recent years, he's become a vegan. He explains the ethical and health reasons, but reveals the motivation behind the lifestyle change - the sudden and tragic loss of his father, Neil, who suffered a heart attack while helping Jason move house. Attempts to revive his Dad were unsuccessful, and the aftermath led Jason to reflect on all aspects of his own life. Jason also talks about other defining moments, including the grade cricket banter that

In this episode we have an in depth discussion about the future of work with Marina Pullin. Marina works with some of Australia's largest organisations, helping them take the step towards commercial innovation. She also invented a platform called Jungal, a private platform to match great people with great opportunities. Marina is at the intersection of our transforming world of work. We talk about the move towards the gig economy - the rapidly growing workforce of independent workers who take up short-term contracts instead of typical full time employment. We talk about the opportunities and threats that the gig economy brings .. for workers, companies and even governments. We also talk about what work will look like in the decades ahead, the scary potential impact of computers on jobs, what leadership and culture looks like with transient staff and much more. Find out more about MCBI. Rooster Radio is hosted by Andrew Montesi and James Begley - visit http://roosterradio.biz Connect with Rooster Radio - sig

In this episode we're live at the Adelaide Podcast Festival with Ben Fitzsimons. Ben was one of our first guests on Rooster Radio - a true entrepreneur, property developer and former CEO of the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL. Now, he's CEO of WeCann, pioneering the medical cannabis industry in Australia. In a 15-minute rapid fire session at the Podcast Festival, we talked about the huge health and commercial opportunities that medicinal cannabis can bring, the barriers that are currently preventing the development of the industry in Australia and why the black market is prospering. Connect with Ben Fitzsimons and find out more about WeCann here http://wecann.com.au . Find out more about the Adelaide Podcast Festival. Rooster Radio is hosted by Andrew Montesi and James Begley - visit http://roosterradio.biz Connect with Rooster Radio - sign up to our mailing list at http://roosterradio.biz and join our Facebook community at http://facebook.com/roosterradioHQ For podcasting strategy, production and commercial ser

When Rob Dean and Dan Mendelson launched Burger Theory from a converted caravan in Adelaide back in 2011, it kicked off a food truck movement and a burger revolution. Foodies would eagerly await the next Burger Theory tweet to find out the truck's next location. The line ups were notoriously huge. Rob and Dan then moved into bricks and mortar, with three well known restaurants and an enviable brand. An expansion into China didn't work out but business still seemed to be good. Then we heard that Burger Theory had completely overhauled their menu ... no more beef, no chicken and no bacon. Just a kangaroo meat pattie. Wait ... what? We then found out why. The price of beef was going through the roof and unsustainable for the business and environment. So, true to their values of 'thoughtful fast food', Burger Theory came up with a patty blend of 80% kangaroo meat, 20% beef fat and 100% taste. Cue the outrage. Animal advocates, beef loving bogans ... Rob and Dan didn't see the criticism coming. And it has been

Andrew Zweck is one of the most influential men in international live music. Andrew has worked with Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Queen, The Who, David Bowie, Elton John, The Police, Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Madonna, Justin Bieber .. to name just a few of the huge names he has acted for as a promoter or agent. He worked alongside Bob Geldof on the famous Live Aid concert and partied with the likes of Freddie Mercury. It's a remarkable career for a man born in Blyth, in country South Australia. After finishing university in 1974, Andrew went backpacking through Europe and took a job as a stage hand at Hammer-Smith Odeon. He never looked back. With some smarts, ambition and a bit of luck, Andrew found himself front and centre for a golden era of music. He talks about his pathway - unforgettable moments, as well as his toughest times in the music business, the business model of music back then and now, the crazy cash global stars can earn on tour AND at private parties, managing tour logistics AND egos .

In 2014, Kevin Graham was doing pretty well for himself in South Australia, working in online marketing and doing a few property investments. Then he decided to drop everything and move to Chiang Mai, Thailand .. even though he'd never even travelled to Asia before! We sat down with Kevin for a really interesting case study on how to go from a fairly typical suburban life to 'digital nomad' in a matter of months. Even though the term is a little cliche, 'digital nomads' are basically people who leverage technology to work when and wherever they want - and it's become a big lifestyle trend. Step by step, Kevin tells us how he did it. The practical side - research, planning and logistics; and of course the business - how he's earning an amazing income from affiliate marketing and 'flipping' websites. Kevin shares the tips and traps. It's not all sipping cocktails by the beach. Kevin talks about lifestyle fantasy versus reality, and personal lessons learned from the adventure so far. Connect with Kevin G

We deliver this episode to you a week later than planned. Looking back on 2017, and 100 episodes of this podcast, the conversation got personal and cathartic, and we did question whether we'd better off keeping some content out of the public forum. But in the end, true to Rooster Radio values, we've published the chat in full, because we believe the stories shared will bring you value. James Begley, co-host of Rooster Radio and CEO of PickStar, was forced to "surrender to the unknown" in 2017. The year began with big promises and detailed plans for PickStar, before a set of uncontrollable circumstances threw everything up in the air. As the company founder, James personally put everything on the line to keep the future of the business secure. It was frustrating, exhilarating, demoralising ... but from one year he has come away with a lifetime of learnings, and enormous personal and business growth. At the transition point of the year, James and Andrew also reflect on their vision, values and goals (

We're back after an early Christmas break, thanks for sticking with us! As you know we talk to interesting people doing amazing things, and this couldn't be more true for our guest, Dr Elaine Stead. Elaine is Head of Venture Capital at Blue Sky Investments, which includes overseeing South Australia's $50 million VC fund. More broadly Blue Sky manages $3 billion worth of investments across infrastructure, real estate and private equity. A lot of people think of VCs as khaki wearing white men with a God-like ability to 'giveth and taketh away', but Elaine breaks the VC mould with complete authenticity. She's unafraid to share not only her insights and opinions but also her vulnerabilities on social media and blogs. Elaine is open about her story, mental health challenges and taboo issues, which she admits may be confronting for investors and her stakeholders. But little by little, she's changing the culture of her industry. While the world of venture capital is seemingly driven by numbers, we have an in d

No Australian has had greater success at the Paralympics than Matt Cowdrey. He won 23 medals throughout his Paralympic career including 13 gold, remarkably from just three Games. He also has a long list of world records to his name. Born with a congenital amputation at his lower left arm, Matt never saw any limitations. He played multiple sports and took up swimming in his backyard pool. That evolved into daily 4am training sessions, before making his Paralympic debut in 2004 as the youngest competitor at just 15 years old. Despite living with a disability, Matt was never out to prove anyone wrong. He simply wanted swim fast, win and inspire others. Hard work, dedication and commitment, values passed on by his parents, carry far beyond the pool and into his next career - politics. Preselected by the South Australian Liberal Party ahead of the state election in March 2018, Matt is using his wealth of experience, knowledge and influence to continue making a difference. We talk about Matt's career transi

Andrew Buttery shares the story of his remarkable business adventure in China, which proved incredibly lucrative, before it hit a Great Wall of a different kind. It started with Gemtree Wines, the Buttery family business of which Andrew was managing director. Business was good, but upon meeting a Chinese investor, things took a dramatic turn. It took three years for Andrew to facilitate the relationship and then a partnership in China, but it paid off for the company, big time. Gemtree was growing at a staggering rate and was the export poster child for the South Australian government. Until the Chinese partner's business began to crumble. Andrew then packed his bags and moved to China, on a mission to save both the partner's company, and his own. Andrew shares his amazing story, with stacks insights and lessons learned about doing business in China, along with the personal toll - he ended up leaving the family business, completely burnt out. Andrew is now rejuvenated and working with Organic and R

This is yet another episode where we ask dumb questions of smart people, in fact maybe that should be the tagline of our show. We tackle the topic of quantum computing with Michael Brett, CEO of Q xBranch, a company based in Adelaide and the US, developing tools and applications powered by quantum computing. Michael says "Quantum computing is the biggest change in computing since computing" and it's set to change the world. It's being embraced by aerospace, defence and finance industries, particularly when it comes to complex data problems, and will impact our everyday lives. Michael explains how this will happen, the real world benefits, and the global effort required to bring quantum computing to the fore. More: http://www.qxbranch.com Rooster Radio is hosted by Andrew Montesi and James Begley. We talk to interesting people doing amazing things. If you like what we're doing, you can now support the show with a few dollars (we really appreciate it): https://www.patreon.com/roosterradio Also plea