#509 Lox in a Box Unpacked: From Home Kitchen to a Sydney Success Story with Candy Berger
In this episode, Candy Berger, CEO of Lox in a Box, talks through the journey from the early vision to the challenges that shaped the business. She explains how she navigated setbacks, built resilience and scaled what started as a small takeaway bagel shop in Bondi into three thriving locations in Coogee, Bondi and Marrickville, along with a retail line, baked goods and a fast-growing brand. A sharp and honest look at building a modern hospitality business and what it takes to keep growing. Check out the Lox in a Box website here: https://www.loxinabox.com.au/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#508 Michael Christidis: The Energetic Entrepreneur Behind Australia’s Biggest Music Festivals
Michael Christidis is a 31 year old Melbourne entrepreneur and the Co Founder and Managing Director of Untitled Group, one of Australia’s leading independent live music and events companies. He started young, running uni events and selling tickets before co founding Untitled Group in 2014, now home to festivals like Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music and Arts, Wildlands and Ability Fest. We cover his early entrepreneurial DNA, how he built a nightclub that took off, and how that momentum evolved into major festivals and a wider ecosystem that includes artist management, touring, events and strategic partnerships like The Daily Aus. Mike also opens up about the importance of mentors, the impact of COVID 19, dealing with chaos, staying bulletproof under pressure, diversification and why thinking bigger is the only way forward. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#507 The Art of Execution: What Separates Winners from the Rest with David Kenney
Every small business owner wants to know the same thing — how do I execute?How do I take the idea in my head and turn it into something that actually works? In this conversation with David Kenney, we break down the real fundamentals of execution — not the theory, but the stuff that actually moves the needle. We cover: David’s background and the thinking behind his new book Why so many people get stuck inside corporate environments and how to handle midlife career shifts The common patterns across successful and unsuccessful businesses The four pillars of capital allocation every founder needs to master Entrepreneurship today vs. 30 years ago — what’s changed and what hasn’t How to apply “Epic Execution” across different industries Finding, testing and validating business ideas the right way Building the right team and why early hires make or break a venture The importance of co-founders — and how to know if you need one Staying relevant in a fast-changing market Purchase David's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/EPIC-EXECUTION-SPEED-SCALE-LEVEL/dp/1960346342 You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#506 Chris Lucas: The Visionary Behind Australia’s Hottest Restaurants
Chris Lucas is one of Australia’s most successful and influential restaurateurs — the visionary behind some of the country’s most culturally defining venues, including Chin Chin, Grill Americano (Melbourne & Sydney), Society, Maison Bâtard, Yakimono, Kisumé and Baby Pizza. In this conversation, we discuss his newest venture, Grill Americano Sydney, and explore the mindset behind building restaurants that don’t just serve food — they shape culture. We cover his Greek heritage and family influences, his journey from corporate life into hospitality, and the lessons learned from decades at the top of Australia’s restaurant scene. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#505 Over the Back Fence: Wine, Friendship & Building a Community with Nicola Dale & Di Edwards
Best friends Di Edwards and Nicola Dale turned their backyard chats into Over the Back Fence — a growing movement built on connection, courage and purpose. From honest conversations about life to empowering women in business, they’ve created a platform that uplifts and inspires through every episode. Through their different series — Over the Back Fence, weekly chats to uplift and inspire; Over the Money Fence, monthly financial conversations; and Over the Wine Fence, featuring their custom-label wine — Di and Nicola are showing how meaningful conversations can spark real change. Follow their instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Bouris speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs, finding out what makes them tick and their plans for growth. Some business owners are on the way up and enjoying new success, others are at a turning point. Mark digs into their stories and finds out why they set out to create their own path, their challenges and where they go from here. Based on his own personal experiences and learnings, he also passes on his own guidance on how to take their business to the next level.
Australia