The Anti-Failure Podcast

In the latest instalment of The Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Rob Martin, Founder of MCommercial, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and redefining success. With nearly two decades of experience in the building and commercial property sectors, Rob shares his journey from working in large corporate environments to launching his own people-first commercial property buyer’s agency.

Rob opens up about navigating the challenges of starting a business, the lessons learned from personal and professional failures, and how prioritising relationships and integrity helped him overcome setbacks. He discusses the pivotal moments that inspired hi...

Valentina Coin - aka the Digital Transformation Fairy Godmother - joins Chris on the Anti-Failure Podcast to unpack how small businesses can turn tech chaos into scalable, sustainable growth. From tackling failed software launches to aligning people, processes, and technology, Val shares why embracing failure is a gamechanger for business (and personal) transformation. If you want practical strategies to turn process and technology headaches into business wins, this conversation is your blueprint! Check it out now and start building without the chaos.

From a career that began in the social services of inner-city Manchester to now leading successful organisational mergers and launching Loom Consulting, Alex’s journey is one of intentional pivots, entrepreneurial thinking, and a relentless drive to “do good, better.” Chris and Alex explore how embracing commercial strategies, fostering innovative governance, and harnessing technology can unlock new ways for charities to deliver on their missions while avoiding the pitfalls of risk aversion and stagnation.

Alex’s story is a fresh reminder: meaningful change and even commercial success are possible in the purpose-driven sector, if you’re willing to challen...

What happens when the chef at the top of her game realises the recipe for success is destroying her health? Award-winning chef, author, and nutritionist Bridget Foliaki-Davis joins Chris to share how she went from running Sydney’s finest kitchens to overhauling her life, losing 35 kilos, healing from burnout and turning food into medicine.

Bridget shares the intense realities of professional kitchens, the battles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and the surprising business lessons she learned along the way. Her story takes a pivotal turn when burnout and health issues force her to rethink he...

In this episode, Chris sits down with David Altamura, founder of Wild Soul Wellness, to unpack a journey from adversity to opportunity. From personal training and swim coaching in Melbourne to launching wellness spaces in Byron Bay, David eventually returned home to lead a fast-growing franchise network. Along the way, he nearly lost it all in a $60,000 construction disaster, a messy legal battle, and the gut punch of starting over with his young family. 

Chris and David dig into the lessons that helped him bounce back, scale up, and now guide franchisees through the growing pains with r...

What if your biggest failures turned out to be the launchpad for the life you were truly meant to live? In this episode, Chris sits down with Luke McLeod, who went from artillery gunner in the Australian Defence Force to starring on Australia’s highest-rating reality dating show, before finding his real calling: helping people unlock everyday enlightenment.

Luke’s story is one of unexpected pivots. He opens up about the moment everything crashed - his business failed, his relationship ended, and his world shrank to a one-bedroom apartment and four blank walls. A chance Netflix documentary insp...

What if the setbacks that nearly stopped you in your tracks were actually nudges pushing you toward something bigger? In this inspiring episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris reconnects with long-time friend Lish Feia, an ABC presenter, science communicator, and co-founder of FixIt Chicks, to peel back the curtain on a career built not despite failure, but because of it.

Lish’s journey from making science come alive for kids with the Questacon Science Circus, to helping everyday Australians cut their energy bills, to rebooting her career after a surprise contract non-renewal, shows how change, even when de...

What does it take to build a business that lasts and thrives for over a decade? In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Ben Lucas, former professional athlete and co-director of Flow Athletic, as they reflect on 12 years of building one of Sydney’s most recognised fitness communities.

Shaped by an upbringing that instilled resilience and a deep work ethic, Ben shares how he has approached both business and life with a relentless drive to challenge himself. Together with his business partner Kate Kendall, Ben has built Flow Athletic into a business that ba...

What if your biggest failures were actually the keys to your success? In today’s episode, Chris sits down with Brittany Bennett, the founder of Bennett PR—a powerhouse in the health, fitness, and wellness communications space. Brittany’s path is anything but linear: from an early career in the fashion capitals of Europe to making her mark in Australia's PR industry, she shares how setbacks, tough work environments, and even toxic workplaces shaped her approach to business and leadership.

We dig into her lessons learned—how adversity built resilience, why boundaries matter, and how letting go of negat...

Nicolas Bivero, co-founder of Penbrothers, sits down with Chris for an enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of martial arts and business. Discover how Nicolas' martial arts background has instilled in him a profound sense of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of learning—qualities that have been instrumental in navigating business challenges.

Together, Chris and Nicolas delve into their shared experiences of building a remote team-building service in the Philippines. They discuss pivotal decisions that have shaped their company culture and underscore the importance of curiosity and humility as cornerstones of successful entrepreneurship. Whether you're grappling wi...

In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Carly Martin, founder of the consultancy group Venture Bench, to unearth the intricate dance between legal frameworks and business creativity. As a former Amazon executive, Carly shares her journey of leaving the corporate giant to help Australian businesses scale globally. Tune in to explore how smart risk-taking, curiosity, and a strategic mindset can unlock growth and innovation. Carly's insights into balancing legal protections with entrepreneurial ambition will resonate with anyone looking to make informed, bold moves. Prepare for a deep dive into the world of venture capital, corporate...

From much-loved Mayor to NSW Member of Parliament, Michael shares his unconventional career journey into politics. Underscored by a desire for real change and an ability to get shit done, Mike is not just another Poli. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris and Mike discuss the importance of vision, resilience, and collaborative compromise to deliver projects that benefit the greater good. His story reminds us that success isn't always tied to a formal education. It's about saying yes to opportunities, asking the right questions, and giving it your all.

Welcome back to the Anti-Failure Podcast for 2025! Founder of Sydney-based Landscape Construction Group - Outdoor Residential - Cam McDonald joins Chris as they explore Cam's journey from job loss to building a flourishing business. Tune in for insights on building a reputable brand, maintaining healthy cash flow, and fostering positive workplace culture. Whether you're eager to start your own business or looking for reassurance on your own entrepreneurial journey, Cam's story will surely steer you down the right path.

How do you get the best from your team? How do you get the best out of yourself? Cyrus is a people and business performance leader, advising organisations on how to align their team to their overall strategy - a career he fell into after leaving an engineering degree to work in recruitment.

Driven by a love of people, he wanted to combine this with his passion for probing into what makes businesses tick. This episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast brings an enlightening discussion about decision-making and risk, chasing the right kind of revenue, addressing underperformance, small...

Wendy Laureti and husband, Frank, bought Saddler's Creek Winery back in 2015. Within four months of taking over the estate, they were hit with once in a century floods, followed by ongoing droughts and the state’s worst bushfire season on record in 2019/20. Then Covid hits. And immediately after what feels like an eternity of pandemic lockdowns, they're assaulted with more flooding and bushfires. Enduring more in just a few short years than most business owners face in a lifetime, the Lauretis managed to dig deep and carry on.

In this latest episode of The Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris an...

After missing out on a spot in medical school, Jovin found her passion in pharmacy helping people navigate their day-to-day health issues. Overcoming financial hurdles and professional challenges, she relocated to Australia from her native home in the Philippines. She now owns two major retail pharmacies on the NSW South Coast.

In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Jovin shares her transformative journey of risk-taking, dealing with setbacks, and ultimately discovering a sense of fulfillment that aligned her personal values with her professional life.

Along the way, Jovin found purpose not just in her work...

Tom Hobbs is a former actor turned sustainability entrepreneur. Marrying his passion for surfing and environmental impact to co-create Spooked Kooks, an eco-surf brand utilising recycled consumer plastics to produce quality surfboards. Since launching in 2017, Tom and his co-founder have contributed to removing over 9.3 tonnes of plastic waste from the environment.

In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Tom opens up about his journey from the glitzy world of acting to the gritty realities of construction and entrepreneurship. We cover off why it's important to be nimble and being a jack-of-all-trades isn't necessarily a bad thing...

Brock's entrepreneurial journey started early - much earlier than most - when he begun flipping properties while still at uni. It was then a chance encounter with Tim Ferriss, of 4-Hour Work Week fame, while travelling through South America that spurred on his first business venture. Since being bitten by the entrepreneur bug, Brock has built and been a part of multiple successful ventures in the health, nutrition and FMCG arena. Including Revivol, NuZest, Beauty Food, and Chief.
 

With a passion for clean eating, sustainability and building brands with legacy, Brock's journey to this point is a...

What does it take to rebrand failure into a stepping stone for success?

In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris is joined by Grant 'Truck' Lawrie, sharing his remarkable start-up journey through antiques, event management, hospitality and skincare. Together, they explore how Grant turned financial setbacks and market challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. You’ll learn about the vital role of flexibility, the importance of passion in business, and how to stay resilient when the odds are against you. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that promises to ignite your courage and curiosity!

If...

Repeat with me 'I have failed, but I am NOT a failure!'. The distinction is an important one to make if you want to have success in any of life's pursuits. Today's guest on the Anti-Failure Podcast is Mike Campbell Man Coach, sharing his knowledge and wisdom from over a decade of helping Aussie men become Everyday Legends.

Mike started a personal training career in his early 20s. Over time this evolved into a broader coaching business that focused on all areas of personal development, not just fitness. He is now a coach and mentor, author...

Ryan Gilbank was helping a mate broker the sale of his business when he realised it was such a great deal that he bought it himself. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris and Ryan discuss the evolution from employee to business owner and journey to becoming the leader that your team needs you to be. Ryan also shares his passion for giving and how it's been one of the biggest factors for driving growth, and the importance of creating legacy over simply chasing more revenue. If you've been second-guessing taking that entrepreneur leap, Ryan's story will provide...

Chris Eagar is a fascinating human with an unbridled sense of adventure. He has a healthy appetite for risk and isn't afraid to fail. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, we dive into how Chris and his brothers turned their yearly trips together into a 3 season TV series, a book, and TV production company. Along the journey he's driven a rickshaw across India, circumnavigated North America, and been shipwrecked in the Philippines in the middle of the night. The stories will have you on the edge of your seat!

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Connor was living the dream - an intrepid traveller working and surfing in Bali. But something was amiss. For what many of us would describe as the perfect lifestyle, Connor found himself at times feeling disconnected and lonely. Craving the sense of community he had grown accustomed to surrounded by family, friends and footy. This came to a head one fateful night after receiving a call from a close friend who had just attempted to take his own life.

Upon returning home, Connor began fitness coaching. Re-igniting a long-held passion for helping others. Starting with just...

Nat Perkins is a physiotherapist with a very interesting resume, working with an array of athletes and celebrities. A list that includes the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Guns 'n' Roses, as well as Nitro Circus - serving as their Head Physio for a number of years. She also owns a successful Sydney physiotherapy clinic.

In this episode, Chris and Nat discuss the difficulties of managing a career and entrepreneurship as a woman, juggling clients and running a business, the evolution of leadership and employee roles, pseudo-experts, finding joy in...

WithWine founder and CEO, Rich Owens, has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his career. But every twist and turn inevitably led him down a path that saw him bring together a passion for solving big problems and his love of great wine. Following a shock redundancy in 2013, he set out to build a tech platform that could improve the entire wine industry. And he hasn't looked back. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Rich and Chris discuss taking the ego and emotional pain out of failure; the power of yes (and saying f**k...

While working in Dubai, Sion was impeded from leaving the country by his employer. An experience so confronting that he has vowed to never be employed by someone else again. In this episode, we delve into his inspiring journey as a successful entrepreneur, athlete, and mental performance coach. Sion shares his remarkable experiences, from sleepless nights on a gym floor to completing insane athletic endeavours, and ultimately finding fulfilment through impacting others. Alongside host Chris Kendall, Sion highlights the importance of core values, personal growth, balance between business, family, and well-being, and the ever-elusive pursuit of happiness. Grab a...

Terri Ayliffe brings energy and vivacity to everything she does. With a passion for building businesses and helping people reach their full potential, both professionally and personally, success is about creating environments where staff and clients can be their authentic selves. Believing that this is where people perform their best, and are at their happiest. 

It would take all that personal strength and fortitude to overcome the biggest failure in her entrepreneurial journey to date. Awaking one morning to find her and husband Matt's business had fallen victim to a banking scam to the tune of $300,000. All o...

An inspiring story about following your passion and dreams. Josh was kicked out of school at 15 and struggled to find his purpose. After a number of retail and corporate roles across real estate, fashion and media, he embarked on a journey to become a shoe designer. A path that later placed him as the founder of a niche athletic sneaker brand - for cheerleaders. 

In this episode, Chris and Josh discuss overcoming production challenges, delivering superior customer service to build a strong brand, why it's essential to own EVERY mistake, and the importance of sleep in business p...

Matthew Brown is a wealth and investment strategist, podcast host, father and husband - but not in that order if you ask him. His journey started as a PE teacher over 20 years ago, when he realised that career path was not going to afford him the lifestyle he wished for him and his family. So he forged a new path, now running Your Corner 360 - a financial advisory aimed at helping individuals and entrepreneurs build financial freedom. Offering accounting, legal, wealth and finance broking services all under one roof. His podcast, Finsightful Wealth, shares tactics and strategies for people...

Sally Breden is a start-up founder and busy mum of 3. Combining her vast marketing experience and passion for health, nutrition and well-being, Sally launched VGood Co in 2019. She has since created an entire range of nut-free and allergen-free spreads and snacks, perfect for kids' lunchboxes. 

In this episode, Chris and Sally discuss the heartache of failures, finding the right partner (in business and in life), having a purpose beyond financial reward, and some of the biggest learnings when building a business from the ground up. If you've been thinking about creating a business of your own, but h...

Sam is a high stakes communication expert, specialising in media and corporate communications and crisis management. Leveraging over 30 years’ experience in assisting clients to build credibility, conquer crises, protect personal and business reputation, and become better communicators.

We discuss proactive crisis management, the importance of authentic communication, and the challenges and rewards of being a small business owner. Sam give us some insights into the Optus failed communication strategies, that fell short of the public’s expectations following their recent data breach and service outage crises – and how your business can avoid the same fate.

Sam is...

A story of resilience and determination. From humble beginnings, born in a refugee camp to becoming one of Australia's top performing finance brokers, Hung exudes all the characteristics of a strong business leader. Peer into the mind of a natural entrepreneur who's tried his hand at a whole host of ventures - some successful, others not so much - with the courage to forge on ahead. In this episode, we'll discuss building a strong inner circle, the business superpower of curiosity, creating work-life balance, and what it takes to back yourself in business.

Terry is making waves in the water and utilities space. As Founder and CEO of Altogether Group, his leadership style leans on a sense of calm, empathy and setting the example from the top down. Take lessons from his failures along the journey as he talks entrepreneurial mindset, approaches to failure, failing small and failing safe, and building an internal culture that supports all these.

Tim Mullen is an entrepreneur and start-up investor. Having built several businesses of his own, and invested in many more, Tim delivers unique insights on the real entrepreneurial lifestyle, the subjective nature of business success, vital business metrics to measure, and the lonely path of a start-up founder.

Pete Mumford (CEO & Founder, Stone Real Estate) delivers candid insights on a decorated resume. A career that has seen its fair share of failures, but each taking him on a path to greater success. Listen in for a true entrepreneur's take on stumbles and failure, giving it a go, money, and balancing family and work. 

An introduction to the concept of Anti-Failure. Chris dives into the subject with Aretex co-founder Andrew Bursill to highlight failure's pivotal role in business success.