The Growth Equation

This episode is all about finding your business niche and why it's a game-changer. I sat down with Joana Inch, co-founder of Hat Media, and she dropped some serious wisdom.

Joana's journey is powerful: from a general digital marketing agency to a specialized powerhouse in Account-Based Marketing (ABM) for B2B SaaS and tech. Think targeted. Think results. We dive deep into Hat Media's evolution, navigating economic shifts, and why a tight, adaptable team is non-negotiable. Joana explains exactly how ABM crushes traditional marketing by focusing on high-value accounts and building real relationships – a strategy many Australian co...

You want to balance your business, family, and personal life? This episode of The Growth Equation is for you.

I'm talking with Jordan McFadyen, founder of Done By Nine. He’s living proof that you can build a successful business without sacrificing your freedom or family time.

Jordan literally started Done By Nine before his 9-to-5 job. That early ambition and focus on flexibility still drive his remote marketing agency today, even as he travels with his family. We get into the nitty-gritty:

How can you leverage the evolving freelance market to supercharge your Australian business? That's what I explored with Kate Huber, founder of This is Rocket. She reveals how her company provides a unique solution for quickly finding skilled local freelancers when you're short on time or resources.

Kate brings a raw, honest perspective on the freelance world – the highs, the lows, the increased demand, and the constant search for experienced talent. Her commitment to fostering a strong freelance community is truly inspiring.

We also dive headfirst into AI, looking at how platforms li...

Ready to really move the needle with video marketing and build long-term wealth?

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sat down with Jacob Lawrence, founder of Fisheye, a standout video marketing agency based in Newcastle, Australia.

We unpack Fisheye’s fascinating journey from a clever name (inspired by a fisheye lens!) to becoming a leader in video marketing. We discuss the rapid evolution of video, including the shift to shorter, more organic content and the demand for faster-to-market media.

Jacob shares practical strategies for business owners:

Just wrapped an awesome chat with Isaac Alexander, the brain behind Ape-x. We dove deep into what it really means to run a lean, focused, remote digital marketing agency, especially for high-ticket service businesses. Isaac started out ghostwriting blogs in Brisbane, but they found their sweet spot: SEO and PPC. That move? Game-changer. Narrowing their focus made all the difference, and working with the right clients is where the magic happens.

Isaac got real about the challenges too, sharing big lessons learned from saying "no" to projects that weren't a fit. That decision was huge for team...

Want a business that aligns with your values? Listen up. 

I sat down with Brian Meert, founder of AdvertiseMint, on The Growth Equation. We explored what it really takes to run a thriving business, especially in the ever-evolving marketing world.

Brian shares his journey from entertainment marketing to launching his own agency, even landing his former boss as his first client! His passion for marketing keeps him energized through constant industry shifts.

We dive into leading teams, navigating setbacks like COVID-19, and making tough decisions. Brian credits mentorship during his M...

Sitting down with Rhys Southern for The Growth Equation was eye-opening. His story? It's the honest truth of building a business—the highs, the lows, the relatable journey we all face.

Rhys started with Facebook ads for real estate but quickly saw the real need: local businesses needed to be found on Google. He made the leap into SEO, helping plumbers, landscapers, and accountants get noticed online.

His genius move? Registering his business in both Australia and the Netherlands. This wasn't just paperwork; it unlocked global possibilities and fueled his team training for international growth. Hi...

You've got to hear my conversation with Tracie Parisi, the force behind Student Convert. She's cracked the code on how educators attract and convert inquiries into enrollments. Tracie's entrepreneurial path — from property to indoor play, now leading marketing innovation — is genuinely captivating.

We explored the cutting edge: how systems, automation, and AI are completely disrupting education marketing. Imagine tools like voice replication and AI agents making lead generation incredibly efficient. This is the new standard, and you need to know about it.

Tracie opened up about the tough stuff, too. We discussed the critical importance of c...

In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Fitton from Punch Buggy, and her story is one every entrepreneur can relate to. Emily walks us through the early days—late nights, small wins, and the leap from freelancing to running a full-fledged agency with her husband, Ryan. We talk candidly about the realities of scaling a team, managing stress, and why sometimes less really is more when it comes to business growth.

Emily shares how the Punch Buggy team weathered the storm during COVID-19, adapted to remote work, and found their sweet spot by focusing on Shopify. She...

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I have a great chat with Andrew "Doza" Handosa, the founder of Geronimo Academy. Doza walks us through his incredible journey of building multiple F45 studios into seven-figure businesses, then shifting his focus to coaching other studio owners to achieve similar success.

We also dive into how he adapted during the pandemic by offering virtual workouts and renting out equipment, two moves that helped him stay connected with clients while keeping his business afloat. On top of that, Doza shares how he managed to skyrocket his free trial conversions from 20...

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sit down with Sean Chaudhary, founder of Alchemy Leads, to talk about scaling a remote-first digital agency and leading with trust. From a solo start to a 35-person global team, Sean shares how he’s built a results-driven culture without micromanagement—and how integrating AI, cold outreach, and authentic branding has helped him stay ahead.

Whether you’re growing your team, refining your leadership style, or looking for fresh ways to generate leads, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply right away.

Episode Highlights:

Running a business isn't always smooth sailing—it comes with surprises, challenges, and valuable lessons. In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sit down with Matt Hodgson, founder of Bring Digital Performance, to dive into his entrepreneurial journey and the insights he’s gained along the way.

Matt has been working in SEO since before Google existed, and today, his business specializes in digital performance, helping clients with SEO and paid search strategies. We explore his path from leaving a role at Similar Web to identifying a gap in the market and launching his own company, focu...

In this episode, I had the real pleasure of speaking with Matt Jones from Tradie Web Guys. Matt’s journey is a cracking example of what happens when hands-on experience meets digital innovation. Starting out as a plumber, Matt transitioned into the world of marketing and tech, ultimately building a successful agency dedicated to helping trades-based businesses grow and thrive online.

We unpacked his path from the job site to the digital space, exploring the pivotal moment when he realised his passion for marketing and how it could transform the trade industry. Matt shared some brilliant insights on...

What does it really take to evolve from a generalist design studio into a razor-sharp brand consultancy? In this engaging episode, John Reid, the founder of Love Hate Design, unpacks the lessons learned from 18 years in the industry.

We unpack the foundational principles that drive his work, starting with the power of a clear brand message. For John, it’s not just about attracting the right clients; it’s about creating a lens for every business decision. He dives into the importance of truly understanding client needs, maintaining open communication, and, when necessary, having the integrity to walk...

In this engaging conversation on The Growth Equation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Levett, the driving force behind Murmur, a thriving media and marketing agency right here in Australia. Dave shared the interesting story behind Murmur's name, inspired by a moment of reflection during a trip to Croatia. We delved into his career path, which took him from the bustling media scene in London with Sky UK to the leap of faith in starting his own consultancy that ultimately blossomed into Murmur.

Dave recounted Murmur's impressive journey, highlighting their evolution from a strategic focus...

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sit down with Jens, the founder of Good Viking, a creative agency based in Auckland, New Zealand. Jens shares his fascinating journey from working at major television networks across London, Sydney, and New Zealand to launching his own business during the pandemic after unexpectedly losing his job.

Together with his partner Sarah Finney, Jens has built Good Viking around a lean freelance model, tapping into a global network of creative talent rather than carrying the overhead of permanent staff. We explore how this approach has allowed them to stay...

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I chat with Matt Bijarchi, founder and sole operator of West Hollywood’s creative production company, Blend. Matt walks me through his bold pivot from a traditional, partner-driven agency to a nimble one-person corporation focused exclusively on video and content creation. We dive into his unique hybrid model, part agency, part production house, and how he’s leveraged lean processes to deliver high-value, non‑union work directly to clients. Along the way, Matt shares how he navigated the post‑pandemic shakeup, why speed to market and agility are no longer optional, and how he’s...

This episode of The Growth Equation brings you inside the minds of Jason and Brenden, co-founders of Andzen, an email marketing and automation agency with a truly global footprint. Host Tristan Wright explores how they navigated the leap from corporate acquisition to startup life, and how they’ve used data, culture, and emerging tech to drive long-term agency success.

Jason and Brenden talk openly about the stress and strategy of running a global marketing agency across Australia, the Philippines, and the US. They reflect on the importance of financial forecasting, the emotional toll of right-sizing during downturns, an...

In this episode of The Growth Equation, listeners are invited into the journey of Matthew Pezzimenti, founder of Conversion Kings, as he shares the real story behind building a thriving marketing agency. Matthew discusses how his early inspiration from "The 4-Hour Work Week" quickly gave way to the demanding reality of 80-hour work weeks, and he reveals the hard lessons learned about the difference between chasing revenue and achieving sustainable profitability.

Throughout the conversation, Matthew unpacks the challenges of managing a growing team, especially when high performers threaten company culture. He emphasizes the critical role of continuous...

Join me as I chat with Nilan, whose entrepreneurial journey from Sri Lanka to Australia is filled with powerful lessons on perseverance, reinvention, and the courage to lead with purpose. In this episode, Nilan opens up about the realities of starting over in a new country and the unique challenges he faced building Firehouse Technology and Mortar AI from the ground up. He discusses how cultural adaptation became a catalyst for innovation, and how he leveraged his diverse background to spot opportunities others might overlook.

We dive deep into the impact of safe and ethical AI in...

In this episode, we're joined by Tyneal Alexander, founder of Ritual Consulting, who shares her journey of transitioning from managing multi-million-dollar budgets for big brands to helping small businesses create intentional marketing strategies. Tyneal explains how she needed to do something meaningful with the skills and knowledge she acquired in the corporate world, leading her to establish a consultancy focused on empowering business owners. She discusses her belief that all businesses—no matter how big or small—need to market themselves effectively, and how her experience allows her to provide the tools and insights necessary for sustainable growth.

Th...

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Murphy, the Founder and CEO of Attention Media, a digital marketing agency making waves from the regional hub of Shepparton, Victoria. Anthony shares how a humble podcast launched in 2015 sparked a full-fledged business journey—growing from solo freelance projects into a team-driven agency helping clients amplify their online presence.

We explore the lessons learned from early challenges, including navigating financial hurdles, investor partnerships, and the importance of refining systems and processes to scale sustainably. Anthony also discusses the evolving role of AI in digital marketing, the unique advantages of ru...

Mitch Hills shares his practical approach to building efficient systems and workflows in his digital agency. We discuss his strategies for team management, reporting, and streamlining operations, along with his insights on developing internal software solutions to address specific agency needs.

Whether you’re running a startup or a well-established company, growth is a challenge. Ben Simkin has spent nearly 20 years helping businesses scale efficiently by refining marketing strategies, leveraging AI, and optimizing business operations. In this episode, we discuss what it really takes to scale, common growth mistakes, and why automation is key to long-term success.

Tristan Wright speaks with Serena Mastin, who shares her story of navigating business and life’s challenges. Explore her perspective on creating work environments where team members can bring their whole selves to work, and how to support team members through personal struggles. Learn about Pulse Marketing's approach to time-based project management, and how they are making strides in the area of AI integration.

Join Tristan Wright as he sits down with David Hayes of HBK, a creative agency that has thrived for over 25 years. They dive into the secrets behind long-term client relationships, the evolution of the creative landscape, and the importance of human connection in a digital world. Discover HBK's approach to talent acquisition, the challenges of scaling, and why David believes interesting messages will always trump measurability.

In this episode, we're keepin' it real with Ryan Jenkins from The Hype Society. This dude’s been in the agency game for 10 years, and he's not afraid to drop some truth bombs about the rollercoaster of scaling.

We're talking about:

In this episode of The Growth Equation, Tristan Wright chats with Quentin Weber, the founder and CEO of Unbound, a New Zealand-based digital marketing agency. They talk about Quentin’s journey, from starting his first agency, navigating a business partnership split, and the challenges of scaling an agency from a solo operation to a team of nine. Quentin shares his insights on growth plateaus, the importance of systems, and how AI is transforming agency operations. He also highlights the critical balance between business growth and personal well-being. This episode is packed with actionable advice for agency owners looking to gr...