Published by Daniel Hakim
A Podcast by Daniel Hakim, CEO of the Club of United Business (CUB). Daniel catches up with the best in Australian business, to provide you with the knowledge and entertainment you need to kick ass in today's business world. Catching Up with CUB is more than a business podcast.
Listen on Apple Podcasts52 min
In this episode, Daniel sits down with Australia's Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson, for an exclusive conversation on the Federal Budget, Australia's economic future and what he believes needs to change to restore opportunity for ambitious Australians. From the Federal Government's proposed tax changes and housing affordability to productivity, migration and small business, Tim shares why he believes the latest budget could make it harder for Australians to get ahead, and outlines the Opposition's approach to supporting investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth. Daniel and Tim also discuss the role entrepreneurs play in growing the economy, why some business owners are considering expanding overseas, and provide an inside perspective on the ideas, challenges and policy debates shaping Australia's economic future. Whether you're building a business, buying your first home or simply interested in where Australia is heading, this episode provides a unique perspective on some of the biggest economic and policy decisions shaping the country's future.
46 min
Daniel catches up with Ashlea Roach, Founder and Managing Director of People Co., to discuss what it really takes to build a high-performing team and why people and culture are one of the biggest drivers of business growth. After spending her career helping startups, scaleups and SMEs navigate the challenges of hiring, leadership and workplace culture, Ashlea founded People Co. to give growing businesses practical, commercially focused people advice that goes far beyond traditional HR. Today, she works with founders to build stronger leaders, more accountable teams and cultures that scale alongside the business. Daniel and Ashlea discuss hiring, performance management, difficult conversations, leadership development, retaining great employees, building culture as your business grows and the practical strategies every founder can use to build a stronger team.
1 hr 5 min
Daniel catches up with Justin Khoury, co-founder of Unbound Minds, to discuss why the best businesses are built from the inside out and what founders can learn from putting their people first. After helping launch DoorDash Australia, Justin and his wife Monica founded Unbound Minds with a different approach to healthcare. By building the business around practitioners rather than patients, they've grown to more than 32 practitioners across two Sydney clinics and are now helping organisations create healthier workplaces through their newest venture, Unbound Work. Daniel and Justin discuss founder mental health, leadership, hiring, workplace culture, Australia's changing psychosocial safety laws, the challenges facing the NDIS and the lessons every business owner can apply to build stronger, more resilient teams.
1 hr 8 min
Daniel catches up with Julian Fayad, founder and CEO of LoanOptions.ai, to discuss the Federal Government's proposed tax changes and why he believes they could have lasting consequences for Australian entrepreneurs, investors and future business owners. After nearly a decade in the finance industry, Julian built LoanOptions.ai into an eight-figure business with almost 40 staff and over 3,000 partners. More recently, he became the face of the viral "Albo 47%" campaign, sparking a national conversation around capital gains tax, entrepreneurship and Australia's economic future. Daniel and Julian discuss the proposed budget changes, housing affordability, taxation, entrepreneurship, business growth, Australia's productivity problem and what they believe needs to change to restore opportunity for the next generation.
48 min
Daniel catches up with Jon Tyson, co-founder of Dominion Property, to explore an innovative property model helping investors build wealth while addressing Australia's housing shortage. From co-living developments and positive cash flow to property development and long-term investing, John shares how his team has created hundreds of homes through a strategy that's challenging traditional approaches to property ownership. Daniel and John discuss housing affordability, investor opportunities, development risk and the future of property investing.
52 min
Daniel is catching up with Alex Roberts, founder and director of multiple businesses across digital marketing, technology, and professional services, including Agency Stack, Admosis, and TeleMediDexy. Alex shares what he's learned from building and scaling multiple companies over the past 15 years, leading global teams, and raising three children while growing a portfolio of businesses. Daniel and Alex break down systems, leadership, company culture, AI, business partnerships, and the mindset required to build companies that stand the test of time.
50 min
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-697fd00c-0624-8323-9f2c-43247d24b874-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-697fd00c-0624-8323-9f2c-43247d24b874-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-94" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Daniel is catching up with Ryan Nelson, founder of Refilled - the Australian hardware startup disrupting the global beverage industry with smart drink dispensers that eliminate single-use plastic waste. Ryan shares the brutal reality of building a hardware company from scratch: bootstrapping a prototype with duct tape and zip ties, landing Google before the product even existed, and scaling into companies like Netflix, Uber, Atlassian, and JP Morgan. Daniel and Ryan break down enterprise sales, raising capital, startup culture, and why hardware might be the next great opportunity founders are overlooking.
51 min
Daniel is catching up with Jason Varone, CEO of Private Fleet Group - one of Australia's leading car buying agencies, purchasing over 200 cars a month by getting dealers to compete for every deal. Jason breaks down how the car industry really works: why most Australians overpay, how dealers make money, and the simple strategies you can use to get a better price. From timing your purchase to creating real competition, this is a no-BS guide to buying your next car properly. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe free to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
50 min
Daniel is catching up with Calvin Chilchik, former Head of CUB Sydney, as he leaves to fulfil a lifelong dream: co-founding a business in the US and taking his family business into its next phase of growth. Calvin shares how seven years inside CUB built the confidence, network, and sales skillset to make the leap - from overcoming imposter syndrome to thinking like a founder. They break down the real lessons behind sales, leadership, and building relationships that actually drive opportunity, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can completely change your trajectory. Exclusive Offer for our Listeners Get free access to Ari Galper's Selling With Trust app, built around his trust-based approach to improving conversion and removing the need to chase leads. Access it here: www.AriGalper.com/Free Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe free to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
43 min
Daniel is catching up with Andrew Herrmann from managed IT services provider Efex, long-time CUB member and high-performing sales leader known for his relentless drive and no-nonsense approach to winning business. Andrew breaks down the realities of modern sales - how the hustle changes as life evolves, why relationships still beat shortcuts, and how fatherhood has reshaped the way he approaches success, discipline, and time. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' exclusive CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
44 min
In this International Women's Day special, Daniel is catching up with Sophia Lafkas, Founder of The Perfect Recruit, and Carolina Montanez, Co-Founder of Plane 2 Sea - two leaders building nationwide transport and logistics businesses in traditionally male-dominated industries. They share the reality behind women in business: the motherhood juggle, resilience through failure, evolving family dynamics, and why strong partnerships - at home and at work - drive long-term success. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
50 min
Daniel is catching up with Annabel Hay, Founder and CEO of CLUTCH Glue — the globally patented fashion adhesive that went viral, delivered the "best Shark Tank pitch ever," and closed one of Australia's largest pre-seed raises for an FMCG brand. Annabel shares how an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction became an international retail brand, why listening to hate comments accelerated growth, and how fast decisions and bold marketing fuelled her rapid scale. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe free to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe . Exclusive Offer for our Listeners Nathan Soti from Ethos360 is offering Catching Up with CUB listeners a pay-only-when-successful recruitment model with no upfront risk. 📧 Email info@ethos360.com.au with the subject line "CUB Community" to access it.
47 min
Daniel is catching up with Brett Goodyer, Founder of Business Valuations Online and one of Australia's leading SME valuation experts. Brett has valued thousands of businesses, helping owners understand what their business is really worth - and how to increase it. Daniel and Brett break down how valuations actually work, the biggest mistakes that destroy value, and the simple levers that increase profit and reduce risk. If you plan to sell one day - or buy - this episode is essential listening. Exclusive Offer for our Listeners Nathan Soti from Ethos360 is offering Catching Up with CUB listeners a pay-only-when-successful recruitment model with no upfront risk. 📧 Email info@ethos360.com.au with the subject line "CUB Community" to access it. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe free to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
59 min
Daniel is catching up with Anaita Sarkar, Co-Founder & CEO of Hero Packaging and author of the bestselling 'How to Sell Anything Online'. Anaita has built one of Australia's most recognisable e-commerce packaging businesses while growing a powerful personal brand that reaches hundreds of thousands of founders. Daniel and Anaita talk about scaling with intent, using personal brand as a growth engine, leading through pressure, and why profit, systems, and joy matter more than growth at all costs. Exclusive Offer for our Listeners Nathan Soti from Ethos360 is offering Catching Up with CUB listeners a pay-only-when-successful recruitment model with no upfront risk. 📧 Email info@ethos360.com.au with the subject line "CUB Community" to access it. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe free to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
1 hr 0 min
Daniel is catching up with Cynthia Payne, Founder and Managing Director of Anchor Impact Group. Cynthia shares her journey from nurse to CEO at 33, leading a major aged care business for 16 years before building a multi-brand advisory group focused on governance, strategy, and CEO excellence. Daniel and Cynthia talk about taking risk as a founder, leading through complexity, and why great leadership is ultimately about people, clarity, and building organisations that last. Exclusive Offer for our Listeners Nathan Soti from Ethos360 is offering Catching Up with CUB listeners a pay-only-when-successful recruitment model with no upfront risk. 📧 Email info@ethos360.com.au with the subject line "CUB Community" to access it. Your Free CUB Subscription Subscribe free to CUB for monthly invites to Australia's best business events, full access to Mark Bouris' private CUB interview, and practical lessons from leading Aussie entrepreneurs at cub.club/subscribe .
50 min
Daniel catches up with Roy Kazamias, Founder and Managing Director of CRL Express, the transport and logistics company he scaled from one truck into a national business generating over $50 million in revenue in just six years. Daniel and Roy unpack what it really takes to scale fast in an asset-heavy industry, why service and execution are everything, and the leadership lessons behind building a high-performance team and sustainable growth.
50 min
Daniel catches up with David Aherne, Founder and CEO of Across the Ocean Shipping. Over the past two decades, David has built the global freight and logistics company into a multi-country business turning over tens of millions, with teams across Australia and the US. Daniel and David unpack the realities of scaling internationally, how to build trust and long-term relationships in complex industries, and the leadership lessons that apply to any business navigating growth, disruption, and constant change.
49 min
Daniel catches up with Jesse Lockhart-Krause, Founder of Lockhart-Krause Architects, the commercial architecture practice behind major community projects including the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. With experience spanning international firms and large-scale public developments, Jesse specialises in architecture that balances business outcomes with meaningful community impact. Daniel and Jesse explore why great architecture is really about people, how selling vision and clarity is essential to getting complex projects approved, and what business owners can learn about leadership, negotiation, and building outcomes that serve both the community and the bottom line.
47 min
Daniel catches up with Mia Vicary, Founder and Managing Director of Media In Action, the integrated marketing and PR agency redefining how brands grow. A former journalist turned founder, Mia built her business on the belief that PR, digital, paid media, and social only work when they work together - earning her the 2025 CUB Young Member of the Year Award. Daniel and Mia dive into why PR alone is no longer enough, how brands can turn credibility into conversion, and the realities of leading a boutique agency through rapid change, people challenges, and growth without compromising standards or values. Exclusive Offer for our Listeners George Hanna, founder of HD IT and trusted IT partner to countless CUB Members, is offering a FREE IT audit to our listeners: 📧 Email solutions@hdit.com.au and quote "CUB Community" to redeem.
47 min
Daniel catches up with Chris Hekeik, Founder and Chief Storyteller of Modemedia, the branding agency creating emotion driven, unforgettable customer experiences for over 25 years. From launching in a garage to becoming a national creative force, Chris has mastered how to make brands truly move people. Daniel and Chris unpack how to stand out in a crowded market, why branding is a performing art, and the simple playbook every business can use to cut through: have a plan, look the part, know your audience, and communicate with clarity. Exclusive Offer for our Listeners George Hanna, founder of HD IT and trusted IT partner to countless CUB Members, is offering a FREE IT audit to our listeners: 📧 Email solutions@hdit.com.au and quote "CUB Community" to redeem.