The Business Game The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level. We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit. If you are: • Trying to get your first consistent revenue • Building your first real team • Breaking through the messy middle • Scaling toward eight or nine figures • Or preparing for exit There is an episode that meets you where you are. Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle. Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not. The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one. Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules. Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up. Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com
Send us Fan Mail On today's episode of The Business Game , we're sitting down with Yega Kumarappan , Founder and CEO of Paperflite, an AI-powered sales enablement platform helping enterprise sales teams close deals faster through intelligent content, conversation and deal insights. Over the past eight years, Yega has built a global SaaS company by staying ahead of rapid technological change... and he's convinced that in the AI era, your product is no longer your competitive advantage. As artificial intelligence makes it possible for almost anyone to build software in days instead of months, Yega believes the real winners won't be the companies with the best technology – they'll be the ones who can distribute it the fastest. He shares why founders need to stop obsessing over features, embrace the "boring work" of execution, and build organisations that can move as quickly as technology itself. We asked him about scaling a SaaS company in the AI era, why distribution has become more valuable than product, how leadership changes as companies grow, and why the future belongs to founders who can execute faster than everyone else. Let's dive in, with Yega Kumarappan : Why AI has made technology the easiest part of building a business The reason most SaaS products can now be copied in minutes Why distribution has become the biggest competitive advantage How AI is compressing 50 years of innovation into just five Why founders need to stop chasing shiny objects The "boring work" that actually creates billion-dollar businesses Why great governance should feel like freedom—not control The leadership mistake that cost his company valuable time Why hungry teams outperform large teams His definition of winning in business and life Connect with Yega Kumarappan: Website: https://www.paperflite.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yegakumarappan/ The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Simon Bowen , founder of The Models Method and creator of the Genius Model , a visual thinking framework used in more than 30 countries to help founders, leaders and organisations make complex ideas simple, scalable and impossible to ignore. After growing up in small country towns in Western Australia and spending decades consulting on billion-dollar infrastructure projects, military operations, government initiatives and corporate strategy, Simon discovered that the fastest way to align people, influence decisions and scale ideas isn't through more words... it's through better models. We asked him about visual thinking, why most businesses struggle to communicate what makes them valuable, how founders can make their thinking scalable, and why the future belongs to leaders who can simplify complexity in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Let’s dive in, With Simon Bowen: Why every great business idea starts as a drawing The visual thinking framework that's influenced hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue How he secured a $20 million funding commitment with an eight-minute presentation Why PowerPoint is failing founders and business leaders The psychology behind models that change minds and drive decisions How to communicate complex ideas in a way people can never unsee Why founders are often the biggest bottleneck in scaling their businesses The role AI will play in making businesses either irrelevant or irreplaceable How visual models create alignment across teams, customers and stakeholders The communication skill Simon believes will define the next generation of leaders If you're a founder, business owner or leader trying to communicate more effectively, scale your thinking, or build a business that isn't dependent on you being in every conversation, this episode is packed with practical lessons on influence, leadership, communication and making your genius visible. Connect with Simon Bowen: Website: modelsmethod.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail Starting a business with $200 is impressive. Rebuilding it three separate times after devastating setbacks is something else entirely. In this Throwback Thursday episode of The Business Game , Dave Feinman shares the lessons behind scaling his video editing business Viral Ideas into a global creative venture with more than 90 employees. From losing 80% of his revenue overnight to building systems that allow creativity to scale, Dave explains why operational complexity – not finding customers – is the real challenge of growth. If you're building a team, creating systems, or learning how to lead through increasing complexity, this conversation is full of practical advice you can apply immediately. Let's dive in with Dave Feinman: How to scale a creative business without sacrificing quality Why every business is only as strong as its biggest bottleneck Building systems that allow creativity to flourish Leading a global remote team Why founders must stop working with people and start working through people The leadership lesson Dave lives by: be the person you needed in your darkest moment Connect with Dave Feinman Website - https://www.viralideamarketing.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-feinman-7a069255/ The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail Level 5: $30M-$100M Executive Layer and Division Growth On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Robert Indries , Managing Partner of Elkridge Advisors . Robert is an engineer turned powerhouse entrepreneur who has generated more than $500 million in business value, built a diverse parallel portfolio of companies, and successfully executed an eight-figure exit from an AI venture. Robert’s path wasn't built on the typical "Instagram entrepreneur" fantasy. From growing up on a small Transylvanian farm to hitting absolute rock bottom, eating one Subway sandwich a day with only $100 left to his name. Robert learned the hard way that business operates on cold, hard math, not wishful thinking. Today, he looks at the world like a motherboard, designing systems with absolute redundancy so businesses can thrive entirely without him. In this episode, Robert cracks open the playbook on Level 6 business growth, sharing why he views life and operations through a binary lens: it's either a one or a zero, there is no gray area. Lets dive in, With Robert Indries : Why 96% of businesses never hit seven figures, and why true statistical wealth is actually built through careers. How treating business like a motherboard eliminates key-person dependencies and systemic collapse. How losing all his savings in a disastrous early venture completely revolutionized his rule on getting paid upfront. The precise criteria Robert uses before doing business with anyone, including why it must make money, make the world better, and feature people he actually likes. Why high-level founders focus exclusively on the upside of an investment rather than the price tag. Why Robert prefers stepping back as a "support character" or "tank" rather than chasing fame, finding his joy in watching his team win. A candid look at the emotional toll of high-stakes business, navigating internal turmoil, and taking action anyway. Whether you’re looking to untangle your operations, transition from operator to true owner, or figure out how to scale dozens of cross-border acquisitions a year, Robert’s unfiltered, mathematical approach to business excellence will fundamentally change how you view your company. Connect with Robert Indries Website - https://elkridgeadvisors.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertindries/ The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. #TheBusinessGame #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SystemsEngineering #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #ScalingBusiness #FounderMindset #AssetManagement Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
LEVEL ONE: Property Founder on Why He Walked Away From a $250K Career to Start From Zero
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 1: $0M-$1M START UP AND SURVIVAL STAGE In this episode of The Business Game , we sit down with Matthew Nowell , founder of MPAC Property Group, RentFinder Australia, and a new building company focused on cashflow positive investments. Matthew shares how he had a $250,000 leadership role in the mining industry before making the life-changing decision to leave it all behind at 39. He opens up about the mindset that helped him embrace uncertainty, why he believes failure is one of the greatest teachers in business, and how networking, integrity and a long-term approach have fueled the rapid growth of his business. We also dive into the changing property investment landscape, why Matthew believes cashflow-positive investing is the future, and the lessons he's determined to pass on to his children about backing yourself and creating your own path. Whether you're thinking about changing careers, building a business from the ground up, or looking for a fresh perspective on property investing, you don't want to miss this episode. Let’s dive in, With Matthew Nowell: Walking away from a high-paying career to start a business Why failure is essential for long-term success Building a business through networking and relationships The importance of staying true to your values Creating cashflow-positive property investments Balancing entrepreneurship with family life The mindset required to reinvent yourself at any stage of life If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Business Game and leave us a review. New episodes every week featuring founders and business leaders sharing the lessons they've learned at every level of the game. Connect with Matthew Nowell: Website: https://www.mpacpropertygroup.com.au/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-nowell-93a05491 The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail Level 3: $3-$8M DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Phil Ohren , Founder and CEO of Intender , a growth marketing agency on a mission to make advertising useful, not annoying. Like many founders, Phil spent years chasing growth, building teams, serving clients, and pushing for the next milestone. But behind the scenes, he found himself facing something he never expected: burnout so severe it left him with writer's block, strategy block, and a growing realisation that his identity had become tied to external validation. In this episode, Phil shares the lessons that came from that experience, including why he believes many entrepreneurs are unknowingly people-pleasers, how learning to let go transformed his leadership, and the advice from a mentor who told him he was operating like "a genius with a thousand helpers". A mindset that simply doesn't scale. Let’s dive in, With Phil Ohren: • Why founder burnout often starts with seeking validation from others • The leadership shift required to stop being the bottleneck • Why Phil would build a CRM before writing vision and values • The power of accountability frameworks inside growing businesses • How being "neuro-spicy" became one of his biggest strengths as a founder • Why curiosity is a competitive advantage in business • The future of AI and why Phil believes robots will transform advertising • How small, consistent wins compound into massive growth over time Whether you're trying to scale a business, build a stronger leadership team, or avoid the mistakes that lead many founders to burnout, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections from someone who's lived through it. The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 4: $8M - $20M GROWING PAINS AND OPERATIONAL COMPLEXITY On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Skye Blanks , Chief Operations Officer at the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) and founder of Herman Todd Consulting Group , to unpack what it really takes to grow a business beyond founder hustle and into something that can scale sustainably. At this stage of the game, the challenge isn’t just getting customers or staying busy, it’s about building systems, delegating effectively, creating strategic partnerships, and turning a founder-dependent business into one that can operate without you in the room. In this conversation, Skye shares how he built credibility as a young executive operating on the global stage, what small business owners consistently get wrong when they hit a growth plateau, and why the businesses that scale fastest are the ones willing to think beyond their industry, their local market, and their own four walls. Lets dive in, with Skye Blanks: Why most growth plateaus are strategy problems, not market problems The role SOPs play in scaling without chaos How strategic partnerships can unlock growth faster than more marketing Why founders need to stop building businesses that collapse without them What Skye has learned from advising businesses across industries and countries The mindset shift from doing everything yourself to leading through trust and delegation If you’re a founder trying to move from being the person who does everything to the person who leads a business that can grow, this episode will give you a clear look at what needs to change next. Connect with Skye Blanks: Website: https://icsb.org/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/skyeblanks The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 3: $3M - $8M DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re joined by Mark Vange , founder and CEO of Autom8ly , a serial tech entrepreneur who has built and sold seven companies, holds more than 100 patents, and has spent decades building at the edge of software, gaming, fintech, and now AI. In this episode, Mark unpacks what founders are getting wrong about AI, why most businesses are still using it far too narrowly, and how leaders should think about implementing AI as a true productivity partner rather than just another shiny tool. From the rise of “cooperative AI” to the risks around security, compliance, and trust, this conversation is a practical look at what business owners need to understand if they want to stay competitive as AI reshapes the way companies operate. Let’s dive in, With Mark Vange : Why Mark believes AI should be treated like a new team member, not just a piece of software The biggest mistakes businesses make when trying to adopt AI too quickly How founders can use AI to remove friction and reclaim time without losing the human element Why trust, compliance, and security are becoming the real battlegrounds in AI adoption What Mark has learned from building, scaling, and exiting multiple tech companies across different industries Connect with Mark Vange: Website: https://autom8ly.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markvange If you’re trying to work out how AI fits into your business in a practical, strategic way, and what the next wave of innovation might mean for founders, we made this episode for you. The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 6: $50M – $150M GOVERNANCE, DATA & SERIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Barry Patel , Founder and CEO of Galt Pharmaceuticals , a company redefining how pharmaceutical businesses are built, scaled, and distributed. Starting with no outside investors and bootstrapping his way through one of the world’s most heavily regulated industries, Barry shares how he built a pharmaceutical company using an unconventional franchise model, why he believes founders should avoid raising capital for as long as possible, and the surprising leadership lessons that came from realizing he had become the bottleneck in his own business. We also dive into the realities of scaling in healthcare, navigating FDA regulations, building systems that create competitive moats, and what it takes to lead a company where every decision carries significant financial and human consequences. Whether you're building your first business or leading a company through rapid growth, Barry’s insights on leadership, resilience, systems, and long-term value creation offer a masterclass in playing the business game at a high level. Let’s dive in, with Barry Patel: • How Barry bootstrapped a pharmaceutical company without investors • The unconventional franchise model powering Galt Pharmaceuticals • Why founders often become the bottleneck to growth • The hidden challenges of scaling in highly regulated industries • Building systems, structure, and competitive moats • Why creating value matters more than chasing money • Barry’s philosophy on leadership, stoicism, and long-term success If business truly is a game, Barry Patel’s approach to winning might surprise you. The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 2: $1M – $3M FIRST TEAM, FIRST SYSTEMS Most founders think scaling is about working harder... but Michael Barbarita learned the opposite. In today's episode of The Business Game , Michael shares lessons from more than 30 years building and operating businesses across retail, manufacturing, finance, and service industries. From growing a retail company from $2.5 million to $8 million in under five years to serving as a CFO, Treasurer, board member, and business advisor, he's seen what actually drives sustainable growth. We discuss delegation, systems, the 80/20 Rule, strategic partnerships, and why many founders accidentally become the biggest obstacle to their own growth. Whether you're building your first team or trying to create a business that can grow without relying on you for everything, this episode is packed with practical insights. Let’s dive in with Michael Barbarita: • Why most founders struggle with delegation • The 80/20 Rule in business • How to stop being the bottleneck • Systems that support growth • Strategic partnerships and joint ventures • The biggest scaling mistakes business owners make • Lessons from building and advising multiple companies Connect with Michael: Website: www.nextstepcfo.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbarbarita/ Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail What if the best software developer for your business isn't an agency, a freelancer or even an employee? According to Paul Salvage - Chief AI Officer & founder of Productly - the best developer for your business is... you. In this episode of The Business Game , Paul explains why AI is fundamentally changing software development, why traditional agencies are becoming obsolete, and how founders can now build products themselves with the help of tools like Claude. With over 30 years of experience in product development, Paul has seen every major technology shift firsthand. He shares how AI has compressed development timelines from months to weeks, why owning your technology is becoming critical for startups, and how business owners can use AI to gain a competitive advantage. Let's dive in with Paul Salvage: Why agencies are being disrupted by AI The new "build with you" model for software development How founders can create products without coding The role AI agents are playing inside modern businesses Common mistakes businesses make when adopting AI What happens to companies that fail to adapt If you're building a startup, running a service business or simply trying to keep up with the pace of AI innovation, this is the episode you want to hear! Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL TWO: $1M to $5M FIRST TEAMS, FIRST SYSTEMS STAGE On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Robyn Anderson , Founder of JAM AI and creator of Club JAM . One of the fastest-growing AI communities helping small business owners actually understand and implement AI into their day-to-day operations. After building 17 different AI courses around tools that quickly became obsolete, Robyn realized the real opportunity wasn’t selling information… it was building a community that could evolve alongside the speed of AI itself. Now, with hundreds of members inside Club JAM, Robyn helps entrepreneurs use tools like Claude, ChatGPT, NotebookLM and AI agents to save time, streamline operations, and scale smarter, even while balancing motherhood, consulting, speaking gigs, and building the business mostly between 4:30AM and school drop-off. If you’re trying to understand AI without getting overwhelmed, build smarter systems, create leverage in your business, or simply keep up with how fast technology is changing... this episode is for you! Let’s dive in, with Robyn Anderson: • why she almost gave up trying to keep up with AI • the biggest mistake she made building 17 AI courses too early • why Claude is becoming the go-to AI tool for business owners • how she creates custom AI-generated podcasts for herself every day • the simple prompt every business owner should try immediately • how AI can help build systems, SOPs, marketing, and operations • why community became more valuable than selling courses • the truth about AI “slop” and fake AI content online • why personal brands should stop relying on AI avatars • how she built a growing AI business while raising two kids • the hidden challenge of hiring people into AI-powered businesses • how she uses AI to save massive amounts of time every single day • the emotional AI interview process that made members laugh and cry • why speaking for free became the growth engine for her business • how to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 3: $3M – $8M DELEGATION & EARLY LEADERSHIP STAGE On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Chad G. Bauer , owner of SR&B Advertising , a second-generation agency leader navigating the pressure of modernising a 60-year family business without losing the legacy that built it. After stepping into the company founded by his father, Chad realised the biggest bottleneck wasn’t the market... it was himself. In this episode, he shares the hard lessons around delegation, building a leadership layer, letting go of control, and evolving from founder-operator into a true CEO. From difficult conversations with his father to creating systems that allowed the business to run without him being involved in every decision, this episode is packed with practical insights for founders stuck in the messy middle of growth. Let’s dive in w ith Chad G. Bauer: Why self-awareness changed Chad’s leadership style The moment he realised he was the bottleneck Building managers and leadership structure for the first time Hiring systems that filter out the wrong people fast The pressure of inheriting a family legacy business Why “scaling isn’t about doing more” If you’re trying to step out of the day-to-day, build a stronger team, and grow without carrying the entire business on your back... this episode is for you. The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - so click here for your 14-day free trial: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ribu88 This episode contains affiliate advertising. The Business Game Group is a GoHighLevel affiliate. If you sign up through the link in the show notes, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 1: $0 – $1M STARTUP & SURVIVAL STAGE On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Laura Campbell , Founder of Hip Surfer, the Australian baby product brand transforming how parents carry their children. What started as a side hustle during maternity leave quickly became something much bigger. After struggling with chronic pain and finding existing baby carriers uncomfortable, Laura decided to create her own solution. Three years later, Hip Surfer has grown into a seven-figure business stocked in airports, theme parks, resorts, and retail locations across Australia and beyond. We asked Laura about building a product business while raising young children, scaling from a simple idea into a nationally recognised brand, and the realities of being a solo founder when every department still runs through you. From late-night Meta ads and manufacturing challenges to viral social media moments and stock shortages, Laura shares the highs, lows, and lessons from building a business that's helping thousands of families around the world. Let’s dive in, with Laura Campbell: • Why a personal health challenge led to creating Hip Surfer • The customer feedback that proved she had more than just a baby product • How she went from a $30,000 goal to blowing past $100,000 in her first year • The reality of doing your own marketing, manufacturing, accounting, and operations • How leveraging relationships opened doors into airports, resorts, and theme parks • The viral reel that generated millions of views, and a stock crisis • Why investing in coaching and business communities accelerated growth • The hidden challenges of being a solo founder • What it takes to scale a product business while raising a family If you're building an e-commerce brand, launching a product business, balancing entrepreneurship with family life, or trying to turn a side hustle into something bigger, this is the episode for you. The Business Game is proud to partner with HighLevel , the all-in-one CRM and marketing platform built for growing businesses 🚀 High Level’s software will drive your customer retention and your profits through the stratosphere - click here for your 14-day free trial Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 1: $0 – $1M STARTUP & SURVIVAL STAGE On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Ian Stephens , one of Australia’s leading sales psychologists, speaker, author, and performance coach who has worked with businesses in 29 countries around the world Before becoming an internationally recognised sales expert, Ian spent years fighting to keep his business alive — borrowing money from his parents, selling his car, and even selling his house to stay in the game. Along the way, he learned some hard truths about cash flow, mindset, systems, and what really happens when business owners get desperate. We asked Ian why sales often get harder when you need them most, how limiting beliefs quietly sabotage business growth, why most founders focus on goals instead of systems, and the lesson every entrepreneur needs to hear about building a business that doesn't rely entirely on them. Let's dive in with Ian Stephens: • Why sales feel harder when you need them most • How pressure shifts your behaviour (and costs you deals) • The link between mindset, cash flow and performance • Why systems matter more than motivation • The mistake most business owners make under pressure • How to stay effective when everything feels urgent • The shift from operator → scalable business model • What’s coming next with AI and customer expectations If you’re in a season where things feel tighter than usual, this episode will give you clarity on what’s actually going on... and what to do next. Connect with Ian: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ianstephensspeaks Website - enrichacademy.com.au Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 2: $1M – $3M FIRST TEAM, FIRST SYSTEMS STAGE On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Dustin Snyder , Founder and Chief Advisor of WayForward , the company helping organisations uncover the hidden behavioural systems driving turnover, disengagement, low performance, and leadership problems inside teams. After leading a 600-person manufacturing turnaround, Dustin realised something most leaders never see: employee behaviour isn’t random, it’s the rational output of the systems leaders create around people. That insight led him to build SWIM (Strategic Workforce Insight Mapping), a framework designed to help executives diagnose the real root causes behind workforce problems instead of treating surface-level symptoms. In this episode, Dustin breaks down why most engagement surveys fail, why frontline behaviour almost always traces back to leadership, and why companies spend far more time understanding customers than they do their own employees. He also opens up about the difficult transition from founder-operator to CEO, the painful lessons of scaling beyond himself, and why “killing your ego every morning” became one of the biggest unlocks in his growth journey. Let’s dive in, with Dustin Snyder: Why employee turnover creates hidden financial damage most businesses never measure The leadership behaviours teams subconsciously copy Why fear-based decisions are almost always the wrong ones The scary process of niching down and saying no to revenue How documenting his process led to writing his book Sink or Swim The system-thinking cheat code founders can use to scale faster If you’ve ever struggled with culture, delegation, leadership bottlenecks, or building a business that can grow beyond you, this episode is packed with insights you’ll want to hear. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL THREE: $3M to $8M: DELEGATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP On today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Melanie Warner , founder and CEO of Defining Moments Press. After rebuilding from $3.6 million in debt to multi-millions in just 18 months, Melanie has turned personal adversity into a scalable business model that helps entrepreneurs turn books into client acquisition systems. What started as a frustrating battle with traditional publishing evolved into the Seven Figure Book Method. A system that helps experts turn authority into scalable revenue. We asked her how she rebuilt after losing everything, why most founders build personality-driven businesses that can’t scale, and what it really takes to transition from being the face of the company to building systems that grow without you. Let’s dive in, with Melanie Warner: How she rebuilt from $3.6M in debt to multi-millions Why traditional publishing failed her The real business model behind a “book funnel” Why personality can only build the first million The systems required to scale beyond founder-led growth How to stop selling to strangers and attract ideal buyers The transition from solopreneur to CEO Why systems beat hustle at every stage of growth What building authority really looks like in 2026 If you’re building an expertise-based business, trying to scale beyond yourself, or looking to turn your knowledge into a real growth engine... this episode is for you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL FOUR: $8M to $20M GROWING PAINS & OPERATIONAL COMPLEXITY On today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Melissa Drew , Founder and CEO of InSite BUILD , a construction management firm delivering complex government and institutional projects across the Mid-Atlantic. After a 20-year career leading large-scale construction projects for national contractors, Melissa launched InSite BUILD and landed a $53 million project almost immediately, forcing the company to operate at a level most businesses take years to grow into. Melissa shares the realities of scaling inside the construction industry, why relationships became the foundation of her business, and the leadership lessons she learned after losing key team members during a difficult growth phase. She also explains why empathy has become one of her greatest advantages on job sites, and how she’s building a culture that prioritises both accountability and humanity in a traditionally tough industry. If you’re trying to scale a business, build strong culture, lead teams under pressure, or grow without compromising your standards? This episode is for you! Let’s dive in, with Melissa Drew: • how she landed a $53M project at the very start of the business • the leadership mistakes that cost her valuable team members • why relationships matter more than anything in construction • what “bonding capacity” really means — and why it limits growth • how empathy improves safety, performance, and accountability • the realities of leading in a male-dominated industry • why culture matters most when money is on the line • the systems and structure she invested in from day one • how to keep startup teams motivated during difficult growth phases • why treating people like humans creates better performance Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL TWO: $1M to $3M: FIRST TEAMS, FIRST SYSTEMS, FOUNDER LED In today’s episode of The Business Game , we’re sitting down with Mark Story , construction consultant, turnaround specialist, and founder of Commercial Construction Services LLC . For nearly 40 years, Mark has worked on high-stakes construction projects across government infrastructure, stadiums, data centres, and large-scale commercial developments, often stepping in when projects were already heading off the rails. In this episode, Mark breaks down why most project failures begin long before construction starts, the hidden dangers of weak systems and poor planning, and why compliance becomes unavoidable as businesses grow. He also shares the realities of running a founder-led consultancy, the pressure of carrying accountability on major projects, and the lessons he’s learned helping teams recover when timelines, budgets, and trust are all under pressure. If you’re building a service business, managing complex projects, or trying to scale without becoming the bottleneck yourself, this episode is packed with practical lessons. Let’s dive in, with Mark Story: Why most project failures begin before the work starts The hidden cost of weak systems and poor planning Why compliance becomes unavoidable as you grow How founders accidentally become the bottleneck Lessons from rescuing failing projects under pressure What Level 2 founders should implement earlier Leadership, accountability, and managing chaos at scale Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
Send us Fan Mail LEVEL 6: $50M – $150M GOVERNANCE, DATA & SERIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE In today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Jesse Vidrine , Founder of Vidrine Pharmaceutical Group and President & Co-Owner of Boudreaux’s New Drug Store , a pharmacist-owned compounding pharmacy that has exploded from a small local operation into a national business licensed across 45+ U.S. states. After buying the pharmacy just weeks before COVID hit, Jesse and his wife Kylie faced what sounds more like a disaster movie than a business journey: denied by 9 banks, a Category 4 hurricane, floods, ice storms, and moments where payroll nearly didn’t get paid. Somehow, through all of it, they scaled the company over 800% in just 24 months. In this episode, Jesse breaks down what it really takes to scale inside one of the most tightly regulated industries in the world, where there’s no room for mistakes, compliance is everything, and growth only happens if your systems, people, and leadership evolve fast enough to survive it. If you’re building a business under pressure, navigating rapid growth, or trying to scale without breaking the machine, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in, with Jesse Vidrine: how they survived COVID, hurricanes, floods & near-bankruptcy why patients, not doctors, changed healthcare forever how they grew from 6 employees to 100+ the real reason most founders fail under pressure why “risk it for the biscuit” became their business philosophy how AI and automation are transforming modern pharmacy operations why peptides could become bigger than the GLP-1 boom the leadership lessons that come from scaling in a zero-mistake industry Support the show Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business. Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond , this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap. For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework? Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com It's time to Level Up! We’ll see you at the next level.
