Startup to Standout: The Making of Luxury Escapes

What does it take to turn a bold idea—born in a storage room—into a billion-dollar global travel brand? At EO Melbourne’s latest signature event, Scaling to a Billion: The Luxury Escapes Story, the spotlight was on Adam Schwab, the Co-Founder and CEO behind one of Australia’s most remarkable startup journeys.

Adam’s path to entrepreneurship didn’t follow the usual script. A corporate lawyer by training, he specialised in mergers and acquisitions at one of Australia’s top firms before making the leap into business. In 2010, alongside school friend Jeremy Same, Adam co-founded what would eventually become Luxury Escapes—despite having no background in the travel industry. Their beginnings were humble: a cramped storage room, limited resources, and a belief that there was a better way to connect travellers with luxury experiences.

That belief laid the groundwork for what would become one of the fastest-growing travel companies in the world. By disrupting the traditional online travel agency model, Luxury Escapes introduced a new way of doing business—focusing on curated, value-packed travel deals rather than a vast inventory of listings. The company quickly gained traction, striking a chord with aspirational travellers looking for quality, convenience, and exclusivity.

Adam shared the pivotal moments that shaped their growth: the early failures, the strategic pivots, and the decision to prioritise the customer experience above all else. From ditching the group-buying approach to investing heavily in technology and branding, each decision reflected a mindset focused on long-term value rather than short-term wins. He also highlighted the challenge—and opportunity—of taking on global giants in the travel space. Rather than competing on scale alone, Luxury Escapes carved out its competitive edge through supplier partnerships, a strong content and marketing strategy, and a relentless focus on quality.

Despite the rapid growth and international expansion, Adam stressed the importance of remaining anchored to the company’s original values. Staying agile, listening to customers, and maintaining a startup mentality have helped Luxury Escapes scale without losing what made it special in the first place.

Adam’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful reminder that success often begins where comfort ends. From a legal career to building a billion-dollar brand, his story speaks to the value of trusting your instincts, embracing uncertainty, and thinking differently.

There’s a lot to learn from the experiences of those who’ve built something from the ground up—and Adam Schwab’s journey offers lessons in resilience, reinvention, and the power of bold thinking.

Mastering Mindset with NLP: EO Melbourne’s Transformative Workshop

In a powerful session hosted by EO Melbourne, members recently gathered for the "Transform Your Business Mindset with NLP" workshop led by Madeleine Robinson. She is a Managing Partner and Coach Trainer at The Coaching Room, EO Melbourne’s Strategic Alliance Partner. With over three hours of in-depth exploration into the intricacies of mindset and decision-making, attendees left not only inspired but also armed with practical NLP strategies to elevate their approach to business challenges and personal growth.

A Dive into NLP for Business Success

Throughout the workshop, Madeleine guided participants through a deep dive into Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), shedding light on how our mindset and cognitive biases influence crucial decisions—from managing cash flow to recruiting and retaining talent. The session offered attendees an opportunity to reflect on their ingrained mental filters and how they shape everyday business decisions, sometimes creating unintentional roadblocks.

Through interactive discussions and exercises, Madeleine demonstrated NLP techniques to help participants recognise and adjust these filters, unlocking new ways of thinking and expanding their capacity for effective, balanced decision-making.

Confronting and Overcoming Mental Barriers

One of the highlights of the session was the candid exploration of common mental barriers like imposter syndrome, burnout, and fear of failure. Madeleine emphasised the importance of addressing these obstacles, providing a roadmap for overcoming them with the help of NLP. Attendees gained insights into how they could reframe their habitual thinking patterns and learned actionable techniques for transforming these blocks into pathways toward growth.

Her guidance fostered an environment of vulnerability and trust, where participants felt empowered to share their challenges and support each other’s journeys. In Madeleine’s own words, "The magic was in our interaction, and it was a joy to explore mindset mastery together." Her expertise and empathy shone through, making her a memorable and impactful guide in this transformative experience.

Strategies for Lasting Transformation

The workshop wrapped up with practical steps and techniques that attendees could immediately apply in their professional and personal lives. By the end of the session, participants felt a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, equipped with strategies to help them approach challenges with flexibility, confidence, and resilience.

Madeleine’s presence and dedication resonated deeply with attendees, as her mastery of NLP inspired them to unlock new levels of focus, overcome internal obstacles, and embrace their true potential. This session was more than a workshop; it was a catalyst for mindset transformation, giving the EO Melbourne community powerful tools to reshape their business strategies and, ultimately, their paths to success.

A Lasting Impact

This NLP workshop is part of EO Melbourne’s commitment to fostering growth-oriented learning experiences for its members, bringing transformative tools to help entrepreneurs thrive. Through sessions like these, EO Melbourne continues to champion the personal and professional development of its members, creating a community dedicated to lifelong growth and achievement.

As one of the participants noted, “I felt the content covered was very high-level and that I need to go away and dive deeper to learn about NLP.” With her profound insights and engaging presence, Madeleine Robinson left a lasting impact, inspiring members to approach both their businesses and their lives with a mindset primed for success.

From the Fast Lane to Baking Fame: Kate Reid’s Inspiring Journey Takes Centre Stage at EO Melbourne’s Event

It’s not often you hear about someone swapping the world of high-speed racing for the art of crafting the perfect croissant. At EO Melbourne’s latest event, “The Pit Stop” – Kate Reid’s Adventure from the Fast Lane to Baking Fame, that’s exactly the story attendees were treated to. 

Kate Reid, the mastermind behind Lune Croissanterie, shared her incredible transition from an aerodynamicist with Williams Formula 1 to the helm of a globally celebrated pastry empire. Held at the Fox Collection Classic Car Museum in Docklands, the event attracted a full house of entrepreneurs, all eager to glean lessons from Reid’s fascinating career shift and entrepreneurial journey.

In a fireside chat, Reid took the audience through her unexpected pivot. She spoke of her childhood dream to work in Formula 1, which led her to the prestigious Williams team in the UK. However, after three years in the high-stakes world of motorsport, she realised the reality didn’t match her dream. Returning to Melbourne, Reid followed a new path, channelling her meticulous engineering skills into pastry, which eventually led to the launch of Lune Croissanterie in 2012.

What began as a humble bakery in Fitzroy has now grown into a celebrated business with over 200 staff across Melbourne and Brisbane. Reid spoke openly about the challenges she faced in scaling Lune while preserving the quality and innovation that set it apart. The audience was particularly engaged by her approach to leadership, where she prioritises team empowerment and a commitment to excellence in every croissant.

The Fox Collection Classic Car Museum provided a dramatic and stylish setting for the event, but it was Reid’s inspiring journey that truly stole the show. EO members were offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how she transformed a passion into a thriving empire and how those same principles—resilience, innovation, and unwavering attention to detail—can drive business success.

After the fireside chat, attendees had the opportunity to interact with Reid and those present, enjoying refreshments that naturally included her famed Lune croissants. The event offered ample opportunity for networking, with many entrepreneurs staying to discuss their own takeaways from the morning.

Following Reid’s talk, EO Melbourne hosted a Membership Information Session for prospective members, outlining the many benefits of joining the organisation. “The Pit Stop” left attendees not only inspired but also equipped with actionable insights to fuel their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Winning in Business: EO Melbourne Hosts Ross Bernstein’s “The Champion’s Code" Workshop

The recent EO Melbourne event, "The Champion's Code” Workshop, held at the picturesque Elwood Bathers, was a gathering that left its mark on attendees, blending the dynamic world of sports with the strategic intricacies of business. The workshop, led by Ross Bernstein, a best-selling author and a celebrated peak-performance business speaker, offered a deep dive into the life lessons drawn from sports champions and how these can be harnessed to generate momentum and build a lifestyle brand in the business world.

Ross Bernstein, a proud member of the EO Minnesota chapter, brought his extensive experience and research to the Melbourne audience, sharing insights honed over six years of studying sports champions and their winning traits. He opened the session by exploring why certain teams consistently achieve success, delving into the ethical nuances of breaking sports' unwritten rules. The parallels between the sports arena and the business world were striking, as Ross discussed how top producers maintain their edge by doing things differently, a strategy that can be just as impactful in boardrooms as on the playing field.

The session covered negotiation and barter tactics, especially valuable in challenging economic climates. Ross demonstrated how finding value in win-win deals can be a game-changer, allowing businesses to thrive even when budgets are tight. Another key takeaway was the concept of outlier methods—strategies to stand out in sales pitches and presentations, as well as to bounce back swiftly from slumps, a crucial skill in both sports and business.

Reflecting on his time in Melbourne, Ross shared, "Thank you Entrepreneurs' Organization Melbourne, it was such a blast getting to be a member of your chapter for the day today! We love Melbourne, the last time we were here we got to go to the Aussie Open Tennis Tournament and we just fell in love with this beautiful sports-crazed city. This was my fourth of five events for the Entrepreneurs' Organization - APAC Region’s Annual Road Show, and I’m having a blast down under."

Ross’s enthusiasm for Melbourne was palpable, as was his passion for sharing best practices with fellow entrepreneurs. His unique approach to building a lifestyle brand—one without employees or a physical office—offered a refreshing perspective on how to create a business that not only thrives but also aligns with one's personal life goals.

"The Champion's Code" workshop was more than just an event; it was an inspiring exploration of how the principles that drive sports champions can be translated into business success. Attendees left with a wealth of practical strategies and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to apply these lessons to their own entrepreneurial journeys.

EO Melbourne Hosts Transformational Workshop "Beyond the Price Tag" with Matthew Pollard

EO Melbourne hosted a transformative learning event titled "Beyond the Price Tag" at the Hotel Chadstone Ballroom. This workshop, led by renowned business growth expert Matthew Pollard, combined insights from his two popular topics: "Rapid Growth, The Lazy Way" and "Death of the Elevator Pitch." The event aimed to empower business owners to differentiate themselves from competitors, identify their niche markets and develop a strategic networking framework.

Matthew Pollard, often referred to as "The Rapid Growth Guy," captivated the audience with his dynamic presentation. Attendees learned actionable strategies to stop competing on price and instead focus on their unique value propositions. Pollard emphasised that people don't care what you do; they care that you care. This mindset shift was pivotal in helping attendees understand the importance of building genuine connections with potential customers.

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the significance of niche marketing. Pollard highlighted that trying to be everything to everyone dilutes a business's effectiveness and appeal. Instead, he encouraged participants to find and focus on a niche market of motivated, excited-to-buy customers. This approach not only enhances customer engagement but also sets businesses apart from their competition.

The workshop also delved into the art of strategic networking. Traditional networking can often feel cumbersome and unproductive, but Pollard's proven framework offered a fresh perspective. He provided practical tips on identifying and engaging with impactful contacts effortlessly. By leveraging the credibility of networking champions and treating the sales system like a science experiment, businesses can achieve sustained growth and improvement over time.

EO Melbourne's commitment to nurturing its members' growth and development was evident through the organisation of this impactful event. The chapter consistently strives to provide valuable learning experiences, helping members navigate the complexities of business growth and achieve their desired success. As members continue to implement learnings from such events and experiences, EO Melbourne remains committed to fostering a thriving community of business leaders.

Following the workshop, EO Melbourne hosted an exclusive lunch with Matthew Pollard for its Tenured Members at Pastore Restaurant. This intimate gathering allowed attendees to engage in deeper discussions with Pollard, pose questions, and gain further insights into the strategies discussed during the workshop. The exclusive lunch underscored the value EO Melbourne places on fostering strong relationships and providing unique opportunities for its members to connect with industry experts.

Elevate Your Game: Sally Duxfield's Strategies for Stress-Free Peak Performance

In a recent EO Melbourne learning event, attendees experienced a transformative journey led by renowned content expert Sally Duxfield. At the heart of the event was the unveiling of the Impact-4Q Model, an innovative framework aimed at revolutionising personal and team productivity. This session promised an immersive exploration into understanding and harnessing the power of one's neurobiological rhythm to combat stress, enhance resilience, and achieve peak performance.

Throughout the event, participants delved deep into the science behind stress responses, gaining valuable insights into their own neurobiological rhythms and learning how to leverage them effectively in their daily lives. Sally shared actionable strategies for peak performance, equipping attendees with practical hacks to foster anti-fragility and enhance personal well-being. Additionally, participants received a copy of Sally's acclaimed book, "Time For Control: The Pursuit of Peak Performance," ensuring they could continue their growth journey beyond the event.

Sally's extensive experience in leadership coaching, combined with her military background, provided a solid foundation for her teachings. Drawing from over 35 years of expertise, she guided attendees towards a deeper understanding of stress management and mental wellness, empowering them to take control of their professional and personal lives.

What sets Sally apart is her unique approach to learning environments. By hosting retreats in wilderness settings and integrating deep learning experiences, she creates opportunities for transformative growth. Sally's commitment to continuous learning is evident in her upcoming publications and her dedication to delivering cutting-edge, science-based tools to her clients.

As a successful entrepreneur herself, Sally understands the challenges and triumphs of the journey firsthand. Her passion for helping others achieve their full potential shines through in every aspect of her work, making her a trusted guide for those seeking to unlock their true capabilities.

Undoubtedly, Sally Duxfield's Masterclass was a game-changer for all who attended. By demystifying the complexities of stress management and offering practical solutions for peak performance, she has empowered countless individuals to take control of their lives and thrive in both their professional and personal spheres. This event highlights EO Melbourne's dedication to nurturing its members' growth and development journey.

Unlocking Success: The Power of Effective Boards - A Masterclass Recap

In the realm of business, what sets apart the titans from the rest? It's a question that has intrigued entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike. The answer, as many would agree, lies in having a high-functioning and effective board or advisory board. The biggest and most successful companies in the world have this crucial commonality, and it's time to ask yourself – does your company have one?

The recent EO Melbourne masterclass featuring Stuart Cook, the former CEO of Zambrero and Founding Partner of TWIYO (The World Is Your Oyster), centred around the transformative potential of the right board or advisory board, making it a game-changer for businesses of all scales and stages.

Stuart Cook, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, shared his wealth of experience with eager participants. His journey from the helm of a Mexican restaurant chain to overseeing its meteoric growth and expanding into three countries is nothing short of inspirational. For the past decade, he and TWIYO have been actively engaged in nurturing and investing in early-stage companies across Australia and the US, primarily focusing on health and wellness, food sustainability, and environmental technology.

The masterclass, titled "The When, Who, and How of Setting up Your Board/Advisory Board," unfolded as a practical workshop, offering insights and expertise that resonated with both established business leaders and those embarking on entrepreneurial journeys. Here's a glimpse of what attendees gained from this invaluable session:

Understanding Types of Boards: Stuart helped participants navigate the nuances between statutory and advisory boards, shedding light on their respective pros and cons. The goal was to enable individuals to identify when each type of board fits best into their strategic roadmap.

Developing the Perfect Board: Crafting the ideal board requires careful selection of members possessing unique skill sets. Stuart guided participants on how to create a well-rounded team that complements and elevates their business.

Remuneration and Expectations: Participants gained insider knowledge on the art of rewarding board members and understanding what these key stakeholders expect in return.

The masterclass didn't stop at theory; it delved into actionable insights:

When to Implement a Board: Attendees learned to pinpoint the perfect timing for introducing a board to their organisation, a decision that can make or break a business's trajectory.

Who to Choose: Drawing from Stuart's real-world experience, participants gleaned insights into picking the right board members tailored to various types of businesses.

How to Manage and Reward: Best practices in remuneration, governance, and nurturing productive relationships with the board were explored in depth.

The overarching message of the masterclass was clear – a well-structured board or advisory board can be a catalyst for success. Whether you're steering an established business or embarking on the entrepreneurial path, the tools and confidence gained from this event can help you create a powerful board that aligns seamlessly with your vision.

Stuart Cook, as the Founding Partner at TWIYO, continues to be a guiding force in the world of early-stage ventures. His leadership extends to multiple fronts, including chairing AirSeed Technologies, For Purpose Co, and Fitstop. Each of these roles underscores his commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth.

In conclusion, the masterclass with Stuart Cook was not merely an event; it was an opportunity to unlock the secrets of building and harnessing the potential of effective boards. It was a reminder that, in the business world, the right board can be the key to unlocking unprecedented success.

Mastering Sales Success: An EO Melbourne Workshop with Luigi Prestinenzi

In an engaging event, entrepreneurs, business owners and their sales team came together to enhance their sales skills at an exclusive EO Melbourne workshop titled "Selling Against the Odds: A Sales Playbook for Thriving in Tough Times," featuring Luigi Prestinenzi as the keynote speaker. Luigi, a renowned sales expert and Co-Founder of Growth Forum, shared invaluable insights and practical knowledge.

The workshop commenced with a focus on standing out in a fiercely competitive market. Luigi emphasised the significance of crafting a unique selling proposition and a compelling brand narrative. Attendees were encouraged to create their own captivating stories to draw customers irresistibly to their products or services.

Luigi's approach to creating exceptional value aligned perfectly with customers' needs, prompting attendees to rethink their sales strategies. Ordinary methods were discarded as participants learned to engage their audience with value-driven techniques that truly resonated.

The workshop underscored the importance of addressing customers' pain points with tailored solutions. Luigi challenged attendees to embrace the role of problem solvers and partners, fostering trust and long-lasting relationships.

Establishing credibility and trust through customer education was another key takeaway from the workshop. Luigi encouraged participants to position themselves as industry authorities by employing thought leadership strategies. By offering value and insights long before a purchase decision, attendees were equipped to nurture enduring customer relationships.

As the session concluded, attendees departed armed with the tools and confidence to navigate challenging economic environments. For those seeking to elevate their sales game and learn more about EO Melbourne's impactful workshops, this event was just a glimpse into the valuable opportunities awaiting them.

Unleashing the Power of Branding: EO Melbourne's Workshop with Nir Zavaro

Entrepreneurs and professionals were granted a remarkable opportunity to redefine their brand interactions at the highly immersive EO Melbourne workshop titled "Branding to Marketing and the Journey in Between." Led by the renowned marketing guru, Nir Zavaro, this extraordinary event left an impressive mark on participants, reshaping their approach to brand management, team dynamics, and customer engagement.

Tailored specifically for EO Melbourne Members and professionals aiming to establish enduring businesses, optimise budgets, and cultivate stronger brands with a devoted customer following, the workshop delved into a range of crucial topics, equipping attendees with valuable insights and practical knowledge to shape their branding strategies for the future.

One of the workshop's focal points centred around the art of branding itself. Participants were presented with the challenge of uncovering their company's true identity and brand character, delving into defining the language used for communication and clarifying core values. By understanding the immense power of a robust brand, participants discovered how it can serve as a guiding force in decision-making across various situations.

Messaging took centre stage as attendees were guided in effectively conveying their brand's purpose. Through immersive, hands-on exercises, participants honed their skills in crafting clear and compelling messaging, even going as far as building impactful landing pages to captivate their target audience.

Another pivotal aspect explored during the workshop was the customer journey. Participants gained invaluable insights into the art of connecting with customers in a manner that resonated deeply with their needs and aspirations. Each step of the customer journey was meticulously dissected, with a strong emphasis on transforming every interaction into a positive experience that authentically reflected the essence of their brand.

The workshop's itinerary extended into the realm of marketing strategy, urging attendees to strategise and develop effective plans for sharing their brand with the world. Learning the art of creating and distributing content that genuinely captured their brand's voice became a vital skillset to master.

The workshop concluded on a high note, leaving participants armed with a comprehensive set of tools and knowledge to breathe new life into their brands. Equipped with a robust marketing strategy and the ability to create compelling content that projected their brand's unique personality, attendees departed with an unwavering commitment to implement transformative changes in their business endeavours.

As participants departed with newfound clarity and purpose, the impact of the "Branding to Marketing and the Journey in Between" workshop is expected to ripple throughout the entrepreneurial community. This extraordinary event offered a rare opportunity to unlock the full potential of brands, fundamentally reshaping how entrepreneurs and professionals approach their business endeavours and foster enduring success.

EO Melbourne kickstarts the year 2023 with The Masterplan

A great way to kickstart the year was to set one’s goals for a productive year ahead. EO Melbourne recently invited the dynamic duo of Master Life Strategist and Coach Shannah Kennedy and Leadership Coach Colleen Callander for a powerful presentation on The Masterplan during a breakfast event.

Shannah Kennedy is a high-performance master planner and one of Australia’s foremost strategic life coaches. She is the bestselling author of The Life Plan and global best seller Plan B. Colleen Callander is an award-winning CEO, Founder of Mentor Me, and the author of Leader By Design.

Their presentation revolved around The Masterplan – The Ultimate Self-Mastery Program on Life (Self-Awareness), Leadership (Self-Leadership) and Longevity (Self-Management). Participants walked away with a 76-page workbook covering the 18 core topics around Life, Leadership and Longevity that helped them create their Masterplan and Action plan to future-proof themselves and their businesses.

The attendees took away great learnings from the event, such as the importance of planning, focusing on one’s self, creating personal values and living by them, and improving one’s habits and daily life.

“It was such a privilege and joy to present at the first EO Melbourne networking breakfast. We met so many incredible EO members doing incredible things and were open to elevating both personally and professionally,” Colleen Callandar commented.

EO Melbourne has lined up more remarkable learning events for the remainder of FY 2022-2023. If you want to enjoy the benefits of being an EO Melbourne Member, visit our https://www.eomelbourne.org/join page.

A look into EO Melbourne’s first half of FY 2022-2023

See what’s in store for the rest of the year

The calendar year 2022 has come to a close and we welcome the New Year 2023 with a positive outlook. For many, this is the time to look at the past year and learn from it in order to work towards a better year ahead. For several businesses and organisations, such as EO Melbourne, this marks the first half of the financial year 2022-2023, a perfect time to step up the momentum for the next six months.

The EO Melbourne Board for FY 2022-2023 has worked hard to come up with a packed Q1 and Q2 that would cater to the 360-degree needs of its member entrepreneurs. It has invited top-notch speakers and workshop facilitators who shared their inspiring stories and practical insights, which are valuable to those traversing their respective entrepreneurial journeys.

Among the notable guests that EO Melbourne had for the past six months was Jack Daly, who conducted his "The Proven Path to Hyper Sales Growth While Living a Life By Design" workshop. Other workshops that the chapter organised were the "Never Fly Economy Again" Virtual 'Point Hacks' Workshop with iFLYflat Founder and CEO Steve Hui and the "Get Your Business Out of Your Brain" Virtual Trainual workshop with Trainual Founder and CEO Chris Ronzio.

EO Melbourne also had other amazing resource speakers, such as the advisor to the advisors, Craig Ferguson who gave an insight on the Australian economy and where it is heading; Al Qaeda's longest-held prisoner and now International Speaker & Best Selling Author Steve McGown who talked about survival, the importance of making important decisions, acceptance and communication, and the concept that Freedom is an attitude; and Fable Food Co CEO and Co-Founder Michael Fox who shared the lessons he learned from the collapse of his business, Shoes of Prey, and how he applied them to Fable Food.

Some virtual events were conducted like the Virtual Masterclass Series: Everything you need to know about Offshoring and the 'Scaling and Selling a Global Digital Agency' virtual event with Andrew Collins.

EO Melbourne Members and attendees also found great insights from events like "The Deal of a Lifetime" with EO Member Ben Trinh and the myDNA event where they learned about the personalised, DNA-powered approach to their health & wellness. The chapter also conducted two Accelerator and Key Executive Learning Days, one on “Cash” and another on “Strategy”.

But it wasn’t just all about learning and workshops as members also had some fun time connecting with fellow members during the EO Exclusive Drive Day with our Strategic Alliance Partner, MB Berwick, which included a lunch at Jackalope. The chapter capped the year 2022 with its annual Christmas Long Lunch, this time, at the lush Levantine Hill. Accelerators and Key Executives also had their Christmas Party at Perry’s Club, co-founded by EO Melbourne Member Paul Ghaie.

As the year 2023 begins, the second half of FY 2022-2023 looks even more exciting as the chapter starts with the Australian Open Superbox Experience for its members. There’s also the Australian F1 Grand Prix Experience that they can look forward to in April. The third Member Connect Dinners where members can enjoy dinner in an intimate setting of 10 people are also in the works.

Other events in the pipeline are the Masterplan Workshop: The Ultimate Self-Mastery Program on Life, Leadership and Longevity, International Women’s Day with Dr Nicole Yap and the Greg Crabtree Workshop. EO Melbourne Members, Accelerators, SLP and Key Executive Forum members can look to more exciting and invigorating events in the coming months.

Moreover, the highlight of the FY 2022-2023 is the EO Melbourne Chapter Retreat, which will be held on the beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia.

Sounds exciting? If you are interested in becoming part of EO Melbourne or have someone in mind who fits the requirements of the EO Membership: founder, co-founder, owner or controlling shareholder of a company in Melbourne and surrounding areas; and holds one of the above titles for a company that grosses more than US$1 million annually, then you or the potential guest can express your interest in attending our Membership Information Night “Startup to Scaling Up” by visiting our https://www.eomelbourne.org/event2023. 

Andrew Collins talks about Scaling and Selling a Digital Agency at the EO Melbourne event

Andrew Collins, Group CEO of Mailman, is proof that age and an unfamiliar territory are not hindrances to one’s road to success in the entrepreneurial journey. In one of EO Melbourne’s learning events, Andrew shared how he, as a young Australian entrepreneur, acquired a small business in China and transformed it into a global leader in sports media, serving the largest sports organisations in the world, including NFL, NBA, UFC, Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United, to name a few.

At the age of 27, on his fifth trip to China, Andrew acquired Mailman, one of the first foreign-owned advertising agencies in this country that specialised in postcard media, for US $175,000 and then scaled it to become a leading digital agency. This was in 2007, which he considered as the survival phase of his journey leading to 2010 when he had pivoted the business to digital consulting in the sports and entertainment category. 

The huge rise of the internet and electronic media in China allowed Andrew to expand his business offerings and enabled him to streamline his services towards designing digital media campaigns for the global travel and sports organisations. Liverpool FC, the first global football team to embrace China, became Mailman’s first international client ahead of their summer tour.

By the end of 2021, with over 300 employees, Mailman was serving over 100 global sporting organizations across 54 markets. Recently, Andrew sold the company to Endeavor (NYSE: EDR) for a record sum for an Australian-founded business in China -- a great feat for a young entrepreneur! Andrew now resides in Singapore providing support as the company expands with Endeavor’s global network.

In his over a decade of living in China, Andrew became part of EO Shanghai, serving the organisation in various capacities, which is why he was delighted to be able to share his journey with fellow entrepreneurs from EO Melbourne and across the South Pacific. Attendees of this EO Melbourne virtual event learned so much from Andrew’s entrepreneurial experience, especially his hard work, passion and determination to achieve the successes he has reaped over the years. 

Steve McGown talks on “Freedom is an Attitude” at the EO Melbourne learning event

"5 years & 8 months is a long time. I believe that I'm like any other person. I’m no different. We all have problems, and we shouldn’t judge one another, as we have different coping mechanisms and breaking points. I do, however, believe that our attitude separates us and determines how we cope. Some people give up too easily."

"If they are not going to kill me then I might as well use this time to go home a better person."

- Stephen "Steve" McGown

EO Melbourne recently had Stephen McGown, Al Qaeda's longest-held prisoner and now International Speaker and Best Selling Author, as its speaker where he shared his survival story and how it can be applied to one’s entrepreneurial journey.

In 2011, Steve, then a tourist on a motorcycle, was abducted by Al Qaeda up in North Africa, Mali. He was taken beyond his will far into the Saharan desert for the following six years to be either negotiated out of captivity or executed. In 2017, he was released to return home to his family.

In this EO learning event, Steve talked about resilience and overcoming adversity amidst harsh weather conditions, a different culture, language and religion. He also discussed the value of making important decisions, the importance of acceptance and communication, and the concept that Freedom is an Attitude.

As a normal guy whose life was thrown into disarray, he has become a much sought-after speaker with his self-taught methods of adjusting, being resilient, and making the most of what life throws at us. In this session, he will inspire you and leave you questioning your own attitude and dilemmas.

His survival story can be directed to many specific areas of interest, including one's entrepreneurial journey. Living outdoors in harsh conditions meant that he had to acquire a variety of new skills including how to protect himself from the elements as well as how to communicate across language and cultural boundaries. But most of all, he learned how to stay alive; remain positive and be present when everything was stacked against him. Uncertain as to whether he would ever be released or die in the expanse of the Sahara, he made a decision to not let his situation get the better of him. He decided to rather hold onto hope and take control of his attitude. 

Hearing his story, participants found inspiration from the “amazing story shared by the speaker.” There key takeaways from Steve’s talk are the importance of the power of the mind, a positive attitude is everything, that you can control your attitude and approach in life, and resilience and a positive mindset are key and relationships can save lives.

Steve is the best-selling author of 6 years a hostage (Captured by Islamist Militants in the desert) which was nominated for Book of the Year in South Africa. He is involved in running workshops about resilience and was voted best speaker of the year at a number of EO chapter events internationally.*

*According to ICMI (https://www.icmi.com.au/stephen-mcgown/).

Everything You Need To Know About Offshoring

An EO Melbourne Virtual Masterclass Series

In its continued mission to provide meaningful learning events to its members, EO Melbourne recently held a Virtual Masterclass on the topic: “Everything You Need To Know About Offshoring.”

Our fast-changing world has enabled various businesses — large, medium and small –- to tap into a global talent pool of highly-skilled overseas-based workers. The virtual masterclass is very timely as more and more companies are looking into this option to expand their ventures and grow their businesses.

The panel speakers during this learning event were EO Members Nicholas Clift, Co-Founder of Otto IT, and David Fastuca, Co-Founder of Locomote, and were joined by Dean Godfrey, COO of BlueRock, one of the Strategic Alliance Partners of EO Melbourne. Moderating the discussion was Adam Morse, a former EO Melbourne Accelerator from 2014 to 2015, who is the founder of BlueRock Private Wealth and a member of the BlueRock leadership team. 

The panellists shared their experiences on some of the benefits of offshoring, as well as the risks and challenges of outsourcing. The benefits are plentiful — reducing your wage bill, finding talent in time zones who can work while you sleep, and hiring roles that you may not be able to afford here in Australia.

However, while cost is one of the benefits that business owners look into originally, now, the discussion is no longer about saving money but getting the resources to do the work. More recently, businesses are looking into offshoring as a means of finding people who can do the work and having more resources to do the work.

The benefits, once you get it right, are having a lot of the more repetitive tasks in your organisation be done via an outsource team, therefore, the execution gives you the capacity to do more of those tasks. It also allows you to attract more or at higher levels of talent locally because what that means is when people come into your business, they’re actually doing higher levels of work or more complex work.

Offshoring also provides businesses with the opportunity to get in more experts who are well-rounded and hire someone who is a weapon in the space they work in, with other team members learning from them. “Outsourcing is like forming an army of specialists in different areas,” one of the panellists said. “It’s getting the right people with the right skills and the right culture that can get the job done.”

While the benefits are many, offshoring also comes with challenges, which include data security issues, confidentiality, compliance, loyalty, exchange rates, the balance of quality of work and cost, etc.

The speakers also shared their key learnings from their experiences with offshoring and outsourcing work to overseas-based team members. Among them are looking into different types of services you can tap into and structures that can work best for your business, making overseas members part of the team through online huddles and socials, starting things small and building them up, and dedicating a resource from your own team to nurture and manage the team overseas.

“Just do it and give it a shot” and “go to events like this one” were some of the additional tips that the panellists shared with the participants.

If you are interested to grow your business and develop as an entrepreneur, be part of EO Melbourne and learn from the various events and benefits being offered, where you get to continue your entrepreneurial journey with other like-minded business owners.

To join, visit https://www.eomelbourne.org/join or contact administrator@eomelbourne.org. 

How to have continuous learning along the entrepreneurial journey

Knowledge is not static. It constantly expands. Each day always brings something new to the table, which is why growth and learning are essential parts of human nature. Continuous development builds up a person, and many leaders and entrepreneurs get to where they are right now because of their thirst for learning.

How do you keep on upskilling yourself and expanding your knowledge while on the entrepreneurial journey? There are plenty of ways to consistently expose yourself to new things and widen your understanding of various concepts and information. 

Read books and other materials

There are multitudes of reading materials that can provide you with pointers, tips and insights on improving yourself. Business leaders and visionaries have also written countless books that can give you a peek into their minds and experiences. Apart from books, there are magazines and online posts that give additional information and remind us of already acquired knowledge that we can take with us to our day-to-day lives and into our business.

We had shared several lists of books on this site. There are books recommended by EO members, biographies of known business leaders, books on persuasion and negotiation, books by women business leaders, crisis management books, and books written by EO members.

Listen to podcasts

Podcasts that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs are a great resource of information and inspiration. There are plenty of known podcasts online and we’ve compiled 20 of them that can be helpful to entrepreneurs. Apart from this list, there are also some amazing podcasts by EO that feature different entrepreneurs and business leaders and covers various topics across many industries.

Attend seminars, workshops and learning events

What better way to learn from the more experienced and the experts than to have first-hand interaction with them? When you attend seminars and learning events you get the opportunity not only to listen to them but also to ask questions and clarify things. Among the benefits that entrepreneurs get when they join EO is access to opportunities, events and executive education programmes. 

EO members share some of the learning events that they find have helped them in their professional growth. John Anderton, Founder and CEO of Butterfly, found that he learned a lot from “the whole-day sessions on elements from Scaling Up, e.g., People,” referring to EO’s Accelerator Learning Days, which includes workshops and pre-work, such as readings from Verne Harnish’s book, Scaling Up.

There are EO learning events that stood out for Anthony Holdstock, Director and Owner of Sharp & Carter, and he cited them, “I really liked Warren Rustand’s event on raising high-performing families and I enjoyed the Gabby Leibovich session (Catch of the Decade).” Warren Rustand’s event was attended by the families of EO members, which made it even more meaningful.

Whilst for Mark Calabro, Co-Founder of HungryHungry, the event that he found helpful to his journey was the "Battlescars of Business" with Gus Balbontin. “He was fantastic, and he really stretched my mind with the way I think about education and the world,” Mark shared.

Experience things

They say there’s no better teacher than experience itself. It’s even more exciting when the things you’ve read and heard are put into practical use and you even learn more along the way. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders learn from their experiences, taking into account their strengths, weaknesses, limits and capabilities that can often emerge in a particular situation. Even institutions that provide formal education acknowledge the importance of experience, which is why practicum and internships are included in courses and school programs.

Observe and reflect

Learning is often as simple as using the five senses. Be conscious of things you encounter each day. There are instances wherein you may not be in the thick of things, but you can observe and learn from the things and happenings around you. You can watch how someone you look up to does things in their business or listen to the experience shares and tips from your mentor. Whether you experienced something yourself or somebody did and you only witnessed it, follow it through by reflecting, filtering the things that you’ve seen or heard, and picking out the lessons that you can take with you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Think about the best way on how you can further hone your skills, talents and capabilities. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your weaknesses so that you can expand your learning and improve yourself. How do you make sure that you continuously develop yourself as a person, entrepreneur, and business leader? Share with us your tips below.

EO Melbourne events during the first half of 2020-2021

It is halfway through the 2020-2021 term, and amidst all the challenges of lockdown and other restrictions, EO Melbourne has endeavoured to provide various avenues for its community of entrepreneurs, as well as their families, to grow in their journey.

A well-attended Mentorship Program Launch and Online Training.

Despite events taking place virtually, it didn’t stop the chapter from coming up with interesting, informational and enjoyable activities that are beneficial to its members. Here are some of the online events that have happened for the last six months:

Learning events

Committed to providing opportunities for personal and professional growth and development to its members, EO Melbourne has lined up several learning events online that could equip them with tools and additional knowledge.

This included webinars and Zoom calls with experts and business leaders who shared their experiences, lessons learned and insights to the EO community. These virtual talks featured the following speakers: Jeffrey Cole (The Coronavirus Disruption Project), Dr Emma Fulu and Hannah Kassay (Diversity and Inclusion), Austin McChord (his entrepreneurial journey), Joe Pane and Katerina Papamarkou (Readjusting to life after lockdown), Adam Ross (Launching a VC-backed startup during the pandemic), and Adam Bennett (In conversation with a “White Hat Hacker”).

There were also member-led virtual events such as the “Building Brands that Last” with Andrew McKinnon and the “Influencer Marketing” with Hannah Vasicek. There were also various online sessions with the chapter’s Strategic Alliance Partners like Airwallex, BlueRock, EOS, and Evans & Partners.

Moreover, it was a successful Mentorship Program launch and online training that saw the participation of 27 pairs of mentors and mentees.

Socials and family events

Apart from the learning events, EO also organised social events to provide fun and light moments for the members and even their families.

There were virtual wine tasting nights where participants and their partners enjoyed a thing or two about winemaking while exchanging stories over bottles of wine. It was an entertaining and magical day for parents and kids as they learned new tricks from Australia’s greatest magician, Cosentino, during the EO Academy of Magic.

With the absence of physical gatherings, EO came up with catch-up events, such as the Chat Roulette and Needs & Leads, that allowed members to get to know one another and lend support to each other.

APAC events

The EO Asia-Pacific region has also put together several webinars and special interest virtual events for chapters within the area. The APAC Celebrity Webinars featured the likes of Marc Randolph of Netflix, Jack Daly, Dr Angus Hervey and Tane Hunter of Future Crunch, Bhutan's former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Starbucks Coffee Company International’s former president Howard Behar.

Meanwhile, the EO APAC Inspiring CEO Series took participants through the entrepreneurial journeys of Globe CEO Ernest Cu, Jindal Steel & Power Limited Chairman Naveen Jindal, Taylor's Education Group CEO Dato' Loy Teik Ngan, and Flight Centre Travel Group co-founder and CEO Graham “Skroo” Turner.

Apart from these activities, forums within the chapter continued to meet-up online. As restrictions are now easing after lockdown, some activities and events move towards the physical space. Although there is a face-to-face interface, safety measures and protocols are still strictly observed.

The calendar year 2020 is almost coming to an end and a new chapter in 2021 is about to unfold. Despite the challenges, EO Melbourne remains true to its mission of supporting entrepreneurial education by supporting the needs of the 360° entrepreneur through business, family, community & personal experiences and offering world-class learning events, skills-specific workshops and a venue to exchange business stories that can help its members learn and grow.

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Do you need this kind of support in your entrepreneurial journey? Check out here on how you can join and be part of EO Melbourne.

Diversity and Inclusion: how do we make it become part of our corporate culture?

In times of social unrest, it becomes more critical for founders and leaders to dive deeper into diversity and inclusion within their organisations.

With recent events across the world bringing systemic racism and inequality to light, it is more important than ever to be upholding diversity and inclusion within the workplace. The worst thing any organisation can do right now is to do nothing.

But where do we start? How do we navigate the topics of diversity, inclusion, and equality with respect and do it right? How do we communicate about this with our team and our customers? How do we become more aware of our unconscious bias within our HR, marketing, or daily operations and address them effectively? What steps can we take to ensure long-lasting diversity and inclusiveness is part of our company’s culture?

EO Melbourne has been into the topic and some members have shared their thoughts and tips through the article “We asked the question: As an entrepreneur, how do you practice diversity and inclusion in the workplace?” This time, the chapter invited Dr Emma Fulu, Founder and Director of The Equality Institute, and Hannah Kassay, a refugee who came to Australia 17 years ago from Eritrea, to shed more light on this issue as they shared their experiences and thoughts on how we, as a society, can do better.

Emma talked about her personal experience coming from a family of diverse backgrounds. Growing up, she has received undue treatment from people who have perceived her as different from them. Since she found herself wanting to address injustice and inequality, she then pursued a career that enabled her to do this.

She became a researcher, social entrepreneur and one of the world’s leading experts on equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls. Her groundbreaking research has been featured widely in international media, including on BBC, Al Jazeera, CNN, and Huffington Post, and published in high-level academic journals. She is also a representative on the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Council on Women’s Equality, co-Chair of the Gender and Rights Advisory Panel of the World Health Organization, and a member of the Lancet Commission.

Eventually, she founded the Equality Institute, a global feminist agency working to end violence against women and girls with the ability to combine world-class research with creative communications.

For companies who want to uphold diversity and inclusion in their organisation, Emma stated that it is best to communicate with honesty and humility, to listen to team members, to acknowledge areas for improvement on this aspect, and to take further action that can create long-term impact. She recognised that there is no quick solution to ensuring equality in companies, but a good approach is to have a diverse recruitment process to more targeted groups, which may require more time and effort.

Hannah, on the other hand, shared her journey from her childhood in Eritrea to her move to Australia. “When I came to Australia as a refugee, ZERO was the only way one could describe my starting position. Without knowing English or having any real formal education, it was only power of will, utmost dedication on a daily level, and continuous personal growth that made me into what I am today - a businesswoman with a deep awareness of what it takes to convert ZERO to ONE,” she revealed.

She started her company, ACS Cleaning Melbourne, from scratch with zero income and built the business into a trustworthy resource that it is today through old-school perseverance, dedication, and customer-obsessed approach. Today, her business has 10 franchises and growing, with plans for expanding nationally.

Throughout her journey, when she has come to realise that she was different from everybody else, Hannah began to educate herself. Later on, she developed self-esteem and saw her value as a person. “Diversity comes from within,” she remarked, and equality is something she regards as self-responsibility. For her, diversity and inclusion in any organisation must be a genuine effort where the leader or CEO explores what it truly means to be different and conducts open communication about it. She also pointed out that embracing diversity will also nurture the creativity and growth of an organisation.

Through her business, Hannah extends an opportunity for women and those who are marginalised to reach their goals through franchising. At present, she does some public speaking and organises workshops and mentoring sessions for everyone interested in hearing and learning about the principles that proved their value and soundness during her whole career. “I have a special interest in empowering underprivileged women and youth, helping them find their place in a global business ecosystem,” she stated.

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EO Melbourne comes up with webinars and learning events like this that helps entrepreneurs look into various social issues that may be beneficial in growing their business and developing their organisation.

The Coronavirus Disruption Project: a webinar with Jeffrey Cole

"Daily life is far more disrupted by the pandemic than after 9/11 or the beginning of World War II, and anxiety is at levels only seen after Pearl Harbor and the Great Depression," said Jeffrey Cole, Director of the Center for the Digital Future in the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. The Center conducted a study titled "The Coronavirus Disruption Project: How We are Living and Coping During the Pandemic," which found rapid life changes and concerns as to how Americans confront the pandemic.

Jeffrey recently held a webinar with EO Melbourne on The Coronavirus Disruption Project and shared the findings of this study, which provided insights that helped better understand the thoughts of people who go through similar life experiences, anxieties and coping mechanisms.

Jeffrey has been at the forefront of media and communication technology issues both in the United States and internationally for the past three decades. An expert in the field of technology and emerging media, he serves as an adviser to governments and leading companies around the world as they craft digital strategies. In 2016, Jeffrey was one of the founders of the Global Disruption Fund (GDF), a technology investment fund based in Australia. He is one of the members of the Investment Committee identifying innovative companies and those about to be disrupted, making investments based on his work.

Veering from the Center's traditional work in annually examining digital change since the year 2000 in 35 countries, The Coronavirus Disruption Project took an extended look at life during the pandemic. As people are living through the greatest social science experiment of all time without warning or preparation, millions have had to suddenly move their work, learning, buying and everything else online. To see how everything has changed and will continue to change, Jeffrey gave a detailed look at how people have lived and coped during the crisis.

It was an insightful webinar for the attendees as Jeffrey elaborated on the data they gathered last April and June. People revealed what they missed most when isolated due to the pandemic. He also tackled people’s hobbies, habits, and sources of information with the new lifestyle that COVID-19 has brought to people's lives. With the shift of activities to the online and virtual space, the study revealed how people are navigating through the changes and how they perceive the transformations in their lives. Following his presentation was a healthy discussion as Jeffrey answered questions from the webinar participants related to the topic.

EO Melbourne continues to hold online learning events like this that allow its members and community to acquire additional knowledge and deeper understanding not only of the business environment and the entrepreneurial journey but also of the adjustments and modifications entrepreneurs can employ to adapt to the present environment.

Check out EO Melbourne’s past events in this page and its 2020-2021 Q1 events through the video at the homepage. Are you interested to be part of EO Melbourne? Read here on how to join.

“How to Build Successful Families” Workshop with Warren Rustand

EO Melbourne members and their families had a fun engagement at the How to Build Successful Families Workshop with Warren Rustand. Out of the 80 participants, 33 were family guests or children of EO members. This workshop coincides with the chapter’s focus this year on family and in bringing those most important on the same journey.

The workshop revolved around the principles and values of how to create high performance, successful families. It included specific activities and techniques that could be used within a family to make it happier and more productive. 

The advantages of attending conferences, talks and seminars

Not many may adhere to the thought of leaving their workspace and be with several other people, mostly strangers, to listen to a speaker. Others may prefer to read books, watch videos or listen to podcasts in the comforts of their offices or homes rather than going to a venue, which may be a bit intimidating. However, there is a great benefit in being in that space where you absorb the energy of experts and other like-minded individuals.

Consider seminars, talks, conferences and learning events as an investment to your growth and personal development. Choose the events you’ll attend that can add value to your entrepreneurial journey. Some of them may come for free as a benefit of being a member of a group like EO Melbourne. Not only is it a mental exercise but it is also a social activity that can help hone your skills. Such advantages can be listed down, but not limited to:

Change of environment

To spark the creative flow within you, you often need to have a change of scenery and get out of your comfort zone. Of course, you might need to be away from your work, and that’s the cost of attending a conference, apart from the fees you have to pay to participate. But having more people around you can spike up your competitive spirit. You get to see how others react to the speakers and gauge their response vis-a-vis your way of receiving the information.

Networking with various entrepreneurs

You’ll be surprised at what you will get when you expand your horizon and meet new people. There are different personalities with various backgrounds that come to conferences and seminars. Acquainting with them can lead you to know more people from different industries and businesses where you can deepen through a mutually beneficial relationship.

Face-to-face interaction

Seeing an expert talk to you face-to-face is different compared to just watching him on a screen or hearing him from an earphone. You can ask questions and get answers instantly. Also, you can receive additional hints from non-verbal signs like gestures, intonation and facial expressions. There may even be workshops where you get to apply what you heard and check your output with a group that can guide you on the right way to do things.

Use of your five senses

The main benefit of attending a learning event is the lessons, information and stories that you pick from the speakers and people present. You get to listen to them, to see them and the surroundings, and experience the whole thing. There’s instant gratification that you get when you feel the energy and excitement that come together in such a venue.

Fun learning experience

More than anything else, being surrounded by people with the same passion and enthusiasm can be a fun experience. You get to learn and meet new friends. Look around the exhibits and check out the side activities. The event may only last for a day or two, but the energy you’ll take from it is enough to re-charge you for months.

Although not all experiences may be pleasant and some may fall short of your expectations, you still have the choice to make the most of it. Stay positive so that you can bring the learnings and energy back to your business and your team. The best way to nurture the lessons you receive from the event is to pass it on and share it with others. When you repeat and explain what you have learned from the speakers, you get to understand it better. Moreover, it will also help improve your team.