Setting a goal to become a CEO is one thing. Actually becoming one is a whole different ball game.

In this episode of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, I speak with Barry McDonald, CEO of NovaFit, an Australian owned distributor of world class fitness equipment. Barry has spent more than 20 years shaping the health and fitness landscape in Australia through national leadership roles with brands such as Matrix Fitness Australia, Jets Australia and Goodlife Health Clubs.

Barry shares how his early life in housing commission, constant school changes and junior footy coaching shaped his view of leadership as service. He explains why he always tried to behave “one role up” throughout his career, and how that mindset helped him move from sales and general management into the CEO role.

We discuss:

• The childhood moment he realised he loved leading
• Two very different mentors who shaped his CEO style
• The uncomfortable shift from peer to CEO with the same team
• The real price you pay to sit in the CEO chair
• How NovaFit doubled revenue and tripled profit in two years
• Why true culture is built on discipline, honest conversations and genuine care
• How AI is extending service and member experience in the fitness industry

If you enjoy this conversation, please follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with a leader or emerging leader in your world.

To learn more about my work on leadership, culture and business growth, search for “Gary Ryan” and “Organisations That Matter” online, and connect with me on LinkedIn.

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Join host Gary Ryan on Moving Beyond Being Good as he sits down with Paul Cowan, the visionary founder of Cowan Air and Cowan Doors. After 34 years in business, Paul reveals how he built a multi-million-dollar enterprise that puts choosing clients and delivering unparalleled service at its core. Learn how Paul turned early hardships into strength, developed proprietary software to drive accountability and efficiency, and fostered a culture where quality and respect shape every interaction.

From rejecting low-margin contracts to creating a flexible yet disciplined workplace, Paul shares pragmatic leadership lessons and the power of saying no to grow sustainably and profitably. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, discover how to build a high-performance business, keep your team aligned with vision, and maintain a lifestyle balance.

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Learn more about Gary's SCALEFAST Program for small to medium sized business owners in Australia and New Zealand that he co-hosts with Alison Wheeler here.

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In this Episode 199 of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, host Gary Ryan interviews Justin Fuller, an Australian entrepreneur living in Atlanta, who has built a successful timber manufacturing business in China. The conversation explores Justin's unique journey, the challenges of cross-cultural communication, and his recent endeavor of creating a volleyball tournament that serves as a cultural exchange between American high school students and Chinese university teams. The discussion highlights the importance of personal growth, the impact of business success on community, and the lessons learned through this extraordinary experience.

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In this Moving Beyond being Good Podcast interview, host Gary Ryan and AI expert Dave King explore the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, its impact on organisations, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. They discuss the uneven distribution of AI knowledge, the integration of AI in sales processes, and the potential for AI to enhance customer service. The conversation also touches on the energy consumption of AI technologies, the concept of the singularity, and the implications of AI on creativity and learning. In this conversation, the speakers explore the transformative potential of AI, particularly large language models, in personal insights, organizational data management, and customer engagement. They discuss the importance of context in AI interactions, the creation of dynamic customer personas, and the role of AI agents in enhancing task management. The conversation also highlights the opportunities for small to medium enterprises to leverage AI for competitive advantage and the significance of understanding daily workflows to improve productivity. The unpredictability of AI development and the necessity for human-AI collaboration are emphasized throughout the discussion.

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In this conversation, host Gary Ryan interviews Shawn Callahan, Founder of Anecdote International, discusses the significance of storytelling in leadership, emphasising its role as a powerful communication tool that inspires action and engagement. Shawn explores the concept of natural storytellers, the importance of story listening, and how organizations can cultivate a storytelling culture to enhance leadership effectiveness. The discussion also highlights practical examples and strategies for integrating storytelling into business practices, ultimately aiming to create a more impactful and connected workplace. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of storytelling within organisations, emphasising its role in shaping culture and connecting employees to overarching strategies. They discuss the challenges businesses face in adopting storytelling as a strategic tool, particularly in data-driven environments. The conversation transitions into the importance of scaling business operations and building strong client relationships, highlighting personal anecdotes and lessons learned. Finally, they explore the concept of moving beyond mediocrity to achieve remarkable success, underscoring the need for businesses to stand out in a competitive landscape.

Learn more about Shawn and to access your free ebook copy of "Putting Stories To Work" here

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Summary

In this episode of the Moving Beyond Being Good Podcast, Gary Ryan shares his top five business lessons learned over 18 years in business. He emphasizes the importance of publishing books, maintaining a strong social media presence, viewing customers as lifetime partners, continuously improving skills, and treating every customer as the number one priority. These lessons are designed to help others create long-term success in their own businesses.

Takeaways

• Publishing books has generated significant credibility.
• Social media presence is crucial for business success.
• Viewing customers as lifetime partners fosters loyalty.
• Creating new programs keeps the business competitive.
• Continuous learning enhances service quality.
• Treating every customer as number one builds trust.
• Consistency in communication is key to client relationships.
• Investing in personal development leads to better outcomes.
• Authenticity in marketing attracts the right clients.
• Long-term partnerships yield mutual benefits.

Listen to this episode on YouTube here

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Summary

In this episode of the Moving Beyond Being Good Podcast, Gary Ryan reflects on his 18 years in business by sharing his top five mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of not just relying on client satisfaction for growth, the need to develop marketing and sales skills, the pitfalls of remaining a solopreneur, the dangers of getting comfortable, and the necessity of setting ambitious goals. Each mistake serves as a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs to avoid similar pitfalls in their own journeys.

Takeaways

• Celebrating 18 years in business is a significant milestone.
• Relying solely on client satisfaction can hinder business growth. - Developing marketing and sales skills is crucial for success.
• Remaining a solopreneur limits business potential.
• Getting comfortable can lead to stagnation in business.
• Setting small goals can restrict business growth.
• Ambitious goals can drive action and innovation.
• Learning from mistakes is essential for growth.
• Continuous development is key to long-term success.
• Embracing change and challenges is vital for entrepreneurs.

Listen to this episode on YouTube here

Learn more about Gary Ryan here

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn here

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Book a FREE 30-Minute online "Coffee Chat" to discuss your leadership or business growth needs here

If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan

Summary
In this episode of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, host Gary Ryan interviews Aaron Schultz, founder of The Outback Mind Foundation, who is dedicated to addressing domestic violence and supporting men's mental health. The conversation explores the importance of personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and creating safe spaces for men to discuss their feelings and experiences. Aaron shares insights from his work with men, emphasizing the need for education and community support to break the cycle of violence. He discusses the impact of men's circles and the role of documentary projects in raising awareness and fostering change. The episode concludes with a call to action for businesses and individuals to support initiatives that promote mental health and prevent domestic violence.

Takeaways

• Domestic violence awareness starts with personal responsibility.
• Creating safe spaces for men is crucial for open dialogue.
• Education is key to preventing domestic violence.
• Men often lack emotional awareness, leading to harmful behaviors.
• Community support can help break the cycle of violence.
• Men's circles provide a platform for sharing and healing.
• Documentaries can raise awareness and foster change.
• Proactive measures are needed to address mental health issues.
• Support from businesses can enhance community initiatives.
• Compassion and understanding are essential in addressing domestic violence.

Watch this episode on YouTube here.

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Learn more about Organisations That Matter here.

If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan