Long Term Thinking for Business Success

From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Water Crisis Transformed This Engineering Business – Larry Narunsky, Convergent Water Controls

In this episode, Larry Narunsky shares his 28-year history as the technical director and founder of Convergent Water Controls (CWC) and how his company has become a cornerstone of Australia's water treatment industry over the past 28 years. 
 Larry's story is a testament to the power of technical expertise and strategic business acumen.  
After migrating from South Africa with an engineering background, he transformed a small electronic services business into a thriving enterprise that now employs 15 people and serves as a crucial solutions provider in the water treatment sector.  
What makes Larry's journey particularly fascinating is how he navigated significant industry changes, including a pivotal moment following a tragic incident at Melbourne Aquarium that reshaped safety standards in cooling tower maintenance. 
Throughout our conversation, Larry shares invaluable insights into building a sustainable business alongside his brother, emphasising the importance of clear role division and systematic documentation.  
His approach to hiring - prioritising engineering expertise over pure sales experience - has proven instrumental in building lasting client relationships based on technical competence rather than traditional sales tactics. 
One of Larry's most compelling aspects of his leadership philosophy is his commitment to systematic processes and quality assurance. Under his guidance, CWC has developed robust internal systems that allow the business to operate efficiently while maintaining high service standards.  
The candid discussion about the challenges of stepping back from day-to-day operations and the importance of building a sustainable organisation offers practical wisdom for business owners contemplating their succession planning. 
Whether you're an engineering business owner, an industrial sector entrepreneur, or simply interested in building a sustainable business, this episode offers rich insights into the delicate balance of technical excellence, systematic growth, and exceptional customer service.  
Join us as Larry shares his journey from a one-man operation to leading a respected player in Australia's water treatment industry. 

People-First Engineering: A Journey to Sustainable Success: Russell King, MEX Engineering

Join us for an insightful episode of "Long Term Thinking for Business Success" as we delve into the journey of MEX Engineering Group with its founder and CEO, Russell King. In this episode, Russell shares the transformation of MEX Engineering into a people-driven organisation and its vision to become Australia's leading engineering service provider. 
Discover how Russell and his team have cultivated an enjoyable and sustainable culture by prioritising people over profit, safety, and quality. Gain valuable insights into their unique approach to hiring based on cultural fit and the "hungry, humble, and smart" framework.  
Explore the challenges and triumphs of creating a sustainable business that lasts decades and learn about the founder's pivotal role in driving continuous change.  
Uncover the secrets behind MEX Engineering's client engagement strategies, from building lasting relationships to prioritising impactful activities.  
Take advantage of this engaging conversation as Russell King shares his wisdom on leadership, strategic initiatives, and the art of creating a best-in-class team. Tune in to gain inspiration for your business journey and learn how to foster a thriving, people-centric organisation. 

Navigating Challenges and Cultivating Trust: Insights from Paul Wehbe, Infrastructure Engineering Group

In this Long Term Thinking for Business Success episode, I sit down with Paul Wehbe, Managing Director of Infrastructure Engineering Group (IEG). With over 20 years of experience in the electrical infrastructure industry, Paul walks us through his transition from a corporate role at Ausgrid to starting IEG, which focuses on delivering innovative, client-centered utility solutions. What began as a side business offering 3D design and modelling services evolved into a fully-fledged consulting company specialising in high-risk utility infrastructure projects.
Paul shares the early challenges of managing a small business and learning how to deal with demanding clients, quoting uncertainties, and avoiding scope creep. He reveals that becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t originally planned, but his passion for pushing boundaries and trying new things made it a natural transition. 
One of the early lessons Paul highlights is understanding how to manage risk and uncertainty while ensuring clear communication with clients. He believes success comes from delivering great work and building lasting relationships through trust and transparency.
As we delve deeper into the discussion, Paul discusses the importance of company culture and personal branding for himself and his team. He emphasises the idea of being selective with clients, focusing on alignment with their values and leadership, which has been critical to IEG’s growth. 
Paul also discusses building trust and accountability within a team, sharing stories from his leadership experiences to set the right example. He believes that employees should reflect the company’s values and build strong personal brands so that clients remember them for their excellent service.
Paul is proud of the team culture at IEG, particularly the feedback they receive from clients who request specific team members by name, even if they weren’t initially assigned to a project. He notes that this kind of client loyalty comes from consistently providing a "red carpet experience," which has helped IEG establish a reputation as a trusted advisor in the utility infrastructure space.
One of Paul's top insights is the importance of strategic hires in scaling a business. He realised early on that to achieve stability and growth, he needed to hire a team he could trust unconditionally. He also highlights the need for flexibility and a "flex strategy" when scaling to handle surges in demand. This approach has helped IEG manage periods of rapid growth without compromising on quality.

Dario Valenza: Flying High: Tech Innovation Uncharted Skies

Dario Valenza's innovation journey is a captivating narrative of perseverance, creativity, and strategic vision. From his early career in yacht racing to pioneering advancements in uncrewed aerial systems, Dario's trajectory embodies the essence of a true innovator. His passion for design and performance excellence has been a driving force throughout his life, evident in his contributions to America's Cup teams and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement.
As the founder of Carbonix, he has led the charge of developing high-performance aerial systems that capture high-resolution data over large geographic areas and complex terrains. This endeavour has revolutionised workflows, reduced costs, and significantly lowered carbon emissions, underscoring Dario's dedication to environmental sustainability.
The conversation with Dario delves into the intricacies of his journey, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a technology-driven business from the ground up. His experiences in securing strategic partnerships, navigating the complexities of hardware development, and the pivotal role of customer-driven innovation provide a rich tapestry of lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts alike.
Dario's story is one of resilience and adaptability, marked by the fusion of his expertise in design thinking with a keen understanding of market dynamics. His unwavering pursuit of excellence and his ability to transform visionary ideas into tangible, real-world solutions inspire those embarking on their own innovation odyssey.
Join me as we explore Dario Valenza's story of innovation and delve into the intersection of vision, technology, and business success.

Pete Sackett: The Art of Expertise and Conversations for Sustainable Success

In this insightful episode, Pete Sackett, the Founder and Director of CDE Design Solutions, shares his wealth of experience and knowledge on building a sustainable engineering business.  
He started CDE in 2001 after spending several years working in various engineering roles. His initial vision was to provide drafting and factory-related mechanical engineering services to local food manufacturers. 
Pete shares the challenges and pivotal moments that have shaped the company's trajectory. He emphasises the pivotal role of having deep expertise in his team to build specialisation and create a unique market position  
We explore Pete’s approach to fostering open dialogue within the company and with clients, emphasising the value of regular discussions to gauge progress, address challenges, and ensure smooth operations.  
Over the course of 20 years leading CDE, Pete has accumulated a collection of captivating anecdotes and real-world examples that he generously shares with us. He takes the opportunity to explore key moments in CDE Design Solutions' history, including fundamental decisions that have greatly influenced the company's trajectory. 
Pete's candid storytelling and practical wisdom make this episode a great listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of sustainable business practices and long-term success. 

Nina Kilpinen: From Engineering to Retail and Back Again: Unconventional Career Journey

In this episode of the Long Term Thinking for Business Success podcast, I sit down with Nina Kilpinen, the Managing Director of Seed Engineering, a specialist engineering consulting firm.  
Nina's career journey is anything but conventional. After spending almost, a decade as an engineer, she left the industry to build a shoe retailing business. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her back to engineering, where she now brings a unique perspective to project development and management. 
In this wide-ranging conversation, Nina shares her insights on overcoming barriers, the importance of project management, balancing engineering and entrepreneurship, and the value of career flexibility. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry. 
Whether you're an engineer, an entrepreneur, or a business owner, there's something for everyone in this episode. Nina's story is inspiring, her insights are valuable, and her passion for her work is contagious. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with Nina Kilpinen. 

Wayne Shub: Principles of Courage and Unwavering Commitment

Embarking on a journey from South Africa to Australia, Wayne Shub, the founder and managing director of BHF Technologies, epitomises the essence of courage, determination, and the power of unwavering principles. In this captivating episode, we delve into the remarkable story of a visionary entrepreneur who transformed 23 years of perseverance into what many now perceive as an "overnight success." 
Shub's story began amidst the tumultuous mid-nineties in South Africa, a time when concerns about safety and the future loomed large. Fuelled by a desire for a secure environment for his family, Shub's decision to migrate to Australia.  
This marked the inception of a journey defined by unwavering determination and the courage to pursue a vision. It was during this period that Shub's entrepreneurial spirit took root, leading to the establishment of BHF Technologies, formerly known as Blue H2O Filtration, nearly 24 years ago 
At the heart of Shub's narrative lies the profound impact of principles and the courage to back oneself. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge, experience, and a steadfast philosophy that underpins the very fabric of BHF Technologies. Shub's unwavering commitment to providing leading-edge, cost-effective products combined with exceptional service and support has been the cornerstone of the company's success  
The episode delves into the pivotal moments that shaped Shub's trajectory, including a compelling account of a meeting with 20 executives, where his courage and insight left an indelible mark on the company's decision-making process.  
Through this episode, we gain invaluable insights into the philosophy that propelled BHF Technologies to the forefront of the industry, and the enduring impact of Shub's unwavering dedication to his vision and the enduring power of long-term thinking, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.  

Nathalie Scipioni: The power of networking, clear communications and being bold

In this episode I have a fascinating conversation with Natalie Scipioni, the visionary architect and founder of Natalie Scipioni Architects.  
From her Italian upbringing, steeped in history and aesthetics, to her architectural education in the heart of Florence, Natalie's path has been a tapestry of diverse experiences. 
Her decade-long tenure in Paris infused her with a cosmopolitan perspective, shaping her unique approach to architecture. But it was her decision to establish her own firm in Sydney, Australia, that truly ignited her professional destiny. 
Natalie's emphasis on seeking external perspectives and the guidance of mentors resonates deeply. Through her European background and expertise in heritage restoration, she has carved out a distinct niche in the competitive Australian architecture market. 
Discover how Natalie masterfully integrates space, natural light, and emotions into her architectural designs, creating environments that transcend mere functionality. Her ability to adapt to the client's vision while infusing it with her own creative imprint is a testament to her exceptional talent. 
Join us as we delve into Natalie's personal development journey, including her collaboration with a business coach. Learn how she gained valuable insights and strategies that transformed her entrepreneurial approach. 
Natalie's story is a captivating blend of personal resilience, professional acumen, and a deep commitment to delivering unique and sustainable architectural solutions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, her insights will inspire you to think strategically and build a flourishing enterprise. 

Jayne Good: Lessons in Leadership: How Jayne Built a Thriving Business

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Jayne Good, the chief operating officer of Good Constructions.  
With almost 30 years of experience, Jayne shares some really valuable insights into how she and her husband started and grew their company, which focuses on building high end custom homes and big commercial projects before specialising in retirement housing.  
They began in 1995 and have expanded from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne and beyond. It's a great example of how they've always aimed for top quality and cared about the environment when building things.  
During our talk, Jayne looks back on the important moments that shaped their company's path, like when they shifted from building luxury homes to working on retirement living projects. She tells us about the challenges they faced as a small family business and how they built a culture of open communication and support, which turned out to be really important for their success.  
She also talks about how they make sure to regularly check in with their employees, give and receive feedback, and help new employees get settled in, showing us how important it is to keep the team happy and growing.  
We'll explore the lessons from Jayne's journey, from making the most of opportunities and managing resources well to the power of making connections and getting advice from experienced people in the industry.  
This episode is sure to inspire and teach us about persistence, growth, and always aiming for the best in the construction and business world. 

Neil Glentworth: From High School Dropout to fortune 500 and government advisor

From dropout to CEO - the improbable rise of Neil Glentworth 
Neil Glentworth's path from leaving school at 16 to leading a global group of businesses against all odds is a story of grit, determination and long-term vision. Our conversation offers valuable lessons for business owners and leaders battling challenges and seeking to build lasting companies.   
A key to Neil's unorthodox success was prioritising profits over popularity. He advocates focusing less on vanity metrics like revenue, stressing instead the importance of understanding profitability and costs - the true engines of sustainable growth. This approach revealed the strategic importance of optimising operations for steady gains rather than quick wins. 
Along the way, Neil faced his fair share of setbacks, navigating turbulent financial waters and learning hard lessons the hard way. These baptisms of fire gave him unique insight into the intricacies of business management and the critical role financial discipline plays in survival and expansion. 
Neil's leadership style also holds clues for owners struggling to motivate teams. He emphasises recruiting the right people and empowering them within a culture that values integrity and passion for the work. This focus on developing dedicated, autonomous teams has been pivotal in GWI Group's success and offers a model for building resilient organisations. 
Additionally, Neil's data-driven approach to problem-solving and strategic decision-making offers owners a competitive edge. His story underscores how leveraging evidence and analytics can help navigate challenges and propel steady, calculated growth in an uncertain business world.  
In the end, Neil Glentworth's against-the-odds experiences and the lessons gleaned from triumphing over adversity provide an inspiring blueprint for all of us aiming to build sustainable business that stand the test of time..