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The Audacious Agency shares Audacious, entrepreneurs’ stories of challenge and success. Insight, inspiration and motivation, tips, tools and quick-fire questions packed into 20 minutes to share what it takes to stand out, be seen and noticed.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this compelling episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett sits down with Saurabh Arora (Sab), the dynamic founder of Eminence Finance Group.
Sab, a former top-performing mobile lender with ANZ and a multi-award-winning mortgage broker, is revolutionising the mortgage experience with his commitment to lightning-fast customer service and unparalleled client care. Beyond his remarkable business growth, Lauren dives into how Sab has swiftly built an incredible profile and a stellar reputation in the competitive sector of mortgage broking.
Sab's journey to Australia in 2016 marked a fresh start, propelling him back to basics despite a solid eight years of banking experience in India. This initial step backwards paradoxically accelerated his progress in the Australian banking industry due to his prior knowledge and adaptability.
Within three years of his initial broking phase, a purely random call from ANZ changed everything. Despite initial hesitation, he took the leap and in just two and a half years, rose to become the number one mobile lender in the country.
This monumental achievement wasn't just a dream come true; it was the ultimate confidence booster that spurred him to launch his own venture, Eminence Finance Group (EFG).
The Power of Proactiveness and Customer-Centricity
Sab's ethos is rooted in proactiveness. He thrives on clearing his desk and ensuring clients are never left waiting, a stark contrast to the industry's common pain points of poor communication and long wait times. He believes in treating people the way he would like to be treated, a seemingly basic principle that has become a significant point of difference for EFG.
He shares a powerful anecdote about clients straying from their previous mortgage brokers due to a lack of ongoing contact. Sab emphasises that maintaining relationships with existing clients is the most organic and effective way to generate business through word-of-mouth referrals, a marketing strategy often preached but rarely practised consistently.
Awards are More Than Just an Ego Boost
Sab enthusiastically discusses how awards have played a pivotal role in boosting his profile. He notes that receiving awards not only provides an ego boost but, more importantly, validates his legitimacy and reassures existing clients that they are in capable hands. He recounts how winning the Stevie Awards led to calls from clients, both current and past, reaffirming their trust and even prompting former clients to return for his services.
A highlight of his recent achievements is winning the national title for Customer Service in Finance at the Australian Achiever Awards. This particular award is significant because it involves direct interviews with clients to gauge their satisfaction, providing an undeniable third-party endorsement of EFG's commitment to delivering on its promises. Sab was genuinely stunned to win this prestigious national award, a testament to his consistent delivery of exceptional service.
Niche Down, Think Big
Initially, Sab found it challenging to niche down, especially when clients' primary focus was solely on interest rates. He consciously shifted his conversations to clients' long-term objectives and goals, demonstrating that he prioritises their financial well-being over just securing the lowest rate. He candidly admits to turning away rate-sensitive clients, recognising that long-term client relationships, built on trust and alignment, are far more valuable for sustainable growth and referrals.
Looking ahead, Sab is focused on building a corporate environment within EFG, aiming to mentor and grow a team of mortgage professionals. His vision is to pay it forward, empowering others to achieve wonders in their careers, all while scaling EFG into a prominent brand.
Sab's Advice for Success
Reflecting on his journey, Sab's advice to his past self is profound: "Don't be scared, don't be afraid of taking action." He stresses that results only come from action, and even if an action doesn't lead to an immediate win, it provides invaluable experience and learning. He also encourages people, especially immigrants, to think big and not limit their aspirations.
Finally, Sab highlights the importance of delegation when building a brand. Knowing that one person can't do everything, he advises business owners to trust and delegate to other experts in the market, allowing them to focus on their core strengths.
Ready to experience lightning-fast customer service and work with an award-winning mortgage expert?
Learn more about Saurabh Arora and Eminence Finance Group and get in touch with Sab here:
Friday Jun 06, 2025
Friday Jun 06, 2025
In this inspiring episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett sits down with Kylie King, the visionary founder of the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and the driving force behind the Alibi Awards. Kylie shares her deeply personal journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving, supportive community for women entrepreneurs across Australia, a testament to the power of authentic connection and self-belief.
Kylie's path began after a significant period of corporate senior management, which, combined with the demands of new motherhood, led to burnout. This pivotal experience ignited her realisation of a profound need for genuine support and community among women in business. What started as a coaching business quickly evolved into a mindset-focused endeavour, ultimately blossoming into the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative. This community grew organically, filling a crucial void felt by many women navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
The Power of Community and Battling the "Perfect" Barrier
The Australian Ladies in Business Initiative welcomes all women in Australia, from seasoned business owners to aspiring entrepreneurs. Kylie highlights that this community thrives on celebrating both successes and the challenges of business ownership, fostering a supportive environment where women can openly share their experiences. She underscores the unique pressures women often face, influenced by societal expectations and a tendency to prioritise others, which can inadvertently sideline their own business growth.
A significant barrier Kylie identifies is the pervasive pressure women feel to be "perfect" before taking action. This notion, often amplified by social media's curated realities, feeds into imposter syndrome and a fear of judgment, preventing many from confidently putting themselves and their businesses forward.
The Alibi Awards: A Community-Led Celebration of Authenticity
Inspired by her own experiences with awards and a desire to address community concerns about integrity, Kylie took on the audacious challenge of creating her own awards program. The Alibi Awards were born as a truly community-led initiative, with categories and even their names chosen by the members of the Australian Ladies in Business community. Kylie advises anyone considering entering awards to exercise discernment and thoroughly review terms and conditions to ensure genuine recognition.
The Alibi Awards are designed for members of the free Australian Ladies in Business Initiative community who hold an ABN. The submission process is crafted for authenticity, featuring a written application (around 10 questions) and a unique five-minute video submission. Kylie emphasises that the video component is crucial for allowing entrants to share their story and passion authentically, effectively combating the rise of AI-generated entries.
Transparency and support are central to the Alibi Awards' judging process. Finalists receive personal notification, and all participants receive written feedback from three judges. This invaluable feedback, developed by a committee of entrepreneurs and business academics, aims to help businesses refine their strategies and improve future award entries.
Tips for Audacious Award Entries
Kylie offers practical advice for potential Alibi Awards entrants:
- Thoroughly review category descriptions to ensure alignment.
- If a category resonates, don't hold back.
- Seek advice from fellow members in the free community on category selection.
- Authenticity is a core value of the Alibi Awards. Show up as your true self in your submissions.
- View the entry process as a celebration of your business achievements, journey and personal growth, not just the opportunity to win a (fabulous purple) trophy
With 24 categories and an entry cost of $99 (including GST), the Alibi Awards offer a diverse range of opportunities. Nominations close on August 4th, with written submissions accepted until August 11th, culminating in an awards night on October 17th in Penrith. Kylie reinforces the importance of aligning with the Australian Ladies in Business community's values, noting that the very act of entering awards can help overcome imposter syndrome.
Reflecting on her own path, Kylie's advice to her past self during a difficult time is simple yet profound: "just take one step forward."
For those seeking to elevate their business success, she encourages actively choosing change and confidently standing up for their business to gain recognition and support within their community.
Ready to step forward and celebrate your business journey?
Discover the supportive community and empowering opportunities offered by the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and the Alibi Awards.
The Alibi Awards: https://alibiawards.com.au/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianLadiesinBusinessInitiative/
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
In this vibrant edition of the That's Audacious podcast, host Lauren Clemett welcomes the remarkable Rowena Preddy, founder of Preddy Creative. Rowena's bold branding studio is on a mission to liberate small business owners from "cookie-cutter" approaches, helping them confidently express their real, raw, and totally aligned brand identity.
Rowena's journey into the world of design began young, captivated by the magic of art and the unexpected creations that stemmed from deep thinking. Despite early career experiences that felt stifling and conforming - a far cry from her "colourful rainbow of unicorn expression", a redundancy became the unexpected catalyst for her audacious leap into entrepreneurship.
This pivotal moment, fueled by a desire to prove herself and support her two children, initially led to burnout. Yet, it was through this challenge that Rowena found her true purpose: rebuilding her business to be a place she loved, working with clients who aligned with her values, and empowering women to shed their "shoulds" and embrace their glowing uniqueness.
She passionately believes that branding should be fun and impactful, a stark contrast to the common perception of it being a tedious, expensive, or disappointing process. For Rowena, helping clients unearth their authentic brand is a reciprocal joy, reigniting her own creative spark.
Key Insights from Rowena Preddy:
- Embrace Your Authentic Self: Rowena's personal transformation from "beige and conformative" to boldly expressive underscores the power of aligning your brand with your true self.
- Creativity is Innate: Even when you might not think you are creative, you can discover and express your unique vision through an engaging mood-boarding process.
- Originality Over Imitation: In a world saturated with AI-generated and repurposed content, finding your distinct voice is paramount. Don't fall prey to "comparison-it is."
- Brand Values as a Litmus Test: Distill your core brand values and use them as an internal compass. If something feels "ick," it's likely misaligned with your authentic brand.
- The Right Amount of Sass: Personal expression in branding should be genuine and build over time. Know your professional boundaries – "two mojitos deep sassy" might not be right for your brand!
- The "Quickie" Solution: Rowena's signature Quickee design day addresses the common business trifecta of needing things fast, good, and affordable, proving that quality and personality don't have to be sacrificed for efficiency.
- Consistency Drives Impact: Consistency in branding builds recognition and engagement. Every design choice should serve a clear purpose and drive specific results, not just look "nice."
Rowena champions the idea that a personal brand is inextricably linked to a company's brand, especially as consumers increasingly seek to do business with people, not just faceless entities. She advocates for businesses of all sizes to infuse their personal beliefs and values into their overarching brand identity.
As the interview wraps up, Rowena offers a profound piece of advice drawn from her own journey: "Figure out who you are... and then just go all in on it. Back yourself like a thousand percent." She firmly believes that "personal growth equals business growth," with every embrace of her true self leading to greater business thriving.
Connect with Rowena Preddy and Preddy Creative:
Ready to ditch the cookie-cutter and unleash your brand's true potential? Discover Rowena's bold approach at Preddy Creative.
Don't settle for beige. Be the rainbow, be audacious, and let your brand truly shine!
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this insightful episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Matt Alderton, a leading entrepreneur, business expert, and the visionary founder of BX Networking, one of the world's fastest-growing business networking and education organisations.
With a track record of running over a dozen six, seven, and eight-figure businesses and accumulating more than 40 industry awards, Matt brings a wealth of experience from every side of the business landscape. As the founder of the BX Awards and an awards judge himself (for prestigious programs like the Telstra Awards), Matt offers a unique 360-degree perspective on the invaluable role awards play in business growth.
Matt's passion for small business stems from over two decades as an owner. He champions the profound impact small businesses have on the economy and individuals, from providing first jobs and training to fostering personal growth. His journey, which includes early ventures in retail and hospitality (and even a surprising family history in video stores!), evolved into a dedication to business education and growth through BX Networking.
For Matt, awards are not just about winning; they are a strategic marketing tool. He recounts how being a finalist or a winner in awards programs instilled instant credibility and trust with potential clients, leading to rapid client acquisition. This external validation, he explains, functions much like an ‘as seen on’ badge from a major TV network, immediately building confidence and trust.
Key Insights:
- View entering awards as a powerful marketing strategy for your business, regardless of the outcome.
- Awards provide immediate trust and credibility with potential clients, often accelerating the sales cycle.
- It’s not just about winning. Even being a finalist allows you to leverage the award program's logo for powerful positioning and marketing.
- The Tall Poppy Syndrome (and its upside) - While Australia's cultural tendency to downplay success exists, being recognised for your achievements here can make you stand out even more.
- BX Awards: A Coaching Session in Disguise! The structured multiple-choice and short-answer questions of the BX Awards provide a valuable benchmarking and strategy session for your business, helping you identify areas for improvement.
- While AI can be a useful tool for refining award answers (e.g., for conciseness or grammar), always review and "rehumanise" the content. Avoid simply copying and pasting AI-generated text, as judges can spot it.
Matt's candidness about the "trophy" from a Subway conference - and how he got a photo of him holding the table centrepiece that, when shared on socials instantly elicited congratulatory messages from his network - humorously underscores his point: perception is powerful, and leveraging the association with an awards program is key.
He also touches on the elephant in the room - AI and its role in award submissions. While he advocates for using AI to refine answers, he cautions against lazy reliance, urging entrants to read and personalise and edit any AI-generated content.
Looking ahead, Matt envisions BX continuing its mission to empower business owners through education and networking, particularly through its comprehensive Diamond membership. His ultimate passion is to significantly reduce the high failure rate in small businesses by providing the tools and knowledge for sustained success, whether a business aims for solid six-figures or ambitious seven and eight-figure growth.
Connect with Matt Alderton and BX Networking:
Ready to gain instant credibility and accelerate your business growth?
Don't shy away from recognition. Embrace the audacious act of celebrating your success and watch your business thrive!
Explore the opportunities offered by BX Networking and the BX Awards.
https://bxnetworking.com/au/international-business-xcellence-awards
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
In this insightful episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett welcomes Maggie Miller, the dynamic President of the World's Premier Business Awards - The Stevie Awards. Maggie shares her unique journey, from a 10-year-old momentarily concerned about a new sibling to leading a global organisation that celebrates business excellence across nine distinct award programs.
The Stevie Awards, founded by Maggie's father, Michael Gallagher, emerged from a simple yet powerful question: "Why aren't there more awards for people like me?" This question, born from his own experiences in the marketing world, ignited a vision to recognise the hard work, creativity, and impact of professionals worldwide. The name "Stevie," a nod to Maggie's grandfather Stephen and the Greek word for "crowned," encapsulates the awards' mission to honour and elevate outstanding achievements.
Lauren and Maggie delve into the core values that have propelled the Stevie Awards to global prominence. Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to providing valuable feedback to entrants are hallmarks of the program. Unlike many awards, the Stevies offer judges' comments to all participants, enabling improvement and encouraging future success. This supportive approach extends to offering entrants who didn't win a chance to enter another Stevie program at no additional cost.
Key Insights from Maggie Miller:
- A Personal Origin: The Stevie Awards' inception story, embedded in a desire to recognise everyday excellence, adds a human touch to a global brand.
- Feedback as a Gift: The Stevies' commitment to providing judges' comments and free leveraging resources sets them apart, offering valuable insights for growth and improvement.
- Celebrating Impact: The awards prioritise real-world impact, recognising achievements that benefit employees, customers, and stakeholders.
- Global Reach, Personal Touch: Despite their international scale, the Stevies maintain a personal touch, ensuring a fair and supportive experience for all entrants no matter how big or small the company is.
- Leveraging Recognition: Winners receive comprehensive resources, including press releases and opportunities to be featured in Stevie Awards marketing materials.
- The Power of Connection: The Stevie Awards for Women in Business ceremony promotes invaluable networking and connections, leading to friendships and even new business ventures.
- Overcoming Barriers: Maggie encourages women to recognise the value of their accomplishments and to overcome the common hesitation to seek recognition.
Maggie also shares her experience working in a family business, highlighting the rewarding journey of witnessing the Stevie Awards' growth from a small operation to a global force. She emphasises the importance of remaining unbiased as president, focusing on ensuring a fair and transparent process for all participants.
The conversation touches on the challenges and adaptations of the awards industry, including navigating the impact of COVID-19 and the rise of AI. Maggie highlights the Stevies' commitment to human judgment, banning AI in the judging process to ensure authentic evaluation.
For those considering entering the Stevie Awards, Maggie advises reflecting on the specific achievements they wish to highlight and exploring the diverse categories available. She encourages potential entrants to view winning nominations from previous years for inspiration and to see the value of their own contributions.
As the episode concludes, Maggie alerts us about a brand-new Stevie Awards website, promising an even more user-friendly experience for participants worldwide.
Connect with the Stevie Awards:
Ready to celebrate your achievements and gain global recognition?
Explore the Stevie Awards and discover the perfect platform to showcase your success. You'll find all the necessary links below this episode.
Don't let your hard work go unnoticed. Embrace the opportunity to be crowned a Stevie winner and amplify your impact on the world stage!
Check Out The Audacious Agency Stevie Awards For Women In Business Package: https://theaudaciousagency.com/stevie-women-in-business-awards/