The Coast and Commerce Podcast celebrates business success stories from across the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
Hosted by Ben Amos, Creative Director at Innovate Media, each episode will feature a value-packed interview with an innovative business leader to uncover their unique story, and importantly what we can all learn from their journey starting, and scaling their business.
In the last episode of the Forward Thinking podcast special season, host Ben Amos interviews Peter Deans, founder of Goru World and author of the Startup Toolkit. They discuss the importance of supporting startups, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, and the innovative ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast. Peter shares insights from his extensive experience in finance and consulting, emphasising the need for market research and practical tools for aspiring business owners. The conversation highlights the significance of in-person events like FWD Fest in fostering collaboration and innovation.
Takeaways
Peter Deans emphasises the importance of supporting startups.
The Startup Toolkit provides practical guidance for entrepreneurs.
Market research is crucial to determine if a product is needed.
Cash flow management is essential for startup success.
In-person events foster collaboration and innovation.
The Sunshine Coast has a vibrant startup ecosystem.
Goru World aims to unleash potential in young entrepreneurs.
Peter's background in finance informs his approach to startups.
The book includes a glossary to demystify business terminology.
Networking and community engagement are vital for business growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to FWD Fest 2025
01:24 Peter Deans and Goru World
03:39 The Startup Toolkit Overview
06:59 The Importance of a Structured Guide
11:03 Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
12:27 Conclusion and Future of Forward Fest
Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-08 (https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-08)
13 Oct 2025
The Tech-Enabled Future of Health & Wellness
In the 7th episode of the Forward Thinking podcast, Ben Amos interviews Owen Bowling, co-founder and CEO of Coach Welly, a health technology platform. Owen shares his journey in the fitness industry, the evolution of Coach Welly, and the importance of community and collaboration in the entrepreneurial ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast. He discusses the challenges of differentiating in a competitive market and his vision for enhancing health and wellbeing opportunities for government employees. The conversation emphasises the significance of in-person events and networking for startup success.
Takeaways
Owen Bowling exemplifies the spirit of a successful startup founder.
Coach Welly aims to bridge the gap in health improvement.
The platform connects various aspects of user wellbeing.
B2B strategy is key to Coach Welly's market approach.
The wellness app market is highly competitive.
Government employees often lack health and wellbeing support.
Collaboration is crucial for startup growth.
In-person events enhance networking opportunities.
The Sunshine Coast has potential for entrepreneurial growth.
Access to early-stage capital remains a challenge.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Owen Bowling and Coach Welly
02:50 The Evolution of Coach Welly
05:35 Market Strategy and Differentiation
08:45 The Role of Ecosystem in Startup Success
11:41 Vision for the Sunshine Coast's Entrepreneurial Future
Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-07 (https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-07)
6 Oct 2025
Nurturing the Creative Economy by Collaborating
In today’s episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast, Ben Amos interviewed Liz Boyd from the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective live at FWDFest 2025 to discuss the growth and development of the film and screen industry on the Sunshine Coast. They explore the role of the Screen Collective in fostering collaboration among filmmakers, the economic impact of the screen industry on the greater local community, and the opportunities available for not just aspiring filmmakers. The conversation highlights the importance of networking and collaboration at events like FWDFest, and provides information on how to get involved in the screen industry.
Takeaways
The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective is fostering the local screen industry.
Collaboration is key to the growth of the film industry.
There are various branches within the Screen Collective, including Showdown and Film Sunshine Coast.
The industry is evolving, allowing local talent to stay in the region.
Training programs are being developed to support aspiring filmmakers.
The economic impact of the screen industry extends beyond just filmmakers.
Networking events like Forward Fest are crucial for industry connections.
Opportunities exist for various roles beyond just creative positions in film.
The Screen Collective provides resources and support for filmmakers.
Community engagement is essential for the growth of the screen industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective
01:22 The Role of the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective
04:57 Growing the Film Industry on the Sunshine Coast
07:19 Economic Impact of the Screen Industry
09:08 Networking and Collaboration at Forward Fest
10:34 Opportunities for Aspiring Filmmakers
13:10 Connecting with the Screen Collective
Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-06 (https://innovatemedia.com.au/FWD25-06)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
18,730
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
27
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