Welcome to "Networking Success: Northside Notables," a podcast dedicated to showcasing the remarkable success stories and valuable business insights from high-performing members of BNI Melbourne's North and Inner-West.
Hosted by Lisa Thomas, the Regional Director of BNI Melbourne's North and Inner-West, this podcast provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their journeys, achievements, and expert advice.
Each 30-minute episode features an in-depth conversation with a different notable business owner from the BNI community. Our guests discuss their backgrounds, the unique aspects of their businesses, and the milestones they've achieved. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges they've faced, the strategies they've employed, and the role that BNI has played in their business growth.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding business owner, or simply interested in the stories of local business leaders, "Networking Success: Northside Notables" offers inspiration, practical advice, and a deeper understanding of the power of networking.
Join us as we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, uncover the secrets to success, and explore the dynamic business landscape of Melbourne's North and Inner-West. Tune in to connect, learn, and grow with us!
From Saxophones to Systems: Jordan Bailey’s Journey into AI & Automation
What do a saxophone, a startup, and smart automation have in common? Jordan Bailey. In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, we sit down with Jordan Bailey, founder of BizAutomate, whose mission is to help business owners take back their most valuable resource: time. After years of climbing the corporate ladder at ANZ, Jordan made a bold leap into business ownership, blending his love of tech and problem-solving with a passion for serving people. From AI voice agents that so...
13 Aug 2025
Unblocking More Than Drains: David Maugeri on Plumbing, Business Growth and Getting in Front of the Camera
In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, we speak with David Maugeri, founder of Westflow Plumbing Services, about building a business that goes well beyond clearing blocked drains. From almost pursuing an accounting degree to becoming a local go-to for residential plumbing, David shares the story behind launching his own business, navigating a partnership, and now running Westflow solo. He opens up about the realities of growing a trade business - quoting, social media, long h...
24 Jul 2025
Baking Bold: How Priyanka Turned Architecture, Art and Passion into Cocoa Oven
In this inspiring episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas sits down with Priyanka Baruah, founder of Cocoa Oven, to uncover the creative, courageous story behind her thriving cake design studio. A trained architect turned cake artist, Priyanka shares how her love for design, food, and structure fused into a bold career pivot. She talks about launching Cocoa Oven just months before COVID hit, navigating uncertainty as a migrant entrepreneur, and transforming her side p...
1 Jul 2025
Travel Connections: Andy Allen on 28 Years of Tailor-Made Journeys, Crisis Rescues and Cash-Smart Business
Andy Allen recounts building Travel Connections into a specialist agency for complex holidays and medical evacuations, as Lisa Thomas interviews him about transforming dream itineraries into reality.
11 Jun 2025
From Lounge-Room Startup to Magenta Market Leader: Kaan Ristic on Culture, Cash Reserves and Record-Breaking Sales
Kaan Ristic recounts his journey building Ristic Real Estate from a family startup to a market leader, emphasizing company values and strong communication, in an interview with Lisa Thomas.
16 May 2025
Smarter Connections: Hamish Jones on AI-Powered Telecom, Community & 20 Years of Tech Wins
In this episode of Network Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas welcomes Hamish Jones, founder of Best Business Deals, a Moonee Valley–based telecommunications provider helping small businesses get the right phone systems, NBN and mobile plans—then leverage automation and AI for a competitive edge. With two decades in tech, Hamish explains why “better technology makes better businesses,” but only when it fits real-world workflows. He shares: How AI tools like ChatGPT, automated CRMs ...
1 May 2025
Beyond the Numbers: Merly Dizon on TLC-Style Accounting and Smarter Business Growth
Season 2 of Network Success: Northside Notables launches with Merly Dizon, Principal of Inno Meros Accounting, a boutique firm helping Melbourne SMEs turn financial clarity into confident growth. Drawing on 18 years across audit, tax and credit management, Merly explains why accounting should deliver more than compliance—it should give owners the data and guidance to sleep easy and scale sustainably. She outlines: The “tender-loving-care” service philosophy that sets Innomeros apartRed-flag s...
15 Dec 2024
Business Growth, Resilience, and Actionable Strategies with Tricia Ong
Lisa Thomas interviews Tricia Ong, founder of Mintrix Business Advisory, on actionable strategies for driving growth, efficiency, and resilience in small businesses.
28 Nov 2024
Financial Freedom through Property: A Conversation with Jasmiit Singh
Jasmiit Singh, a property and financial strategist, shares his personal journey to financial independence through smart property investment and offers actionable insights for achieving wealth through property.
11 Nov 2024
Crafting Sweet Memories: The Candy Buffet Company with Marissa Mascaro
In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas sits down with Marissa Mascaro, owner of The Candy Buffet Company. With over 14 years in the business, Marissa has turned her passion for creating memorable candy experiences into a thriving, nationwide service, specialising in corporate events, weddings, and everything in between.Marissa shares her journey from employee to business owner, revealing how she transformed The Candy Buffet Company by focusing on corporate...
24 Oct 2024
Networking Success | Ep 6 | Content Marketing Mastery with Matthew Galea of Content Hype
In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas interviews Matthew Galea, founder of Content Hype, a Melbourne-based content marketing agency. Matt shares his journey from sports journalism to launching his own agency and explains why podcasting has become a game-changer for businesses looking to boost their marketing efforts.Matt provides practical tips on content creation, repurposing long-form content, and the importance of “failing fast” to improve your digital...
4 Oct 2024
Navigating Travel with Expertise: A Journey with Maria Di Pietro of Jump on Board Travel
In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, host Lisa Thomas interviews Maria Di Pietro, the passionate founder of Jump on Board Travel. With over 24 years of experience in the travel industry, Maria shares her incredible journey, from navigating global crises to helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences.Maria discusses the importance of using a travel agent in today’s digital age and how she offers clients a personalised, tailored service that goes beyond booking...
11 Sept 2024
Networking Success: Northside Notables | EP 4 Tristan Bennett-Ackland of Forefront IT | BNI Better Together
In this episode of Networking Success: Northside Notables, Lisa Thomas sits down with Tristan Bennett-Ackland, co-founder of Forefront IT, to discuss the evolving role of IT in small to medium-sized businesses. Tristan shares how Forefront IT is providing bespoke, personalised IT services to industries like legal, medical, finance, and real estate, all while ensuring businesses remain secure and compliant in today’s fast-paced digital world.Tristan, known as the "tech translator," talks about...
16 Aug 2024
Networking Success: Northside Notables | EP 3 | Warren Davies Head Start Tax & Accounting | BNI Business Class
In Episode 3 of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Warren Parker, the seasoned accountant and founder of HeadStart Tax & Accounting. With over 16 years of experience and a passion for helping small businesses thrive, Warren shares invaluable insights into the world of accounting, tax planning, and financial advisory.Warren discusses the importance of building a solid financial foundation, the critical role of tax planning in business growth, and why ...
2 Aug 2024
Networking Success: Northside Notables | EP 2 | Phoebe Preuss - Living KoKo - BNI Better Together
In Episode 2 of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Phoebe Preuss from Living KoKo, a social enterprise based in Ravenhall, Melbourne. Phoebe shares her incredible journey from Samoa to Australia, carrying forward her family's legacy in the cacao industry. Learn how Living KoKo collaborates with over 400 domestic plot farmers, predominantly women, in the Pacific Islands to bring delicious and ethically sourced cacao products to Melbourne.Phoebe discusses ...
19 Jul 2024
Episode 1 | Hasi Mutluel - Mortgage Choice - BNI Better Together (Caroline Springs)
In our debut episode of "Networking Success: Northside Notables," host Lisa Thomas sits down with Hasi Mutluel from Mortgage Choice. Recently recognized as a top performer in BNI Melbourne's West and awarded the National Director of the Year, Hasi shares his inspiring journey from local government work to becoming a successful mortgage broker.Hasi discusses the pivotal moments that led him to mortgage broking, the influence of family and mentors, and the rewarding experience of helping client...
17 Jul 2024
Episode 0 | Welcome to Networking Success: Northside Notables
Networking Success: Northside NotablesWelcome to "Networking Success: Northside Notables," a podcast dedicated to showcasing the remarkable success stories and valuable business insights from high-performing members of BNI Melbourne's West. Hosted by Lisa Thomas, the Regional Director of BNI Melbourne's West, this podcast provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their journeys, achievements, and expert advice.Each 30-minute episode features an in-depth convers...
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