Welcome to a journey of resilience and persistence. Join Cheryl Stainsby as she shares stories of how she has helped people through business or financial failure. What is the pathway through? What will the future hold? Every challenge is a lesson; a setback is a part of the journey.
This is not just a podcast; it's a guidebook for businesses on the brink, with insights on how to get help, how to take advice and who to get it from. Tune in to hear stories of determination and hear from the people behind the stories.
Get ready to be happy, sad, inspired, educated. This is the series in which we discuss business, life, and looking ahead despite how tough things seem.
What happens when business dreams collide with poor planning and the wrong advice? In this powerful episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby continue the conversation with Brisbane lawyer Bruce Pasetti to uncover why so many partnerships end in bitterness, costly disputes, and broken companies. From shareholder fallouts that mirror messy divorces to small “mum and dad” businesses incurring $100,000 in legal fees, Bruce explains why shareholder agreements are like a prenup for your business - painful to discuss upfront, but essential when things go wrong. The trio expose the dangers of “barbecue advice,” the risks of relying on the wrong lawyer, and why seeking expert guidance early can save you from financial ruin. Packed with real-life stories, legal insights, and practical takeaways, this episode is your must-listen guide to protecting your business, your relationships, and your future.
2 Oct 2025
10. What the Lawyer Said 1
In this episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby sit down with Bruce Pasetti, Principal at Stratos Legal, to unpack the traps directors fall into when things go wrong—and why blaming the bookkeeper, accountant, or anyone else won’t hold up when the law comes calling. Bruce brings sharp legal insights into where responsibility truly lies, what directors must do to protect themselves, and the red flags that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Together, the trio explore real-world scenarios where directors tried to shift blame, the dangers of bad advice, and the critical importance of acting early with the right support. Packed with practical warnings and empowering advice, this episode is a must-listen for company directors, advisors, and anyone navigating business challenges. Don’t miss it; learn how to avoid the blame game before it starts.
23 Sept 2025
9. The Loan Trap
In this episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby sit down with Tammy Haug, General Manager of eCarz Finance, to expose a growing crisis in the business world—high-risk “last chance” loans that quietly destroy companies and personal assets. Tammy explains how easy it is for directors under pressure to click through late-night ads, sign complex contracts, and stack multiple short-term loans—only to wake up months later with crippling daily repayments, caveats on their homes, and every company in their group cross-collateralised. Together, Cheryl and Tammy unpack why embarrassment, pride, and a lack of advice often push directors toward these lenders, and how even well-designed asset protection structures can be undone with a single signature. Packed with real-world stories and urgent warnings, this episode is a must-listen for any director tempted by “quick cash” solutions. Before you scroll and click, press play and get the facts.
16 Sept 2025
8. When the Buck Stops
In this episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby sit down with Damien Davis of Robson Cotter Insolvency Group to unpack one of the most common traps directors fall into when the pressure’s on—the blame game. From shifting responsibility onto accountants, bookkeepers, or third parties, Damien explains why excuses don’t erase statutory duties and how silence or delay can turn small problems into catastrophic ones. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at day-one letters, asset transfers, and ATO data-matching that can put directors under the microscope. More importantly, Damien shares why early, honest engagement with trusted professionals not only protects your reputation and reduces creditor hostility, but also safeguards your wellbeing during the toughest times. Full of real-world examples, clear insights, and actionable strategies, this episode is essential listening for any director—or advisor—looking to replace denial with preparation and navigate financial challenges head-on.
16 Sept 2025
7. Loan Stacking
In this powerful episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby pull back the curtain on the risky world of loan stacking—and the devastating traps many business owners unknowingly fall into. From slick FinTech ads to non-conforming lenders promising quick fixes, Cheryl explains how short-term, high-interest loans can spiral out of control when piled one on top of another. You’ll hear shocking real-world cases, including a $90,000 bridge loan that doubled to $180,000, and directors juggling millions across multiple stacked facilities. More importantly, Cheryl shares practical steps every business owner should take—reading the fine print, setting aside funds for legal advice, and building a clear exit strategy before signing anything. Whether you’re facing financial strain or simply want to protect your business from future risk, this episode delivers the knowledge and confidence you need to make smarter decisions. A must-listen for any director navigating today’s lending minefield.
1 Sept 2025
6. Blame Game 2
In this episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby welcome back bookkeeper Kirsten Carter from Mello Bookkeeping to tackle one of the most common headaches for small businesses: director loans. Why do they happen so often, and why do they create such massive problems down the track? From directors accidentally using company funds for personal expenses to ignoring their bookkeeper’s emails, this conversation dives into how simple oversights can snowball into tax liabilities, cash shortages, and compliance issues. Kirsten shares first-hand insights into how bookkeepers handle missing receipts, misclassified expenses, and cash flow mismanagement—and why communication is the key to avoiding disaster. If you’re a director who’s ever “borrowed” from your business without thinking about the consequences, this episode is a must-listen. Packed with practical advice, real-world examples, and candid humour, it’s your roadmap to keeping your business—and your cash flow—on track.
19 Aug 2025
5. Blame Game
In this insightful episode of Your Director’s Advocate, James Flaherty and Cheryl Stainsby sit down with bookkeeper Kirsten Carter to unpack one of the most common frustrations in business—the blame game. Why do business owners so often point the finger at their accountant or bookkeeper when things go wrong? Kirsten sheds light on the challenges faced by bookkeepers, from inconsistent communication and missing documents to delayed payments and resistance to technology. With real stories and practical examples, the discussion highlights how avoiding responsibility can derail compliance, delay restructures, and even cost businesses thousands in penalties. Most importantly, listeners learn why valuing professional services—and working with them, not against them—is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a director, business owner, or advisor, this episode will change the way you see the role of bookkeepers and inspire you to rethink the importance of communication, collaboration, and accountability.
8 Jan 2025
4. None so Blind 2
Join us for the second episode featuring our special guest, Duncan Perkins, from Tax Time! This insightful discussion dives deep into the complexities of Division 7A loans (what are those!?) and directors' loans, offering valuable advice for business owners and their advisors. Key Points:
Understanding Division 7A: Duncan explains the basics of Division 7A and its implications for directors' loans.
Common Pitfalls: Learn about the frequent mistakes business owners make with directors' loans and how to avoid them.
Tax Implications: Discover the tax consequences of mismanaging company funds and how to stay compliant.
Practical Advice: Get actionable tips on managing company finances effectively.
Real-Life Examples: Hear real stories of businesses navigating these challenges and the lessons learned.
Don't miss out on this entertaining and informative discussion. Tune in and encourage those in your network to listen in.
16 Dec 2024
3 None So Blind
Business owners and advisors gain valuable insights from Duncan Perkins on common pitfalls like blame games, undercapitalization, and ignoring advice, highlighting the importance of professional guidance and preparation.
1 Dec 2024
2 The Blame Game
Cheryl shares her expert insights on when directors should take responsibility for business failures, emphasizing the importance of accountability and learning from past mistakes.
20 Jun 2024
What do you do and why should I care?
Cheryl’s doing this series to reach out to small business owners who are currently facing challenges, especially having survived covid and its impact on various industries like construction, hospitality and retail. We've seen many failures, price increases, and interest rate hikes. Cheryl will share her extensive experience in dealing with similar stories of directors and business models that often fail, as well as those that succeed.
The first in a seriessCheryl is hosting a series aimed at reaching out to small business owners who are currently facing challenges, particularly those who have weathered the impact of COVID-19 on industries such as construction, hospitality, and retail. Many businesses have experienced failures, price increases, and interest rate hikes.
The liquidators, the accountants, the business owners, those in denial, those facing the music. Tune in...
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