Talking Business with Mark and John – Details, episodes & analysis

In today's dynamic and ever-changing business landscape, strong leadership requires the ability to navigate challenges with grace and determination. This video explores the crucial skill of resilience and its impact on effective leadership. Join us as we delve into the strategies and techniques that can help leaders cultivate and harness resilience, enabling them to inspire and guide their teams even in the face of adversity. Gain valuable insights on how to develop resilience as a leader and unlock your full potential in driving organizational success. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring manager, this video is a valuable resource for honing your leadership skills and mastering the art of resilience. For more information on our podcast channels visit https://storycraftersdownunder.com.au To contact George about his services:

George Norris, FAICD, FAIM, FAMI, CPM COACH I MENTOR I AUTHOR I SPEAKER
Norris Management Pty Ltd
HIGH PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY
Suite 1110, Yve, 576 St Kilda Road Melbourne. Victoria. 3004. Australia
T +61 3 9521 2292 M 0418 561 271 E norrismanagement@bigpond.com www.norrismanagement.com.au 

This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Talking Business with Mark & John, as a result of providing this information, is not engaged in providing professional advice. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeline.

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Join us in this discussion as we sit down with Rob Kidner, the owner of Motafix in Melbourne, Australia. In this video, Rob offers valuable insights into the future of aftersales and servicing vehicles in 2025. With years of experience running a successful service workshop, Rob discusses the best practices for maintaining a thriving business in the automotive industry. He shares the challenges that lie ahead for the industry and presents practical solutions that need to be addressed. Rob's hands-on perspective provides a unique look into the strategies and approaches required to overcome obstacles and adapt to the evolving landscape of automotive aftersales and servicing of vehicles. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert in the field.

This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Talking Automotive with Mark & John, as a result of providing this information, is not engaged in providing professional advice. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeline

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In this insightful video, we delve into the reasons behind the exit of automotive manufacturing industry from Australia and the significance of having a vibrant automotive manufacturing industry. The video highlights the strategic importance of having a robust manufacturing base that can potentially pivot to manufacturing other products during times of conflict. The manufacturing base provides an avenue for skill development and for investment in other areas of manufacturing. With a strong automotive manufacturing industry, collaboration between universities and research institutes can be fostered as it encourages innovation and progress. Additionally, a strong automotive manufacturing industry contributes significantly to the tax base, which has a knock-on effect on investments in other sectors of the economy. The video touches on why the automotive manufacturing industry left Australia, citing reasons such as the high cost of doing business, the small domestic market, and the lack of government subsidies. It also highlights the significance of having an automotive manufacturing industry, not just for the benefits mentioned above, but also for the creation of jobs and the associated economic benefits that come with it. Overall, the video underlines the vital role played by an automotive manufacturing industry in terms of creating jobs, developing skills, encouraging investment, and building the tax base. Further, it highlights the critical need for governments and businesses to work collaboratively to create policies that encourage growth in the industry, thereby boosting Australia's economy and supporting its strategic interests. This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Talking Automotive with Mark & John, as a result of providing this information, is not engaged in providing professional advice. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeline

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This video provides an in-depth discussion on the challenges and considerations around electric vehicles and their environmental impact. We start by investigating the scarcity of rare earth metals required for electric vehicle batteries and the environmental damage caused by mining these metals. While electric vehicles are marketed as “zero emissions,” this only refers to emissions from the tailpipe. The overall emissions generated to manufacture and power electric vehicles can still be significant. A blended solution of renewable energy sources may be needed to truly reduce emissions. Charging electric vehicles also currently requires a lifestyle change for owners. Charging stations are not yet as widespread as gas stations, charging takes hours instead of minutes, and owners need to carefully plan longer trips. However, continued infrastructure investment aims to improve this over time. For potential buyers, an electric vehicle purchase is quite different from a standard internal combustion engine vehicle. You need to understand your driving needs, available charging options, and how the technology may improve in coming years. While Australia currently lags in electric vehicle adoption, growth in this market looks promising if costs continue to decrease and charging networks expand. Electric vehicles are an important step toward reducing emissions and mitigating climate change, but they are not a silver bullet. We explore the environmental pros and cons of this new technology in depth so individuals and policymakers can make the most informed choices. Overall, transitioning to more sustainable transportation and renewable energy will require a multi-pronged approach. The analysis in this video takes an evidence-based, balanced perspective on this complex issue. We aim to educate viewers and advance the public discussion on how to best reduce emissions in the transportation sector. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the content in any way. I am happy to refine and improve it further.

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This week we sit down with Silvio Barbisan, an automotive enthusiast and proud member of the Monaro Car Club. Silvio discusses what fuels his passion for muscle cars, especially the iconic Holden Monaro. Silvio currently owns 10 Holden and Monaro vehicles, a collection that has evolved over many years. His interest in cars started at a young age and grew into a lifelong hobby and community. Silvio talks about his anger and disappointment when Holden stopped producing cars in Australia. For enthusiasts like Silvio, certain car brands become deeply connected to memories and identity. Silvio highlights some of his favourite Monaro models, including his HG GTS Monaro. For Silvio, muscle cars represent power, performance, and nostalgia. He provides advice for burgeoning car enthusiasts and what to consider when buying a classic car. Silvio’s story shows that being an automotive enthusiast is about more than just vehicles - it’s about community, shared interests, and nostalgia. His passion for Australian muscle cars, especially the Monaro, runs deep and has persisted for decades. Overall, Silvio gives us insight into what fuels a lifelong enthusiast's dedication to a brand and model.

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This week we had the opportunity to speak with Tony Foon, an expert in the automotive industry, to discuss the challenges of attracting and retaining qualified technicians and mechanics. Tony emphasized the importance of creating a clear career path for technicians to show them that this can be a lifelong career, not just another job. Tony discussed the need to get new technicians working with tools and vehicles as soon as possible, rather than having them do menial tasks like cleaning that could drive them away from the field. With the rise of electric vehicles, it will be crucial for technicians to obtain the proper certifications and training to service these cars, which also presents opportunities for career growth. Tony advocated for government incentives like subsidized salaries and tool allowances for new technicians in apprenticeship programs to make the field more attractive. He also noted the importance of increasing technician pay to levels comparable with other trades so that talented individuals choose to pursue this career path. Finally, Tony spoke about the need to prioritize mental health and wellness for technicians and within dealerships. This demanding, hands-on work can take a significant physical and emotional toll, so providing resources and a supportive environment is key to long-term success and job satisfaction for technicians. Overall, it was an insightful discussion about both the challenges facing the automotive industry in recruiting and retaining top talent as well as some potential solutions and best practices to build a sustainable workforce for the future. The key takeaways focused on creating clear career opportunities, offering incentives and fair pay, providing training for emerging technologies, and supporting the wellbeing and work-life balance of technicians.

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This week we dive deeper into understanding the complex challenges involved in managing a police vehicle fleet. We explore a range of topics including the specific requirements police vehicles must meet to suit the needs of law enforcement. We review the different types of police vehicles that comprise a fleet, from patrol cars to special-purpose units. We discuss how police vehicles differ from regular vehicles. What makes a police vehicle uniquely suited to police work? Are police vehicles performance-modified or computer-chipped to enable higher speeds than regular vehicles? We also examine whether purchasing a used police vehicle can be worthwhile and the potential advantages of doing so. We touch on modified vehicles like breathalyzer vans, prisoner transport vans, and mobile command centers for crisis situations. We look at the biggest challenges facing police fleets today and consider what the future may hold, including the possible role of new technologies like electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. Managing a police fleet requires balancing performance, functionality, cost, and efficiency. This week we gain valuable insight into how police forces meet the demands of protecting public safety through careful police vehicle selection and fleet management. Please join us for this informative overview of police fleet operations.



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Are we right or are we wrong? What do you think the numbers will be for the Australian Automotive New Car Market in 2022. Let us know what you think are the factors that will influence the market in 2022 for new and used car sales and give us your comments below. We would love to hear from you. Mark and John discuss factors that will impact budgets for 2022 and do a review of the automotive market. We challenge you, the listeners, to tell us what you think will be the main factors that will impact new and used vehicle volumes for 2022 budget. We discuss in detail exchange rates, production shortages, supply constraints and factors that will impact consumer demand such as disposable income, inflation and buying habits such as overseas trips. We also look into new trends such as car subscription and electric vehicles. We delve into the agency model and various new distribution models. We review and put a peg in the the sand of where they think new vehicle volumes will be, how this will impact used vehicle volumes and where a dealer should focus on the aftermarket part of the business. We discuss technical skill shortages and how this will impact the aftermarket part of the business.

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In this interview, we speak with Drew Schnehage, CEO of Innovation Group, about fleet management and accident and claims management services. Drew explains why understanding data and developing actionable business insights is critical to achieving substantial cost savings for fleet managers. This video is valuable for any company in the automotive repair or paint industry, as well as those looking to start a successful automotive business or manage a fleet of vehicles like agricultural equipment, rentals, boats, caravans, delivery vehicles or company-owned vehicles. Drew also provides useful tips for choosing fleet management software. Drew discusses Innovation Group’s best-in-class motor collision repair network, which provides high-quality repairs through valuable partnerships with repair shops that understand fixing vehicles properly. He highlights their expert claims specialists, who have experience working with OEMs, rental companies, insurers, brokers and major Australian fleets and fleet management companies. This experience helps them control costs for clients through greater efficiency and a repair network that offers lower costs than non-network repairers. Drew also notes that they leverage meaningful data insights to track and improve performance, as well as inform future strategies. In addition, Drew outlines their roadside and accident assistance, services to ensure vehicles are repaired to industry standards, rental vehicle provision, recovery support, third-party proactive cost control, driver risk management, driver profiling, driver training, benchmark reporting and road safety initiatives. Overall, this interview provides a helpful overview of fleet management and accident claims services for businesses looking to improve in these areas. Drew offers valuable perspectives and advice for achieving substantial cost savings and better managing driver and vehicle risks.

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Mark Palavestra and John Sinclair sit down with Andrew Myers from DTS Experience to discuss strategies for making effective outbound car sales calls. Andrew explains why many car sales consultants struggle with consistent outbound calling and offers advice on how to develop habits and systems to overcome this common hurdle. Andrew emphasizes the importance of making a firm commitment to a certain number of calls per day or week, tracking progress, and sticking to it. This level of discipline and persistence is key to achieving sales goals over the long-term. He advises consultants to start with small, manageable call quotas and gradually increase them as making calls becomes routine. Throughout the conversation, Andrew shares insights drawn from his extensive experience in car sales strategy, goal-setting, leadership, dealership management, profit improvement, and mentoring other sales professionals. He stresses that while outbound calls can be daunting at first, they get easier over time and are instrumental for bringing in new business. With the right mindset and consistent effort, consultants can thrive at this critical component of the sales process. Andrew provides thoughtful perspective on how car sales consultants at all levels can become more proactive, disciplined, and successful at outbound calls. His guidance can help motivate and equip viewers to make outbound outreach a consistent part of their sales strategy.

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