The Growth Equation – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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The Growth Equation

Tristan Wright

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 67

The Growth Equation is a podcast dedicated to helping Australian marketing agencies thrive in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. We go beyond the surface level and dive deep into the "messy middle" of scaling a business – the challenges, the triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. Each episode features candid conversations with agency founders and leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and insights on topics such as: - Navigating the Messy Middle: Overcoming common challenges in scaling operations, managing teams, and acquiring clients. - Strategic Frameworks & Systems: Implementing effective processes for project management, client onboarding, and talent acquisition. - AI & the Australian Market: Leveraging artificial intelligence and adapting to the unique opportunities and challenges in Australia. - Growth Mindset & Well-being: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and cultivating a resilient mindset for entrepreneurial success. Whether you're a seasoned agency owner or just starting out, The Growth Equation provides valuable takeaways and inspiration to help you unlock sustainable growth and build a thriving business.

Recent rankings

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - management
19/04/2026
#67

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow
118 shares
https://www.theecommerceaccelerator.com/
3 shares
https://www.saevilrow.co/
2 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/
2 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanainch/
2 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-saevil-03739510/
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/
2 shares
https://www.instagram.com/ben.jonesofficial
2 shares
https://www.instagram.com/rachellesaevil
2 shares

RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 69%

Publication history

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Year

Latest published episodes

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Why Marketing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint with Anna Kennedy

Episode 67

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 30:04

Too many business owners treat marketing as a last-minute afterthought, but my guest today, Anna Kennedy, is here to change that. As the Founder and Creative Director of Kennedy Studio, Anna is obsessed with driving bold ideas into the world without the "smoke and mirrors" often found in the agency world. In this episode, we talk about the reality of scaling an external marketing team and the discipline required to maintain a lean, high-performing operation. Anna shares her 18+ years of insights into PR and creative strategy, explaining why she values being "in the trenches" with her clients. We explore the transition from founder to CEO, the importance of financial forecasting, and why Anna believes in being part of the client’s journey rather than just a vendor. You'll learn why "if you build it, they will come" is a dangerous myth and how to strategise for long-term success. It’s a conversation about focus, energy, and making marketing actually worth it.

Meet Anna Kennedy Founder and Creative Director Anna Kennedy saw a massive gap in the market: too many agencies full of buzzwords and bloated promises... and not enough that actually cared. Anna started Kennedy Studio to change that. To be the kind of team she wished more businesses had access to: hands-on, ego-free, and obsessed with making brands thrive. With 18+ years in sales, marketing, PR and creative strategy, Anna brings both the experience and the energy to drive bold ideas into the world—with a team beside her that brings them to life. No smoke. No mirrors. Just a woman on a mission to make marketing feel easy, exciting and actually worth it.

Connect with Anna:

Kennedy Studio Website: kennedystudio.au
Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: Anna Kennedy
Follow Kennedy Studio on Instagram: @kennedystudio

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Staying Relevant in a Shifting Industry with Matt Remphrey

Episode 66

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 28:47

I’ve been in the business game for a long time, but my chat with Matt Remphrey from Parallax was a masterclass in the "niche paradox." Matt has steered his creative agency through 24 years of evolution, but the real magic happened when he stopped trying to be everything to everyone. In this episode, we dive deep into how Parallax pivoted from a generalist branding studio to a specialist powerhouse in the wine and drinks industry. Matt shares how narrowing his focus actually allowed him to expand his services—moving beyond labels into brand strategy, e-commerce, and trade activations.

We tackle the big fear most entrepreneurs have: that niching down closes doors. Matt proves the opposite is true, explaining how deep sector expertise unlocks higher-value clients and bigger budgets that generalists simply can’t access. We also discuss the practicalities of longevity, from navigating 25 years of economic cycles through geographic diversification to using AI as a "first draft" tool for research and tenders. Whether you're feeling the "fear of saying no" or looking to stay relevant in a shifting market, Matt’s journey offers a blueprint for building a resilient, expert-led business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How niching into the wine industry transformed Parallax from a generalist shop to a strategic partner.

✅ Why specialization simplifies client acquisition and reduces competition.

✅ Practical strategies for navigating economic downturns through geographic expansion.

✅ How to integrate AI to shortcut research and creative processes without losing quality.

✅Lessons in leadership: managing team motivations and staying relevant over two decades.

Connect with Matt:

Website: www.parallaxdesign.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parallaxdesign

Mentorship, Mindset & Second Chances: How Simon John Phillips Found Business Clarity

Episode 57

Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 41:49

This episode of The Growth Equation features Simon John Phillips, a true veteran who has been building Shopify brands since 2011. Working across the full e-commerce spectrum as a brand owner, agency operator, coach, 3PL founder, and fractional exec, Simon has spent 14 years inside the evolution of social-driven e-com. That experience now powers The Ecommerce Accelerator 5.0, a real-time operating system for brands serious about scaling.

Despite his deep expertise, Simon shares a powerful and honest story about the realities of entrepreneurship. His experience moves from early success in e-commerce to the hard reality of hitting rock bottom, then finding renewed focus and direction through the support of true mentorship and a clearer mindset.

Simon openly describes the challenges he faced, including the emotional impact of failure and how important it is to learn how to recover. He explores how second chances come from a genuine willingness to reflect, learn, and rebuild. The conversation highlights why having the right mentors—people who understand both business struggles and personal challenges—is crucial in staying grounded during difficult times.

The conversation goes beyond business mechanics to explore themes of personal growth, resilience, and honesty when facing setbacks. Simon also discusses his business approach with The E-Commerce Accelerator and how that reflects his commitment to transparency and meaningful work.

Simon’s story isn't just about hope. It’s about resilience. It provides the realistic insight and clarity you need to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward.

Connect with Simon John Phillips

Facebook: facebook.com/simonjohnphillips

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjpnz/

Company Website: https://www.theecommerceaccelerator.com

IG: @simonjohnphillips

Resilience in Motion: Chris Hogan Adapted, Grew, and Leveled Up in Business

Episode 56

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • Duration 40:38

This episode of The Growth Equation features Chris Hogan, founder of MeMedia Marketing Agency, reflecting on over two decades of experience in the marketing industry. Chris shares a candid account of the realities that come with building and growing a business—ranging from the excitement of successful projects to the tough challenges of mental health struggles and burnout. He stresses the significance of focus in business, famously saying, “you can’t ride two horses with one ass,” highlighting the importance of clarity and prioritising what truly matters to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

Chris opens up about the difficult periods marked by overwork and feelings of being stuck in “infinite loops,” and how he found small but meaningful sparks of progress that helped him regain momentum and stay committed. The conversation explores the vital role that culture and purpose play as the true foundation for effective business strategy, rather than just being buzzwords.

He also shares practical insights on technology choices, particularly his preference for Shopify over WordPress when it comes to serious e-commerce growth. Furthermore, Chris discusses the origins of Wecom, a venture born from decades of hands-on experience in e-commerce and conversion optimisation.

This episode offers authentic and grounded reflections for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It provides valuable perspectives on resilience, the power of focus, and how aligning culture and values with business goals can lead to sustainable growth over time. It’s a refreshing and insightful listen for anyone navigating the complexities of business ownership.

Connect with Chris Hogan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishoges/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishoges

Company Website: https://www.memedia.com.au/our-agency

Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship with Lex Stanley

Episode 55

Monday, December 1, 2025 • Duration 33:36

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I sat down with Lex Stanley, the founder of Vastly Digital, to explore the real challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in today’s digital marketing world. Lex’s journey is refreshingly honest—from launching her business during the uncertainty of COVID-19 to realising the limits off freelancing and pivoting to building a scalable agency. What stood out was Lex’s blend of “corporate punk” values: honouring old school customer service with a rebellious, modern approach to business.We dive deep into the hard lessons Lex learned early on about client selection, pricing, and the importance of saying no to projects that don’t fit the vision. Her talks openly about the personal cost of entrepreneurship—the constant anxiety over delivering results and paying wages, balanced by the fulfilment of seeing clients succeed and a culture where everyone owns the outcome. Lex’s story highlights how thoughtful outsourcing, building a trustworthy team, and embracing an evolving set of systems and processes are vital to scaling without compromising quality.For entrepreneurs and small business owners facing the pressure of growth and quality delivery, Lex shares practical advice mixed with inspiring reflections on purpose, passion, and the power of quick decision-making. If you want to hear candid stories about navigating business pivots, building culture, and using innovation like AI wisely, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Check out the resources Lex mentions and connect with Vastly Digital at the links below. This episode reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about what you do—but how you care about the people and businesses you serve.

Connect with Lex Stanley:

Website: https://vastly.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vastlydigital

Instagram: https://instagram.com/vastlydigital

Connect with us. 👇

Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

Freedom, Finances and Funnels: Adrian Stewart on Designing a Business (and Life) You Actually Want

Episode 54

Monday, November 24, 2025 • Duration 26:27

In this insightful episode, Tristan engages with Adrian Stewart, co-founder of Scale Messaging, to explore his entrepreneurial journey—from freelancing in Berlin to building a company that significantly enhances e-commerce conversion rates. Adrian shares the challenges and triumphs of growing a business from the ground up, emphasising the importance of strategic planning, adaptability, and understanding human behaviour in an ever-evolving digital landscape. As co-founder of Scale Messaging, a CRO agency specialising in elevating conversions through precise, customer-centric messaging, Adrian helps companies cut through noise, clarify their value, and create experiences that convert. Outside of work, he writes and makes music, fuelled by a deep interest in storytelling and the psychological forces behind why people do what they do.

Adrian discusses the complexities of managing a remote team spread across various time zones, emphasizing the need for effective communication and robust processes. He shares his experiences in leveraging AI to drive business growth, offering a glimpse into the future of e-commerce and the potential of technology to transform industries. The dialogue underscores the critical role of financial planning in sustaining business operations and achieving long-term success.

Beyond business, the episode touches on personal growth through travel and the pursuit of freedom and flexibility in life. Adrian reflects on how his global experiences have shaped his perspective and contributed to his professional development. The conversation is a testament to the power of embracing change and the value of aligning business goals with personal aspirations, offering listeners valuable insights into balancing work and life in a meaningful way.

Connect with Adrian Stewart:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjstewart/

Website: www.scalemessaging.com

Connect with us. 👇

Evolve To Grow:

Why Building Better Beats Building Bigger with Andrew Hatfield

Episode 53

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • Duration 38:51

Andrew Hatfield built Deepstar Strategic after 30 years across Dell, Red Hat, NetApp, and Portworx—moving from infrastructure engineering to product marketing. He's helped clients achieve 289% ARR growth and Fortune 500 exits by connecting Market-Product-Model-Channel fit.

In this episode, we cut through the GTM noise. Andrew breaks down why most B2B tech companies are stuck in feature-factory mode and how to shift to strategic maturity. We explore value-based outcomes over vanity ARR metrics, how lean remote teams can move fast without losing discipline, and why aligning product, marketing, and sales isn't optional—it's the difference between sustainable growth and quarterly chaos.

We cover practical diagnostics for bottlenecks, running experiments that actually test new GTM moves, and why leadership conviction matters when everyone else is chasing trends. For Australian SaaS and tech services businesses, this is about building defensible advantages and smart resource allocation—not trying to outspend Silicon Valley.

Connect with Andrew Hatfield

Company Website: https://www.deepstarstrategic.com/

LinkedIn @andrewhatfield and @deepstarstrategic

X @andrewhatfield and

Niche Down, Level Up: The Evolution of Hedgehog Marketing with Josh Berg

Episode 52

Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 33:15

This week on The Growth Equation, I caught up with Josh Berg from Hedgehog Marketing for a really down-to-earth conversation about what it’s actually like to run a marketing business these days. Josh shares the ups and downs of starting out with his sister, juggling a growing team when they were barely out of their twenties, and what happened when the fast growth train started to hit some bumps.

What’s refreshing about this chat is hearing how Josh moved away from the typical agency model to something more hands-on, where they work alongside businesses to help them get their own marketing sorted. It wasn’t an easy switch, and he talks openly about the fears and doubts around narrowing their focus, but it’s what’s helped them find solid ground.

We also talk about how clever use of AI and automation helps a small team get a lot done without the stress and scramble of making everything manual. And if you stick around, you’ll hear Josh’s hilarious story of how a $1.24 website idea turned into thousands of dollars worth of Uber Eats credit — pretty clever and a bit cheeky.

If you’re running a small business and want to get smarter at marketing without turning your life upside down, you’ll get plenty from this episode.

Connect with Josh Berg (Director at Hedgehog)

Company Website: https://www.hedgehogmarketing.com.au/team-members/josh-berg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshberg1?originalSubdomain=au

Connect with us. 👇

Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow

The Growth Equation – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

The Growth Equation – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other56

LinkedIn47

Instagram23

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other56

LinkedIn47

Instagram23