The Growth Equation

In this episode of The Growth Equation, Tristan Wright sits down with agency owner Maxim Claes to unpack what really happens when you hit burnout, get stuck in information overload, and decide to rebuild your business with more intention. As the founder of boutique marketing agency Media Waffle, Maxim now helps beauty and aesthetic clinics generate consistent enquiries and booked appointments using simple, reliable lead generation systems.​Maxim shares how he went from managing “a bit of everything” in digital marketing to niching down exclusively into beauty and aesthetics, and why that decision gave him back his focus, energy, and confidence. He breaks down how cycles of momentum, complacency and rebuilding showed him the importance of habits, structure, and clarity—not just more hustle or more information.​Across the conversation, Tristan and Maxim dig into the real value of mentors, the danger of chasing too many programs and gurus, and the simple way to decide what you actually want from your business and life. They also explore how AI is reshaping marketing for clinics, why brand and personality matter more than ever, and how owners can use automation without losing the human element that clients trust.​If you run a service business or agency—especially in the beauty or aesthetic space—and you feel like you’re juggling too much, this episode will give you practical ideas to niche down, tighten your systems, and rebuild around habits that actually support long-term growth. Links and tools mentioned include Media Waffle’s lead generation system for clinics and emerging AI tools for compliance and content support in regulated industries.Connect with Maxim ClaesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediawaffleLinkedIn: Company Website: www.mediawaffle.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/media_waffle/Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

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 HoganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishoges/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishogesCompany Website: https://www.memedia.com.au/our-agency Chris Hogan’s Company Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/wecomm.au/https://www.facebook.com/wecomm.auhttps://www.youtube.com/c/MeMediaAuConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

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: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

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=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Steve Mills, founder of Mills Motion and High Production Practice. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey from freelancing and broad marketing services to carving out a highly specialised niche in the dental and cosmetic industries. What really stood out to me was how Steve and his team pivoted to a webinar-based model during the challenges of COVID—an innovative approach that not only kept their business afloat but also delivered exceptional value by educating prospective patients effectively.We dive deep into the complexities of marketing in the medical space, the critical importance of compliance, and why performance marketing is so intense when a client’s time value tops $600 an hour. Steve also opens up about the limits they've hit with scaling geographically and how they’re exploring new verticals like hair transplants to break that ceiling.Beyond business, the episode offers insights into how Steve balances entrepreneurship with homeschooling four kids, revealing the personal side of running a growing enterprise.If you're looking for strategies that combine focus, compliance, and creative marketing systems—with a few real-world hurdles and wins—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. You’ll find Steve’s unique blend of optimism and realism refreshing and inspiring.For more from Steve, check out Mills Motion on YouTube or High Production Practice for their specialised dental marketing approach.Connect with Stephen MillsCompany Website: https://millsmotion.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-j-mills/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

What really happens behind the shiny pitch decks and agency buzzwords? This episode lifts the lid on the world of media buying, exposing the tricks, traps, and triumphs that define today’s marketing landscape. Elise Hedley Dale, founder of Media Words, brings decades of hands-on experience—navigating the fast lanes of global agencies and building a thriving independent consultancy from the ground up.Honest and unfiltered, Elise calls out the “cowboys” who give the industry a bad name, shares how transparent strategy beats smooth talk every time, and spells out the systems that keep campaigns effective and budgets on track. For business owners tired of marketing guesswork, this episode delivers clarity and a blueprint for smarter results.Expect real stories from the front line: lessons in cash flow, the art of saying no, and why backing yourself is the secret weapon most founders overlook. Explore media planning in the age of AI, smarter client agreements, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people—regardless of whether you’re spending big or bootstrapping.If avoiding the traps and focusing on what works matter, these ideas will stick long after the credits roll.Connect with Elise Hedley DaleCompany Website: https://mediawords.com.au/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisehedleydale/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

Ever wondered why some brands stick in your memory long after a cold call or door knock? In this episode, I sit down with Danny Dimas, the driving force behind gig (Global Interactive Group)—a company built on the lost art (and surprising science) of face-to-face sales. Danny’s business keeps finding new ways to thrive while competitors fade into digital white noise.We get honest about the stigma of sales—yes, even the dreaded door knocker—and why a “people-first” focus has helped gig expand across five countries and industries from energy to non-profits. Danny opens up about hitting rock bottom, rebuilding from $360k in debt, and taking the bold step of making his entire team full-time—years before most thought it was viable.But here’s where it gets real practical: we debate whether human connection will outlast the wave of AI, why you remember an actual conversation more than 50 billboards, and what happens when sales tactics go from pushy to genuinely engaging. Danny dishes out lessons on nurturing young teams, building rock-solid culture, and dealing with the curveballs—pandemics, people problems, and all.If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does old-school selling still work?” or struggled to motivate a team in a digital-heavy landscape, this episode will challenge your thinking. Get ready for strategies you can use whether you're a solo tradie or scaling a global operation.Curious for more? Stick with us right to the end for Danny’s advice every Australian entrepreneur should write on their office wall.Keen to connect? Hit up Danny at gig.live or catch us on your favourite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—or visit the Evolve to Grow Blog for the latest resources and links mentioned in this episode.Connect with Danny DimasCompany Website: https://www.gig.live/team/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-dimas-5686b121/Connect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow 

In this episode of The Growth Equation, I’m joined by Alex Lau, founder of Seesharp Group and an accomplished investor managing a family office alongside running a marketing consultancy. Alex shares his fascinating journey from launching a technical production business to evolving into a fractional CMO consulting firm focused on strategic marketing and business growth. We dive deep into how his marketing expertise serves as a gateway to discovering and nurturing profitable business acquisitions.Alex offers honest reflections on the challenges of small business ownership, the importance of detaching emotionally from your business, and the critical role financial literacy plays in sustainable success. He also explains the concept of a family office and how it balances a diverse investment portfolio that includes property, shares, and business acquisitions. We discuss the strategic framework Seesharp Group uses—the StoryBrand messaging framework—and how shifting to a high-level consulting model transformed their business trajectory.Listeners will gain practical tips on productivity, protecting their time, and building a resilient mindset. Whether you are navigating business growth, exploring investments, or seeking clarity on leadership, this episode provides valuable insights to empower your next steps.For more on Alex’s work and workshops, visit: csharpgroup.com.auAlso, be sure to explore the resources and links shared throughout the episode.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did hosting it.