Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Barry LaBov, two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and branding expert, to explore the power of differentiation in business.

Barry introduces the idea of the “Commodity Monster”, the danger of becoming just another option in the market. He shares powerful stories and practical advice on how to identify your business’s key differentiators, use specific language to tell your brand story, and ensure your customer experience lives up to the promise.

If you’re launching a new product, looking to refresh your brand, or simply want to avoid blending in, this episode will show you how to stand out and stay that way.

Tune in to learn how to define your difference, and make sure the world knows about it.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: ⁠debra@businessaction.co.nz⁠

►See how she can help you: ⁠https://businessaction.co.nz/⁠      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► ⁠LaBov Website⁠

► ⁠Barry LaBov Writes⁠

► ⁠Grab Your Copy of "The Power of Differentiation"⁠

► ⁠Barry LaBov - LinkedIn⁠

Chapters:  

00:35 – Introduction

02:10 - Barry LaBov's Journey and Philosophy

05:40 - The Commodity Monster and Differentiation

09:43 - Examples of Successful Differentiation

18:07 - The Role of Words and Storytelling

30:59 - Practical Tips for Fighting Commoditisation

31:12 - The Importance of Imperfection and Innovation

35:54 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In another episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by leadership expert and author Kevin Eikenberry to explore what it truly means to lead with flexibility in an ever-changing world. Drawing from his latest book, Flexible Leadership, Kevin unpacks how great leaders adapt their style based on context, not habit—and why that’s more important now than ever.

Together, Debra and Kevin dive into the realities of hybrid work, proximity bias, ego management, and how to balance urgency with long-term vision. Kevin introduces the idea of “flexors”—simple questions that help leaders move beyond their default responses—and explains how staying curious, context-aware, and open to new perspectives can dramatically improve team performance and trust.

Whether you're leading a small team or a growing organisation, this conversation is filled with timely insights and practical tips to help you lead with confidence and clarity in uncertain times.

Tune in to learn how to lead with greater flexibility, curiosity, and confidence.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► The Kevin Eikenberry Group Website

► Grab a Copy of Kevin's Book - Flexible Leadership

► Kevin Eikenberry - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:36 - Introduction

02:27 - Understanding the Concept of Flexible Leadership

04:12 - The Concept of Flexible Leadership

06:52 - Navigating Uncertainty and Leading with Confidence

12:27 - The Role of AI in Leadership

23:06 - Effective Leadership in a Hybrid Work Environment

28:37 - Managing End Runs and Building Trust

33:02 - Challenges for Leaders in a Changing World

44:02 - Practical Tips for Leaders

45:09 - Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor welcomes Renee Russo, CEO of Rise Up Business Coaching, to explore the power of aligning personal and business goals. Renee shares her journey of self-discovery, the importance of honoring oneself, and how EOS and Exit Planning can help business owners create value, freedom, and a life of fulfillment.

She discusses key strategies for ensuring a business can thrive independently of its owner, integrating personal, financial, and business goals for long-term success. Renee also introduces insights from her book Ready to Rise, offering practical tools like the "555 Playbook" for personal growth and alignment.

If you're a business owner looking to gain clarity, create a sustainable business, and design a future that aligns with your vision, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.

Tune in to take the next step toward building a business—and life—that truly works for you.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Rise Up Business Coaching Website

► Ready to Rise - Renee’s Book

► Renee Russo - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:22 - Introduction

02:12 - Renee Russo's Journey and Personal Growth

04:35 - Rediscovering Oneself and Business Alignment

10:33 - The Importance of Personal Alignment in Business

13:45 - Exit Planning and Business Value Creation

25:48 - The Role of Advisors and Peer Groups

34:59 - EOS and Exit Planning Integration

41:30 - Practical Tips for Business Owners

Welcome to Better Business, Better Life. In this episode, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Karl Pisor, Japan’s first certified EOS Implementer, to explore the power of EOS in transforming leadership and business operations.

Karl shares his journey from launching a graphic design shop in Tokyo to becoming a management consultant and EOS expert. He discusses the importance of building a strong leadership team, using tools like the Accountability Chart and Delegate and Elevate to ensure entrepreneurs focus on their strengths and empower their teams. He also highlights the Clarity Break tool, which helps business owners' step back, reflect, and make better strategic decisions.

If you're looking to delegate more effectively, strengthen your leadership team, and gain clarity in your business, this episode is filled with practical insights to help you take control and drive long-term success.

Tune in to learn how EOS can transform the way you lead and grow your business.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Get in Touch with Karl

► Karl Pisor - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:29 - Guest Introduction

02:35 - Karl's Journey to EOS

09:59 - The Impact of EOS on Karl's Clients

18:25 - Challenges and Rewards of Implementing EOS

18:43 - Key EOS Tools and Techniques

23:47 - Personal and Professional Growth with EOS

36:18 - Advice for Entrepreneurs Considering EOS

37:47 - Conclusion and Contact Information

In this final episode of the Better Business, Better Life Flashback Series, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Scott Rusnak, a certified EOS Implementer, high-performance leadership coach, and author of The Entrepreneur’s Feel Guide. Scott dives into what it takes to build a business legacy—one that outlives you and leaves a meaningful impact for generations to come.

Debra and Scott explore the importance of having a clear vision, aligning with core values, and creating high-performing teams. They discuss practical EOS tools like the People Analyser and Delegate and Elevate checklist to help business owners grow with purpose. Scott also shares insights on balancing business success with personal fulfillment, self-care, and fostering strong relationships.

If you're looking to design a business that supports both your life and your legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom to guide your journey. Tune in to relive this powerful conversation.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        
___________________________________________        
►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      
____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Scott Rusnak's Website

► Grab a Copy of Scott's Book

► Scott Rusnak - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

01:05 - Building a Business Legacy with Scott Rusnak

07:27 - The Role of Purpose in Business Success

08:11 - High-Performing Teams and Core Values

17:30 - Planning for Success and Balancing Business and Personal Life

17:43 - The Power of EOS Tools and Frameworks

19:13 - Creating a Better Life through Business Success

26:17 - The Importance of Taking Time Off

28:52 - Final Tips and Tools for Business Success

Navigating a family business comes with unique challenges, from balancing personal relationships to ensuring fairness and clarity in decision-making. In this Better Business, Better Life Flashback Series episode, we revisit an insightful conversation with family business expert Sara B. Stern. Sara brings her wealth of experience to the table, offering practical tools and strategies to strengthen both your family and your business.

Debra and Sara explore the three-circle model of family businesses—family, business, and ownership—and why each needs its own leader and structure. They discuss the importance of involving spouses in decision-making, avoiding communication breakdowns, and setting clear boundaries for long-term success. Sara also shares insights from her book Married to the Family Business and introduces resources designed to help spouses play a more active, informed role.

Whether you’re part of a family business or advising one, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom on leadership, fairness, and creating a thriving multi-generational legacy.

Tune in and re-live the key principles that drive your family business while maintaining harmony and long-term success.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Website Link

► Married to the Family Business: A Handbook for Spouses of Family Business Owners

► Connect with Sara

► Sara B. Stern - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:00 - Introduction

03:05 - Sara's New Book and Its Impact

04:29 - Challenges Spouses Face in Family Businesses

07:34 - The Three-Circle Model and Its Implications

07:58 - Advisors’ Role in Family Businesses

14:03 - Practical Tips for Family Business Advisors

26:27 - Tools and Resources for Spouses

31:03 - Differences Between Family and Traditional Businesses

34:20 - Navigating Family Business Dynamics

38:21 - Fairness in Family Businesses

In this week’sBetter Business, Better Life Flashback Series, we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with Adam Harris, EOS implementer and founder of Frank and Fearless. While EOS provides a proven framework for business success, Adam takes us beyond the fundamentals, challenging common misconceptions and exploring how structure, accountability, and simplicity can fuel—not stifle—growth and innovation.

Debra and Adam dive into the balance between systemisation and creativity, addressing concerns that EOS may be too rigid for dynamic businesses. They discuss how a well-defined framework actually frees entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths, build stronger teams, and create sustainable long-term success.

Adam also shares insights on transparency, leadership accountability, and the role of short-term discomfort in achieving lasting business growth. So, if you’re new to EOS or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers valuable perspectives on maximising its benefits while maintaining flexibility.

Tune in and re-visit the key principles that drive high-performing businesses and leadership teams.

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        

___________________________________________        

►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra:debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you:https://businessaction.co.nz/      

____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

►Frank and Fearless Website

►Connect with Adam

►Adam Harris - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

00:00 - Introduction

02:08 - Adam Harris and His Journey

04:39 - Addressing Controversial Questions About EOS

11:01 - EOS and Entrepreneurial Innovation

17:21 - Simplicity and Consistency of EOS

19:29 - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Vision in EOS

19:40 - Transparency and Accountability in EOS

33:05 - Cult-Like Mentality and Dependence on EOS

36:30 - Necessity and Dependence on EOS

39:10 - Tips and Tools for EOS Implementation

Welcome back to the Better Business, Better Life Flashback Series! This week, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with Renee Russo, certified EOS implementer and CEO of Rise Up Business Coaching. Renee’s journey from accountant to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of alignment—both in business and in life.

Through her experiences in self-implementing EOS, becoming an exit planning strategist, and developing a personal life coaching system, Renee offers invaluable wisdom on building a business that serves your life—not the other way around. She discusses the challenges of self-implementation, the role of accountability, and the significance of planning for the future with intention.

From exit planning to personal transformation, this episode is packed with timeless insights on accountability, mindset, and making intentional choices for a fulfilling future. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it for a fresh perspective, Renee’s wisdom will leave you inspired to take control of your journey.

Tune in to rediscover the keys to building a business and a life that truly aligns with your values!

CONNECT WITH DEBRA:        
___________________________________________        
►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner

►Connect with Debra: debra@businessaction.co.nz

►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/      
____________________________________________        

GUEST’S DETAIL:

► Rise Up Website

► Connect with Renee

► Renee Russo - LinkedIn

Chapters:  

01:03 – Podcast Introduction

01:46 - Renee Russo's Background and Journey

05:15 - The Importance of a Business Methodology

05:50 - Challenges of Self-Implementation and the Role of an Implementer

06:03 - The Concept of Exit Planning

27:37 - The Role of Accountability and Support

30:34 - Renee's Life Coaching System

40:14 - Conclusion