From a second-hand mower to a nationwide empire of 5,500 franchises – Jim Penman’s story is proof that purpose and persistence can outlast any plan. In this episode of Naked at the Top, Jim shares how a small lawn mowing business turned into one of the world’s most successful franchise systems, and why his mission was never about money – it was about funding research that might just change the world.

We unpack what it really takes to scale a values-led business: obsessive improvement, servant leadership, and an unshakable focus on helping others succeed. Jim reveals how giving his personal phone number to every franchisee isn’t crazy – it’s how he stays connected to the people who matter most. From there, his philosophy of “franchisees first” has redefined what leadership looks like.

He talks candidly about faith, failure, family, and fulfilment – why wealth without purpose feels empty, and how raising grounded kids is the ultimate measure of success. There’s no polished PR here, just raw honesty from a man who built a movement by caring deeply, thinking differently, and walking the walk.

Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or chasing your next idea, this episode will leave you rethinking what success truly means – and how small, daily improvements can build something extraordinary.

Mindset is the single biggest factor in whether your business thrives or collapses - yet it is also the part most entrepreneurs get wrong.

In this Naked at the Top episode, Alex Sy joins us to unpack why mindset is the root of business success. He shares his journey from hitting rock bottom to mentoring others, and why many owners sabotage themselves with fake goals, poor retention strategies, and a short-term obsession with cutting costs.

We dive into what truly drives sustainable growth: understanding customers, building resilience, and recognising when closing a business is actually the smartest move. Alex also reveals how mentorship shaped his path, and the hard truths leaders need to face if they want to keep growing.

If you have ever wondered why your business feels stuck despite all the effort, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you practical ways to rethink your strategy.

Hit subscribe for more real, unfiltered business lessons - no fluff, no ego.

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What does it really take to build a business you love without losing yourself along the way? In this Naked at the Top episode, Kellie Simpson shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving, values-led business as a Legal VA.

She opens up about the breaking points that forced change, the importance of choosing clients wisely, and the mindset shifts that helped her go from surviving to thriving. Expect raw honesty, practical strategies, and plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to grow their business on their own terms.

From pricing red flags and firing bad clients, to building dream teams remotely and setting healthy boundaries, Kellie’s story is packed with lessons that every entrepreneur can take away. This is about more than business growth – it’s about creating a life and business that truly align.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone feeling stuck in the grind, Kellie’s journey will give you the tools and courage to take action.

#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Startup #Growth #Mindset #Teamwork #Productivity #Resilience

Subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s coming: https://www.youtube.com/@NakedattheTop?sub_confirmation=1
Special thanks to our sponsors, Core Story – find out more at https://corestory.com.au
Aleyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/
Catch us on your favourite podcast directory: https://nakedatthetop.buzzsprout.com/share

What does it really take to build wealth without losing yourself along the way? Tal Evans shares his powerful story of growing up in a poor migrant family, and how those early struggles shaped his resilience, mindset, and approach to business.

From starting with nothing to creating lasting success, Tal opens up about the lessons he learned through failure, leadership challenges, and building teams that thrive. He breaks down what resilience actually looks like when things get tough, and why mentorship, planning, and strategy are non-negotiables for any entrepreneur.

This episode is packed with honest reflections and practical wisdom – from the dark side of micromanagement to why passion alone isn’t enough, and even how a prank turned into a long-running tradition in his business journey. Tal’s story proves that success is never just about money – it’s about purpose, people, and the courage to do things differently.

If you’re starting your own business or leading a team, this conversation will give you real, straight-talking insights that you won’t find in a textbook.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s coming: https://www.youtube.com/@NakedattheTop?sub_confirmation=1

Special thanks to our sponsors, Core Story – find out more at https://corestory.com.au
Aleyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/

Catch us on your favourite podcast directory: https://nakedatthetop.buzzsprout.com/share

What does it take to lead with joy, grit, and zero ego—even when life tries to crush you?

Chris Christofi has built an empire from the ground up. But it’s not the hustle that defines him—it’s the heart. In this episode of Naked at the Top, Chris shares how being fired, losing it all, and even getting banned from motorcycles taught him everything he needed to know about leadership, humility, and human connection.

This conversation dives into what culture really means (hint: it’s not ping pong tables), how trust changes everything, and why fun isn’t just a bonus—it’s necessary for performance. Chris tells raw, hilarious, and inspiring stories from his journey, including being recognised by a homeless man, cleaning his own office mess, and the unexpected legacy that now guides his every move.

If you're a founder, a people leader, or someone who’s trying to build something real—you need this episode. It’s a roadmap for leading with both steel and softness. And it will make you laugh, think, and maybe even change how you show up at work.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s coming: https://www.youtube.com/@nakedatthetop?sub_confirmation=1

Special thanks to our sponsors, Core Story – find out more at https://corestory.com.au

Aleyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/
Catch us on your favourite podcast directory: https://nakedatthetop.buzzsprout.com/share

Zoe Goodhardt doesn’t just understand growth—she builds it from the inside out. In this high-impact episode of Naked at the Top, Zoe shares what it really takes to lead modern marketing, shape high-performing teams, and strip back the fluff in business. With a background that spans bold career moves and brand-defining moments, she offers grounded insight into leadership, clarity, and what separates real growth from empty noise.

This conversation isn’t your typical marketing talk. Zoe challenges the culture of fake empathy and political correctness that often dilutes genuine connection and leadership. Instead, she makes the case for direct communication, values-based hiring, and a relentless focus on performance over polish. If you’ve ever questioned how to build a brand without losing your soul—or a team without losing your edge—this is your episode.

We go deep into the psychology behind sales, the hidden strengths of hospitality training, and why women in leadership need to stop shrinking themselves with self-deprecating language. Zoe shares personal stories, sharp strategy, and the mindset shifts that took her from imposter syndrome to strategic clarity.

Whether you're a founder, CMO, or just trying to level up your influence and impact, this episode is packed with moments that land. No jargon. No hype. Just clarity, strategy, and a powerful reminder to lead like you mean it.

Subscribe to catch more: https://www.youtube.com/@nakedatthetop?sub_confirmation=1
Special thanks to our sponsors, Core Story – find out more at https://corestory.com.au

Aleyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/
Catch us on your favourite podcast directory: https://nakedatthetop.buzzsprout.com/share

What does it really take to lead with heart - without losing your edge?

In this emotionally charged and fiercely practical episode, we meet Ronnie Lewis, a CEO and founder whose leadership philosophy is anything but conventional. Raised on courage and built through loss, Ronnie doesn’t just talk values - he lives them. From moments of sharp self-awareness to radically honest hiring practices, this conversation strips back the facade of modern leadership and invites us into something more grounded, more human.

You’ll hear why he asks interview questions that leave candidates stunned.
Why he believes trust is everything - and what happens when it breaks.
And how an unexpected life moment gave him a lesson in priorities that still guides his business today.

Whether you’re a founder, a team leader, or just tired of the leadership buzzwords, this episode will reconnect you to what actually matters.

We also unpack how to spot the wrong people early, celebrate tiny wins like they’re huge, and build cultures where no one hides behind a title. Ronnie’s stories are raw, funny, and rich with insight.

This one hits hard and stays with you.

Watch now on YouTube, subscribe, and lead like you mean it: https://www.youtube.com/@nakedatthetop?sub_confirmation=1

Special thanks to our sponsors, Core Story – find out more at https://corestory.com.au
Aleyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/

Mia Bowyer doesn’t lead the way most people expect. She blends AI with authenticity, automates systems while holding space for real connection, and built a thriving business without fitting into the traditional CEO mould. In this episode of Naked at the Top, Mia opens up about what it really takes to automate your life without losing your humanity.

Named Young Entrepreneur of the Year and founder of Automate Social, Mia has worked with global brands and led a fast-growing team while staying grounded in creativity, vulnerability and humour. We dive into her journey from PR at Ogilvy to remote business building, breathwork circles and even a stand-up comedy set. Her honesty is disarming - and her insights into leadership and life are deeply refreshing.

You’ll learn how Mia uses her “automate, delegate, eliminate” model to scale sustainably, why raising your standards starts with yourself, and how tech tools like Notion and Make.com are reshaping the way we build businesses. She also gets real about people-pleasing, team feedback, and what it takes to stop hiding and start leading with clarity.

This is a conversation for anyone feeling overwhelmed by digital tools, unsure how to delegate, or stuck in the belief that leadership has to look a certain way. It’s a reminder that real leadership isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being real.

Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@nakedatthetop?sub_confirmation=1
Special thanks to our sponsors, Core Story – find out more at https://corestory.com.au
Aleyx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyxward/
Catch us on your favourite podcast directory: https://nakedatthetop.buzzsprout.com/share