Sometimes the best business stories start with a simple “why not?”
That’s exactly what happened when Luke Petherbridge, a Sydney-raised finance guy, got asked if he’d consider moving to Cleveland, Ohio. Fast-forward a few years, and he’s now running Link – one of America’s largest logistics operations with 1,100 staff, 3,500 buildings, and a staggering statistic: roughly 5% of US GDP flows through their facilities. In this month’s Troubleshooters episode, we cover:
• How the “last mile” revolution transformed logistics (and why your morning Amazon order arrives the same afternoon)
• The career lessons Luke learned during his baptism of fire at the GFC – and why he tells his younger self that “character is forged in crisis”
• How Link navigated COVID-19 while hiring 400+ people virtually and turning potential disaster into rocket-ship growth
• The three ways Luke’s team is deploying AI across their platform (spoiler: it’s not what most businesses are doing)
• Why Luke believes being “open to yes” and maintaining curiosity are the keys to building something meaningful

Nicole Stanners, founder of Muze Women, a cycling apparel brand for women, discussed her journey from a marketing executive to entrepreneur. Identifying a gap in the market for well-fitting cycling apparel, she conducted extensive research, prototyping, and fit testing. Despite initial setbacks, such as a factory misinterpreting grading, she launched Muze in 2023. Focusing on comfort, practical design, and sustainability, she bootstrapped the business and leveraged social media, events, and community engagement. Muze’s success includes collaborations with micro-influencers and plans for international expansion, emphasizing the importance of persistence and resilience in entrepreneurship.

Richard Turner, an award-winning entrepreneur, discusses his 40-year journey in business on the Troubleshooters podcast. Turner, who has been South Australian Entrepreneur of the Year twice and Australian Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010, emphasises the importance of risk-taking, mentorship, and planning in entrepreneurship. He highlights his successes with companies like Holbrook Meats, Regency Food Services, and Zen Energy, which pioneered the solar industry in Australia. Turner also stresses the need for consistency, customer focus, and adapting to market changes, including the impact of AI on productivity.

In the wrap-up of Season Two of the Troubleshooters podcast, host Michael McGrath highlights key insights from various episodes. Kelly Jamison of Edible Blooms discusses the importance of learning from mistakes and the benefits of limited capital. Matt Stillone of Protein Supplies Australia emphasizes the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and relationships in business. Tom Waterhouse shares his journey from bookmaking to online betting and his experiences with mentorship. Tom Hardwick talks about scaling businesses and the impact of the GFC. Tim Hutchinson from Skills GPT AI discusses the practical applications of AI in workforce management and the importance of security and continuous improvement. The podcast aims to inspire and motivate listeners with real-life business stories.

In this episode, Frank Li, a China market specialist, shares his journey from arriving in Australia unable to speak English at age 10 to becoming the Dux of his Catholic school by year 12! He discusses his career path, including his MBA from AGSM and his transition to China in 2004. Frank founded 31Jiu, a beverage distribution company, and later secured distribution rights for Bundaberg ginger beer in China, which became a huge success. Despite challenges, including a severe lockdown in Shanghai, Frank sold his business to Jebsen Group in 2022. He now consults Australian brands entering the Chinese market, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and strategic partnerships.

In this episode, Tim Hutchinson, co-founder and CEO, shares his journey from studying zoology to leading SkillsGPT, a pioneering generative AI business. Tim discusses how SkillsGPT is helping organisations adopt AI strategically, enabling them to adapt to change and gain a competitive advantage.
Tim provides examples of AI’s current and potential impact on work, emphasising the need for a ‘lifelong learning’ approach for all employees. He offers listeners a thoughtful perspective on ethical considerations, how AI is reshaping the workforce and how successful AI adoption should be led “from the boardroom, not the server room.”
Tim illustrates SkillsGPT’s role in helping 75,000 Australian regional SMEs adopt AI through the Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN), a Federal Government-supported initiative. Focused on SMEs in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and clean energy, ARAIN and SkillsGPT guide successful AI adoption with free access to tools, education, and insights. For FREE early access to ARAIN’s AI adoption resources, register at arain.com.au

Nick Armstrong, an entrepreneur since university, launched his latest venture, Chirp, which uses AI to enhance sales pipeline conversion. Nick discussed his journey, starting with GreenTriCity in 2005, which was acquired by AGL. He then founded Co Zero, Australia’s fastest-growing company in 2011, before pivoting to Identity, a neobank addressing anti-money laundering challenges. Identity listed on the ASX in 2018, but Nick moved on to Chirp, targeting B2B SaaS companies with 5-20 sales reps. Chirp uses AI to qualify deals, automate research, and suggest next steps, aiming to improve win rates and productivity.

Sheree Sullivan, an entrepreneur since age 19, discussed her journey from cheese making to hospitality and electro-enhanced beer. She highlighted her parents’ entrepreneurial influence and the challenges of starting a business. Sheree transitioned from a goat dairy to a cheese factory, eventually selling 90% to a Japanese trade buyer. She then scaled Grunthal Brew, a hospitality venue, and introduced eBEER, a low-carb, high-flavour beer with unique brewing techniques. Sheree emphasised the importance of financial sustainability, leveraging products over time, and the value of fun in business.

Tom is an experienced CEO and entrepreneur. He has demonstrated a history of scaling businesses both organically and through acquisitions.