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In this episode we are talking with Craig Hutchison. Konrad Marshall from the Sydney Morning Herald summarised ‘Craig’ as…  Craig Hutchison or Hutchy as he is known as,  is chief executive and majority shareholder of the Sports Entertainment Network, a company he created 15 years ago as a tiny PR agency named Crocmedia, which later morphed into a prolific creator of syndicated sports radio content and is now a byzantine beast that owns and operates 21 radio stations across Australia, with broadcast rights to the AFL, NRL, soccer, cricket, basketball and more.   With about $70 million in annual revenue, it has turned this country boy and university dropout into a millionaire media mogul.  His portfolio is busily diversifying, too, including into TV production (Rainmaker) and talent (Bravo Management), boutique events (Ballpark Entertainment) and publishing (AFL Record).   It also now, inevitably, owns part of a sporting team (National Basketball League club Melbourne United). After more than a decade of incremental acquisitions and mergers, Hutchison has built a national sports media empire – from scratch, by stealth.

In this episode we are talking with Jon Gregory the founder of Vitruvian. Vitruvian have recently launched their first product the v-form trainer. The idea was born out of Jon’s background working with algoritihms – he believed there was a better way to do resistance training and set about creating a product to do just that. Just like us at MATE, we believed there was a better way to sell internet to customers and provide them a better product and service than they had always been accustomed to. 2020 was a year where the home health and fitness market boomed and Vitruvian are well placed to take advantage of this. We discuss the challenges of launching a global fitness business from the ground up, the lessons learn along the way and how the world of fitness is changing into the future. We are super excited to talk about this innovative product from another Aussie business

In this episode we are talking to Sam Cawthorn. After a devastating car accident in 2006, Sam was left with an amputated arm as well as a severe leg disability. A naturally born leader, he didn’t let this setback stop him from reaching his goals, and instead turned his story into a triumph and went on to become a global influencer, best-selling author and one of the world’s most in-demand speakers – training executives from the likes of the United Nations, CommBank and BP When many people hear the word ‘influencer,’ they automatically conjure up images of suntanned, bikini models posing in front of a beach while slurping down a cocktail. However, in recent years we have seen the definition of ‘influencer’ become more robust with the introduction of wider social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Sam believes that our obsession with becoming influencers will only grow in future years, as people turn away from trusting big corporations and instead look to individuals who demonstrate what their values are, and that they can stick to them. We discuss with Sam how he built resilience after his accident, what characteristics of highly influential people are and how brands can work with influencers as a sales channel. Sam also gives us his inside tips on making sure your kids follow the right influencers on social media.

In this episode, we are talking to Dr Frank Chow, a Workplace Related Mental Health Specialist. Dr. Chow is Director and Psychiatrist at leading Sydney-based practice 2OP Health, a unique Organisational and Occupational psychiatric service, specialising in workplace related mental health care, providing tailored support to individuals, organisations and health professionals across Australia. At MATE we understand the strain that the workplace can put on employee's mental health as well as the way the workplace has evolved over the last year due to COVID and the challenges that that has presented. Through our #LetsBeMates movement which supports the Black Dog Institute, we want to help raise awareness of mental health issues, especially in the workplace and help where we can. We chat with Dr Chow about workplace burnout, how to support employee's mental health as well as uncover some strategies to help you switch off outside office hours, especially for those people working from home.isode we are talking to Dr Frank Chow, a Workplace Related Mental Health Specialist. Dr. Chow is Director and Psychiatrist at leading Sydney-based practice 2OP Health, a unique Organisational and Occupational psychiatric service, specialising in workplace related mental health care, providing tailored support to individuals, organisations and health professionals across Australia. At MATE we understand the strain that the workplace can put on employee's mental health as well as the way the workplace has evolved over the last year due to COVID and the challenges that that has presented. Through our #LetsBeMates movement which supports the Black Dog Institute, we want to help raise awareness of mental health issues, especially in the workplace and help where we can. We chat with Dr Chow about workplace burnout, how to support employee's mental health as well as uncover some strategies to help you switch off outside office hours, especially for those people working from home. Find out more about DR Chow's work at 2OP health - https://2ophealth.com.au/ You can learn more about MATE internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

SHOW LESSIn this episode we are talking to Anthony the founder and director of an organisation called Popcar.  MATE was started with a problem we thought Australians had when purchasing their Telco products, this is what drove us to do what we do.  We resonate with Popcar’s story which is all about making car sharing better than car ownership which is a unique proposition for us all.  Our aim at MATE is to give people what they need but do it better and offer them the value they deserve.  Our mate’s at Popcar are trying to do exactly the same!  To learn more about Popcar or sign up to their car share program, head to www.popcar.com.au   To find out more about Mate’s no contract Internet and Mobile plans with all Aussie support, visit www.LetsBeMates.com.au  Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player

In this episode we are talking to Angus Kidman the editor-in-chief at Finder. He's an award-winning journalist who has reported on technology, travel, finance and other topics for over 25 years. Angus appears regularly on Sunrise, Today, The Project, Seven News and other TV and radio shows. His previous jobs include editor for Lifehacker Australia and editor-in-chief for Australian Personal Computer, and he's written for dozens of publications including Escape, the Sydney Morning Herald, Gizmodo, The Australian, the AFR, Kotaku, ZDNet and Business Insider. On this podcast we often talk to entrepreneurs and businesspeople from other industries but this is a chance for us to get an industry experts opinion on the state of play of internet in our country and what the growing trends and next big things are for 2021 and beyond. You can check out Angus's work at Finder You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

In this episode we are talking to Sean Hall, Founder and Chief Energiser of Energx. Sean works with Australian organisations who share the belief that the most valuable, sustainable and high growth potential asset they have is the collective energy and creativity of their people. At MATE, our people are the heart and soul of our company, so we really resonate with that philosophy. 2020 has brought about many new challenges to people’s mental health and well being with much of the change happening essentially overnight from lockdowns, working from home to new routines and social isolation. We are going to chat with Sean in more detail about those mental health challenges as well as some strategies  to help combat theses stressors including the benefits of play for adults and Sean’s collaboration with LEGO. As a business, we have seen firsthand the impacts of mental health issues on our staff and extended families and whilst we try to do our bit to support mental health and our families, there are always new strategies and ideas we can learn about. You can check out the LEGO botanicals range here, you can find out more information about Sean's work at Energx here You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

In today’s episode we are talking to Daniel Sandaver. Dan is the successful owner of scale-up technology company Codafication; an Insurtech solving data complexity at the heart of the insurance industry. From chasing cyclones, to chairing technology companies, Dan has a broad experience in project management, business development, enterprise solutions and change management. Dan is also the proud father of two sets of twins, four boys under four, of which, like the companies, is a blessing, dynamic and a new challenge every day Today we are going to talk about life as a start up and moving to a fully fledged business,. Just like the MATE story, its full of trials and tribulations as well as unbelievable success. To learn more about Codafication, visit codafication.com You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au. Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player

In today’s episode we are talking to Johann the founder of Sole app, a new money management app that he founded in 2021 using his life savings. MATE was started with a problem we thought Australians had when purchasing their Telco products, this is what drove us to do what we do. At the time, our founders also put their own money on the table and mortgaged their houses to start the business in our Aunties backyard. We resonate with Sole apps story which is all about creating an easy, beautiful accounting app that has no confusing lingo or jargon. Our aim at MATE is to give people what they need but do it better and offer them the value they deserve. Our mate’sat Sole App are trying to do exactly the same! To learn more about Sole App, visit www.soleapp.com.au You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

Based on listeners feedback, we have created a series of quickfire episodes to deep dive on what makes us successful. In this Episode, Dom O’Brien, Head of Customer acquisition gives us an insight into customer acquisition strategies and channels that have been successful for Mate and how they can apply to your business too.

Based on listeners feedback, we have created a series of quickfire episodes to deep dive on what makes us successful. In this Episode, General Manager Mark Fazio gives us an insight into productivity tools, processes and best practices that helps him, and the Mate business be successful To find out more about Mate’s no contract Internet and Mobile plans with all Aussie support, visit www.LetsBeMates.com.au Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player

In this weeks episode we are talking to a local Aussie small business that produces beautiful visuals and engaging stories for some of Australia's largest brands. Content is a crucial tool in the Marketers toolkit, and at MATE we are always looking for content that puts a smile on our customers face, brightens up their day, or gives them knowledge that empowers them Today we are speaking with Zak and Pat, two of the co-founders of Chisel Productions. They describe themselves as an evolving creative production company that believes in being bold, daring and honest. Built by 3 mates with a dream of doing things better, we can really resonate with their story of making that dream a reality. To learn more about Chisel or see what they can do for your business, head to www.chisel.productions or email zak@chisel.productions or pat@chisel.productions To find out more about Mate’s no contract Internet and Mobile plans with all Aussie support, visit www.LetsBeMates.com.au

In this episode we are talking to Glen who represents LaLiga in Australia and New Zealand. At MATE we have chosen sport and in-particular football to align our brand too as we want ‘passionate fans’ as our customers and football has some of the most passionate fans in the world. LaLiga is the pinnacle showcase around the world for football lovers, with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona playing in the LaLiga, the power of its brand and presence globally is growing day by day. Some of the brand statements around LaLiga is, “Its not football, its LaLiga” and that “LaLiga is more than just football”. At MATE we really resonate with this as we see ourselves as a “customer happiness business” that happens to sell telco products. We truly believe a business needs to have more substance then just the service they sell and this is why the LaLiga story is a must for everyone to hear. You can stay up to date with the LaLiga at www.laliga.com or watch your favourite team on beIN sports in Australia. You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au. Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player

In today’s episode we are talking to Matt Francis & Tanya Newhouse from a company called Clevertar. At MATE, service is our number one focus as we feel this is what sets us apart from our competitors. We are always trying to ensure we have the right balance of automation and verbal contact with our customers to ensure they are getting the type of service they want and need. We aren’t open 24/7 and we know customers have a time and a place that they choose to do what they need hence why we engaged with Clevertar to support us in our after-hours times. Clevertar offers a product that for us humanises service even when there is not a real person available. Clevertar offers a conversational AI virtual agent with a friendly face. To learn more about Clevertar and their products, visit www.Clevertar.com You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

In this episode we are talking to an Aussie business built to be your personal shopping assistant. At MATE we focus everyday on simplicity and easier ways for consumers to get access to the services they want and need. Smartify offers this opportunity in a new unique way that we just love and it really resonates with us at MATE. We all know the move to online shopping has amplified over the last couple of years. Australians have always been behind the trend but with a service like Smartify I think this will get Aussies shopping more online with a purpose. That purpose is for consumers getting access to the value they deserve for the things they love, delivered to them and available at their finger tips to see. To learn more about Smartify, head to www.smartify.ai or search for Smartify in Google Chrome extensions You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

In this week’s episode we are talking to Mike the founder and CEO of an organisation called XVenture. At MATE we have used the theme of sports to drive our brand identity particularly through our brand ambassadors Mat Ryan & Sam Kerr. We feel sport drives spirit, passion and teamwork which are some of the values we instil in our business and deliver to our customers. XVenture support people and organisations around developing E.A.R.L skills such as ‘emotional agility, resilience and leadership’ through sports. Our team at MATE is the heartbeat of our business, without them we do not have a business. XVenture specializes in developing individual greatness within a team environment which businesses could benefit from. You can learn more about XVenture at www.XVenture.com.au  and contact Mike at Mike@xventure.com.au You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au. Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player.

In this week’s episode we are talking to a brand that has built a cult following in the sports space. At MATE we have partly aligned our brand to sport for a bunch of reasons such as: Competitive spirit – being the underdog and needing to fight hard to win in the telco industry Building fans – just like fans of sporting teams, we need to build fans of MATE also that keep us honest and ensure we continue to deliver what we say we are going to do Inspiration – every sports fan, no matter what sport, there is a person, event or moment that inspires us all – we want to make sure we inspire as a telco. A brand that we have become great friends with are the team at UFC. Peter joins us from the UFC Australia and New Zealand team. You can find out more about the UFC business as well as their Fight Pass at www.UFC.com You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au. Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player.

In this weeks episode we are talking to a new business that has been built completely in this COVID time. We at MATE feel it’s more important than ever to support local businesses in this beautiful country of ours. A lot of small businesses have taking a massive hit during the last few months and it’s our obligation as people of this great nation to get out there and support these businesses. iBuyLocal is delivering a great way for Aussies to start supporting these businesses more and in a way that benefits not only the business but also the consumer. Scott from iBuyLocal is here to tell us more. Visit www.ibuylocal.com.au and download the iBuyLocal app from Google Play or Apple App store. Spread the message to local businesses on how they can get involved in this great initiative. You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au. Subscribe to hear the latest episode each week on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast player.

On this week’s show we chat to our mates at Espresso Displays. Will, Scott and Gary are part of an Aussie start up that have recently raised almost $500,000 on Kickstarter to produce the worlds thinnest portable touch screen for your laptop, Mac, phone or portable media devices. We chat with them about creating a product from scratch, dealing with overseas production remotely, their Kickstarter experience and all that goes into bringing your first product to market. You can find out more about Espresso displays at www.espressodisplays.com.au or buy them at Indiegogo You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.

On this week’s show with chat with our Mate, Matt Farmer, Retail Sales Director for TP-Link Australia and New Zealand – a leading manufacturer of home networking and smart home products. We discuss the key ingredients to a good home network, differentiating between your internet connection and your Wi-Fi and what upgrading to a Mesh solution can do for your home internet experience. We talk about the challenges that COVID-19 brought to the industry and how TP-Link was able to adapt to ensure they had a consistent supply for their retailers. Finally, we discuss smart home products from light switches to fridges. You can buy TP-Link products and all major consumer electronics retailers such as JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Bing Lee, Bunnings as well as online. To get more information about the TP-Link mesh network, ‘Deco’ range, you can visit https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/deco/ and to find out more about the advantages of Mesh networks you can visit https://www.tp-link.com/au/mesh-wifi/ You can learn more about Mate internet and mobile plans at www.LetsBeMates.com.au.