The Big Smoke Media Group

Three big years The Big Smoke Media Group! Congratulations David Dahdah and thank you for your commitment to great content and happy clients!

Here’s a myth-busting reality check on business success. Is humour a key to thriving or just a distraction? Can throwing money at marketing guarantee growth? We asked a handful of business leaders to break down the myths they’ve encountered (like the idea that rapid scaling is essential), and reveal what truly drives their success. Thank you, Alicia Gonzalez (Founder, Head Coach & Fun Advocate at The Clown Institute ), Dr Indramohan Singh, PhD (Director at Eduprism Learning), Virginia Lawton (Creative Content Writer at The Virginia Lawton Freelance @ Performing Arts), Dr Shainal Nathoo (CEO at Outcome Health ), Jess Metzler (Head of Operations at Grant Help), Nick Panagiotou (Director of Sales and Marketing at Salon Cosmetics Australia).

Derryn Hinch reflects on his relationship with the legendary George Negus for The Big Smoke today. Vale George Negus, an Aussie legend. https://lnkd.in/e2DGXUVf

While everyone else is jumping on the latest industry trends, these experts have chosen to go against the grain. As trends come and go, these leaders are breaking down the buzz – AI hype, hustle culture, virtual consulting – and here they explain why jumping on the latest industry bandwagon isn’t always the smartest move. Thank you, Antony D. (Video Producer, Director, and Editor at Raw Mint), Craig Ford (Head Unicorn – Co-Founder and Executive Director at Cyber Unicorns), Meg McCarroll (Pyke) (Founder and Coach at New Chapter Coaching), Anita Zazula (Customer Service Manager at The Evic Group), Ryan Hollis (Director at everfocus), Biren Poriya (Founder of Expertiqo).

🌊Thank you to all of our Making Waves Regatta 2024 Sponsors! 🌊The day was an extreme success with the funds raised supporting 122 participants through Making Waves programs. 🌊Photos by SALTY DINGO - view full media album here: https://lnkd.in/gjWFF5c8 Location and Race Management Host: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Volunteering by Hewlett Packard Enterprise Videography by The Big Smoke Media Group Sydney Sponsors: Australian Government ASX Refinitiv Charity Foundation Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club AkzoNobel International Paints #MakingWaves #MakingWavesFoundation #MWFRegatta2024

How do you stay laser-focused on customers in a world full of distractions? We asked leaders how they keep customer needs front and centre, while they juggle all the other machinations of business. Thank you, JON MICHAIL (Founder and CEO at Image Group International), Kenan Akkoc (Director at Prospr.), Ameet Shah (Founder, CEO, and Director at JIRRA ENTERPRISE SPACE PTY. LTD.), Mark McCormack (Co-Founder and CEO at Studio Titans), Colin Weir (CEO and Founder of Moroku), Aparna Watal (Partner, IP Lawyer and Trade Mark Attorney at Halfords IP - Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys).

In business it’s a given that “sh*t happens” and we get caught off guard. We asked industry leaders how they have turned lemons into lessons 🍋 Thank you, Richard Snowdon (Artist and Repertoire Representative at Record Union), Cedric C. (Founder and Wellness Business Mentor at Well Wired), Zoe Piper (CEO at Rezicast Systems), Will Smith (General Manager at Norwood Flames Basketball Club).

Mentorship can make or break a leader’s career and business. We asked industry experts about the mentors who’ve shaped their paths, and how they bring that same energy into their own teams. Thank you Judith O. (Co-Founder of Global ERP Advisory), Elle Likopoulos (Principal at Absolute Business Brokers), Dannielle K P. (Strategy Advisor at Dannielle K. Pearson & Startmate), Ashleigh Gribben (Head of Talent at Onside), Victor H. (Director and Chief Hacking Officer at Exploit Security), Toby Zappia (Head Coach at Renewed Life Coaching) and Paul Harrison J.P. - CompIEAust - RPEV - Veteran (Principal Consultant at Project Synergies)

If you know me, you'll know that I love singing the praises of GenAI. I use it whenever and wherever I can, crafting prompts to plan my meals, building Dungeons and Dragons campaigns and brainstorming my 1am lightbulb ideas. It's a sounding board when I need a fresh perspective and a colleague when I'm saddled with writer’s block. It’s an incredible tool that I lean on daily. But as much as I, and countless others, have come to rely on it, we can't forget one fundamental thing: AI Isn’t Human. In my latest article for The Big Smoke Media Group, I dig into why AI can stumble on simple tasks and why GenAI should complement, rather than replace, our creative processes. You can read the full article here:

We love bringing you insights from industry leaders, and this time, we asked how they decide when to adopt new technology. From Trello for task management to AI tools enhancing customer creativity, their stories reveal how smart tech adoption drives success. Thank you to Sonia Shwabsky (CEO of Kwik Kopy Australia Pty Ltd), Rachel Lake (Owner of Rachel Beth Jewellery) & Michael Donoghue (Founder of AdvisorAi) for your thoughtful contributions.