Business as Unusual

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Many of us are in pain, not just from the Pandemic, but from a lack of certainty that tomorrow will be better than today.  The goal of BAUnusual has always been to inspire, elevate thinking and leave you just a little bit better than when you started watching the episode.  In this final episode I share what’s been happening to me over these last few months as a Professional Speaker and how it led me to discover a more useful truth for me to navigate the uncertainty ahead.  Special thanks to Simone Givney , Anita Kropacsy, Kevin Landale and Mitch Lewis who helped me find the clarity I so desperately needed these last few weeks.  What’s next?  A whole suite of resources designed to help people build cultures of Innov❤️tion, Creativity and Entrepreneurial Thinking at work.  Together, I believe we can make tomorrow a better place than today.  Thank you all for letting me share time and space in your life during the series. I’m deeply grateful for your kindness.  Dream, Build, Inspire, Lead 🙏🍀❤️  -AJ~

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VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

There’s massive buzz around OpenAI’s GPT-3, but is it really that good or just hype?  To really make sense of this technology, it’s more useful to think of it as Augmented Intelligence rather than Artificial Intelligence.  In other words it’s technology that amplifies existing capabilities - a tool that can be used to increase efficiency.  In this episode of Business as Unusual, I share a couple of mind-blowing examples of how GPT-3 can be used and the one major limitation it has in its current release.

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

We used to live in a world where we had set answers to every question asked. And then Covid-19 smacked us in the face, forcing a massive global reality check and causing much uncertainty.  In this episode of Business as Unusual I explore the core idea in one of my presentations - why mindsets need to shift from answers to questions.  It also features a beautiful story from science fiction author Sir Arthur C Clarke who wrote 2001 A Space Oddity.  No wait that was David Bowie. 🤦🏼‍♀️  Either way there’s a cool story in here so check it out.  I hope it inspires you and your teams to reimagine the way business could be done. 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

How do you launch a car AND relaunch a global brand in 125 markets amidst a pandemic?!? Nissan Motor Corporation recently launched a new, fully electric SUV crossover named, Ariya.  Being a huge fan of the brand, it immediately caught my attention, but what also caught my attention was the amount of personal stories that many Nissan employees were sharing about Ariya - wayyyy more than the usual corporate pride that MNC employees display.  Turns out there’s an incredible story behind the launch of Ariya because it’s not just a car.  This episode of Business as Unusual reveals incredible lesson in business strategy, innovation and creativity and a great case study on what is possible if we reimagine the way business could be done.  Enjoy Entrepreneurs! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Innovation doesn’t need to be complicated, but it needs to be creative. I LOVE this example!  It comes from the wonderful world of Latin Dancing - and really demonstrates what we are capable of when we dig deep to find the courage to embrace constraints instead of complaining about them.  I hope this episode ignites that spark deep within you to do the same.  Go out and dance! 💃🏽 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

“The New Normal” isn’t just about a shift in working habits - it’s an entire sociological change in attitudes and behaviours.  Successfully transforming your organisation to thrive in this new era of business will require significant cultural change - the missing linchpin of several failed digital transformations.  As Entrepreneurial Leaders you will be required to shift thinking and behaviour and that starts with you.  This episode explores one of the most powerful actions you can take as a leader to transform culture.  I hope it moves you closer to achieving what the new normal looks like for your organisation. 🙏🍀

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VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

One of the quickest ways to build The New Normal is to seek Outsider Perspective. Let me explain.  Humans are predisposed to confirmation bias - we subconsciously seek out people and perspectives similar to our own. We are creatures of habit and relish in the safety and security of our domains.  So what happens when covid comes along and disrupts that?  As we attempt to rebuild the new normal we have an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild better than before. And to do that we need fresh thinking.  The quickest way to achieve this is to gain an outsider perspective.  In this episode of Business as Unusual I reveal the outsiders who you might like to seek guidance from. Hope it inspires you to new thinking!

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

As we navigate the return to the office, I pull out a full cast of characters to drive home a very important point.  Many organisations have declared safe workspaces by introducing hand sanitiser, masks, extra cleaning and social distancing... and thats great... but that’s the basic minimum required. Your employees want so much more.  They want psychological safety too.  In this episode I go deeper into the “S” of my ISPK Leading Teams framework and share a simple idea to help you become an Entrepreneurial Leader. The episode also features a great leadership story from a retired TopGun Pilot AND a special cameo from Australian actor - Michael Caton.  I hope the message inspires you to become a better leader to navigate the uncertainty ahead. 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

This episode explores the negativity surrounding capitalism and why we need a better definition to suit our lives today.  Capitalism has been traditionally defined as physical productivity. We want outputs from businesses, organisations and institutions. Our financial system works on placing bets on these outputs.  And now the system is broken.  The new model for capitalism needs to shift from physical productivity to encompass psychological productivity.  In other words, we need more innovative thinking in businesses, organisations, institutions and governments.  Using my formula for Innovation we have two elements to play with:  Creativity (Ideas) + Entrepreneurship (Outcomes)  I hope it inspires you to really challenge yourself and your teams to explore what’s possible in this new era of business 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Who is going to survive the “New Normal” - The companies with Balance Sheets & Brains! Let me explain...  I started “Business as Unusual” to provide some level of comfort to the people in my circles who had shared with me terrible stories of how covid-19 had impacted their businesses and their lives.  Now as economies around the world restart, a new challenge has emerged - how do we transition into the “new normal”. While I’m not a huge fan of the phrase, it’s a good place to start.  Tonight’s episode features a cameo from one of the world’s greatest reality tv show stars 😏 and covers:  

🔥How the corona virus impacted the economy and who is going to survive  

🔥How to reframe the negativity over the next few months about collapsing businesses and economic recession  

🔥What Business and Organisation Leaders need to focus on moving forward to give themselves the best possible chance of success.  

I hope it inspires new thinking 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Myth busting, crazy accents and a solid example of Grade A Stupidity - all in the name of driving a very important point - we need to elevate our thinking during this crisis.  Never before, I would imagine in most of our lives, have we had such an incredible opportunity to improve the world we live in.  My work is about inspiring people to think like Entrepreneurs because they have the true power to create positive change in the world.  As Buckminster Fuller says “You never change things by fighting against the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the old model obsolete.”  Giddyup Entrepreneurs! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Throughout this crisis people kept telling me that I had an alternative perspective to all the doom and gloom out there - so this episode covers the Entrepreneurial Principle that helped me develop that perspective.  I also cover how things will turn out here in Australia - purely my perspective and that of my employer 😜    As restrictions are relaxed around the globe PLEASE take extra care - as much as it pains me to say it - this is far from being over and the second wave is going to be much worse than the first - well here in Australia anyway. We’ll get through it but there will be casualties. Again do your own research instead of following the status quo blindly.  Stay safe. Stay inspired. 🙏🍀

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

It always annoyed me when people came up after I finished speaking and offered their “feedback” - when I hadn’t asked for it. Until I learned how to deal with it.  In this episode I share one of the most powerful speaking lessons I learned from the legendary Allan Parker, OAM. I hope the lesson within the episode makes it a little easier to navigate some of the negativity you may encounter in your journey.  🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

There are heaps of resources to help people give better feedback but not so much around how to receive it. This episode shares two key elements to help you receive feedback - for when you ask for it. When you don’t ask for it... that’s another episode 😏  Also inside is a story about one of my crazy adventures in business where receiving brutal feedback destroyed me mentally for two weeks.  I hope these tips help you venture out beyond your comfort zone by giving you a way to navigate the negativity you might encounter along the way. 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

How do we combat the vast amounts of mediocre thinking in the world? One way is to take a closer look at the language used to express thought.  In this episode of Business as Unusual I bust another “crisis quote” being spread by people with big microphones and small minds.  I hope it elevates your thinking to new levels and we can start to combat mediocrity with intelligent thought 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

After every presentation I sit down and ask myself three questions: 1. What went well? 2. What needs to be worked on? 3. What are my action items?  During that process today I uncovered something I need to work on.  I usually practice my presentations pretty thoroughly and thought I covered everything in rehearsal but I forgot one thing - because I don’t normally do it. Luckily no one noticed 😬  Today’s episode shares the story of my mistake and I hope it inspires you to make the most of this covidness downtime 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Preparing my new keynote “A Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste” and I discovered something interesting.  The quote is often attributed to Winston Churchill but in reality he didn’t say it. Instead it came from Niccolo Machiavelli... which puts an entirely different spin on it doesn’t it 😏  In this episode I explore the quote further and share how you can make the most out of a crisis by doing something really simple.  I hope it inspires you to reimagine the way business could be done.  Giddyup Entrepreneurs! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

A must listen for all business owners! THIS is the most important episode I’ve filmed in the entire Business as Unusual Series.  I sat down with small business owner Lisa Cummins who very generously shared her personal experiences trying to navigate the Covid-19 crisis from the moment she was forced to shut her cafe.  Lisa talks about the realities of navigating really hard business decisions, dealing with government subsidies and reorganising the way the business works.  It’s an incredibly valuable perspective and insights that I feel could give many business owners hope on what the future might look like.  It’s raw, real and no holds barred conversation that sums up what the Entrepreneurial Mind is capable of.  I hope it inspires you in some small way to reimagine what your business could look like. 🙏🍀 

P.S. Please tag or share this clip with someone who you know is struggling. We’re all in this together.

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

I’m constantly amazed at the creativity of Entrepreneurial Thinkers in how they are reimagining the way business gets done. Today’s episode features a unique adaptation of a business that demonstrates incredibly creativity during a pandemic.  Hope it inspires you to reimagine the way business could be done. 🙏🍀

Here's the link to the full story: https://futurism.com/strip-clubs-offering-drive-thru-during-pandemic  

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Everyone paints the sexiest picture Entrepreneurship. “Be your own boss” they say. Or the famous “Pitch your business idea to win!”  If only the mortals knew exactly what it takes to start, grow and run a successful business - specially in this era of covidness, I don’t think anyone would do it!   Having said that there’s an important reason why us crazy ones do. Hope you enjoy this episode of Business as Unusual and forgive me that it’s not my usual style. 🙏🍀  Dedicated to all those who have the courage and commitment to pursue something bigger.

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VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Like most startups and business owners, when I started my technology consulting firm, I had a burning desire to rush out and use my products and services to solve business problems.  What I didn’t understand at the time was how the world works.  Here’s the dirty little secret - many people don’t actually want their problems solved. There’s a whole bunch of psychology behind this but to keep it simple, there’s one thing you MUST do in order to solve a problem. Knowing it will make your business, career and life soooooo much less frustrating. This applies to new business owners wanting to sell more as well as Entrepreneurial Thinkers within organisations who have a desire to solve some of the internal challenges. Check out this episode of Business as Unusual and learn the secret to solving problems. Giddyup Entrepreneurs! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

One of the biggest challenges of isolation is trying to stay sane when there are increasing demands coming at us from multiple angles and we can’t perform our usual act of escapism to cope with it. In this episode I share 3 simple techniques that I’ve been using instinctively for years. They appear to have kept me immune to the pressures of isolation. Mindfulness isn’t meditation but it acts in a similar way to stop you making mountains out of molehills. When you’re stressed, you cannot access the part of your brain that allows you to think creatively. That means you become part of the problem and not the solution.   

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

The Australian Government launched its Contact Tracing App last night and people have gone nuts. With claims ranging from “the government wants to track us” to “Amazon ain’t gonna sell my data”, I’m stunned at the level of ignorance around this project.  What it comes down to is a lack of trust in our Government, and rightly so. They haven’t had the best track record in delivering Tech projects in the past. BUT this app is something new and different - born out of crisis. And crisis innovation focuses on outcomes not conventional procedure. With the major hurdle in uptake being data security, my sources reveal the Government has really addressed concerns. Is it perfect? Hell no. And this is what’s interesting. We demand innovation, progress and change from policy makers, yet we don’t support the underlying culture required to achieve that. In this episode I explore further and share a simple decision framework so you can make up your own mind about the app. 

The articles I used to arrive at my decision are in the comments of my Linkedin post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ajkulatunga_innovation-creativity-covidsafe-activity-6660494554669690882-4GRf

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

We don’t need more business people - we need more Entrepreneurs. The two are very different.   Business people exchange a product or service for money. Entrepreneurs bring new ideas to the world and business is just one vehicle for them to do that. I tried so hard to avoid making this a rant but I just couldn’t contain my frustration at the gross inadequacy of basic business training programs. 

The organisations running these programs should be prosecuted for negligence because they are setting up new business owners for failure. This is one of the reasons why we have such a high failure rate of small businesses - they are completely unprepared for what it actually takes to survive in business.  All business owners globally are suffering from the effects of a drastically altered economy, yet all Entrepreneurs seem to be navigating the situation with an entirely different perspective. Think there’s something in there that every new business should learn. No exceptions. This Business as Unusual environment is an incredible opportunity to reimagine the way things COULD be done. Sad to see the status quo raise it’s ugly face again. Okay end of rant - SorryNotSorry 🤓

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

"Good artists copy. Great artists steal."

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VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

The AB3 Entrepreneurial Principle is useful for anyone trying to negotiate an outcome or making a tough decision. As with any knowledge, we need to have the presence of mind to use it when required - but we’re only human.   Luckily my friend Lisa had the presence of mind to snap me out of my A/B scenario and come up with the third option.  I hope it serves you well in your endeavours, Entrepreneurs! 🙏🍀

If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Here’s what is really going on with Virgin Australia - so you can make up your own mind instead of following the heard blindly.  Virgin Australia has gone into voluntary administration and people have lost their minds through fear and panic thinking it’s the end of the airline. Far from it.   In today’s episode I explore:  

👉🏽The reason why Virgin Airlines went into Voluntary Administration 

👉🏽How this is NOTHING like the collapse of Ansett  

👉🏽What Voluntary Administration is and how it will work to turn around Virgin Australia into a new, stronger breed of airlines that we’ll see emerging post Covid-19.  

At the end of this episode I hope you’ll swap your fear for focus and start to see the power of having an Entrepreneurial Mind to navigate through this crisis.   Kudos to Paul Scurrah and the rest of the Virgin Australia Management team and Board for demonstrating the courage to make difficult decisions for the survival of the company, ensuring Australian domestic air travel remains competitive. Thank you 🙏🍀

If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

When asked to name famous Entrepreneurs, people quote Branson or Musk but rarely does Dwayne Johnson come to mind. You might not consider him an “Entrepreneur” but he’s definitely an Entrepreneurial Thinker.

How he approached his career and built a business empire around it is truly Entrepreneurial and I’m still fascinating by the success clues he leaves behind, hidden amongst his entertaining posts. 

Entrepreneurship is never just about starting a business and making money. It’s about thinking differently about the world around you. Creating solutions to problems and connecting the most obscure random dots to give birth to something new. 

It transcends traditional domains of leadership, motivation, resilience, business and innovation - which is why an Entrepreneurial Thinker is a more effective operator than any specialist in those single domains. 

This episode reveals a simple test to see if you have the makings of an Entrepreneur beyond a love for “Shark Tank”. 

Hope it inspires you to dig deep and punch harder! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

As much as we love bigs things - fame, money, presents... it’s the little things that we need to pay attention to.

This episode explores how having the discipline to pay attention to the little things, leads to big things.

Stay safe. Stay Inspired 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

I find it fascinating how many times an Organisation’s vision, mission and values statement seems to get lost in translation.  I recently stumbled upon an article by my friend Michel Hogan who explained that an Organisation’s “values” are sometimes misinterpreted as Principles - and there’s a really easy way to tell which is which.   In this episode I explore Michel’s definition deeper and share a story from one of my crazy entrepreneurial adventures that illustrates just how much of a disconnect there is between what an organisation says its values are and how its people actually operate.   

I hope it inspires you to rethink how business could be done in this new Business as Unusual environment we find ourselves in 🙏�

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

This episode was filmed around the time Australia was looking into Contact Tracing. In hindsight, we definitely could have done a lot better but the basic principles still stand. This episode explores the principles of contact tracing and how a solution might look - explored in typical AJ style. 

Hope you enjoy it! 

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

We all know how negativity effects us, but what exactly is it? Is there someway we can convert it into opportunity? In this edition of BAUnusual, take a closer look at negativity and reveal how to deal with the two types of negative people out there. Plus you get to hear another one of my funny accent stories from my keynote “Nothing is Impossible”.  I hope this episode inspires you to go out there and transform negativity into opportunity and really carve out a niche for yourself in this game we call life. 

Giddyup Entrepreneurs! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

All great Entrepreneurs are delusional - that’s the only way we can challenge the status quo and invent new things. In this episode I explore this unique perspective and share how my delusional traits came to be - and what a blessing it’s been through these crazy times we find ourselves in.

If you take a look at the video version of this episode, you can also see some of the amazing creativity that has been birthed from this chaos. 

I hope it inspires you that tomorrow will be better than today. 

Stay safe. Stay focused. Stay inspired. 

🙏🍀

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VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

How do we settle in and lead teams in a virtual environment? The good news is that nothing has changed... but everything is different. 

In this episode I share an Entrepreneurial Leadership framework for high-performing teams that will give you a bit of a roadmap as to how you can lead your teams more effectively in a virtual environment. 

You’ll also hear the story of how I fell into the wonderful world of leadership and human behavioural psychology.

If you would me to go deeper into each element of the framework and create a specific roadmap for the teams in your organisation, please contact me. 

Giddyup Entrepreneurial Leaders! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Does working hard pay off? Yes! But only if you work hard on the right things. Here’s the un-sexy truth. Like many young professionals, I was sold an illusion by my parents. 

They said, “Son, study hard, get good grades and get a good job. Then work hard so you can marry whoever we choose for you.”  🤦🏼‍♀️  

As I pursued that journey I found a better one.   

What I learned the hard way was that “working hard” does not mean working long hours. That’s task completion. And no matter how many tasks you complete, you are NOT going to get ahead in life.  You have to work hard on creating value.   

The more value you can create for others, the more valuable you become... and then you change the game.  

Today’s episode explores the story of Viresh Cooray, the lead guitarist from Sri Lankan pop band “Daddy”. It reveals some beautiful lessons on how we can create value. (The last lesson made me tear up ❤️)  You’ll also get to experience the magic of of Viresh’s guitar playing which is truly neklevel!   I hope this special episode inspires you all to work hard on the right things 🙏🍀🎸

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Inside today’s episode we chat about the challenge of holistic innovation and explore how we can get everyone, all layers of management, to work together on innovating the organisation.

Also included is the hilarious accent filled “Whiteboard” story from my keynote “Nothing is Impossible”. It highlights some of the complications that innovators face within an organisation 🙈🙉🙊

Enjoy Entrepreneurs! 🙏�

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Is there such a thing as a stupid question? Turns out there is! Inside is another story from my crazy adventures as an Entrepreneur. This one features the Condom King of Thailand AND Mr Sean Connery makes a special cameo appearance! Stay focused and inspired Entrepreneurs 🙏�

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Today’s story comes from one of my batsh*t crazy Entrepreneurial Adventures. It’s the middle of Covid-19 and I get asked to buy a house under some very complicated conditions. So I’ve been working on this project for the past four weeks using my Entrepreneurial Skills and everything is going brilliantly until I have to put in an offer... and that’s when all hell breaks loose. Hope you enjoy the story!

Couple of things about the video... 

A) The hero in today’s story is still getting comfortable with the spotlight so I don’t mention her name or the firm involved 🤫

B) This all happened yesterday and I’m still a bit passionate about it... so there’s a language warning 🤬

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

What do you get when you cross a University, a Hospital and a Formula 1 Team? Crisis Innovation!  This series is all about shifting your mind from fear to focus during the global Covid-19 crisis.  A lot of people have commented on how positive and cheerful I am during our darkest time and that's because of what I'm focusing on - the beauty born out of the ugly.  

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

After seeing how businesses are responding to the current crisis there appears to be three distinct groups: The Drifters, The Shifters and the Innovators. In this episode I share how each group behaves. There’s also two case studies that highlight the difference between a business person and an Entrepreneur. I hope it inspires you to elevate your thinking around this crisis.

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

In the last episode I promised I would share my Entrepreneurial Mind Framework with you in today's episode, but alas the length of the video was too long to publish on LinkedIN (where the original episodes reside). Instead in today's Business as Unusual episode, I'll share an insane story of how I used the framework to sell out my corporate speaking tour in Sri Lanka. This story is from my "Nothing is Impossible" Keynote

If you'd like more information on my training programs or virtual keynotes to keep your employees inspired and engaged during these crazy times, please get in touch.

Giddyup Entrepreneurs - Dream, Build, Inspire, Lead! 🙏

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Too many still associate Entrepreneurship under the domain of business or startups. But given the amount of problems in the world today we need a wider definition. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. Their perspective and skills are incredibly valuable in a variety of contexts - including big business and corporate multinationals. If you don’t currently have some form of Entrepreneurial Development within your organisation, you’ll be at a significant disadvantage to disruptors that do. Everyone generates ideas but only Entrepreneurs implement them. 

Inside today’s Practical Motivation episode I talk about what the Entrepreneurial Advantage is and the resources available to support you in building capability. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode where I share a breakdown of the entire Entrepreneurial Mind Framework from my training program. 

Giddyup Entrepreneurs 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

This episode will help you navigate disruptive times in two ways. First, Innovation and Entrepreneurship are complicated subjects to master. With many different styles, techniques, tools and “gurus” around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This will simplify things. Second, during your Entrepreneurial Journey, you’ll encounter these moments where you have traction but start to feel a little lost. This will restore your clarity and confidence and help you stay focused.  A mantra is defined as a word or saying repeated to maintain focus - but being the Bat-Sh*t Crazy Entrepreneurial Thinker that I am, I’ve leveraged that definition into something so much more. Inside this episode I share my mantra and also explain how I’ve turned it into a practical model / framework. It’s one of the most popular bits in my presentations and programs and I hope it inspires you to do amazing things in business and life.  Dream, Build, Inspire, Lead! 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

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Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

In this era of Business as Unusual, today’s Practical Positivity is about swapping fear for focus. Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• The situation we find ourselves in today revolves around a delicate balance of economic stability vs saving lives.
• While the choice might be straightforward for some, for others it’s not that simple. We have been engrained to live our lives in a certain way and all of a sudden we are forced to change. 
• As Entrepreneurial Thinkers our decisions are never between A or B. We force a new dimension to our problems which paves way for new solutions. And this is no exception. 

Inside this episode you’ll discover a path through crisis and three solid ideas that will help you transform fear of the unknown into focused certainty. 

Stay focused Entrepreneurs!

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

Inside is a great case study of a business owner who was facing bankruptcy. By shifting the way they saw their business they were unable to transform and unlock even more revenue.   We either innovate by choice or we are forced to in order to survive. Here are some thoughts on how to innovate during crisis.  

1. “Innovation” has been bastardised - But we still need to innovate now more than ever.  

2. We need to redefine “innovation” into something more practical that yields tangible outcomes - not empty promises  

3. My formula for innovation addresses both ideas AND implementation   

Using the concepts in this episode you can start to rethink the way you do business and make sure you survive during these tough times 🙏🍀

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic. In this “Business As Unusual” environment we need fresh thinking - BUT ideas alone aren’t enough to succeed. The graveyard is full of people with ideas because they didn’t know how to communicate them in such a way to get people to buy into them. If you run a business or a startup or maybe you work within an organisation and need to sell an idea internally - this episode will give you two crucial tips on how to present new ideas. I hope it inspires you to turn some of your ideas into reality and light up the darkness we face during challenging times

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If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS

Business as Unusual is a Podcast that inspires clarity and confidence by exploring innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship during a global pandemic.

During the Covid 19 Global Pandemic in 2020, I noticed a lot of my friends, family and clients weren't coping so well. So I sat down and recorded some ideas that I thought would help ease the pain of disruption. My name is AJ Kulatunga and this is Business as Unusual. 

If you enjoyed this episode please give it an appropriate thumbs up on whatever platform you're consuming it on and subscribe for future episodes. If this was a visual episode and you need to see what I was talking about, you can find links to the video version in the show notes. Thanks for listening.

VIDEO VERSIONS