This interview is with Ronald Osborne, Founder at Ronald Osborne Business Coach.

Ronald Osborne, Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach

Ronald, welcome to BusinessLeader.io! Could you tell our audience a little about yourself and what led you to become an award-winning business coach?

I joined the Australian Army after school, got injured, and had to be discharged. However, that was a blessing in disguise because it turned out I was really good with telecommunications equipment. I then started my own telecommunications company and grew it to 30 employees. I had friends ask me, 'How can I do the same?' so I started to help them, and from there, I became a business coach. I love to solve problems.

Your journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach is inspiring. Can you share some pivotal moments or decisions that shaped your career path?

Getting injured reshaped the way I viewed the world. It was tough at the start. There are things I simply cannot and will never do again. In a way, I was pushed into the career path I have now. I had to learn how to adapt to my new challenges and create a mindset of resilience.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with identifying a unique business idea. What advice would you give them based on your experience?

I speak with hundreds of 'to-be business owners,' and the biggest thing I tell them to focus on is the skills they already have. I had a discovery call with a lovely dental clinic owner the other day; she wanted to focus on creating a new product tailored for an audience she doesn't know or understand and an industry that is exceptionally challenging. Once I discovered that freedom and the ability to live anywhere were her real objectives in life, I informed her that we should grow the clinic to the point where she could leave and manage it remotely. I see too many individuals creating business ideas that are not aligned with what their inner aspirations truly are.

You've coached numerous businesses to success. What are some common challenges you've observed among Australian entrepreneurs, and how can they overcome them?

Australia is a country that doesn't support business innovation and ideas. Unfortunately, it is a country where launching a new and innovative business can be challenging. When those entrepreneurs approach me, I suggest they take their ideas to VCs overseas. Another common situation I help Australian business owners overcome is recruitment. There are many small businesses that don't know how to attract and retain talented individuals. Times have changed; many business owners need help understanding the mindset of the younger generations.

Building a strong team is crucial for any business. How can leaders effectively build and motivate high-performing teams in today's dynamic business environment?

Leading by example is my most important message. I often say, "People don't quit jobs; they quit their bosses." That old saying is still true today. I believe a lot of high-performing team members yearn for inspiration. It must be the role of the business leader to help foster that environment.

In your experience, what are some effective strategies for Australian businesses to stand out in a competitive market?

Follow up with past clients and leads. I have helped generate thousands of leads over the years, but many business owners have failed to put an accurate system in place that will capture and re-engage those leads. They are a lot easier to convert than a cold lead.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging for entrepreneurs. What practices have you found helpful in your own life?

I think that every successful entrepreneur needs to accept that there will be no work-life balance at some point in time; unfortunately, for most, that comes at the start. I always advise entrepreneurs to focus on what matters and blend the two. For example, maintaining your health and family life is important. Combine the two. Go on a hike with your family; you get to exercise while spending quality time with your family. Try to maximize your time in effective ways, as I have just suggested.

What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out as an entrepreneur in Australia?

Accept that it is going to be hard. Accept that you will have to go it alone for most of the journey. Find people who are like-minded to lean on, such as a business coach or friends who are business owners; they will be able to help you see things you might have overlooked or understand a complex problem.

What's one key piece of advice you hope our readers take away from this interview to help them on their own business leadership journey?

It can be the most rewarding endeavor you will ever partake in. A successful business can help you achieve your lifelong aspirations, provide for those you love, and support your vision. Just make sure your heart is in it. Listen to your gut and trust it.