David Rajakovich

Acuity Risk Management

At Acuity, we're reimagining cybersecurity risk management for forward-thinking organizations. Unlike conventional security providers who focus solely on frontline defense, we deliver strategic, comprehensive risk intelligence that transforms how businesses understand and mitigate their cyber vulnerabilities.

Our Real Time Risk Engine goes beyond workflow management. We provide continuous, granular monitoring of your IT ecosystem's critical risk factors—tracking everything from unaddressed security patches to physical access vulnerabilities in your most sensitive infrastructure. We don't just identify risks; we provide actionable insights that enable precise, prioritized mitigation strategies.
We understand that today's risk landscapes are complex and ever-evolving. Your current risk register likely represents just a fraction of potential threats. Acuity bridges that knowledge gap, offering expert cyber governance insights that help leadership make informed, strategic decisions about resource allocation and risk management.

Our value proposition is clear: we help you have transparent, data-driven conversations with your Board and stakeholders about cybersecurity. By providing a comprehensive, nuanced view of your organization's vulnerabilities and mitigation efforts, we don't just protect you—we help you demonstrate trustworthiness to customers and partners.

With Acuity, transform cybersecurity from a cost centre to a strategic business enabler.

Chief Executive Officer

SIMCEL

SIMCEL empowers you to visualise the future of your business. Our platform creates a digital twin, allowing you to simulate the impact of various scenarios on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue, profit, working capital, inventory, and carbon footprint.

Why take risks when you can predict outcomes? Before making critical investments, use SIMCEL to forecast the effects on profit and revenue. Our solution integrates Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) with Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) into a unified approach known as Integrated Business Planning (IBP).

With SIMCEL, financially-minded business leaders can go beyond balancing supply and demand. Optimise your decision-making process by understanding the full impact of your choices on your business's financial health and sustainability.

Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

SETsquared Partnership

Angel Investing and providing strategic and practical guidance to build the next great company.

Entrepreneur in Residence

Skill Dynamics

Key achievements include transforming senior management by adding high-calibre talent, turning strategy into operational reality and developing a trust-based, high performance culture positioning the company for rapid growth. Thrived in a private equity-backed, SaaS environment with an imperative for value creation.

Owned the product with full P&L responsibility - focussing on solving customer business problems through the content and technology components of our product. Created the content function from its inception using the latest in learning technology and developing a framework for how we write content. Built the world-class, highly-rated supply chain content from scratch and created the entire advanced elements of procurement content from its inception. Oversaw the overhaul of our systems including the development of an innovative, multi-tenant Skills Gap Assessment system that greatly improved its intuitiveness from the user's perspective and resulted in a step-change in operational efficiency. Facilitated the transition from one content delivery system to a new Learning Management System which significantly improved engagement. Added a state-of-the-art advanced analytics module that demonstrated client ROI.

Managing Director - Product & Operations

Positive Purchasing

Led the design, development and maintenance of the online academy offering. Implemented IT infrastructure including back-up, security and optimization. Transformed client and internal ideas for applications, enhancements and functionality into reality. Managed in-house and external web development resource. Project managed the development of and created academy multi-media content. Recruited and trained new academy team members. Managed costs to the budget and responsible for overall profitability of the academy offering. 

Led category management, negotiation, Supplier Relationship Management training and consultancy workshops. Developed course material for workshops for all of the above.

Vice President of Online Operations

Led procurement training in category management, Strategic Relationship Management and Negotiation for many global organizations. Created purchasing tools, workbooks, e-learning, and other content. Facilitated the creation of creative strategies across many purchasing categories. Project managed online academy product.

Lead Consultant

Alcoa

Responsible for problem solving, process auditing, restoring production flow, correct usage and problem resolution of Oracle ERP system, and resolving personnel issues in the finishing department of the Downingtown Flexible Packaging Plant. Responsible for meeting production goals, and for ensuring that Environment, Health, and Safety standards are upheld. Also, identified strengths and weaknesses in the finishing process and implemented solutions. Drafted and received approval for multiple major process changes resulting in greater productivity and less waste within 3 months of starting work and continuing throughout time of employment.

Production Supervisor

US Army

Highlights include:
- Chosen above over 50 lieutenants to work directly for the Brigade Commander

- Rated in the “Top 1%” of officers on final Officer Evaluation Report by Brigade Commander

- Selected to represent the Brigade as the Brigade Liaison Officer to 32nd Air and Missile Defense Command during March 2005 Roving Sands/Red Flag Joint Exercise

Air Defense Officer

Co-Founder of REKREATE | Accelerating the pace of office space leasing

I have guided two successful Private Equity exits and led PE-backed companies together with two PE sponsors. My experience spans 11 years at the executive level and more than fourteen years in B2B SaaS. I have lived and worked on three continents, speak Spanish fluently, and enjoy working with people across all different cultures and backgrounds. I have led a SaaS private equity-backed organisation as CEO, delivering procurement and supply chain digital training to over 250 blue-chip clients around the world. 

I started with Skill Dynamics - then known as SiPM - in 2013 as Managing Director – building our product from very early in its development. I created the Content function from its inception using the latest in learning technology. I have overseen the development of our technology to assess, deliver and demonstrate ROI through advanced analytics to our L&D clients. As CEO of Skills Dynamics, we disrupted the procurement and supply chain training industry, opening people’s eyes to the effectiveness of training practitioners digitally.

I am currently CEO at Acuity Risk Management - a publicly-traded Cyber Security Software firm. I possess deep knowledge across all functions within B2B SaaS software enabling me to be a hands-on leader in all aspects of the business from Product to Sales & Marketing. My expertise includes business model creation and development.

Xcllusive Business Sales

Selling your business isn’t just a transaction - it’s one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make.

And the tough part?

Finding the right buyer, getting fair value, and navigating the process without wasting time on tyre-kickers or drowning in red tape.

That’s where we come in.

At XCLLUSIVE Business Sales, we work with business owners who are thinking about selling - but aren’t sure where to start.

Whether you’re ready to sell now or just planning ahead, we help you:

• Understand your business’s true market value
• Attract serious, qualified buyers
• Navigate the sales process with expert support
• Get personalised assistance from our broker team to maximise your return with minimum stress

If you’re exploring your options and want real clarity - not pressure - let’s talk.

Attention: 

We only work with serious business owners who are ready to sell now. 

Over the past 20 years we’ve organically attracted and built a database of over 100,000 buyers - plus private equity, investors and family offices. 

To protect those relationships (and your time), we carefully assess each business / opportunity.

So if your business is profitable and you’re serious about selling, we’d love to hear from you. 

If you’re not ready to sell but would like a proper business valuation to determine what your business could be worth in the marketplace, we have a valuation team who can help with that, too. 

DM me the word “EXIT” or email me at edison@xcllusive.com.au, and we’ll have a friendly chat to see how we could assist.

Business Sales Consultant | Associate

Skyrocket Conversions

* WAITLIST CLOSED * 

Struggling to convert precious leads into paying clients? Not sure how to attract attention to you or your business?

Combining my passion for writing and storytelling with over 20 years of experience in Sales and Marketing, I can be your secret weapon for generating more revenue. I'm here to help you boost your sales and craft compelling content that drives results.

Sales Coaching:

I offer tailored Sales Coaching to help you master the art of selling. Whether you're a Coach, Consultant, or Solopreneur, I can teach you how to:

- Close more deals
- Convert leads to clients
- Increase your monthly revenue

All that without being pushy or salesy.

Why Choose Me?

Experience Matters: Over two decades of experience working in the sales field, where I helped businesses generate more revenue and grow their client base. I also built and operated my own food service business in Sydney’s competitive food scene.

Friendly & Professional: I’m one of the friendliest humans you’ll ever meet, and I love working with motivated individuals. I’m also a family man with a real passion for food, travel, and photography.

Tailored Approach: I choose who I work with, ensuring a good fit and personalized service.

PS: Currently unavailable for Sales Coaching or Ghostwriting. Follow & Connect for fun, positive, real-life content.

Keep It Real...
Edison Apolonio

Consultant

ReachLocal Australia & New Zealand

During my time at ReachLocal Australia and New Zealand (which later rebranded to LocaliQ), I helped small to medium businesses find a solution to some of their biggest problems: 

- Not enough visibility online.
- Not enough lead flow.
- Not enough clients.

I did whatever I could to get in front of business owners, booked my own appointments, and scheduled meetings both in person and over video calls. My approach was a mix of...

- DM.
- SMS.
- Cold call.
- Cold email.
- Door knocking.

As a team, we helped our clients achieve their business goals using time-proven solutions tailored specifically to their needs, which is usually a combination of:

- Social Media Ads
- Google Ads
- LiveChat
- Website
- SEO

Even though it was my first time being employed as a Digital Marketing Consultant - I managed to WIN in more ways than one:

- Grew and managed a book of clients from $0 to $50,000/month MRR ($600,000/year ARR) in my first 12 months.
- Met and developed a good relationship with business owners from various industries.
- Learned how to create proposals for each new business owner I met with.
- Learned how to use Salesforce CRM and other tools of the trade.

It was not an easy job but I enjoyed it. Most of the staff were great to deal with and I got along nicely with many of them.

Having spent over 20+ years in sales and marketing, working here has added new tools to my tool kit which I’m now able to use to help others succeed online.

Overall, I had a great time working at ReachLocal and I managed to remain good friends with a few of my ex-colleagues, which I’m always grateful for.

I remain hopeful that our paths will cross again. 

Who knows… maybe next time, I will be the one helping them with other solutions to enhance their capabilities. 

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the entire ReachLocal (LocaliQ) team in Australia and New Zealand. Wishing you all ongoing success in the years ahead. Thank you, Team!

Digital Marketing Consultant

Reliable Online Advertising Service

In 2018… I decided to learn how to sell products online.

Ended up with 2 x Shopify stores and a 3rd store which I used for product testing.

I learned how to build a Shopify store and source products from overseas. 

I sold them for a profit to customers from Tier 1 countries... such as the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

I learned how to run some basic Facebook Ads.

Unfortunately, I ran out of money before I could even get close to scaling the business.

In 2020… I decided to jump head-on into becoming a Solopreneur (digital marketing - animated explainer videos).

Along the way, I made bad financial decisions that forced me to stop operating.

In 2021, I had my own battle against depression and won.  Here's hoping I will never, ever experience that again.  It was the darkest moment of my life.

In 2022… I forced myself to get back into the workforce as I’ve got a family to support and needed cash flow to help pay the bills.
 
If you’re expecting to read a big hero’s journey that ends with a victory party full of Lambos and Rolex watches... then I’m sorry to disappoint but you won’t find it here.

The biggest lesson that I learned from this experience is that…

LIFE is a series of Decisions and Lessons. 🤔

I made DECISIONS… some good, some bad.

I made plenty of MISTAKES…

And with every decision…

…. with every mistake…

I learned something new.

We Live And Learn.

Founder | Business Development Manager

Green Pasture Meat Co.

Not long after I decided to leave Sanda Fine Foods (which I co-founded), I received an offer to work with the Founder and CEO of Green Pasture Meats - who also happened to be one of our suppliers in our food service business.

He needed someone to be an "all-rounder" and he's known me for years, so when he found out I was looking for a change... he kindly offered me a position to work with him directly.

Over the years I helped his business in a variety of ways:

- Helped the Sales Team with sales calls and inquiries/quotes.
- Assisted in the day-to-day administrative tasks (invoicing, banking, etc.)
- Helped the Warehouse Team with receiving stock and processing/dispatching orders.
- Helped support and troubleshoot computer issues and MS Office software problems when needed.
- Led the implementation of a brand-new stock control system (bar code scanner system).  Prior to this system being installed, everything was checked and recorded manually. 
- Built the company website.
- Set up their social media.
- I even cooked the team breakfast and lunch on several occasions - just for fun.

Sales & Customer Service | IT Support | Warehouse Support

SANDA Fine Foods

SANDA Fine Foods was a food service business that I co-founded back in 2010.

We served fresh meats and small goods to Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants all over Sydney - including high quality Wagyu meat. 

This experience taught me how to find suppliers, source products to buy and sell... and find customers to sell them to.

I did everything I could to get clients: cold calls, cold emails and literally door-knocked businesses... yes, I walked the streets and went door-to-door to introduce our business to potential clients. 

Got our business cards printed, company-branded T-shirts and Caps... then setup meetings to speak with Chefs and Business owners.

I dealt with a ton of rejections on a daily basis... which made every WIN even sweeter.

We maintained a friendly relationship with our clients through regular visits and conversations.

We kept our overheads low, became profitable in 12 months and operated successfully for several years. 

Even managed to buy my 2nd convertible and do some travelling with my family. Fun times!

Co-Founder | Business Development Manager

Premium Ghostwriter | Consultant | Helping Coaches, Founders, and CEOs Build A Personal Brand and Boost Revenue By Writing Content That Resonates | Visit My Featured Section and the Limited Time Offer On The Link Below.

This is one of the most brutally honest About pages you’ll ever come across on LinkedIn:

At 16, I landed in Sydney with my parents and three younger sisters. Six of us. A few boxes. A couple of suitcases. Nothing more.

No safety net. No network. No wealthy relatives. Just grit, hustle, and a powerful reason to start over.

That immigrant mindset shaped everything I do… carrying me from survival mode to sitting across the table with founders and CEOs running 7, 8, and even 9-figure businesses.

If you told the poor 10-year-old version of me back in Manila that this would one day be my life, he would’ve laughed in disbelief. Back then, survival was the only goal.

How did I get here?

My down-to-earth, outgoing personality naturally pulled me into sales.

Over the past 20+ years, I’ve sold nearly everything you can think of - travel packages, mobile phones, real estate, food products, health & personal care products, digital marketing services, brand-new cars, and cinema advertising.

I’ve knocked on restaurants, pubs, and café doors in Sydney’s summer heat. Cold-called strangers who didn’t want to listen. Built a profitable food service business from scratch in one of the most competitive food markets in the country.

I didn’t learn sales from a textbook. I learned it in the trenches.

I believe in keeping it real, not just highlight reels. That’s because I know what it’s like to try and fail… and I’ve failed plenty of times. I can tell you those failures taught me more than the wins ever did.

So, why am I here on LinkedIn?

Life moves on - things change - people change. Today, I work with an incredible team of business brokers and marketers. We help business owners sell or exit their companies with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Yes, I’m here to grow my network, be seen and heard, and inspire ambitious underdogs who refuse to quit, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Yes, I’m building a life I don’t need a vacation from, and I want to help others do the same.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking for my family, enjoying movie nights at home, traveling, discovering world-class cuisines, tasting delicious street foods, and capturing moments through photos and videos with my loved ones. I’ve visited 17 countries so far, with plenty more to explore.

What you see is what you get when you’re dealing with me. If this resonates with you, hit Follow and send me a Connection request.

NOTE: If you’re a scammer, don’t bother me - I’ve got nothing for you. If you're real, ambitious, and not afraid to lose, we'll get along just fine.

Edison Apolonio

Social media is full of highlights, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

Behind every “overnight success” are years of sacrifice, discipline, and reps nobody claps for.

Anything worth building demands serious time and energy.

Back when I was growing my food business from scratch, I woke up to 4am alarms, six days a week… for over 4 years.

I knocked on doors, rain or shine, selling to cafes, pubs, and restaurants across Sydney.

It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done - but it changed my life.

- Long lunches in some of our city’s best cafes and restaurants

- Buying my second convertible because I love driving with the top down

- Picking up my daughter from school and grabbing yummy gelato on the way home

- Having dinner ready when my wife walks in after a long day

- Random lunch dates with her after early deliveries or client visits

- Family trips - including the one where my wife cried under the Eiffel Tower (happy tears)

No one forced me to start a business.

But once I made the decision... I gave it everything I had and it worked for years… until I made the hard call to walk away from our partnership (but that’s another story).  

What was the alternative at the time?

- Long commutes in traffic to a job I no longer enjoyed
- Missing precious moments with my wife and daughter
- Working long hours building someone else’s dream

So here’s the real lesson:
Both paths are hard.

The question is - which hard are you willing to live with?

Choose your hard. Choose your lane.
Then put in the reps.

One last thing…
What do you like better:
Ice cream 🍦 or Gelato 🍨?


* Follow & hit the notification bell 🔔.
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⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵⩵

Sales Coach for Coaches, Consultants, Founders, and Small Business Owners | Helping You Sell with Confidence Without Feeling Salesy | Over 20 Years of Real-World Sales Experience | Need Help? DM me “SALES”.

YES - The Prize Is Worth The Price!

Reminder to self - and anyone else who needs to hear it (from someone who’s been through it…)

Allow me to be brutally honest…

I don’t share my struggles so people feel sorry for me.

I share them so the underdogs don’t give up on themselves.

Because I know what it’s like to be overlooked.

To be underestimated.
To be written off.

And honestly - I don’t mind being underestimated. Sometimes, it works in your favour.

There are still people in my circle who don’t know my past.

They don’t know what I’ve had to push through.

They don’t even know what I’m really capable of.

And that’s okay with me. 
I’m not here to prove anything to anyone.

But if my story gives just one person the strength to keep going - including you…

That’s more than enough for me.

So, when I post about wins or losses, just know that it’s never about showing off. 

(Okay… maybe just a little… sometimes you just wanna scream to the world and say: “F*ck yeah, I did it!!”) 💪🏽

But seriously… I do this to remind the fighters out there that they’re not alone.

So, if you’re in the middle of a tough chapter right now…

Keep going.
Keep grinding.
Keep believing.

You’ve got more in you than you think. 

PS: I pinch myself everyday and thank my lucky stars that I get to live in this beautiful city - with one of the best harbours in the world just a short drive from home. Ok… now I’m just showing off my gorgeous city of Sydney!! 

Where are you from and what do you love about your home town or city? ❤️

——————————————————
I’m Edison from Sydney, Australia.
Dreamer. Action taker.
Photographer.
Sales Coach. 
Food lover.
Traveler.
🌎
I share life lessons, personal stories, 
and work experiences to inspire 
ambitious underdogs who refuse 
to quit on their goals and dreams.

Follow me for more – especially if you’re 
tired of boring carousels, endless AI 
chatter, and the doom and gloom that 
floods social media. Let’s go! 👊🏽😎
——————————————————

Sales Coach for Consultants, Coaches, Founders, and Small Business Owners | Helping You Sell with Confidence Without Feeling Pushy or Salesy | 20+ Years of Real-World Sales Experience | Love Food, Travel & Photography.

No alternative text description for this image

Not too long ago, I met a lovely couple who run a highly successful 7-figure business in Australia.

They’ve had a good run.
They’ve raised their children, given them a good life, and built a company that’s done incredibly well.

But here’s the part that really hit me - they haven’t travelled much, or had a proper holiday in 7 years straight.

Seven years without switching off.
Without seeing the world.
Without taking time for themselves.

Now, they’re finally ready to retire and enjoy the rest of their lives.

And as they said it during our meeting, there was this quiet mix of pride and relief in their faces.

They’d achieved everything they set out to do - but they were also ready to slow down and start living again.

Now, here’s the sad truth…

Many successful business owners get so focused on building, growing, and providing that they forget the very reason they started - freedom.

(Yes, I’m lucky enough to be in a position where I get to meet or speak with all sorts of entrepreneurs each and every week - and I love it.)

The truth is, most people don’t plan their exit until they’re too tired to enjoy it.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

You can build with intention.
You can create something that runs without you.
You can plan an exit that gives you both wealth and time.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you’ve built - it’s about how you get to live once you step away from what you’ve poured your heart and soul into building and growing.

PS: I’ve got a serious question for the hardworking entrepreneur who may come across this post today or tonight:

If you stopped working tomorrow, would your business keep running… or would everything stop with you?

Some people think asking for help is a weakness…

I think it’s one of the boldest things you can do.

Just wrapped up my second coaching session tonight with Dan - a humble, hardworking business owner leading a solar energy team.

What I admire most about Dan?
He’s got the guts to admit he doesn’t know everything, and the heart to keep learning so he can better support his team.

There’s real power in that mindset.

Because the truth is:
	
•	Leading a team is never easy
•	Growing a business is even harder
•	And having the courage to ask for help? That’s the key right there - that’s how you grow…

Proud to support people like Dan - not just for what they do, but for who they are.

Grit. Humility. Heart.
That combo will take you far.

Are you surrounded by people who make you better? 


——————————————————
I’m Edison from Sydney, Australia.
Dreamer. Action taker.
Photographer.
Sales Coach. 
Food lover.
Traveler.

I share life lessons, personal stories, 
and work experiences to inspire 
ambitious underdogs who refuse 
to quit on their goals and dreams.

Follow me for more – especially if you’re 
tired of boring carousels, endless AI 
chatter, and the doom and gloom that 
floods social media. Let’s go! 👊🏽😎
——————————————————

Sales Coach for Coaches, Consultants, and Service-Based Business Owners | Helping You Sell with Confidence Without Feeling Salesy | Over 20 Years of Real-World Sales Experience | DM me “SALES” if you need help.

Side hustles aren’t easy. Believe me… I’ve tried a few… and most of them didn’t work out for me.

I’ve tried dropshipping… built a couple of Shopify ecommerce stores - spent thousands on Facebook ads.

Even gave running a digital marketing agency a crack and sold animated explainer videos.

The truth is - most side hustles don’t work.

At least not right away.

Why?

Because we usually treat them like side thoughts.

We underestimate how much time, energy and sacrifice they actually take.

And let’s be honest - after a full day of work, most people are just too exhausted to go again.

But here’s what I learned from trying and failing over and over:

• You build real resilience when nobody’s clapping for you
• You get clear on what you’re actually willing to do long-term
• You start valuing your time - because you’re using every spare minute to build something from scratch

So, should you have a side hustle?

Absolutely - give it a shot! But only if you’re willing to treat it like it matters.

Because the truth is - it’s not for everyone.
And if you don’t take it seriously, no one else will.

Speaking of side hustles…

I’ve been working on something new, and I’m not sure if it will work - but I’m willing to give it a shot.

It’s a side project designed to help solopreneurs, founders, SDRs and consultants improve their sales results.

Sales is what I’ve been doing for the past 20+ years of my working life, so I’m putting together a sales coaching offer to help others who need the help. 

If you’re rating your sales skills as “beginner” or “intermediate” and you honestly feel you’ve still got room for improvement, then there’s a good chance I can help.

I’ve been building this quietly after hours - mostly late at night here in Sydney, Australia.

Interestingly, these kinds of projects help me mentally too.

They give me something productive to focus on, and they keep my mind sharp.

Quietly chipping away… and excited to share more soon.

Now I’m curious…

What’s one side hustle you tried that didn’t work out - but taught you something valuable?

PS: If you seriously want to improve your sales skills and your results at your job or your business… DM me “SALES” and I’ll send you the details or add you to the waitlist. 

——————————————————
I’m Edison from Sydney, Australia.
Dreamer. Action taker.
Sales Coach.
Food lover.
Traveler.

I share life lessons, personal stories, 
and work experiences to inspire 
ambitious underdogs who refuse 
to quit on their goals and dreams.

Follow me for more – especially if you’re 
tired of boring carousels, endless AI 
chatter, and the doom and gloom that 
floods social media. Let’s go! 👊🏽😎
——————————————————

Sales Coach for Service-Based Business Owners, Coaches & Consultants | Helping You Sell with Confidence Without Feeling Salesy | Over 20 Years of Real-World Sales Experience | DM me “SALES” if you need help.

I used to think compliments were for the young.
Turns out, they hit even harder after 50.

Yes… I’m way past my 20s, 30s, 40s - and definitely well beyond my 50s now…

But I’m happy to report I still get compliments from strangers.

Not gonna lie, it gives me a little boost every time.

I mean… who doesn’t like a good compliment now and again?

We’re only human, right?

To be brutally honest… one of my biggest fears is becoming “invisible” - because I’ve seen it happen too often as people get older.

Just think of your own parents or grand parents for a moment. Sadly… the world just stops noticing.

So I told my wife, if we can still get any compliments at this age, let’s take it.

No brushing it off.
No self-deprecating jokes.
Just give them a warm smile and say “thank you!”

Then store it somewhere in that section of your brain labeled “feel good compliments” - so you can brag about it with your best friends next time you see them! 😄

Here’s a couple of interesting, random acts of kindness that I received in the last few weeks… 

I was crossing the road on a regular weekday after grabbing a takeaway coffee. 

A friendly lady in her 30s pulled up in a sleek black BMW, smiled and said, “Love the look - nice jacket, cool hat.”

Then she did that heart gesture with both hands against her chest. 🫶 That one stayed with me. I bragged about it for days! 😊

Few weeks later… I went out shopping with my wife and daughter.

While they were trying on clothes, I wandered into the men’s section and slipped on a sharp-looking sports jacket. Wasn’t planning to buy it, so I went to put it back.

Right then, a lovely lady walked past (also in her 30s), she smiled and said, “That actually looks great on you.”

For a second I thought she might work there - but later saw her holding hands with her boyfriend, shopping too.

It’s a funny thing - you don’t realise how much a simple, kind word can lift your spirit… until it hits you unexpectedly.

If you’re lucky enough to get one - take it. Then smile and tell yourself… “Ok, that was nice - I guess I’ve still got it!” 

Now, be honest… 
When was the last time a stranger gave you a compliment out of the blue?

Or… when was the last time you gave a stranger a nice compliment… and meant it?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth most leaders and managers don’t want to hear…

They suck at leading.

And here’s a quick way to check if you’re one of them:

If your absence feels like a relief - then you’re not leading…

You’re just controlling.

I’ve seen it before - managers and business owners who wear the title of “boss” like a badge of honour… but behind closed doors, their team walks on eggshells.

If people breathe easier when you’re not around, that’s not leadership.

That’s fear.

And here’s the worst part - these types of leaders think they’re doing a great job.

They ask for feedback… but only if it confirms what they already believe.

They talk about growth… but only if they’re the ones in control of every decision.

Over time, they stop hearing the truth altogether.

They end up surrounded by yes men and women - people too afraid to challenge them.

And the business suffers for it.

Eventually, they get stuck.

The business flatlines.
The good people leave.

And they sit there wondering why things never move forward.

Here’s the truth:

- Leadership isn’t about always being right

- It’s about creating space for others to contribute

- And building an environment where people want to give their best - not out of fear, but out of trust

So… ask yourself this today:

Would my team breathe a sigh of relief if I wasn’t around?

If that thought stings a little - lean into it.

Because real leadership starts when you’re brave enough to look in the mirror…

And humble enough to change what you see. 

PS: I’m learning and growing every day.
Some say I’m a natural-born leader - but I believe we can all learn to lead if we truly want to.

What’s your take on this?

Friends, celebrate with me! Our turn to shine has finally come… 

As a proud Filipino (living in Australia), I’m thrilled to share something that should’ve happened a long time ago - but it’s finally here.

For the first time ever, The Philippines has been recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, with multiple stars awarded to brilliant chefs and restaurants redefining what the world knows about Filipino cuisine.

For decades, our food has been quietly world-class - rich, soulful, and deeply rooted in culture. 

But it never got the global spotlight it deserved. Until now.

This recognition isn’t just about food. It’s about identity, pride, and finally giving our heritage the stage it’s earned.

If you’ve never been to the Philippines… this beautiful pearl of the orient has over 7,000 islands waiting to be explored. Yes, that’s a lot of islands!! 😊

From breathtaking beaches and hidden waterfalls to street food that tells a story with every bite - it’s an experience that stays with you. 🌊☀️🏝️

Many expats have visited and never left. Some found work, others started businesses, and plenty simply fell in love with the warmth of the people and the rhythm of island life.

So if the Philippines isn’t on your bucket list yet - it’s time to add it.

You’ll leave with more than memories. You’ll leave with a full heart and a taste of something unforgettable.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!! 🙌🏽🇵🇭

🎥 Video Credits:

Erwan Heussaff is a half-French, half-Filipino content creator, entrepreneur, and storyteller who’s become one of the strongest global voices championing Filipino food and culture. 

Through his platform FEATR (check out their YouTube channel), he’s on a mission to showcase the depth, diversity, and creativity of Filipino cuisine - from humble street eats to elevated dining experiences. 

What makes Erwan stand out is his authenticity and curiosity; he doesn’t just promote Filipino food, he celebrates the stories, people, and traditions behind every dish. 

In doing so, he’s helping the world see the Philippines not just as a destination, but as a rich culinary culture worth knowing, tasting, and loving. ❤️

Most people were out on Saturday night. But I was at home - working on my side project.

This isn’t a grind-for-the-sake-of-it type of post.

It’s just the reality when you’re building something that matters to you.

I spent the day with my family.
We had dinner together. Watched a movie.

Then once everyone went to bed, I went back to work - tinkering away at my brand new sales coaching offer which I’ll be officially launching soon. 

I looked up at one point and noticed the microwave clock: 2:53am.

I’d lost track of time completely.
Not because I had to.
Because I wanted to.

Got 5 hours sleep and when I got up I’m still buzzing.

Not from coffee.
From clarity.

I know where I’m going.
And I know why I’m doing it.

That’s what keeps me going - even after midnight.

Any other “builders” and dream-chasers out there working on something after hours?

I held another sales coaching session this evening and it reminded me of something I heard years ago:


“When the student is ready - the teacher will appear.”

Tonight made that saying hit different.

My client is a small business owner. Young, sharp, and switched on.

He asked for help building a sales framework he can use in the field - and eventually pass on to his team.

This was our third session. And based on how he’s been showing up, I told him something that I don’t say often:

“You’re one of the most coachable human beings I’ve ever met.”

Why?

Because he listens. He asks the right questions. He takes notes.

But most importantly - he executes.

He’s already started building a script for himself and his team - using what he’s learned so far. 

He’s testing it. Tinkering. Asking for feedback.

Not just learning, but applying. Improving in real time.

That’s the sign of someone who’s going places. 🙌🏽

I love working with business owners and self-motivated individuals like Dan.

More to come. Watch this space.

PS: If you need help improving your sales or communication skills and want to increase your conversion at work or in your business, check out my featured section. Limited spots will be available SOON.

I’m based in Sydney, Australia (evening time zone), but if you’re in the USA, UK, or Canada, you might find a suitable time on my calendar too.

Change your language, change your life. There are many ways to do that, but here's a quick and effective move you can do right now.

One of the biggest mindset shifts I ever made was swapping “I have to” with “I get to.”  For example... 

I don’t "have to" drive my daughter somewhere… I'm happy that "I get to" spend time with her.

I don’t "have to" go to the gym… I feel blessed that "I get to" look after my health as much as I want to.

I don’t "have to" meet business owners… I'm excited because "I get to" talk to entrepreneurs who started with nothing but a dream.

That tiny shift builds gratitude, perspective, and momentum.

Try it for a week and thank me later. I promise it will change the way you see everything.

I’m not gonna apologise. This one’s gonna sting a little… but I say it with love and here’s why. 

It’s almost December 2025.
One month left in the year… and some people are still waiting.

Waiting for a sign.
Waiting for the “perfect time.”
Waiting for someone to give them permission.

Here’s the truth:
No one’s coming to save you.

You want to change your life?
You want more money, more freedom, more purpose?

Then take that first uncomfortable step.
And start doing the things you’ve never done.

Because the version of you who gets everything you want?

They don’t wait.
They build.

Ok - rant over.

But maybe there’s a reason you came across this post today… 

Maybe this is your sign.

taplio

The Battle

David Rajakovich

Edison Apolonio

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