Let’s face it – no one starts a business dreaming of tough talks, awkward silences, or calling out bad attitudes. But as your team grows, so does the need for courageous conversations.

Whether it’s pulling someone up on poor performance, tackling toxic behaviour, or confronting safety breaches head-on –this is where real leadership shows up.

We dive into the art and science of difficult conversations – why they matter, what’s at stake if you avoid them, and how to handle them without torching your culture or losing sleep.

These aren’t the skills you learned on the tools, but they’re the ones that will make or break your business. They’re so important that we’ve broken this into two episodes.

In this episode you’ll learn:
🔨 Poor performance must be addressed early to prevent long-term cultural damage.
🔨 Behaviour and attitude issues can quickly undermine team morale and standards.
🔨 Safety breaches demand immediate, well-handled conversations to protect everyone involved.
🔨 Avoidance creates resentment, confusion, and a toxic workplace environment over time.
🔨 Preparation is key—gather facts, remove emotion, and clarify your desired outcome.
🔨 Choosing the right place sets the tone for a productive conversation.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Copp is your classic trades business owner story – working long hours, managing a small team, juggling jobs, admin at night, until burnout kicked in.

Mitch knew something had to give. That’s when he swapped long hours for long-term thinking – and started the real work: becoming a business owner.

Fast forward to today – Mitch leads a thriving team, has moved out of his home office and into a full functioning warehouse, and is setting the pace in high-end residential construction.

Because as Mitch discovered, it’s not just about getting off the tools – it’s about building something that works without you.

In this episode you’ll learn:
🔨 You can’t grow if you’re stuck on the tools every day.
🔨 Saying no to work is sometimes the smartest move you’ll make.
🔨 Leadership isn’t natural – it’s built through discomfort, practice, and accountability.
🔨 Working from home is convenient – until it holds your business back.
🔨 Burnout isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a business model failing.
🔨 Habits, not hacks, are what changes how you lead and live.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grit is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But what does it really mean? Is it about pushing harder, grinding longer, or just stubbornly refusing to quit? Not exactly. In this episode, we break down two types of grit—one that propels you forward and another that drags you into the ground.

True grit is sustained passion, perseverance, and consistent action toward long-term goals. But there’s a dark side – what we call “dumb grit”. That’s the exhausting cycle of pushing forward without strategy, ignoring feedback, and mistaking stubbornness for strength.

If you’re feeling stuck, it might not be a lack of grit – it may well be the wrong kind. We’ll unpack what smart grit looks like, how to recalibrate after a setback, and why courage is the missing ingredient.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔨 Grit isn’t just about pushing harder – it’s about pushing smarter.
🔨 Passion fuels the fire, but perseverance and action keep it burning.
🔨 Without smart grit, you’re just taking hits without making progress.
🔨 Stubbornness isn’t strength if it keeps you stuck in the same place.
🔨 Success isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about acting despite it.
🔨 Hard work alone won’t cut it – strategy and adaptability matter.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stepping off the tools and into management? It’s a whole new game. Suddenly, you’re not just a tradie – you’re a leader. And that means handling an avalanche of calls, decisions, and problems, all while keeping your ground crew productive and your business moving.

Today, we’re giving you a simple playbook to cut through the chaos. It’s all about three words: Wins, Flags, and Roadblocks. This system helps you process information fast, make decisions with clarity, and keep momentum high without drowning in problems.

This approach will transform how you manage your team – and your time. Because the bigger your business gets, the more overwhelming it can feel… unless you’ve got the right tools to handle it.

In this episode you’ll learn:
🔨 Celebrating wins boosts morale, reinforces progress, and strengthens a positive team culture.
🔨 Flags act as early warning signs to prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
🔨 Identifying, addressing, and preventing roadblocks ensures smooth operations, productivity, and business growth.
🔨 Training and mentorship help teams handle solution roadblocks with confidence.
🔨 Anticipating resource needs prevents last-minute delays and keeps projects on track.
🔨 Empowering teams with clear processes reduces roadblocks and improves overall business efficiency.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a fine line between building your business and jeopardising the relationship with your loved ones. We see two extreme habits that can quietly wreck your personal life when business talk follows you home.

On one end, there’s the Withdrawal Reflex – shutting down, bottling up stress, and leaving your partner completely in the dark. She starts feeling disconnected, and before you know it, her silence speaks louder than words.

On the other end, there’s Open All Hours Syndrome – where every dinner, every car ride, and even quiet moments in front of the TV turn into a never-ending business meeting.

We’ve been guilty of both, and we’ve coached countless business owners through the same struggles. We unpack how to avoid these traps and find a healthy middle ground, so your business thrives without your relationship paying the price.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔨 Running a business can create tension at home if conversations aren’t managed well.
🔨 Small, intentional updates help maintain open communication without emotional overload.
🔨 Asking for permission before discussing business can prevent unexpected stress for your partner.
🔨 Being clear on whether you need advice or just a listening ear makes conversations more effective.
🔨 Reading the room and choosing the right time for business talk improves how discussions are received.
🔨 A business should enhance your family life, not come at its expense.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You have a momentous decision to make: you’ve been offered a massive and lucrative job contract. Your gut says, “Go for it!” But wait – are you seeing the full picture?

Some charge in headfirst, convinced it’s the golden ticket. Others hesitate, overwhelmed by potential risks. But here’s the thing: great decisions aren’t just about gut instinct or playing it safe. They’re about balancing the equation – weighing the upside against the risks and checking your natural bias before making the call.

We break down the five key questions that will help you make clear, confident, and strategic decisions – the kind that grow your business without blowing it up:

1. How am I going to fund it?
2. How am I going to resource it?
3. How am I going to operationally deliver it?
4. What’s the risk to my future pipeline?
5. Have I earned the right to take this on?

In this episode you’ll learn:
🔨 Trusting your gut is good, but strategic thinking prevents costly mistakes.
🔨 Big opportunities can grow your business or break it – assess them carefully.
🔨 Always check your natural bias before making high-stakes business decisions.
🔨 Ask yourself: Have I truly earned the right to take this on?
🔨 Growth requires funding – ensure you can afford expansion before committing.
🔨 Poor resourcing can destroy profit margins – plan labour needs before accepting large jobs.
🔨 Operational strain from big projects can derail your entire business.
🔨 Ignoring your future pipeline today can leave you struggling tomorrow.
🔨 Strategic decision-making builds sustainable success, not just one good year.

… If you want help with your own decision making why not book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life?: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence is the silent force behind every decision you make, every action you take, and ultimately, every result you create. But here’s the kicker—most people think confidence comes first, when in reality, it’s built through action.

Think about it – how many times have you hesitated on a big move, waiting to “feel” confident before taking the leap? The truth is, confidence isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you create.

In this episode, we dive deep into how confidence shapes your decisions, drives your actions, and determines your success. We break down the four key strategies that help you build unshakable confidence –so you can stop waiting and start taking action.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔨 Confidence isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you create through action.
🔨 Taking action builds confidence; hesitation fuels fear, doubt, and missed opportunities.
🔨 Celebrating small wins strengthens belief in your ability to succeed.
🔨 Positive self-talk shapes your mindset, behaviour, and ultimately, your results.
🔨 Surrounding yourself with confident people helps reinforce your own confidence.
🔨 Fear and doubt shrink when you take consistent, deliberate steps forward.
🔨 Confidence grows when you push through discomfort and embrace challenges.
🔨 Every confident person started as a beginner who took the first step.
🔨 Your environment either fuels your confidence or erodes it – choose wisely.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many business owners, being busy isn’t just a reality – it’s a status symbol.

Ask any tradie how business is going, and you’ll hear: “Mate, flat out! Non-stop. Can’t keep up.” And there’s a certain pride in that. Like if you’re not run off your feet, you mustn’t be doing well enough.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Busyness isn’t a business strategy. If you’re drowning in work, stretched thin, and never moving forward, is that really success?

Today, we’re challenging the idea that exhaustion equals achievement. Because the most successful business owners aren’t the busiest—they’re the smartest with their time.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔨 Being busy doesn’t mean you’re successful—it just means you’re occupied.
🔨 Wearing busyness as a badge of honour won’t grow your business.
🔨 Success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter and prioritising.
🔨 Delegation and systems create freedom—busyness keeps you trapped in the grind.
🔨 The most successful business owners protect their time, not just fill it.
🔨 Urgency is always available, but it won’t build a sustainable business.
🔨 Exhaustion is not a strategy—it’s a sign of inefficiency.
🔨 More hours don’t equal more success; smarter decisions do.
🔨 True business growth comes from leverage, not just relentless effort.

We mentioned our chat with Jack Whiting, who in the beginning had to work long hours to prove to his clients he could do the job. Listen here 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OYzhF12hGWoQXGH1GjiLG?si=vvUELDXGTsGeic-A2qrbSA

We spoke about the concept of ‘What’s Important Now’ (W.I.N.), which we expand on in episode 12. Listen here 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OYzhF12hGWoQXGH1GjiLG?si=vvUELDXGTsGeic-A2qrbSA

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.