Guest: Donna Gesundheit, EO Melbourne Member since 2010, CEO/Creative Director of Blue Illusion
Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member and Owner of Outsourcing Angel

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Donna Gusundheit, CEO and Creative Director of Blue Illusion, shares her extraordinary 25-year journey building one of Australia’s most loved French-inspired fashion brands.

With 90 boutiques, a global following, and a mission rooted in community and compassion, Blue Illusion stands as a testament to Donna’s creative vision and leadership. But behind the success lies a deeply personal story of resilience and reinvention.

Donna opens up about:
- How she and her late husband Danny built Blue Illusion from a small family operation
- The transition from Australian manufacturing to overseas production
- Staying relevant in a changing retail landscape
- Navigating unimaginable loss when her husband passed away
- Leading a company of 500 employees through grief, business challenges, and transformation
- The next chapter as her children join the business
- Her 18+ year journey in EO and the global community that supported her
- This episode is full of wisdom for entrepreneurs about leadership, legacy, resilience, and building businesses with heart.

ABOUT DONNA

Donna Gesundheit is a passionate Francophile and the visionary CEO and Creative Director of Blue Illusion, a French-inspired boutique fashion brand. Over the past 25 years, she has grown the business into 90 stores, known for its elegant designs, curated lifestyle offerings, and signature French charm.

Donna’s leadership goes beyond fashion, Blue Illusion sponsors 120 World Vision children and supports numerous charities focused on women’s health, sustainability, and child well-being. Deeply inspired by the confidence and style of women, Donna continues to innovate while honouring the community at the heart of her brand.

CONNECT WITH DONNA:

Website: www.blueillusion.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-illusion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue.illusion

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: Dave Hajdu, Founder of Edge8 AI, Founder of the AI Officer Institute, Serial Entrepreneur, Founding Member of EO Vietnam since 2012, and Area Director for EO Southeast Asia

Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member and Owner of Outsourcing Angel

In this episode, Dave Hajdu shares his remarkable 25+ year journey in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. From his early career at Microsoft during the rise of machine learning to building and exiting a Silicon Valley–backed startup, Dave’s experience spans the full evolution of modern tech. He has worked with fast-scaling startups like Stitch Fix and global enterprises such as Sands Casino in Macau. Today, Dave leads Edge8 AI and the AI Officer Institute, where he is training the next generation of AI leaders.

Dave reveals why 95% of AI programs fail, a statistic backed by MIT, and explains the two biggest reasons behind this failure:

1️⃣ Poor data organisation and lack of systems

2️⃣ Lack of proper leadership guiding AI integration

He also shares how he pivoted his business three months ago to launch the AI Officer Institute, a solution built to equip companies with the internal AI leadership they desperately need. As the founder of the EO Vietnam chapter and now an Area Director for EO Southeast Asia, Dave also opens up about his leadership journey, the power of EO, and how building community has shaped his life and career. Whether you're implementing AI, leading a growing team, or navigating entrepreneurship, this episode offers clarity, depth, and actionable wisdom.

ABOUT DAVE HAJDU

Dave Hajdu brings 25+ years of experience in business transformation, starting from the early days of machine learning and database design. His career began at Microsoft in the 90s and spans hyper-growth startups like Stitch Fix and global brands like Sands Casino Macau. He’s founded and exited companies, including Vinasource and TINYpulse, and now leads Edge8 AI and the AI Officer Institute to develop future AI leaders. Dave also founded EO Vietnam in 2016 and now serves as Area Director for Southeast Asia, supporting EO Presidents in growing stronger chapters and communities.

CONNECT WITH DAVE:

Website: www.ai-officer.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davehajdu/

Company: https://www.instagram.com/dhajdu/

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: Liza Roeser, Founder and CEO of FiftyFlowers, EO Idaho Member since 2016
Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member and founder of Outsourcing Angel.

Liza’s journey is as inspiring as it is unexpected.

From joining the Peace Corps in Ecuador to building a multi-million dollar e-commerce flower business, Lisa shares how curiosity, courage, and compassion led her to found FiftyFlowers, a company delivering fresh blooms from farms straight to customers’ doors.

In this episode, Liza opens up about:
- Falling into entrepreneurship by accident
- Building a global business across the U.S. and Ecuador
- Managing cultural and operational challenges
- Hiring slow, firing fast, and finding the right people
- Creating meaningful social impact for women in developing countries

ABOUT LIZA ROESER
Liza Roeser is the founder and CEO of FiftyFlowers, one of the largest online wholesale flower retailers in the world. What began as a post-Peace Corps adventure turned into a thriving global enterprise connecting farms in South America with consumers worldwide. Liza is passionate about empowering women, leading with purpose, and creating businesses that make a difference.

CONNECT WITH LIZA ROESER
Website: www.fiftyflowers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-roeser/
Instagram: @theflowerceo

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: Tony Merritt, Founder and CEO of Sydney Pain Centres, EO Sydney Member since 2023
Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member and founder of Outsourcing Angel.

What happens when a psychologist becomes an entrepreneur and nearly loses everything twice during COVID?

In this powerful episode, Tony shares his journey from the corporate world of advertising to building a thriving 80-person health and psychology business.
He opens up about how curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning helped him overcome financial crises, adapt during the pandemic, and evolve as a leader.

We also dive into:
- The realities of scaling a people-intensive business
- Managing cash flow and overcoming fear around finances
- How virtual assistants changed his business (and life)
- Finding purpose and balance beyond work
- The role of community through Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)

ABOUT TONY MERRITT

Tony began his career in advertising before shifting to clinical psychology, where he spent ten years working in the public hospital system. He later built a private psychology practice, then expanded into multiple ventures, including a specialist medical business, a corporate psychology firm, and a practice finance company. Today, Tony leads an organization of over 80 people, blending psychological insight with business strategy to create meaningful impact.

CONNECT WITH TONY MERRITT

Website: www.sydneypaincentres.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymerrittpsychologist/

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: David Miller, EO Platinum One Global Bridge member since 2013, Founder of Alchemy of Scale

Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member since 2022, owner of Outsourcing Angel

David Miller has lived the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, from leading a $1.5B financial firm, to scaling a cannabis brand past $10M, to starting over after setbacks that would break most founders.

In this powerful episode, David shares how big risks led to even bigger lessons, why mistakes often become the most valuable messages, and how he blends method with magic to create true human-centred leadership. In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, David opens up about:

- The truth about scaling too fast, and what it really costs

- How failure can transform into your most powerful story

- Why leadership is equal parts process and presence

- Lessons from Warren Buffett & the world of billion-dollar finance

- Building again with clarity, resilience, and a people-first lens

👉 Watch now and subscribe for more raw stories from entrepreneurs around the world.

ABOUT DAVID MILLER

David Miller is an entrepreneur, investor, and leadership coach who’s built and rebuilt businesses across industries — from Wall Street finance to cannabis startups to human-centred coaching. With decades of experience scaling companies, raising capital, and navigating setbacks, David now helps founders find both the method and the magic in their own journeys. His story is proof that risk, failure, and reinvention are not the end, but the beginning of transformation.

CONNECT WITH DAVID MILLER

Website: alchemyofscale.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-miller-business-coach/

Instagram: @davidmiller.buzz

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: Mike Fabbiano, EO Boston member since 2016, Co-Founder of Highpoint Engineering

Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member since 2022, owner of Outsourcing Angel

Mike shares how a sudden layoff during the 2008 financial crisis pushed him to launch Highpoint Engineering from scratch. With grit and creativity, he transformed adversity into opportunity—growing a land development consulting firm that consistently competes in complex, high-stakes projects. Beyond business, Mike opens up about personal discovery, leadership challenges, and the mindset shifts that shaped his entrepreneurial path.

In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, Mike opens up about:

-Starting a business in the middle of an economic downturn

- Competing in “big arenas” as a small firm

- From introvert to confident business leader

-Navigating the entitlement process in land development

- Balancing growth, family, and reinvention

Watch now and subscribe for more raw stories from entrepreneurs around the world.

ABOUT MIKE

Mike Fabbiano is a seasoned civil engineer and entrepreneur based in Dedham, Massachusetts. He co-founded Highpoint Engineering in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, building a land development consulting firm that thrives on complex projects where design, permitting, and execution intersect. With over 25 years of industry experience, Mike is known for navigating the entitlement process with precision, bringing together technical expertise, regulatory insight, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver results.

As Highpoint’s visionary leader, he drives growth through project management, sales, technology, and administration, all while maintaining a hands-on entrepreneurial approach. Outside of business, Mike is a devoted husband and father, passionate about golf, food, and travel, especially if there’s a beach involved.

CONNECT WITH MIKE FABBIANO

Website: www.highpointeng.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabbiano/

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: Juan DeAngulo, EO South Florida member since 2023, Co-founder of Inselligence
Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member since 2022, owner of Outsourcing Angel

Juan’s entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn when personal struggles forced him to stop and reassess. Instead of breaking him, those challenges became the foundation for a stronger mindset and a smarter business. Today, he’s building in the fast-moving world of Sales AI with a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, Juan opens up about:

- The personal wake-up call that changed how he lives and leads
- How facing inner struggles led to a new entrepreneurial path
- Why he chose to build in AI and where he sees the biggest opportunities
- The lessons in resilience every founder needs to hear
- How self-care fuels smarter business decisions

This is a must-watch for any entrepreneur who’s ever felt stuck, burnt out, or ready to transform struggle into strength.
👉 Watch now and subscribe for more raw stories from entrepreneurs around the world.

ABOUT JUAN
Juan De Angulo is the Co-Founder of Inselligence, an AI-driven sales intelligence platform built on mathematical algorithms inherited from his father. His journey spans from being Colombia’s national tennis champion to co-founding Elion Partners, a $4B investment platform, and now serving on multiple boards while pioneering his framework, Return on Structure™. Juan’s unique philosophy, that structure is the ultimate multiplier of potential, shapes his leadership approach, blending creativity, discipline, and resilience.

CONNECT WITH JUAN
Website: www.inselligence.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juandeangulo/

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

Guest: Rich Mulholland, EO US East Bridge member since 2011, founder of Missing Link

Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member since 2022, owner of Outsourcing Angel.

After more than 20 years running his business, Rich Mulholland hit a wall. At 50 years old, he realised his business model wasn’t solving a big enough problem, and the market was moving on without him. In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, Rich gets brutally honest about:

- The moment he knew his business wasn’t relevant anymore

- Why great businesses still fail without a big enough problem to solve

- The emotional challenge of letting go of the old to build something new

- How to question your own relevance before the market does

- His approach to reinventing himself and his company

This is a must-watch for any entrepreneur feeling stuck or wondering if their best years are behind them.

👉 Watch now and follow for more raw stories from entrepreneurs around the world.

ABOUT RICH MULHOLLAND

Rich Mulholland is the founder of Missing Link, a presentation powerhouse helping leaders deliver unforgettable talks. Over his career, Rich has built a reputation as a dynamic speaker, thought leader, and business innovator. He’s passionate about challenging entrepreneurs to think bigger, solve more meaningful problems, and adapt to the realities of a changing marketplace.

CONNECT WITH RICH

Instagram: @richmulholland

Website: https://getrich.af/linkfarm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmulholland/

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ABOUT EO

Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.

Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.

If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form.

For further information, please contact:
Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au
General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au
EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/