• From International Student to Entrepreneur – Balwinder Singh's Inspiring Journey
    Jul 20 2025

    In this powerful episode of the Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne sits down with Balwinder Lally—an entrepreneur, cultural event organiser, and proud Australian success story. Balwinder opens up about his journey from arriving in Australia as an international student to building a thriving business and events empire.

    He shares real-life lessons about resilience, hustle, community building, and the importance of staying grounded while chasing big dreams. From driving taxis and trucks to organising major cultural events that bring people together, Balwinder reminds us that no job is too small and that giving back is part of building success.

    Whether you're a young entrepreneur, migrant dreaming big, or someone passionate about community and culture, this episode is packed with motivation and hard-earned wisdom.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Balwinder started his journey as an international student in Australia.

    • He worked across industries—taxi driving, trucking—before becoming a successful entrepreneur.

    • Organising cultural events is more than business; it's his passion.

    • Community support was critical to his journey.

    • Hard work, mental strength, and resilience are essential in business.

    • A major health scare taught him to prioritise well-being.

    • Giving back to the community is at the heart of his mission.

    • He believes every job—no matter how small—teaches you something.

    • Strong partnerships are key in business growth.

    • His first “million dollar moment” was seeing his family proud.

    Episode Chapters:

    00:00 – Welcome to the Million Dollar Podcast
    00:58 – Balwinder’s Journey: From International Student to Entrepreneur
    02:54 – Creating a Cultural Platform Through Events
    05:58 – From Taxis to Trucks: Building a Business Step by Step
    09:10 – The Role of Hard Work and Resilience
    12:00 – Coping with Stress and the Wake-Up Call of Health
    15:06 – Giving Back: The Power of Community Contribution
    17:57 – Advice for Young Dreamers and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    21:02 – Business Partnerships: Managing Expectations
    22:57 – The First Million Dollar Moment

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    24 mins
  • From Curry Queen to Entrepreneurial Success: Manpreet’s Journey in Indian Cuisine & Hospitality
    Jun 27 2025

    In this inspiring episode of the Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne sits down with Manpreet, a celebrated female chef and the proud owner of multiple Indian restaurants across Victoria, Australia. Dubbed the ‘Curry Queen’, Manpreet shares her remarkable journey from a small Indian town to building a thriving culinary empire in Australia.

    Listeners will gain insight into the challenges women face in the hospitality industry, especially as chefs and business owners, and how Manpreet carved her path through passion, perseverance, and community support. From balancing the demands of work and family life to creating intimate, meaningful dining experiences, this episode is packed with powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, overcoming societal expectations, and leading with heart in the restaurant business.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Manpreet’s title ‘Curry Queen’ reflects her creativity and bold flavours in Indian cuisine.
    • Family and community support are essential pillars for entrepreneurial success.
    • Being a female chef in a male-dominated industry brings unique hurdles—and strength.
    • She prioritises intimate, customer-focused dining experiences.
    • Passion fuels persistence and business longevity.
    • Balancing career and family life remains an ongoing challenge and triumph.
    • Defying cultural norms was part of her growth.
    • Deep knowledge of ingredients and culture enhances restaurant authenticity.
    • Investing in your team and staff wellbeing leads to better business outcomes.
    • Enjoying each step of the journey is as valuable as achieving the goal.

    ⏱️ Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to the Million Dollar Podcast

    01:12 The Journey of the Curry Queen

    04:13 Challenges of Being a Female Chef

    06:57 Creating an Intimate Dining Experience

    09:45 Balancing Passion and Work-Life

    11:25 Overcoming Societal Expectations

    14:34 Secrets to Restaurant Success

    17:56 Enjoying the Journey of Entrepreneurship

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    20 mins
  • Entrepreneurship, Resilience & Work‑Life Balance — The Million Dollar Podcast with Paire founders
    Apr 28 2025

    Inside this episode of The Million Dollar Podcast, Ramneek Wayne, Nathan and Rex of Paire unpack real‑world success stories, the power of co‑founders, product development through customer testing and the mindset young entrepreneurs need for business expansion. You’ll learn why testing products with real customers matters, how to guard your work‑life balance in a startup, and the critical role that co‑founders and clear employee management play in long‑term business expansion.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ambition sparks entrepreneurship – your idea only matters if you act.

    2. Professional boundaries protect partnerships and profits.

    3. Resilience = learning from every failure; iterate fast.

    4. Work‑life balance isn’t optional; it fuels sustainable growth.

    5. Customer‑led product testing trims costly pivots.

    6. Co‑founders lift success odds and sanity.

    7. Transparent feedback keeps employees engaged.

    8. Plan expansion across online + offline channels early.

    9. A youthful mindset beats birth certificates in startups.

    10. Success is a moving target—adapt constantly.

    Chapters

    00:00 Intro – Meet the hosts

    00:27 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

    06:14 Setting Professional Boundaries in Partnerships

    10:24 Building Unshakeable Resilience

    13:09 Protecting Work‑Life Balance

    14:35 Product Development & Real‑World Testing

    17:05 Why Co‑Founders Matter

    20:20 Managing Employees & Conflict

    22:11 Future Business Expansion Plans

    24:02 Mindset of Young Entrepreneurs

    26:00 Key Takeaways & Wrap‑Up

    🔖 entrepreneurship, business partnerships, resilience, work-life balance, product development, co‑founders, employee management, business expansion, startup mindset, success stories, customer testing, young entrepreneurs, professional boundaries, ambition, podcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    28 mins
  • From Immigrant to MasterChef: Sandeep Pandit's Journey to Entrepreneurship
    Mar 20 2025

    In this episode of The Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne interviews Sandeep Pandit, a MasterChef contestant and entrepreneur. Sandeep shares his journey from being an immigrant in Australia to pursuing his passion for cooking and launching his spice business, Spice Angel. He discusses the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the emotional connection to food, and the realities of participating in a competitive cooking show. The conversation also touches on work-life balance, entrepreneurial insights, and the importance of staying true to one's passion.

    🔖 Tags:
    MasterChef, immigrant story, food passion, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, spices, cooking, Indian cuisine, resilience, personal growth

    Key Takeaways:

    • Sandeep's journey began with a work visa in Australia.

    • His immigrant story is filled with pain and resilience.

    • Food became a connection to his family's struggles.

    • Imposter syndrome was a challenge during MasterChef.

    • Entrepreneurship was born out of necessity during COVID.

    • Quality spices are essential for authentic cooking.

    • Work-life balance is crucial for personal well-being.

    • Future projects include a smokehouse concept called Fire and Spice.

    • Aspiring food entrepreneurs should focus on authenticity.

    • Investing in business requires careful consideration.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to The Million Dollar Podcast
    00:48 Sandeep's Journey to MasterChef
    02:07 The Painful Migrant Story
    06:03 The Passion for Food Begins
    10:17 Imposter Syndrome on MasterChef
    12:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Spice Angel
    16:51 The Reality of MasterChef
    18:40 Work-Life Balance Insights
    21:12 Future Projects and Fire and Spice
    23:45 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs
    25:46 Audience Questions and Personal Reflections

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    31 mins
  • "You should go back to your 9 to 5" | From Idea to Impact: The Femmé Organic Journey
    Dec 16 2024

    In this episode of the Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne interviews Anabelle and Thomas, the dynamic duo behind Femmé Organic, a family-owned brand revolutionising feminine hygiene with 100% organic and plastic-free period care products.

    Anabelle and Thomas share their inspiring journey of launching Femmé Organic during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the hurdles of product development, branding, and breaking into the competitive sustainable market while staying committed to eco-conscious values. The episode highlights their innovative approach to sustainability, creating period care products that are safe for users and the planet.

    You'll gain valuable insights into how Femmé Organic successfully established retail partnerships, navigated setbacks, and balanced their professional and personal lives. The co-founders emphasize the importance of consistency, community support, and taking bold risks, offering actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're an eco-conscious consumer or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this conversation provides a compelling look at how determination and purpose can turn a vision into a thriving business.

    🔖 Femme Organic, entrepreneurship, sustainability, branding, period care, business challenges, organic products, retail partnerships, work-life balance, young entrepreneurs.

    Key Takeaways

    • Femmé Organic was born out of a need for sustainable period care products.
    • The importance of a solid business plan cannot be overstated.
    • Transparency in product ingredients is crucial for consumer trust.
    • Branding should resonate with the target audience and reflect inclusivity.
    • Sustainability is a key focus for modern consumers.
    • Building relationships with retailers can be challenging but rewarding.
    • Setbacks can lead to innovation and new opportunities.
    • Work-life balance is essential for long-term success.
    • Networking and community support are invaluable for entrepreneurs.
    • Comparison can hinder progress; focus on your own journey.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Welcome to The Million Dollar Podcast
    • 00:29 The Birth of Femmé Organic
    • 01:48 Navigating Challenges in Business
    • 03:14 Defining Core Values and Goals
    • 04:11 Branding with Purpose
    • 07:31 Sustainability and Product Development
    • 09:46 Retail Partnerships and Challenges
    • 12:57 Learning from Setbacks
    • 13:51 Work-Life Balance and Sacrifices
    • 15:36 Future Plans and Global Expansion
    • 16:33 Navigating Corporate Interest
    • 17:55 Overcoming Doubts and Imposter Syndrome
    • 19:41 Key Learnings from the Journey
    • 22:05 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    24 mins
  • The Future of Media: Print vs Digital with Tonee Sethi
    Nov 11 2024

    In this episode of The Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne speaks with Tonee Sethi, founder of G'Day India magazine. Tonee shares his accidental journey into entrepreneurship, starting from his passion for filmmaking to establishing a successful magazine that highlights positive stories within the Indian community. He discusses the challenges he faced in the hospitality industry, the importance of having a million-dollar mindset, and the purpose behind his work. The conversation also touches on the future of media, the significance of personal growth, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

    Our links: The Million Dollar Podcast

    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheMillionCo

    Website - https://ramneekwayne.com/

    Ramneek's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/isitwayne/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramneekwayne

    Our Guests Links: Tonee's socials https://au.linkedin.com/in/gurbir-tonee-sethi

    G'Day India's Website: https://www.gdayindia.com.au/

    🔖entrepreneurship, success stories, Good Day India, Tonee Sethi, million dollar mindset, challenges, community impact, digital media, hospitality, personal growth

    Key takeaways

    • The journey of entrepreneurship often starts accidentally.
    • Chasing passion can lead to unexpected opportunities.
    • Challenges in business can be valuable learning experiences.
    • A million-dollar mindset involves growth beyond financial success.
    • Community impact is a key driver for success.
    • Maintaining a positive outlook can shape public perception.
    • Spiritual growth and self-awareness are crucial for entrepreneurs.
    • Long-term goals should guide business decisions.
    • Digital media is essential for future growth.
    • Customer satisfaction is paramount in the hospitality industry.

    Chapters

    00:00 - Welcome to the Million Dollar Podcast

    01:02 - The Accidental Journey of Good Day India

    02:58 - From Hospitality to Entrepreneurship

    05:42 - The Million Dollar Mindset

    07:40 - Challenges in Building G'Day India

    11:00 - The Purpose Behind Good Day India

    15:20 - Overcoming Energy Vampires

    16:43 - The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

    18:33 - Advice for New Startups

    20:30 - The Future of Good Day India

    22:56 - Reflections on Hardships and Growth

    25:19 - Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    29 mins
  • "Fall down seven times, get up eight". Making money the ethical way with Adam Long
    Oct 28 2024

    In this episode of The Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne speaks with Adam Long, founder of 'Conscious Step' and a prominent figure in the social impact space. Adam shares his journey from aspiring inventor to successful entrepreneur, discussing the importance of mentorship, the lessons learned from failure, and the significance of building businesses that create social value. He emphasises the need for strategic choices in entrepreneurship, the value of testing ideas before fully committing, and the role of social enterprises in making a positive impact. Adam also reflects on his experiences in various leadership roles and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the startup landscape.

    Our links:

    The Million Dollar Podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheMillionCo

    Website - https://ramneekwayne.com/

    Ramneek's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/isitwayne/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramneekwayne

    Our Guests Links:

    Adams socials https://au.linkedin.com/in/ethicalceo

    The Ethical CEO Website: https://www.theethicalceo.com/

    🔖 entrepreneurship, social impact, mentorship, business strategy, failure, success, Conscious Step, Adam Long, influence, startups

    Key Takeaways

    • It's not gadgets that are changing the world, it's organisations.
    • A role model is someone living the life you want to live.
    • Strategy is about making choices and cutting off alternatives.
    • Execution matters more than just having big ideas.
    • Building capacity and skills is essential for long-term success.
    • Testing and validating ideas is crucial before launching a business.
    • Surround yourself with people who have more experience than you.
    • Social enterprises can shape the world positively through business.
    • The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with failures and learning opportunities.
    • Focus on speed of growth rather than the size of the business.

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction to Adam Long and His Journey

    02:49 - The Evolution of Influence and Role Models

    06:13 - Learning from Failure: The First Business Experience

    09:07 - Building Conscious Step: A Profit for Purpose Model

    12:00 - Navigating the Startup Landscape: Insights and Strategies

    15:04 - The Importance of Testing Ideas and Market Validation

    17:51 - Social Impact and Mentorship: Adam's Contributions

    21:10 - Challenges and Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship

    24:02 - Future Aspirations and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    27 mins
  • When money is everything purpose is the true value | Yasser Zaki
    Oct 14 2024

    In this episode of The Million Dollar Podcast, Yasser Zaki shares his inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a global CEO focused on improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities. He discusses the importance of redefining what it means to be an influencer, the challenges he faced in his early life, and his strategies for building a successful global business.

    Yasser emphasizes the significance of understanding success, embracing challenges, and finding the right people to achieve one's goals. He also addresses the myths surrounding work-life balance and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

    Our links:

    The Million Dollar Podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheMillionCo

    Website - https://ramneekwayne.com/

    Ramneek's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/isitwayne/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramneekwayne

    Our Guests Links:

    Yasser's socials https://www.instagram.com/yasser.zaki.9/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasser-zaki-tlc

    TLC Website: https://www.tlcdisabilityservices.com.au/about-us/


    🔖 disability, influencer, quality of life, global business, success, challenges, work-life balance, mentorship, resilience

    Key Takeaways

    • Helping people should be rewarding, not just a job.
    • Quality of life includes good job, health, education, and accommodation.
    • Strategic planning is essential for business success.
    • Success looks different for everyone; define it for yourself.
    • Challenges are opportunities in disguise.
    • Burnout is a mindset; pursue your passion.
    • Finding the right people is crucial for success.
    • Failures are learning experiences that lead to success.
    • Always reevaluate your strategies as you grow.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Yasser Zaki and His Journey

    02:53 Redefining Influencers and Their Impact

    06:03 Yasser's Early Life and Challenges

    08:52 Building a Global Business with Purpose

    11:48 Quality of Life: Yasser's Definition and Mission

    15:09 Strategies for Global Expansion

    18:03 Understanding Success and Its Measurements

    20:53 Embracing Challenges and Opportunities

    24:15 The Myth of Work-Life Balance

    26:59 Finding the Right People and Skills

    29:52 The Million Dollar Mindset and Final Thoughts

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    33 mins