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PODCAST

Bean There, Done That!

The Coffee Commune

Welcome to ”Bean There, Done That!” your essential podcast for mastering the world of hospitality. Hosted by industry expert, Phillip Di Bella, we cut through the noise to deliver straightforward, actionable insights and strategies. Each episode explores the powerful interplay of knowledge and connections, presenting real-life case studies from Australia’s thriving hospitality scene. We feature thought leaders who share their experiences, ensuring you have the answers you need when facing a

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

40:38

Proactive Ageing: How to Plan Before a Health Crisis...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/10/04

Most of us plan for retirement, finances and major life changes, but far fewer plan for what ageing might actually require.Phillip Di Bella is joined by Julie Cheney and Shelley Walker from Sovereign Community Nursing to explore a proactive approach to ageing — from health assessments and home safety to advance care planning, family conversations and building the right support network before a crisis forces the issue. WHY LISTEN Understand why waiting for a health crisis can reduce your options

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33:31

How to Proactively Manage Cashflow and Fund Business...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/07/28

Many small businesses are struggling with cash flow delays and mounting ATO debt due to reactive financial planning. In this episode of Bean There Done That, managing director and senior finance specialist Barry Wilkinson shares how to proactively leverage alternative lending to consolidate debt and fund rapid expansion. Tune in to discover why traditional banks aren't your only option and how independent brokers can restructure your finances for long-term survival.WHY LISTEN Learn how to shift

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47:24

Why True AI Implementation Doesn't Replace Humans:...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/06/28

Many business owners struggle with manual data entry and operational inefficiencies, wasting valuable hours on routine "plumbing" tasks instead of focusing on strategic growth. In this episode, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Ed Dale, founder of AI Powerhouse, to demystify artificial intelligence and showcase how to build customised AI agents that run quietly in the background. Discover how to supercharge your team's productivity, drop operational costs, and capture your organisation's collective

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32:52

The $37,500 Fine You Didn't See Coming: Hospitality...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/04/19

Hospitality veteran Brendan Power joins Phil Di Bella to demystify the complex world of industry compliance. From food safety to the latest seafood labelling laws, they explore how training isn't just a regulatory box-ticking exercise, but a vital tool for staff retention and brand authority.In this episode you will Understand the essential food and liquor licences required before opening a hospitality venue. Discover the difference between accredited courses and micro-credentials to better skill

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17:26

Pay Day Superannuation: What You Need to Know Now

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/03/22

The Australian Taxation Office is introducing the biggest shift to superannuation in years, moving from quarterly payments to a "Payday Super" model. Linda Dang, CEO of e.Advisory, joins Phil Di Bella to explain how hospitality businesses must adapt their cash flow and payroll systems before 1 July to avoid daily compounding penalties.WHY LISTEN Understand the Mandate: Learn exactly what Payday Super means for your weekly or fortnightly pay cycles. Avoid Penalties: Discover how the ATO's new

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33:56

Turn Payments Data into Profit. Margins Don’t Lie,...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/02/22

In this episode of Bean There Done That, Phil Di Bella sits down with Aaron Prosser (Beyond Payments) to unpack why “gut feel” isn’t enough anymore — especially with café margins hovering around the 3–4% mark. They explore how linking payments + POS data can sharpen staffing, improve cash flow, optimise menus, and build loyalty that actually sticks.“Complacency is not a strategy. Complacency is your strategy for death.” — Phil Di Bella “Increasing your margin by one to two per cent… that’s

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27:56

Looking Ahead: What’s Brewing in 2026: AI, Coffee,...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2026/01/18

In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella and Rai Esat, General Manager of International Coffee Traders, look ahead to 2026 and unpack what café and hospitality owners can expect – and how to not just survive, but thrive.They explore the growing role of AI as a productivity tool, the ongoing challenges of retention, attraction and productivity of staff, and why community, emotional connection and a strong “why” will separate the winners from the strugglers. Phil and Rai discuss

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29:37

2025 Wrap Up. Café Reality Check: Adjustment,...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/12/21

2025 was not a “business as usual” year for cafés. It was a year of adjustment.In this final episode of Bean There, Done That for 2025, Phil Di Bella is joined by long-time collaborator and one of Australia’s top coffee minds, Raihaan Esat, General Manager of International Coffee Traders. Together, they unpack a relentless year for café owners: rising costs across the board, shifting consumer psychology, the comeback of instant coffee, and why knowing your numbers and your customers is now

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40:29

Using Holidays to Drive Sales with Emotion. With...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/11/09

In this episode of Bean There, Done That!, host Phil Di Bella is joined by marketing expert Natalie Shaw, co-founder of Yom Connect, to explore how hospitality businesses can use seasonal moments like Christmas to build emotional connections and drive real results. With over 25 years of marketing experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the US, Natalie shares how strategy, storytelling, and smart activations make all the difference in a crowded market.They cover the rise of voice-based AI in

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57:38

Delivering Service Excellence And How To Exceed Your...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/10/12

In this high-energy and insight-packed episode of Bean There, Done That, Phil Di Bella is joined by renowned guest experience expert Mark Shaw. With decades of leadership in Australia’s top theme parks, Mark unpacks what makes a truly unforgettable guest experience and how emotional engagement is the secret sauce to sustainable business growth.From building five-star teams to redefining recognition and reward systems, Mark shares practical frameworks, powerful stories, and a clear message: great

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40:27

Surcharges, Swipe Fees & Strategy: Preparing for the...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/09/29

In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Larry Prosser, Executive Director of Beyond Payments, to unpack the Reserve Bank of Australia’s proposed ban on card surcharges. They break down what this policy really means for consumers, merchants, and banks—and why the supposed “savings” for customers might actually backfire.Larry explains how surcharges evolved, why compliance matters, and the hidden costs bundled into merchant fees. Phil pushes the conversation into

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41:29

Exit Ready: How to Sell Your Hospitality Business for...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/09/14

In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Vince Konigand Jodie Castle from Link Business Brokers to unpack the realities of selling a hospitality business. From legal pitfalls to boosting your business’s value, they share candid insights, real-life stories, and a step-by-step approach to becoming exit ready. Listeners will learn why selling a business is not just about finding a buyer, but about preparation, timing, and strategy — often months or years in

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40:10

Financial Insights for Small Business. With Barry...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/08/17

In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Barry Wilkinson of SW Brokerage for an eye-opening discussion about finance, business strategy, and the evolving landscape of hospitality. Together, they dig into the current financial climate, the practicalities of buying and selling hospitality businesses, and the real challenges faced by café owners today. Barry shares war stories from decades in the industry, demystifies common misconceptions, and gives actionable advice

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37:18

Insurance Key Considerations for Small Business. With...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/07/20

In this essential episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Karla Vosloo, Account Manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers, to demystify the world of insurance for small business owners—especially those in hospitality. Karla shares invaluable insights on how insurance has changed since COVID, the hidden pitfalls of underinsurance, and why every café or restaurant owner needs to rethink their risk exposure in a world of rising premiums and unpredictable weather events. It's a

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39:22

The Death of the Traditional Café. With Raihaan Esat

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/06/22

In this thought-provoking discussion, hospitality veterans Phil Di Bella and Raihaan Esat dive deep into the evolution—and possible extinction—of the traditional café. They trace the journey from café culture’s golden age to today’s high-cost, low-margin reality, uncovering the harsh truths behind shrinking profits, rising expectations, and the impact of automation. This is a must-listen for café owners, coffee lovers, and anyone invested in the future of hospitality.Key Topics &

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01:09:51

The Post Election HR/IR Landscape. With Tim Dive

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/05/25

In this timely episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Tim Dive, founder of the HR Cartel and host of the HR Cartel Podcast, to unpack the complex and fast-changing world of industrial relations (IR) and human resources (HR) in Australia. With wage theft now a criminal offence and IR reforms disproportionately impacting small and micro businesses, this no-fluff conversation is a must-listen for hospitality owners and operators.From contract must-haves and

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38:10

Green Beans Global Trends and Forecasts: What...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/04/27

In this episode of Bean There, Done That, guest host Shari Wilding sits down with Raihaan Esat, coffee trader at International Coffee Traders (ICT), to explore the current state of the global coffee market. They discuss the rising cost of green beans, the impact of climate change and logistics disruptions, and the emerging coffee markets that could shape the future of the industry. Raihaan shares insights on how roasters can navigate supply chain challenges, secure long-term partnerships with

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28:15

The Role of Community in Cafes. With Justin Swayn...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/03/30

In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Justin Swayn, founder of Brew Box Collective, an award-winning café in Baringa, Sunshine Coast. Justin shares his deeply personal journey—from overcoming life’s toughest challenges to building a café that’s more than just a place to grab a coffee. His story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and purpose-driven business.From a past filled with hardship to finding his passion for hospitality, Justin has

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36:40

Young, Bold & In Business: Inside the World of Como...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2025/03/02

In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil DiBella sits down with Michela Esposito and Laurence Santini, the ambitious young duo behind Como Restaurant in West End. They share their journey from different professional backgrounds—Michela with her creative and entrepreneurial roots, and Laurence with a law degree—to becoming passionate restaurateurs.They discuss the highs and lows of running a restaurant, including making tough business decisions, learning from failure, adapting to

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42:51

Matt Jefferis on Systems, Success, and Savoury...

Bean There, Done That! ·

2024/11/17

In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella chats with Matt Jefferis, co-owner of Savour Café and Franc in Brisbane, to explore his extensive journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a dishwasher alongside his twin brother, Dan, Matt shares the evolution of their careers, the key lessons they've learned, and how they built successful businesses by implementing strategic systems and staying focused on customer experience.Key topics include the importance of

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