The Mentor with Mark Bouris

Andrew Sjoquist is building a business at the intersection of two massive shifts: energy and AI infrastructure. Australia wastes an estimated 7.2 terawatt hours of renewable energy every year due to grid constraints. At the same time, demand for data centres is exploding, driven by AI, cloud computing, and digital  . WinDC is turning that inefficiency into opportunity. Instead of building traditional, multi-year data centre projects in capital cities, they deploy modular, shipping container-sized data centres directly next to wind and solar farms. These units can be live in as little as 90 days, using stranded energy that would otherwise go to waste. This isn’t just an energy play. It’s a structural shift in where and how digital infrastructure gets built. Topics we cover: • Why wasted renewable energy is becoming a commercial opportunity, not just a policy problem• How modular data centres dramatically reduce build time, cost, and risk• The growing demand for high-density compute (AI) and why traditional infrastructure can’t keep up• Why waterless cooling unlocks deployment in remote and harsh environments• Australia’s strategic position in the global race for AI infrastructure• The fundamental shift: data centres moving to energy sources, not population centres Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI agents are changing how businesses operate. Daniel Vassilev has raised $42 million to scale his company, Relevance AI, which is already helping some of the world’s largest private companies automate entire teams. I sat down with Daniel to unpack what this shift actually means for businesses and for the workforce, and the practical advice on how people can use AI agents to grow their business. In this conversation we discuss: • How AI agents could eliminate up to 50% of go-to-market tasks by 2026 • Why businesses will soon recruit AI agents the same way they recruit employees • The four levels of AI autonomy every business will experience • Real examples of companies automating BDR and customer success teams • Why software engineering is the first proof that AI will transform knowledge work • How to identify which business processes to automate first • The change management strategy that actually works You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I speak with Kate Cooper, OKX Australia CEO and systems change leader with more than 25 years’ experience driving technology-led transformation across government, global enterprise, banking and digital assets. We unpack what it takes to lead in a fast-moving digital world, from balancing inner clarity with external impact, to communicating effectively through change, understanding the productivity potential of digital finance, navigating regulatory uncertainty, and managing large-scale transformation when systems and culture are shifting at the same time. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noah Hunter Dorsey is the founder of Future Fulfilment and a 29 year old entrepreneur selected in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2025, working with major brands including Vegemite, the AFL, and many more. This is a playbook for building multi-million dollar companies before 30. We cover the move from university to entrepreneurship, backing yourself through fear, and why communication and sales are non negotiable skills. Noah breaks down how he learned by doing, identified high income skills, and prioritised execution over theory. We also talk leadership, culture, and scale. How to build strong teams, stay connected as the business grows, and deal with setbacks without losing momentum. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Bova, co-founder of The Yard Gym and a fitness franchise leader, shares his inspiring journey from backyard training to building a franchise powerhouse. He discusses his early influences, including his passion for coaching and hybrid workouts. Dan relives his experiences with F45, the pivotal decision to focus on strength training, and the rapid growth of The Yard, now with goals to expand globally. He also highlights innovative programs like RIG and TURF, while offering candid advice on franchising pitfalls and the importance of selecting the right partners.

In this engaging discussion, Dean Boyd, founder of Living Timber Co. and furniture maker, shares his journey from crafting unique pieces in his parents' garage to navigating the challenges of rapid growth and eventual liquidation. He opens up about the pressures of scaling a business too quickly, the burnout he faced, and the crucial lessons learned. Dean emphasizes the importance of mental health, accountability, and treating failures as stepping stones. With newfound clarity, he reflects on future ambitions and plans to embrace a slower, more sustainable path.

Paul Grosmann, CEO of R.M.Williams, shares his journey from Nike and McKinsey to leading Australia’s iconic boot brand. He delves into the captivating founding story of Reginald Murray Williams and discusses the brand's deep-rooted heritage, including its use of durable kangaroo leather. Paul reveals the emotional connection Australians have with R.M.Williams, touching on manufacturing innovations and recent ownership changes aimed at restoring its Australian stewardship. He emphasizes resilience in leadership and the importance of staying true to the brand’s roots.

It’s been another big year on The Mentor. We’ve had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next? Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of the year. 00:00-8:52 (Hyro co-founders Steve & Taylor Chapman) 8:52-23:13 (R.M. Williams CEO Paul Grosmann) 23:14 - 33:36 (Dominique Gill) 33:37- 39:46 (Britt & Taz) 39:47- 48:08 (Mike Christidis) Listen to the full podcast via the links below. #493 Hyro co-founders Steve & Taylor Chapman #495 R.M. Williams CEO Paul Grosmann #499 Dominique Gill  #501 Britt & Taz #489 Mike Christidis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been another big year on The Mentor. We’ve had some brilliant guests sharing incredible business insight. Who stood out to you, and who should we bring on next? Here are some highlights of the standout episodes of the year. 00:00-9:49 (Sam Kelly) 9:50-20:02 (Tracy Sheen) 20:03 - 27:33 (Jason Titman) 27:34- 32:03 (Little Rickshaw) 32:04- 39:13 (Zafferano) Listen to the full podcast via the links below. #478 Sam Kelly #482 Tracy Sheen #484 Jason Titman #488 Little Rickshaw #489 Zafferano See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​​Nick Cogger is the CEO and co-founder of Better Beer, one of Australia’s fastest-growing beer brands. With a background spanning venues, alcohol, and drinks innovation, Nick’s journey has been anything but overnight. In this episode, Nick breaks down how a chance Instagram scroll led him to The Inspired Unemployed, why influencer marketing only works when ambition matches audience, and how a “reverse pitch” sparked the idea of Better Beer. He shares why he focused on creating a product everyone in Australia can enjoy, and how timing, discipline, and strategy are what it takes to take on the big brewers. Follow Better Beer here: https://www.instagram.com/betterbeer You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.