WA Leaders

In this episode of the WA Leaders Podcast, Dr Paula Smith sits down with Ben Kosterich, co‑founder of Podwave Studios. Ben shares his journey from interviewing CEOs and experimenting with novel proteins to launching Podwave a plug‑and‑play podcast studio built to remove the friction from content creation.

Ben talks about scaling a studio business, the importance of human connection in digital media, and the leadership lessons he carried over from representing Australia in international sport.

The conversation covers how Podwave was bootstrapped, the challenges of rapid growth, building a high‑performing team, and why authentic storytelling is becoming essential for corporate brands. Ben also reflects on resilience, early technical failures, managing fast content cycles, and balancing work with personal passions like wine and floorball. His message to business leaders: focus on your core story, not the technical noise.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of WA’s most dynamic young media entrepreneurs.

Check out the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fd9JWmOXwJewXGTRDagdy

GridFlow is an engineering consultancy delivering specialist design, advisory and project management services across Australia's energy sector.

With expertise spanning power feasibility and system studies, generation, transmission and distribution networks, as well as hybrid and battery integration, they help clients deliver reliable, future-ready energy solutions.

Backed by more than 15 years of industry experience, GridFlow partners with organisations across the renewables, mining, oil and gas, utilities, telecommunications, infrastructure and private network sectors, combining deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking from concept through to implementation.

Find out more here: https://www.gridflow.com.au/

Simplicity.

In recent years, businesses have been adding new management systems and compliance with the aim of increasing productivity. When the result is the exact opposite, we reduce head counts, only further decreasing the productivity.

Thanks so much to Howard Thomas for taking our Alumni cohort through this month's session on Simplicity from Complexity.

We then had a fantastic mastermind session facilitated by Michael Watts, providing members with some great tangible takeaways and ideas to put into practice.

Our July event was full of great business takeaways, inspiring conversations, and awesome connections.

Thanks to our members, industry experts and advisory board members for another fantastic event!

AGuyIKnow, Australian Innovation Management Institute (AIMI), Tall Poppies Leadership, Huddle Up Creative, BidWrite, Saligna Management Group, Discerning Digital, ARO Electrical and Air, ACP Consulting, HR Elements, Brainbox Advisory, Lenspresso, NHR Staffing Group.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

For WA business owners, that circle matters.

Surround yourself with experts, mentors, and peers who push you further.

👉 Follow us to connect with growth-minded leaders.

Find out more here: https://www.waleaders.com.au/

We're looking forward to seeing our members today for our July event!

Come prepared for some incredible insights, powerful discussions, and something new to implement in your business tomorrow.

Founded in Rockingham by Alex Waller in 2024, WALLCON is a civil engineering and project delivery consultancy supporting clients across Western Australia's civil infrastructure, mining, and Defence sectors.

Their expertise spans EPCM services, tender management, pre-contract support, and on-hire engineering placements.

With a practical, solutions-focused approach, WALLCON partners with clients to deliver projects efficiently while providing the technical expertise and strategic support needed to navigate complex engineering challenges.

Find out more here: https://wallcon.com.au/

As a proudly family-run WA business, ARO Electrical and Air provides electrical, air-conditioning, and renewable energy solutions for both residential and commercial clients.

With a focus on quality workmanship, reliable service, and clear communication, they’re committed to making every project as seamless and stress-free as possible.

From everyday electrical repairs and air-conditioning installations to solar and renewable energy solutions, ARO delivers practical, dependable outcomes backed by a friendly, customer-first approach.

Find out more here: https://www.arohub.com.au/