Ever feel like you’ve become your business’s bottleneck?

You’re not alone. Most founders eventually do.

But here’s the hard truth:

You can’t grow if you’re stuck doing everything.
And you can’t lead if you’re drowning in admin.

So, What’s the Fix?

Simple.
You buy back your time.

“Every task you delegate is a step back toward your original vision.”
— Andrea Lagrou

Virtual Assistants (VAs) are no longer a “nice to have.”
They’re the secret weapon for smart entrepreneurs who want to scale without burning out.

What Can a VA Really Do?

A lot more than you think:

• Triage and respond to emails
• Manage your calendar (goodbye scheduling ping-pong)
• Follow up on leads and quotes
• Update your CRM and SOPs
• Assist with marketing, social media, or bookkeeping
• Even support sales calls and client care

And the kicker?
You can get 2-3 skilled VAs for the cost of 1 local hire.

We’re talking $20-30k/year, full-time.
That’s a game-changer.

But Isn’t Hiring a VA Risky?

Only if you go the DIY ro...

Let’s talk automation — the not-so-secret weapon of smart business owners.

The truth is, the more you grow, the less you should be doing.
And the more your systems should be doing for you.

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals.
You fall to the level of your systems.”
— James Clear

What Can You Automate in Business?

More than you think.

• Lead generation
• Sales follow-up
• Customer onboarding
• Recurring client communication
• Task management and scheduling

These aren’t just “nice to have” systems. These are the building blocks of a scalable business.

And the best part?
They run while you sleep. 

But Here’s the Twist…

You’re already automating your life.
You just don’t realize it.

Habits are automation. Routines are automation.

The question isn’t: Are you automating?
It’s: Are you automating the right things?

Imagine if your habits:

• Fueled your health (through intentional fitness, food, and sleep)
• Supported your growth (through learning and reflection)
• Strengthened your c
...

You didn’t start your business to work 14-hour days.
You started it because you had a vision, a passion, a problem you knew you could solve.

Yet somewhere along the way, most business owners fall into the trap of wearing every hat — until their schedule is full, their energy is drained, and their joy is gone.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

The Smarter Way to Build

What if you approached your time and energy the way an investor approaches money?
With intention. With strategy. With design.

That’s what I call:

Thinking by design.

And here’s the framework I use — the same one I teach to clients:

🚦 1. Automate First

If a system or a tool can do it better, faster, or with less risk of human error — automate it.

🤝 2. Outsource Second

Don’t build internal complexity when someone outside your business can get the job done.

👥 3. Delegate Last

Once you’ve stripped away everything that can be automated or outsourced, delegate what remains to someone on your team (or better yet, a VA — ...

Let's face it: entrepreneurship demands more than hard work; it requires resilience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. On the Energize with Bram podcast, Derrick McManus exemplifies these qualities. Derrick's story is not just about survival, but about forging strength out of extreme adversity. It’s a tale that offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to make a significant impact in their field.

An Extraordinary Encounter with Resilience

The episode kicks off with an introduction to Derrick, a former elite agent who survived being shot 14 times on active duty. Far from deterring him, this near-death experience fueled Derrick’s desire to return to the force after two years of intensive rehabilitation. His courage and tenacity shine through as he recounts his recovery journey and return to work, stronger and more determined than ever.

From the Police Force to the STAR Group

Before becoming a globally recognized speaker, Derrick served as a police officer fo...

For years, I thought growing a business meant more freedom.

More revenue = more time, right?

Instead, the bigger the business got, the heavier it felt.
More people. More responsibility. More fixed costs.
And worse — the cash flow didn’t always match the workload.

I remember one night vividly.
It was 2:47am. I was lying in bed doing mental math… again.

The invoices were out. The pipeline was healthy. The money was coming.
But my mortgage was due in three days. Office rent was due Friday. People had to get paid.
And when I looked at the account balance… it wasn’t enough.

That feeling? It’s hard to describe.
It’s not just stress — it’s pressure, guilt, anxiety, and the constant sense that you’re one slip away from collapse.

The emotional rollercoaster of fluctuating cash flow was exhausting.

And I realised something that changed everything:

Trading time for money isn’t a business model. It’s a trap.

While I was busy delivering the work, business development slowed down.
Then — a few mon...

Welcome back to another episode of "Energize with Bram," where we delve into the journeys of entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making a significant impact.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Katranis, a financial planner and entrepreneur who shared his insights and experiences in building a successful business.

Let's explore his incredible journey and key takeaways for budding entrepreneurs.

Introduction to Paul Katranis

Paul Katranis, founder of SA Wealth, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey 14 years ago. With a background as a financial planner, Paul has grown his business into a multifaceted entity with interests in finance, broking, accounting, and property. Despite initial doubts and challenges, his commitment to growth and adaptability has led to a thriving enterprise.

The Path to Success

Starting a business is never easy, and Paul faced his own set of challenges along the way. From questioning his decision to leave a secure bank j...

We just wrapped up The Edge retreat in stunning Phuket, Thailand — and wow, what an experience!

Over four transformative days, a select group of entrepreneurs, innovative CEOs and legacy builders gained clarity, direction, and momentum. With expert facilitation, they walked away with a vision, a practical game plan, and the energy to implement it right away.

And yes, there was plenty of fun too.
A surprise 1-day speedboat excursion whisked us away to James Bond Island, Panyee Island, Hong Island, and Naka Island — picture it: turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, and unforgettable memories. You’ll see the pics and wish you were there. (You’ll also see why The Edge is unlike anything else.)

Next stop: Vietnam. July 2026.
Each year, we host The Edge somewhere tropical — intentionally escaping the Aussie winter for inspiration, connection, and strategy in paradise.

The catch? Only a few seats are available.
This isn’t a mass event. It’s curated, personal, and designed to create real breakthr...

Quick question:

Have you ever had a lead go cold after what felt like a great pitch?

Chances are, it wasn’t the price.
It wasn’t the timing.
And it probably wasn’t your product.

More likely?
You were speaking your language… not theirs.

We’ve talked about this already:

✅ High-Cs want data.
✅ High-Ds want speed and ROI.
✅ High-Is want energy and vision.
✅ High-Ss want safety and trust.

If you’re only speaking to one, you're leaving 3 out in the cold.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This is your final nudge to join us in Communication Mastery—where we show you how to connect before you ever convince.

👉 Sign up solo or bring your whole team (we’ve got tables of 6 available):
https://www.bramlagrou.com/communication-mastery-class-only

🎯 Whether you’re in sales, marketing, or business leadership—this training gives you the tools to speak other people's language before they ever say “I’m just not sure.”

🚪 Enrollment’s closing soon. If you wait, you’ll miss it. And that means going bac...

At the end of this financial year, I want to share something personal with you.

We recently closed our Think BIG Coworking space after 2.5 years of operation. It wasn’t a profitable business for us—and yet, it was one of the most enriching chapters in recent years.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Even thoughtful planning and good intentions don’t always produce the outcomes we expect. Some businesses correct us over time—especially those we started from opportunity, not deep alignment.

Because the truth is: only ventures rooted in purpose and values have the resilience to go the distance.

But this so-called “unsuccessful” venture gave us so much:

• I found two business partners I now work with in beautiful synergy.

• My wife landed a great job—thanks to someone who visited our space.

• We created a vibrant community through our events.

• We were reminded to keep the main thing the main thing.

Another lesson? Investing in people and marketing matters more than investi...

Welcome back to the Energize With Bram podcast—a sanctuary for entrepreneurs who aspire to create meaningful change and have ambitious goals.

Today, we're thrilled to feature Dr. John Demartini, an iconic figure known from "The Secret," and a legend who has inspired billions through his profound insights and global teachings.

From Personal Development to Global Influence Dr. Demartini has crafted a remarkable life dedicated to learning and teaching. With more than 40 self-development books and manuscripts, and a lifetime tally of nearly 31,000 books read, Dr. Demartini is a powerhouse of knowledge. His passion for personal development is evident as he speaks about his continuous engagement with personal development programs like the Breakthrough Experience, Mastering Your Perceptions, and more.

Understanding Values and Living Authentically A significant part of Dr. Demartini's philosophy is the ‘Values Determination Process’, which he developed to understand what intrinsically dr...