Vantage Performance Podcast

The backdrop to the 2024 Federal Budget is one of persistent high inflation and subsequent cost-of-living pressures around the country. How did Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, score Treasurer Jim Chalmers this year? Well, with one eye on an early election, the government did just enough to “appear” to be helping households and businesses. Michael discusses the economy as a whole, particularly the influence of immigration levels, and the recent increase in company collapses and job losses. Tighten your belts for a rough year or so ahead. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a business is facing distress, it’s worth considering bringing in a Chief Restructuring Officer (CFO). They’re often best equipped to develop a robust turnaround plan, negotiate with suppliers and financiers, and manage the execution of the plan, according to Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance. The decision to bring in a CRO, he says, is made by the company often based on recommendations from key stakeholders. The skills of a CRO can be financial or operational, depending on the specific needs of the business. They interact with stakeholders such as creditors, shareholders, and employees to gain buy-in and support for the turnaround. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The many thousands of Australian businesses which fall over the cliff each year impacts the economy by billions of dollars. The social consequences are also severe, including bankruptcies, stress, layoffs, unemployment, and even suicides. To avoid collapse, Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says businesses should regularly assess their financials, identify critical KPIs, and confront the brutal facts. It is important, he insists, for directors to seek outside help and for stakeholders to nudge them towards seeking assistance. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How well prepared is your business to withstand any kind of shock? In this episode Michael Fingland introduces ‘productive paranoia’, a concept made famous from business author Jim Collins. Productive paranoia is the trait of being constantly alert to potential disruptions and challenges that could impact a business. Michael explains the process of brainstorming initiatives and creating a plan to combat potential changes. Productive paranoia can be used as both a defensive and offensive tool to protect and strengthen a business. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working capital, also known as cash flow, is the lifeblood of every business, yet many businesses fail to understand and track it. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says as a business grows, the amount of working capital increases. He explains the need to calculate working capital days; for example, capturing the period from purchasing raw materials to receiving cash for sold goods. Tracking and improving debtor days, stock turnover, and creditor days can unlock cash and subsequently help improve cash flow. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased stress levels are impacting businesses, and leaders need to be aware of the personal stressors that employees may be facing. That’s according to Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, who says implementing stress management techniques in the office, such as yoga classes and team outings, can help alleviate stress and improve staff morale. Checking in with employees and demonstrating care is essential for understanding their well-being and addressing any issues they may be facing. Leaders should prioritise self-care practices, such as exercise and breathwork, to maintain their own well-being and set an example for their team. The year ahead is predicted to be challenging, with potential economic and political uncertainties, making it even more important to focus on mental health and productivity initiatives. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail sales have plummeted, indicating a challenging economic climate for businesses, says Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance. Working capital management is crucial during tough times, with a focus on debtors, inventory, and creditor management. AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and provide a competitive edge for businesses, and so it’s important to stay updated on AI applications and consider setting up an internal AI team. Strategic planning at the start of the year, he says, is essential to identify critical issues and develop initiatives to address them. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new way of farming is taking the world by storm. Regenerative Agriculture is aimed at improving the level of organic matter and carbon in the soil. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says it includes a series of five core principles: minimise soil disturbance, keep soil covered, maintain living roots in the soil, maximise plant diversity, and reintroduce livestock. Not only is Regen Ag better for the land and healthier for consumers, farmers are making more money than conventional farming.  Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers across Australia – as well as other parts of the world – are facing a multitude of challenges, including a glut of supply, a surge of productions costs, financing and debt issues, inflation, and weather events. Cashflow is being hit hard, and many will still be facing headwinds for another 12 months or so, says Michael Fingland of Vantage Performance. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia in many ways hasn’t recovered since the days of COVID. Productivity for instance has continued to suffer and is affecting businesses across the country. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says artificial intelligence is a productivity game-changer. He explains why you need to understand and embrace AI or risk being left behind. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the economy struggles, so too are many businesses across the country. Prices are going through the roof and it’s tougher to access funding. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says if you’re looking for a loan you need to stand out from the crowd. To do that, you need to develop and strategic plan and show the bank that you understand your cashflow and balance sheet. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vantage Performance’s own research has shown that the vast majority of company directors still don’t know about the Safe Harbour regime. Michael Fingland tells Phil Dobbie he is disappointed in the findings, particularly during a pandemic when many businesses are struggling to survive. In this edition of the Vantage Performance podcast he explains why struggling businesses need to have a robust Safe Habour plan, and the key elements that plan includes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID crisis has tested the staying power of many business leaders. In today’s Vantage Performance Podcast Michael Fingland takes Phil Dobbie through the traits of resilient leaders, who can consistently deliver results, carrying their team with them. Listen in to pick up tips about what makes great leaders deal with a crisis, from how they communicate, through to looking after the welfare of their teams. Plus, what’s the latest must-have in the Fingland household!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID19 is likely to result in a 1 in 100 year recession – so what does that mean for your business? In this edition of the Vantage Performance podcast Michael Fingland goes through the seven principles that will help your business to survive and come out stronger than before. The seven principles discussed are:1. A 100 day stabilisation plan2. One or two big changes in strategy3. Stakeholder management and communication4. What is your why?5. Pay down debt6. Strong financial management7. Maintain a focus on marketing and R&DYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses should be seeing the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity. It’s a time to refocus, says Vantage Performance’s Michael Fingland. In this podcast he tells Phil Dobbie that now is the time to think of the one or two big changes to your strategy that will make your company more resilient and ready to grow as the economy picks up. It means you will have a stronger company. But you also don’t have much choice – banks and investors will be picking winners as the impact of the virus hits home. Funding will be available for realistic business turnarounds, not for bailouts that might simply extend the demise of a business that’s on its way down.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, the Australia economy faces the same challenges as a business struggling to survive. Michael Fingland tells Phil Dobbie that we need to treat the country in the same way as we would a business, with a turnaround strategy that will rebuild a vibrant economy. The opportunity is to return to a new normal that is more prosperous and resilient than life before the virus. In this podcast he outlines the three elements of a turnaround plan and says we should be kick starting a 100 days of planning, to determine a policy with bipartisan support, backed by politicians, businesses, and the broader community. Can we build a stronger Australia following the principles we’d apply to a business turnaround?YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 6th April 2020In these uncertain times it is vital that managers keep their stress levels under control, for two reasons. First, it’ll stop you getting sick. Secondly, your staff will be looking to you to show that you have the situation under control, so they can manage their stress levels. In this podcast Vantage Performance’s Michael Fingland talks Phil Dobbie through his simple three-point plan. And explains the daily routine he follows to keep stress under control.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many businesses are facing a severe reduction in revenue, without the cashflow and working capital to see through what could be several months of shutdown. In this, the first of several special Vantage Performance podcasts, Michael Fingland urges business owners not to give-up, because there are options to ‘put on ice’ various expenses and other aspects of your operations, including delaying rent and tax payments. Today he talks through the steps you can make to bounce back quickly once this difficult period is over.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses often fail because they lose their way. The original vision gets lost as the company grows over time, or perhaps its less relevant today and hasn’t been subject to regular review. In this edition of The Vantage Performance Podcast Michael Fingland tells Phil Dobbie the number one question his company uses to direct the business. From that spring a series of other questions that are constantly asked by all staff to ensure the team stays on track. Listen in to the questions they ask and how to develop the same approach in your business.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, Vantage Performance has developed a set of questions they always ask themselves at the start of a new Turnaround Project. Vantage Performance CEO Michael Fingland talks Phil Dobbie through all seven, explaining their importance in determining how to proceed:1. What are the 1-2 big changes needed?2. Can we stabilise cash flow for at least 100 days?3. How many key issues are inside versus outside of their control?4. Are there any management gaps?5. Are management up to the challenge energy wise?6. Have we got the right people in the management team for a turnaround phase?7. Where are they on the 5 stages of decline?Listen to Michael explain the context of each of these questions in this edition of the Vantage Performance Podcast.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFinglandLinkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.