Meet the MBT team

First and foremost, my purpose has always been to help others, whether they be children in a classroom, members of my team or other business owners. I love the relationships that are built over time when chairing and seeing the growth in each business. I’ve seen members at rock bottom being picked up, dusted off and set on the right path in board meetings. The real power is in the collective. A group of people sharing their experiences for the benefit of others and holding each other accountable.

It’s simple. If you’re serious, try it out for yourself, by joining an introductory board day where you’ll meet others like you, share your story and work on ‘live’ issues. After that, the choice is yours.

Being a business owner can be lonely. The journey is easier when following a path well-trodden. Learn from others and build a better business together.

Ryan Sharpley is an experienced Professional EOS® Implementer and entrepreneur. He firmly believes that businesses can be used as a vehicle for good, always striving to create solutions with an impact-focused purpose.

Having acquired more than two decades of insight into senior operations and growth strategies, Ryan has developed the ability to turn visions into realities and loves helping people achieve success within their businesses.

Ryan’s qualifications include an Executive MBA from RMIT University, Australia and a Master of Commerce from RMIT University, Australia. He also holds a Mastery of Business and Empathy from Small Giants Academy, Australia.

Throughout my business journey, I’m incredibly proud of my progress. One of the core aspects that I’ve continually strived to improve upon is consistently learning – whether through continuous reading and research or taking courses to gain expert-level knowledge.

In addition, I’m pleased to be able to work alongside people who share similar values and goals as me. It allows our collaboration efforts to be more aligned and results in a much smoother workflow.

Finally, my flexibility and ability to adapt have been invaluable. My approach towards problem-solving means adjusting strategies at ease when needed or considering alternative solutions whenever possible. Turning contingencies into opportunities have been another critical success for me professionally.

Being the chair of an advisory board allows me to bring together talented individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives. This opens up a wealth of opportunities for collective learning and development, resulting in informed decision-making that is tailored for success. Another reason for wanting to become an advisor is to mentor those who are passionate about their craft and willing to put in the effort to succeed. Lastly, I see it as a way to give back to others, by providing valuable guidance and advice on navigating different business challenges.

As a chair, I aim to provide leadership and strategic guidance to the advisory board. This involves leading discussions, facilitating collaboration between members, and encouraging innovative solutions. I’m also responsible for helping to set clear goals and objectives that will ensure everyone works together towards a common goal. I also strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where diverse opinions are respected and heard.

Joining an advisory board can be a great way to connect with people who understand the unique challenges of running a business.

I would have to say the continued successful balance of professional and personal life throughout my career. Other highlights professionally have been:

• The growth of Core Architecture from 6 people and one office in 2001, to 60 people and 4 offices in 2010, with immense profitability growth from break-even upwards over that time. As Managing Director my Business Development focus, strategic planning and corporate growth execution approach was the basis for our continued success, also personally securing 90-95% of our revenue for the 2009/10 financial year.
• As a National and State Non-Executive Director for YWCA for 8 years, and Chair of the Property Assets Committee for YWCA Qld for 7, we achieved a greatly improved asset position in Queensland, reducing risk through detailed and active input. Over my first year in this role, I was responsible for improving the property asset position by at least $3M, with the sale of one building, purchase of another and the upgraded asset value of a Toowoomba owned property, as well as its reduced occupational risk and WHS liability to the Directors and Executives.

I am at a point in my career whereby my significant first-hand skills and experience are well-utilised for more specific corporate support and mentoring demands than single architecture companies or NED Board roles can provide. I have also engaged closely with mentors, chairs, corporate boards and advisory boards myself. I have significantly benefitted from these experiences, particularly where able to share challenges and successes with colleagues who have had real-world experience as Managing Directors and their openness to listening and learning is similar to mine.

Facilitation, guidance and support.

Bring your ears, do your homework, support others (including their communication technique), and be open to the group with your own challenges and their feedback. Keep in mind that running your specific business in your own sector is less different than the same.

Simon Sinek suggests we should Start with Why. My Why is I genuinely enjoy helping people and businesses set and achieve their goals and this is what I’m most proud of.

My personal driving principles align with those of myBusinessTeam – we Focus on Members, Growth, Action and Accountability.

The best analogy I can think of as to how the advisory board works is when I was training for my first triathlon many years ago, having only recently learned to swim. A friend I was working with, invited me to train with him in a group a couple of times a week. We would push, support and laugh together, but we always held each other to account, and all entered and finished the triathlon. The advisory board gives members that focus and accountability on the equivalent of dark, rainy cold mornings when the bed is warm.

My role as a chair is to listen and encourage. I am blown away with the shared honesty and support the board members give each other, the most important thing is for them and their businesses to grow to their full potential.

The most important thing is a focus on the members, for them to grow their businesses, being supported to take the right actions, and being held to account by the group.