Podcasts have become an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration for small business owners, offering insights into technology, leadership, startups, people management, and more. For those managing small businesses or leading tech initiatives, staying up to date on industry trends and best practices is crucial. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a CIO, a CTO, or a small business leader looking to refine your skills, here are some must-listen podcasts from our IT managed services provider in Melbourne that provide valuable content to help you grow your business and stay ahead in the game.
Why Listen?
Tim Ferriss, an angel investor and bestselling author, explores the tools, tactics, and routines of world-class performers across a variety of industries, including technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Each episode dives deep into strategies that can help small business owners boost productivity, enhance decision-making, and implement innovative growth tactics.
Key Topics Covered:
- Productivity and time management
- Startup growth strategies
- Personal development and leadership
- Tech industry trends
Recommended Episode:
“How to Make Your Ideas Irresistible” with Adam Grant, where Ferriss discusses methods for making ideas more appealing and practical tips for small business owners looking to inspire their teams.
Why Listen?
This podcast shares inspiring stories behind the people who created some of the world’s best-known companies, delving into the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurs. It’s an excellent resource for learning about startup culture and overcoming obstacles in business.
Key Topics Covered:
- Startup journeys and scaling businesses
- Overcoming business challenges
- Lessons from successful entrepreneurs
- Innovation and creativity in business
Recommended Episode:
“Slack: Stewart Butterfield” gives insights into the story of Slack’s development and growth, sharing strategies that can apply to small businesses looking to leverage technology for internal communication.
Why Listen?
“Women Who Code Radio” is the official podcast of the Women Who Code organisation, which aims to empower women in technology careers. It covers everything from coding and software development to leadership tips for female tech executives. The episodes include interviews with accomplished women in technology, offering insights into how they navigate challenges and lead teams.
Key Topics Covered:
- Technical skills and software development
- Career development for women in tech
- Leadership advice for female CIOs and CTOs
- Breaking into the tech industry
Recommended Episode:
“Leading Through Change” explores how female tech leaders can effectively manage teams during times of rapid change and uncertainty, offering practical advice for small business CIOs and CTOs.
Why Listen?
Hosted by entrepreneur and author Karen Finerman, “The Female Founders Podcast” features candid conversations with women who have built successful startups across various industries. The show dives into the experiences of female founders, discussing challenges like securing funding, scaling businesses, and leading companies in competitive markets. It’s a great listen for female entrepreneurs and leaders looking to grow their businesses.
Key Topics Covered:
- Startup strategies for women entrepreneurs
- Securing funding and investment
- Scaling and growing a business
- Overcoming obstacles as a female founder
Recommended Episode:
“Securing Venture Capital as a Woman Founder” provides valuable insights into the challenges women face in the funding landscape and offers practical tips for navigating the venture capital world.
Why Listen?
As cloud computing becomes a mainstay for small businesses looking to scale, “The Cloudcast” is perfect for understanding cloud technology’s evolving landscape. Hosted by Aaron Delp and Brian Gracely, the podcast covers topics such as cloud services, infrastructure, data management, and DevOps, making it ideal for small business CIOs and CTOs.
Key Topics Covered:
- Cloud computing trends and technologies
- DevOps and software development
- Cybersecurity considerations for small businesses
- Data management and analytics
Recommended Episode:
“Understanding the Role of AI in the Cloud” – a conversation about how artificial intelligence is transforming cloud services and how small businesses can harness AI to drive innovation.
Why Listen?
Hosted by organisational psychologist Adam Grant, this podcast examines the science behind making work not only more productive but also more enjoyable. It’s great for small business owners looking to improve workplace culture, people management, and team dynamics.
Key Topics Covered:
- People management and team motivation
- Leadership techniques
- Workplace culture and employee engagement
- Balancing productivity with well-being
Recommended Episode:
“Burnout Is Everyone’s Problem” discusses the causes and consequences of burnout in the workplace, offering practical advice on how small businesses can prevent it and foster a healthier work environment.
Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman
Why Listen?
“Masters of Scale,” hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, explores the strategies used by startup founders to grow their companies into industry giants. The podcast emphasises how small businesses can scale smartly and sustainably, leveraging technology and leadership skills to achieve rapid growth.
Key Topics Covered:
- Strategies for scaling businesses
- Startup culture and innovation
- Investment and growth management
- Leadership advice from industry pioneers
Recommended Episode:
“Let Fires Burn: The Leadership Framework” features lessons from leaders on when to solve problems immediately and when to let them develop further. This can be especially useful for small business owners balancing competing priorities.
Why Listen?
Customer experience is a critical area for small business growth. Hosted by Steve Walker, “The CX Leader Podcast” explores trends, insights, and tips for improving customer experience, making it ideal for small business owners aiming to build strong relationships with their customers.
Key Topics Covered:
- Customer experience and satisfaction
- Strategies for enhancing customer service
- Building customer loyalty
- Integrating technology for better customer experiences
Recommended Episode:
“Leveraging Technology to Enhance the Customer Journey” delves into the ways small businesses can use tech to create seamless, personalised experiences for their customers.
Why Listen?
Produced by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), this podcast covers tech trends, business strategies, and the future of startups. It’s a valuable resource for small business owners who want to stay on top of the latest developments in technology and understand how they can be applied to their businesses.
Key Topics Covered:
- Tech innovation and future trends
- The role of CIOs and CTOs in business growth
- Funding and venture capital insights
- Startup culture and scaling strategies
Recommended Episode:
“The New Software Stack for Small Businesses” – an episode that discusses how small businesses can make better use of emerging software tools to improve operations and customer service.
Why Listen?
Harvard Business Review’s “HBR IdeaCast” offers weekly insights from industry leaders and thinkers on topics ranging from business strategy to organisational behaviour. This podcast is ideal for small business owners who want to implement research-backed management practices and stay updated on evolving business theories.
Key Topics Covered:
- Business strategy and management practices
- People management and leadership
- Technology’s impact on business
- Economic and market trends
Recommended Episode:
“How to Lead Through Times of Crisis” provides tips and strategies on managing businesses during challenging periods, offering practical advice for small business leaders navigating uncertainty.
Why Listen?
Tony Robbins is renowned for his motivational speaking and business strategies. His podcast covers a variety of topics, including personal finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship, making it beneficial for small business owners who need both motivation and practical advice to thrive.
Key Topics Covered:
- Leadership and motivation
- Business growth strategies
- Personal development for business leaders
- Financial planning and investment
Recommended Episode:
“The Keys to Thriving in Uncertain Times” – an episode that offers strategies for small business owners to adapt, innovate, and remain resilient in the face of change.
Why Listen?
For small business owners who also play a CIO role or oversee IT departments, “The CIO Podcast” provides practical advice on navigating the world of information technology. This podcast covers everything from cybersecurity to IT management strategies, helping leaders align technology with business goals.
Key Topics Covered:
- IT management and strategies for small businesses
- Cybersecurity tips and best practices
- The evolving role of the CIO
- Implementing digital transformation
Recommended Episode:
“Driving Business Value Through IT” focuses on how small businesses can leverage IT investments to achieve better outcomes and support business objectives.
For small business owners, podcasts can be a great way to stay informed and gain new insights into various aspects of running a business. The podcasts listed above cover a range of topics, including technology trends, startup strategies, people management, and leadership skills. By incorporating these podcasts into your weekly routine, you can continuously learn and stay updated on best practices, helping your small business adapt and grow in an ever-changing landscape.
Partner with Otto IT to Grow Your Business!
Running a small business comes with plenty of challenges—but IT doesn’t have to be one of them. Otto IT takes care of all your technology needs, from managed IT services and security solutions to cloud hosting and business intelligence. With our expert support, you can focus on what matters most: growing your business and delighting customers. Whether you need flexibility, cost savings, or reliable tech support, we’ve got you covered. Let us handle the IT, while you do what you do best—building your business.
Jordan is the Chief Commercial Officer at Otto. Jordan is here to help clients remove roadblocks and achieve the business goals they’ve set out. Jordan’s biggest focus is Customer Experience, Business Relationship Management, Risk Management and Strategy.
