Billion Dollar Boss
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career. Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
Episodes
10 hours ago
10 hours ago
36 min
In this episode of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast, Melissa Gielnik sits down with entrepreneur, property strategist and Lux VIP Events founder Stevie Mac to explore the power of the right connections, building wealth through property and creating opportunities that can change the trajectory of your business and life.
With more than 20 years in the property industry, over $1 billion in property transactions and a premium networking community bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs and investors, Stevie shares the lessons behind his journey, from car sales to property development and building multiple businesses.
He reveals his approach to intentional networking, the importance of creating exceptional client experiences, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can open doors you never knew existed.
Whether you're growing a business, building your property portfolio or looking to take your next step, this conversation is a reminder that success isn't just about what you know, but who you connect with and the value you bring to others.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Stevie's journey from car sales to property, wealth creation and entrepreneurship.
The power of the right room and how to network with intention.
Three people you should aim to meet at every networking event.
Building long-term client relationships through experience, value and follow-up.
Why cash flow-positive property and long-term investing matter.
The lessons Stevie would give his younger self about money, mentors and travel.
Personal growth, resilience and embracing your next chapter.
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop weekly.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Stevie Mac: https://www.instagram.com/mrstevie.mac/
Follow The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers:https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Oct 22, 2026
Oct 22, 2026
59 min
What does it really take to build a successful business while navigating some of life’s hardest moments? In this episode of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast, Melissa Gielnik sits down with Alex Fevola, founder and CEO of Australian beauty brand Runway Room, to unpack her journey from makeup artist and photographer to building a recognised beauty brand from the ground up. Alex opens up about the experiences that shaped her, from profound personal loss and motherhood to finding happiness again, building independence and creating a business driven by passion, perseverance and a loyal community.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Building Runway Room from the ground up and turning a creative passion into a successful beauty business.
Why understanding your industry, knowing your products and building a loyal customer base matter more than overnight success.
Navigating grief, motherhood and life's unexpected challenges while developing resilience and a new sense of purpose.
The importance of mindset, finding your silver lining and continuing to evolve through every stage of life.
Balancing business ambition with family, and creating a legacy that extends beyond the business itself.
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop weekly.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Alex Fevola https://www.instagram.com/alexfevolamakeup/
Follow Runway Room https://www.instagram.com/runwayroom/
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers: https://www.smartlending.com.au/
Oct 15, 2026
Oct 15, 2026
49 min
Sophie Cachia has built a career by turning authenticity into influence, community and business. From starting The Young Mummy before influencer marketing was an industry, to co-founding Cachia, launching Girls Girls Girls and opening her first bricks and mortar store, Sophie joins Melissa Gielnik to unpack what it really takes to build a brand people trust. They talk about business partnerships, motherhood, success, social media, knowing when not to chase the hype, and the importance of choosing your reaction to whatever life throws at you.
In this episode:• Building a personal brand through honesty and authenticity• Growing a business without getting caught up in the hype• The reality of entrepreneurship, motherhood and success• Why choosing your reaction can change everything
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop every Thursday.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED:Follow Sophie Cachia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiecachia_/
Shop CACHIA: https://cachia.shop/?srsltid=AU7gw4X71rkEU1sehzqFrZZXdJsnVFDaKXAXmiwNEiZSrWcqx2b5YKb7
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here: https://smart-lending.com.au/
Follow Sophie Shaw @sophiecachia
Oct 8, 2026
Oct 8, 2026
51 min
Welcome back to The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast. In this episode, Melissa Gielnik sits down with award-winning entrepreneur and Flint CEO Christian Stevens to unpack the journey behind one of Australia’s fastest-growing mortgage brokerages.
From spending a decade in nightclub promotions and hospitality to being fired early in his broking career, Christian shares the setbacks, mindset shifts and bold decisions that ultimately led him to building a billion-dollar business. He opens up about the power of personal branding, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, learning from failure and why success is never as straightforward as it looks from the outside.
In this episode:
How getting fired became a major turning point in Christian’s career
Why he believes personal branding and social media are essential for modern brokers
The lessons he learned from business partnerships that didn’t work out
How discipline, peer-to-peer learning and the right environment changed his trajectory
His vision for Flint and the future of the mortgage industry
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop weekly.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Follow Christian Stevens https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/
Sep 24, 2026
Sep 24, 2026
46 min
In this episode, Melissa Gielnik sits down with Benny to unpack the mindset behind his journey, the importance of community, learning to work with your strengths, building structure as a creative, and knowing when it’s time to move into your next chapter. Benny also shares the personal experience that shaped his “why” and his vision for creating an environment where the next generation of artists can grow, connect and build sustainable careers.
In this episode, Benny and Melissa explore:
Starting a business and creating opportunities from a young age
The power of community, mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people
How routines, health and structure transformed Benny’s mindset and creativity
Building Futuration and creating a pathway for emerging artists
Why sometimes you simply need to start before you have the perfect plan
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop every Thursday.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Follow Benny Greggs https://www.instagram.com/bennygregs/
Sep 17, 2026
Sep 17, 2026
21 min
In this Episode 3, Season 1 of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast, Melissa and Kirra dive into what it really takes to build confidence and why confidence isn't necessarily something you're born with. From self-talk and the people you surround yourself with to gratitude, breathing, journaling and simply putting yourself out there, this episode explores the small habits that can change the way you see yourself and your potential.
Melissa gets candid about her own moments of doubt, the pressure of putting yourself out there, learning to reset your energy and why even successful people have days where they question themselves.
In this episode:
Why confidence can be built through your habits and environment
The power of self-talk, gratitude and what you consume on social media
How breathing and reflection can help you reset when you're overwhelmed
Why saying yes, meeting new people and putting yourself out there can build confidence
How to learn from the people who inspire you and become the next version of yourself
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop weekly.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
WHERE TO LISTEN:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3EmsXMfD0KZgHT7Q09wMoA
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/billion-dollar-boss/id6806898350
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Sep 10, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
21 min
Success rarely happens overnight. In Episode 2, Season 2 of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast, Melissa Gielnik goes behind the scenes of what it really takes to build a successful and sustainable brand. From the years of work people don’t see, to hiring the right people, creating a strong culture and knowing when to let go of the wrong ones, Melissa shares the lessons that have shaped her journey in business.
This episode explores the realities of building a business that lasts, including why speed to execution matters, why your team can make or break your business, how to create a culture people want to be part of, and why staying authentic to yourself should always be at the centre of your decisions.
In this episode:
Why successful businesses are built over time, not overnight
The importance of hiring for attitude, not just skill
How to build a team that is empowered, loyal and invested
Why culture starts with knowing what drives your people
The biggest lesson Melissa learned from hiring the wrong people
Staying focused on your own path, knowing your “why” and avoiding distractions
Why authenticity and doing the right thing for your clients matters
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop weekly.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Sep 3, 2026
Sep 3, 2026
31 min
Welcome to Episode 1, Season 1 of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast. In the very first episode, Melissa Gielnik sits down with Kirra Ligudzinski to introduce the women behind the podcast and share the real story behind more than 25 years in business. From growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, starting her own mortgage broking business from her mum’s office, to building Smart Lending, navigating divorce, scaling a team, trying different business ventures and learning from the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Melissa opens up about the lessons that have shaped her approach to business and life, why you need to just start, why success is about being able to keep going when things get touch, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why the small 1% changes you make every day can ultimately create the biggest results.
In this episode:
Melissa’s journey from starting out as a sole operator to building a successful business
Why “just start” is one of her biggest lessons for entrepreneurs
The reality behind the success you see on social media
Why failure, setbacks and difficult seasons can become your greatest lessons
Building a business while keeping family, relationships and personal development at the core
New episodes of The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast drop weekly.
ABOUT THE BILLION DOLLAR BOSS PODCAST:
The Billion Dollar Boss Podcast is a space for honest conversations about business, ambition, mindset, personal growth and what it really takes to build a successful life and career.
Hosted by Melissa Gielnik, the podcast brings real stories, lessons and conversations designed to inspire you to think bigger, back yourself and take the next step.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Billion Dollar Boss Podcast on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billiondollarbosspodcast/
Follow Melissa Gielnik on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/
Follow Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/
Find out more about Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers here https://www.instagram.com/smartlendingmortgagebrokers/