Inspiring Success: Balanced Beans Guest Speakers at Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards

From BAS to Business Awards - Why we Love what we do

Brodie and Karen were honoured to be invited to speak at the 30th Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards. Held on 30 May 2025, the awards recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of businesses across our vibrant Hunter Valley region.

As small business owners leading a professional services firm that has supported others through the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, we understand the highs and lows of the business journey.

We don’t think of ourselves as your average bean counters. We’ve built a business with heart and were super excited to dive into our business journey, share some of the insights we’ve picked up along the way, and unpack what success looks like to us beyond the spreadsheets.

Because we believe business isn’t just about growth; it’s about meaning.

Our Story, Our Lessons: What Success Looks like Behind the Scenes for Us

When we launched Balanced Beans in 2020, we were lucky to receive guidance from the Hunter Region Business Hub.

Simple advice, like signing up to local business chambers helped grow our network and built our digital presence which opened doors we never expected. That support was foundational—and fast forward five years, we’re proud to be back lending our support again as sponsors of the very awards that have helped and also celebrated us.

We wanted to share three big lessons from our journey in our keynote—not just as business owners or 2024 award winners, but as people navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Define Success on your own Terms

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It looks different for everyone, and can change day to day. We've learned that true success isn’t about outshining others—it’s about aligning with what matters to you. Define it on your own terms, and let that be your goal - don’t let someone else’s definition diminish your own. Celebrate what matters to you.
Collaboration and Teamwork Drive Success

We’ve learned we’re stronger together. Success is driven by collaboration. Whether it’s a mentor, partner, or even your barista who remembers your double shot latte - the support around you can give you the confidence to keep moving forward.
Build your Business around your Values

Define your values and use these as a guide for building a business that reflects who you are, not just as professionals, but as people. Our core values - respect, recognition, concern for others, and a fun workplace - are at the heart of everything we do. They are the foundation for how we treat people, how we show up, what we look for in team members, and what we want our business to be known for.
Find your People and Treat them like Family

We believe business is more than just business. It's personal - built on genuine relationships and rooted in connection: with each other, our team, clients, community and even our competitors. Our journey has shown that success isn’t built in isolation; it’s built on relationships. Valuing your people and growing your support network can make all the difference.
Be Vulnerable because Growth begins with being Real

Business ownership is challenging. Entrepreneurship can take an emotional toll but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. Be vulnerable - growth happens with being real and real relationships are formed by being yourself and allowing others to do the same. This creates real connection. You'll have ups and downs, but cherish the joy of building something meaningful and support others to do the same.

Our message to every finalist at the gala – and business owners generally – was whether you win or not, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. And remember, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about doing work that matters, with people who matter, in a way that feels true to you.

We were also thrilled to present the Best New Start Business award to Elements Morpeth – a day spa in the historic Hunter Valley hamlet of Morpeth. Sponsoring this category is especially meaningful to us, as it resonates deeply with our mission to support and guide new businesses.

Balanced Beans extends our heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists and winners across the many award categories. Congratulations also to the dedicated team members, families and the supportive communities behind every small business—because it truly takes a village to turn a vision into success.