Alex Frew is no stranger to the rollercoaster of business ownership. In this episode of Go Beyond Busy, Christine Abela speaks with Alex about the realities of building, scaling, and leading multiple businesses in different countries, including the lessons learned when things didn’t go to plan.
Alex opens up about the tough stuff: navigating co-founder dynamics, dealing with legal challenges, and learning the difference between working in the business and building a company that can grow without constant firefighting. He also shares what most leadership advice gets wrong, how to get more out of your team, and why clarity and accountability matter more than you think.
You’ll hear why Alex believes business is 90% people, how he used a whiteboard to fix a fractured partnership, and what founders need to stop doing if they want to scale sustainably.
Whether you're running a team of five or fifty, or thinking about taking your next step in business, this episode is packed with grounded, practical advice. No fluff – just real talk from someone who’s been through the trenches and come out the other side a little wiser.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
What Alex learned from building businesses in Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand
How to set clear expectations with partners and team members
The surprising cause of most team breakdowns and how to fix it
What makes a business founder-ready (and how to step back without things falling over)
Why systems, structure and communication are at the heart of healthy growth
How Alex re-centres himself when business life gets messy
If you're a business owner, founder, or leader who wants more time, better systems, and a business that runs without you having to do everything yourself – this one's for you.
To see more episodes or register as a guest, visit GoBeyondBusy.com
Want to talk about how to improve your own business? You may be eligible for a complimentary Strategy Session with Christine. Check the link on the website to apply.
To connect with Alex, go to https://FireYourDigitalAgency.com.au
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Go Beyond Busy
00:27 Meet Alex Frew from 3P Digital
01:31 Lessons Learned: Legal Challenges
03:23 Money Matters: Insights and Reflections
05:43 Hiring and Delegation Pitfalls
07:59 Understanding People in Business
09:22 About 3P Digital
10:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
10:59 The Mystery Noise Revealed
https://christine.oxygen8.co.nz/go-beyond-busy/season-2/alex-frew/
