The Business Game
The Business Game
The Business Game is not another highlight reel of overnight success. It is a structured, honest breakdown of what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a business at every level.
We built The Business Game around a simple truth: business changes as revenue changes. The problems at $500K are not the problems at $5M. The mindset at $5M is not the mindset at $50M. That is why every conversation is grounded in our 10-Level framework, from Level 1 Startup and Survival through to Level 10 Legacy and Exit.
If you are:
• Trying to get your first consistent revenue
• Building your first real team
• Breaking through the messy middle
• Scaling toward eight or nine figures
• Or preparing for exit
There is an episode that meets you where you are.
Hosted by Steve Plummer and Kalena Stano, who speak to founders operating at every stage of the game. No gatekeeping. No hype. No recycled advice. Just real numbers, real mistakes, real strategy, and real decisions that moved the needle.
Each week, we publish two episodes every Monday and Thursday at 6pm AEST, featuring global founders, operators, and investors who break down what actually works at their level and what does not.
The Business Game exists to give you clarity. To help you identify your current level. To show you the moves required to reach the next one.
Because scaling is not random. It is a game. And every level has different rules.
Find your level. Play it properly. Then level up.
Watch video episodes on YouTube and explore more at thebusinessgamegroup.com
The Business Game
Sales Psychologist: Why Sales Get Harder When You Need Them Most
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
LEVEL 1: Owner Operator
What actually happens inside a business when cash flow gets tight?
In this episode, Ian Stephens breaks down the real reason sales feel harder, decisions get rushed, and performance drops when pressure rises.
With over 30 years of experience across 29 countries, Ian shares lessons from building his business from the ground up, navigating difficult periods, and creating a model designed for long-term sustainability.
This conversation covers mindset, behaviour, systems, and the hidden patterns that show up when revenue slows down.
This episode covers:
- Why sales feel harder when you need them most
- How pressure shifts your behaviour (and costs you deals)
- The link between mindset, cash flow and performance
- Why systems matter more than motivation
- The mistake most business owners make under pressure
- How to stay effective when everything feels urgent
- The shift from operator → scalable business model
- What’s coming next with AI and customer expectations
If you’re building a business and feeling that pressure – this episode will help you understand what’s happening and how to respond.
Thank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business.
Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap.
For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework?
Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.com
It's time to Level Up!
We’ll see you at the next level.
