The #1 AWARD WINNER of BEST ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS book at the Australian Business Book Awards
Discover the strategies and secrets behind a billion-dollar Australian success story
In How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business, former Swisse CEO Radek Sali unpacks how his unique approach to product, people, and branding took Swisse Wellness from an Australian favourite to a blockbuster brand that sold for $2.1 billion. At the heart of How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business is Radek’s passion for finding purpose in work. This book shares inspiring real-world strategies, stories, and insights on how to build a business that makes an astounding profit - but more than that, how to build a business that also does good.
A successful business is not just about profit: it’s about culture. Inside, you’ll learn how to develop a business plan, foster loyalty and innovation in your team, build a thriving workplace culture rooted in values, and attract and retain customers who believe in your product and your mission.
- Build a culture of trust, openness, and respect - in your organisation as well as with your customer.
- Get timely and valuable insights on what it means to build a flexible business and a sustainable, responsible brand.
- Learn how to drive growth and sales reach by connecting with customers and driving an aspirational product or service.
- Build a business that makes a real social or environmental difference in your community, one that gives back and supports growth and wellness for all.
From his early career days to his success as a serial entrepreneur and ethical investor, Radek Sali shares a blueprint for discovering what drives you and making your business goals a reality. How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business is a handbook for business owners everywhere, showing you how to succeed in creating positive change in your business and in the world.
Table of Contents
About the authors vii
Introduction ix
Part I: Set Up 1
1. Born this way 3
2. Village life 15
3. The candy man 23
4. How to create a high-performance culture 29
5. Getting clear 37
Part II: Scale Up 45
6. The adventure begins 47
7. A ‘Learn, Grow, Improve’ opportunity 55
8. An impressive induction 63
9. The power of celebrity 75
10. Who’s Ricky? 83
11. The credit crunch no- one saw coming 91
12. The call from Coles 97
13. Get Sonia 105
14. Cracking the code 113
15. Game on 121
16. A total team effort 125
17. Running fast 133
18. Melbourne Cup madness 145
19. How to innovate 151
20. Culture and communication 159
21. Going international 169
22. The (bad) American Dream 177
23. Where’s our stock? 183
Part III: Sell Up 189
24. Exiting America 191
25. Circles of influence 197
26. The sale process begins 203
27. Back on the road 211
28. How and why we succeeded in China 223
29. Culture will prevail 229
30. A PR challenge 239
31. Losing patience … 245
32. For Sale! 249
Part IV: Next Up 257
33. It’s not over 259
34. Lighting up the world 265
35. The world’s greatest social entrepreneurs 281
Conclusion: Our own Light Warrior 285
Acknowledgements 287
