Hi I’m Jonathan
Let's get your business its mojo back
A Hands-On Leader for Growth and Turnarounds
For over 30 years, I have built, transformed and saved businesses.
Yours could be the next to benefit from my unique approach.
I don't simply consult, I embed myself in your team to drive transformation from within.
We will agree target outcomes, timeframes and performance metrics.
My strategy for your business will include a plan for funding my engagement.
I will put measures in place for my own succession and end with my own redundancy.
Read on to discover how and why this strategy wins hands down over anything you've seen before.
Unlocking The Value in Your Business
Sadly, many businesses today are struggling in difficult trading conditions.
Your business may be performing below your expectations, leading to frustration with stagnant growth, declining margins, or operational inefficiencies that are keeping it from reaching its true potential.
The business may even be facing acute financial distress, on a seemingly unshiftable trajectory towards an unthinkable collapse.
For both these scenarios, I offer a powerful, practical solution.
I embed myself as an interim CEO, COO, or GM and drive transformation from within.
I don’t simply consult, I take accountability for execution, preserving value, and unlocking potential.
My experienced, hands-on operational leadership can
Reignite growth in an underperforming business
Execute a full turnaround for a company in crisis
I work best with companies and business units in the 10-50 employee / $2M - $50M turnover bracket
Every Move Matters
I recognise that you’ve already done a lot right in order to get where you are. It’s most likely that you do not need the baby to be thrown out with the bathwater in order to find your mojo. Instead, my 'secret sauce' is to work on 1000 one percent improvements across culture, process, communication and execution that combined together will lead to significant gains. That’s not to say I will shy away from more radical change if it’s needed, or even uncover a 10%’er here or there. But there’s generally no silver bullet - the best path to transformational success is to make many small improvements every day across every function of the business.
I also bring the ability to deploy leading-edge technology—including automation, AI, and system integration—as potent tools for speeding up the transformation, regardless of the industry in which the business operates.
Worrying for your business may be keeping you up at night, but it’s not too late to take action
My Real Value
Executing 1000 One Percent Improvements
My approach provides value far beyond traditional turnaround consulting.
Leadership and execution, not a to-do list
I take the pressure off the owner / existing management team by taking charge of the operational turnaround.
Cost-saving automation
Where others see roadblocks, I see opportunities for automation and system integration. This allows me to unlock efficiencies and create value in ways that traditional operators cannot.
Accountability for the outcomes
My success is not a report; it's the company's improved performance on the P&L and balance sheet.
Real, measurable change
I don't just advise—I personally build the new processes, implement the new initiatives, and lead the team through the transition.
My secret sauce is my thoroughness and diligence
Whilst always applying a practical approach to priorities, there will be no stone unturned and no chance missed to improve. Nothing will be labelled ‘too hard’.
My Engagement
A Three-Phase Approach
Phase 1
Embedded Diagnostic & Stabilisation/Preparation (1-2 Months)
This initial phase is a deep, holistic immersion into your business. I embed myself within the organisation not to make immediate, sweeping changes, but to gain a true, ground-level understanding of the interlocking challenges it faces. My approach is considered and strategic. While operationally present, I will only suggest or execute changes during this phase if they are critically urgent for immediate survival. The primary objective is to observe and analyse the business as a complete system, identifying the root causes of sub-optimal performance rather than just treating the symptoms.
Phase 2
Leading the Transformation (6-24 Months)
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the business, I will present a practical, step-by-step plan of action that I will be accountable for delivering. This roadmap to profitability and growth will clearly outline how my ongoing role is funded through the efficiencies we will generate.
Depending on the specific circumstances, I can take direct operational responsibility for the transformation, or I can work hand-in-hand with the business owner / existing management team. A key component of both approaches is to focus everyone on their core strengths while I drive the necessary changes. As an interim CEO, COO or GM, I will personally:
Re-engineer core business processes, deploying intelligent automation and integrating systems to reduce manual effort, eliminate errors, and create significant operational leverage.
Analyse sales data, identify profitable customer segments, and optimise pricing and marketing efforts for a faster return to revenue growth.
Re-engage the team with common goals, set clear performance targets, and make the necessary staffing decisions to align the organisation for success.
Renegotiate with suppliers, creditors, and banks, backed by a data-driven strategic plan.
Instill a culture of accountability and financial discipline.
Phase 3
My Exit and Establishing the New 'Business As Usual' (BAU)
The goal of any successful transformation is to ultimately make my role redundant. This final phase is dedicated to ensuring the business does not drift back into old habits once I am gone. It is a deliberate and structured handover designed to lock in the gains we have made. Key activities include:
Formalising Key Processes: I will document and embed the new, efficient workflows into the company’s DNA, creating a clear operational playbook that anyone can follow.
Solidifying Roles and Responsibilities: I will work with the team to define clear roles, reporting lines, and performance metrics, ensuring everyone knows their part in the company's ongoing success.
Building the Permanent Team: Where required, I will lead the recruitment, hiring, and training of new permanent staff to fill any gaps and equip the entire team to carry the business forward.
Facilitating Leadership Transition: If the owner or existing management is also planning their exit, I will help manage that transition smoothly, preparing the team, systems, and the business itself for a new era of leadership.
A Resilient, Profitable, and Future-Proofed Business
book a chat
Engaging me provides you with a seasoned partner who will not only navigate the business out of its current malaise but will also modernise operations, leaving you with a stronger, more efficient, and tech-enabled business.
Case Studies and Initiatives
Proven Transformation Success: Case Studies in Execution
Theory and advice are easy to give; execution is what creates value. I have a proven history of embedding myself within distressed or under performing businesses and personally leading the charge back to stability and growth.
“ I brought Jonathan in to reinvigorate DreamWalk. To my surprise, rather than just advise from the sidelines, he implemented a mix of big and small changes that made all of the difference ” -Karl
Case Study 1
DreamWalk Apps – Breaking the Agency Death Spiral
—— Software Development Agency
The Challenge: The agency grew rapidly on the back of the pandemic tech boom but was slow to react to the market downturn and intense competition from offshore firms. This led to a classic "death spiral": under-quoting to win business, then overloading the delivery team to try and hit impossible budgets. When I was engaged, the company had suffered two straight years of heavy losses and had burned through all its working capital.
The Execution:
Phase 1 (Stabilisation): I immediately embedded myself to establish financial control. I implemented granular, real-time tracking of project profitability and team utilisation, ending the cycle of "blind" quoting. This provided the crucial data needed to make informed decisions and stop the financial bleeding.
Phase 2 (Growth): With the business stabilised, I led the strategic pivot to expand outreach beyond volatile startups and into more stable SME and Enterprise client markets. This involved personally leading new outreach campaigns and building a more robust sales pipeline.
Phase 3 (Sustainability & Founder Exit): To wrap up the turnaround, the founding Managing Director's long-desired exit was made into a reality. I recruited for a new, self-sufficient team structure with fresh part-time Account Manager, Financial Controller and Operations Manager roles, and instructed outsourced sales consultants to continue the established growth strategies.
The Outcome: The results were immediate, transformative and long term. After two years of losses, the company posted a profit in the next two financial years. It now has a renewed management structure in place and enough liquidity to explore new markets and invest in developing its own technology offerings.
“I was an investor in Pacific Wireless which faced insolvency before Jonathan took control. He reversed the company's fortunes, generating healthy returns for all shareholders ” -Calum
Case Study 2
Pacific Wireless – From Dot-Com Bust to a Decade of Profitability
—— Telecommunications Carrier
The Challenge: As one of Australia’s first licensed carriers post-deregulation, the company secured seed funding for aggressive growth. The subsequent dot-com bust completely cut off all access to further capital, leaving the business with deployed assets but a strategy that was no longer viable.
The Execution:
I stepped in to lead a radical operational and strategic restructure. Instead of trying to service the entire market, I pivoted the company to focus on niche, underserved sectors where our existing assets could provide a competitive advantage. I implemented relentlessly lean processes, which included recycling and redeploying equipment to maximise the value of every dollar ever spent. Critically, I personally built an extensive industry partnership program from the ground up and oversaw the development of innovative, customer-facing systems that created a superior user experience.
The Outcome: The business was not only saved from collapse but became entirely self-funding. This new, lean, and focused model resulted in over 10 consecutive years of steady, year-on-year growth and sustained profitability in a hyper-competitive market.
A Leader's Toolbox
Examples of Hands-On Initiatives
My role as an embedded leader means I bring a comprehensive set of practical skills to every engagement. I don't just advise on these topics; I have personally built, managed, and executed them.
Revenue & Market Growth
Strategic Partnership Development
Building wholesale and referral programs from scratch by identifying and negotiating with industry partners for mutual commercial gain.
Proactive Business Development
Leading disciplined outreach campaigns using email, phone, and LinkedIn to build brand authority and generate qualified sales leads in new markets.
Targeted Sales & Marketing
Identifying geographical or demographic hotspots and deploying physical assets (like billboards) and targeted direct mail (like gift card campaigns) to build awareness and drive inbound sales.
Digital Growth Engine
Managing paid ad campaigns across Google, Meta, and X, while simultaneously optimising websites and content for long-term organic growth through SEO.
Operational & Financial Control
Technology & Automation Implementation
Leveraging leading-edge tech, implementing automation, AI tools, and system integrations to create operational leverage, reduce costs, and provide better business intelligence.
Robust Financial Management
Creating detailed financial models, cash flow projections, and robust systems for expense, inventory, and asset management. I am expert in collecting debts and reducing debtor delinquency.
Navigating Regulatory Complexity
Successfully managing businesses in highly regulated sectors (e.g., Australian Consumer Law), ensuring full compliance while achieving commercial goals.
Leadership & Team Management
Full-Spectrum HR Leadership
Managing the entire employee lifecycle, from leading recruitment drives during growth phases to handling difficult redundancies and dismissals with professionalism and fairness. I have deep experience in cultural reform to recognise and reward high performers.
Startup & Fundraising
Securing capital to get new ideas off the ground, including sourcing private backers, negotiating with equity partners, and running successful public crowdfunding campaigns (e.g., Kickstarter).
Corporate Resilience & Legal Defence
Standing firm against corporate bullies. I have a track record of successfully defending the rights of an SME to be paid their dues and protecting their contractual rights against larger corporations.
Project & Program Management
Strategic Project Planning
Establishing a rock-solid foundation for every initiative by defining clear scope, realistic budgets, and achievable timelines. This can be done by directly managing a keystone project or by mentoring your team across an entire program of works.
Flexible Execution Frameworks
Selecting the right methodology, from Agile to Waterfall, and drawing on Prince2 principles. Ensuring predictable outcomes by applying the framework directly or by setting and policing consistent standards for other project managers to follow.
Proactive Governance & Control
Actively managing project health using techniques like Earned Value Management and rigorous risk mitigation. This disciplined oversight is critical when leading a single project or providing mentorship and governance across a portfolio of initiatives.
Transparent Stakeholder Communication
Implementing clear reporting rhythms to keep all stakeholders aligned and informed. This ensures no surprises and is a core discipline whether managing the project directly or coaching the team to improve their own stakeholder communication skills.
Why You Can’t Just ‘Hire’ Your Way Out
When a business is struggling, recruiting a senior leader to fix it seems logical, but it’s often impossible in practice.
The Confidentiality Dilemma
A public job ad for a "turnaround GM" signals distress to customers, key employees, and suppliers. Help is needed without broadcasting that there’s trouble.
The Financial Catch-22
How can a cash-strapped business commit to the high six-figure salary a top-tier operator commands? The business can’t afford the very person it needs to solve its financial problems.
A Vanishingly Small Talent Pool
You need a proven executive who is also a turnaround specialist, willing to accept short-term risk, and whose goal is to make themselves redundant. This combination of skills is exceptionally rare on the open job market.
My engagement model is the direct solution to this dilemma. It is discrete, financially viable, and gives immediate access to the right expertise without the risks and complexities of a traditional recruitment process.
Your Path to Clarity:
A Complimentary First Step
To ensure we are a perfect fit and that I can make a genuine impact on your business, I am currently offering a complimentary, no-obligation initial consultation designed to give you a clear, expert assessment of your situation. This is a pre-Phase 1 engagement that includes:
A Confidential Review of your key financial statements.
Two Private 1-Hour Workshops with you and your leadership team to uncover your most critical pain points and strategic opportunities.
A Preliminary Strategic Plan outlining the core challenges and a high-level approach to solving them.
Crucially, if cash flow is a primary concern, this plan will also include a practical proposal for how the formal, paid Phase 1 engagement can be funded.
How to Begin
Step 1: Book Your Initial Chat
The first step is a confidential, 30-minute introductory call to briefly discuss your business and your objectives. You can schedule this directly by clicking ‘book a chat’ anywhere on this page. If you prefer to start with an email, reach me at jonathan@1000-one-percenters.com.au or fill out my contact form.
Step 2: Secure Confidentiality
Once you are booked in, I will email you a confirmation which includes a link to my standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). If you prefer, you are welcome to send me your own NDA for review.
There is no cost or obligation for this initial consultation. It is my investment in ensuring we can build a successful partnership.
Book a video call with me now - it’s obligation free
Once you’ve booked in, let me know if you need an NDA and I will send one through.
Let's start the conversation - the sooner we engage, the sooner the transformation begins.
Hi I’m Jonathan
Let's get your business its mojo back
A Hands-On Leader for Growth and Turnarounds
For over 30 years, I have built, transformed and saved businesses.
Yours could be the next to benefit from my unique approach.
I don't simply consult, I embed myself in your team to drive transformation from within.
We will agree target outcomes, timeframes and performance metrics.
My strategy for your business will include a plan for funding my engagement.
I will put measures in place for my own succession and end with my own redundancy.
Read on to discover how and why this strategy wins hands down over anything you've seen before.
Unlocking The Value in Your Business
Sadly, many businesses today are struggling in difficult trading conditions.
Your business may be performing below your expectations, leading to frustration with stagnant growth, declining margins, or operational inefficiencies that are keeping it from reaching its true potential.
The business may even be facing acute financial distress, on a seemingly unshiftable trajectory towards an unthinkable collapse.
For both these scenarios, I offer a powerful, practical solution.
I embed myself as an interim CEO, COO, or GM and drive transformation from within.
I don’t simply consult, I take accountability for execution, preserving value, and unlocking potential.
My experienced, hands-on operational leadership can
Reignite growth in an underperforming business
Execute a full turnaround for a company in crisis
I work best with companies and business units in the 10-50 employee / $2M - $50M turnover bracket
Every Move Matters
I recognise that you’ve already done a lot right in order to get where you are. It’s most likely that you do not need the baby to be thrown out with the bathwater in order to find your mojo. Instead, my 'secret sauce' is to work on 1000 one percent improvements across culture, process, communication and execution that combined together will lead to significant gains. That’s not to say I will shy away from more radical change if it’s needed, or even uncover a 10%’er here or there. But there’s generally no silver bullet - the best path to transformational success is to make many small improvements every day across every function of the business.
I also bring the ability to deploy leading-edge technology—including automation, AI, and system integration—as potent tools for speeding up the transformation, regardless of the industry in which the business operates.
Worrying for your business may be keeping you up at night, but it’s not too late to take action
My Real Value
Executing 1000 One Percent Improvements
My approach provides value far beyond traditional turnaround consulting.
Leadership and execution, not a to-do list
I take the pressure off the owner / existing management team by taking charge of the operational turnaround.
Cost-saving automation
Where others see roadblocks, I see opportunities for automation and system integration. This allows me to unlock efficiencies and create value in ways that traditional operators cannot.
Accountability for the outcomes
My success is not a report; it's the company's improved performance on the P&L and balance sheet.
Real, measurable change
I don't just advise—I personally build the new processes, implement the new initiatives, and lead the team through the transition.
My secret sauce is my thoroughness and diligence
Whilst always applying a practical approach to priorities, there will be no stone unturned and no chance missed to improve. Nothing will be labelled ‘too hard’.
My Engagement
A Three-Phase Approach
Phase 1
Embedded Diagnostic & Stabilisation/Preparation (1-2 Months)
This initial phase is a deep, holistic immersion into your business. I embed myself within the organization not to make immediate, sweeping changes, but to gain a true, ground-level understanding of the interlocking challenges it faces. My approach is considered and strategic. While operationally present, I will only suggest or execute changes during this phase if they are critically urgent for immediate survival. The primary objective is to observe and analyse the business as a complete system, identifying the root causes of sub-optimal performance rather than just treating the symptoms.
Phase 2
Leading the Transformation (6-24 Months)
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the business, I will present a practical, step-by-step plan of action that I will be accountable for delivering. This roadmap to profitability and growth will clearly outline how my ongoing role is funded through the efficiencies we will generate.
Depending on the specific circumstances, I can take direct operational responsibility for the transformation, or I can work hand-in-hand with the business owner / existing management team. A key component of both approaches is to focus everyone on their core strengths while I drive the necessary changes. As an interim CEO, COO or GM, I will personally:
Re-engineer core business processes, deploying intelligent automation and integrating systems to reduce manual effort, eliminate errors, and create significant operational leverage.
Analyse sales data, identify profitable customer segments, and optimise pricing and marketing efforts for a faster return to revenue growth.
Re-engage the team with common goals, set clear performance targets, and make the necessary staffing decisions to align the organisation for success.
Renegotiate with suppliers, creditors, and banks, backed by a data-driven strategic plan.
Instill a culture of accountability and financial discipline.
Phase 3
My Exit and Establishing the New 'Business As Usual' (BAU)
The goal of any successful transformation is to ultimately make my role redundant. This final phase is dedicated to ensuring the business does not drift back into old habits once I am gone. It is a deliberate and structured handover designed to lock in the gains we have made. Key activities include:
Formalising Key Processes: I will document and embed the new, efficient workflows into the company’s DNA, creating a clear operational playbook that anyone can follow.
Solidifying Roles and Responsibilities: I will work with the team to define clear roles, reporting lines, and performance metrics, ensuring everyone knows their part in the company's ongoing success.
Building the Permanent Team: Where required, I will lead the recruitment, hiring, and training of new permanent staff to fill any gaps and equip the entire team to carry the business forward.
Facilitating Leadership Transition: If the owner or existing management is also planning their exit, I will help manage that transition smoothly, preparing the team, systems, and the business itself for a new era of leadership.
A Resilient, Profitable, and Future-Proofed Business
book a chat
Engaging me provides you with a seasoned partner who will not only navigate the business out of its current malaise but will also modernise operations, leaving you with a stronger, more efficient, and tech-enabled business.
Case Studies and Initiatives
Proven Transformation Success: Case Studies in Execution
Theory and advice are easy to give; execution is what creates value. I have a proven history of embedding myself within distressed or under performing businesses and personally leading the charge back to stability and growth.
“I brought Jonathan in to reinvigorate DreamWalk. To my surprise, rather than just advise from the sidelines, he implemented a mix of big and small changes that made all of the difference” -Karl
Case Study 1
DreamWalk Apps – Breaking the Agency Death Spiral
—— Software Development Agency
The Challenge: The agency grew rapidly on the back of the pandemic tech boom but was slow to react to the market downturn and intense competition from offshore firms. This led to a classic "death spiral": under-quoting to win business, then overloading the delivery team to try and hit impossible budgets. When I was engaged, the company had suffered two straight years of heavy losses and had burned through all its working capital.
The Execution:
Phase 1 (Stabilisation): I immediately embedded myself to establish financial control. I implemented granular, real-time tracking of project profitability and team utilisation, ending the cycle of "blind" quoting. This provided the crucial data needed to make informed decisions and stop the financial bleeding.
Phase 2 (Growth): With the business stabilised, I led the strategic pivot to expand outreach beyond volatile startups and into more stable SME and Enterprise client markets. This involved personally leading new outreach campaigns and building a more robust sales pipeline.
Phase 3 (Sustainability & Founder Exit): To wrap up the turnaround, the founding Managing Director's long-desired exit was made into a reality. I recruited for a new, self-sufficient team structure with fresh part-time Account Manager, Financial Controller and Operations Manager roles, and instructed outsourced sales consultants to continue the established growth strategies.
The Outcome: The results were immediate, transformative and long term. After two years of losses, the company posted a profit in the next two financial years. It now has a renewed management structure in place and enough liquidity to explore new markets and invest in developing its own technology offerings.
“ I was an investor in Pacific Wireless which faced insolvency before Jonathan took control. He reversed the company's fortunes, generating healthy returns for all shareholders” -Calum
Case Study 2
Pacific Wireless – From Dot-Com Bust to a Decade of Profitability
—— Telecommunications Carrier
The Challenge: As one of Australia’s first licensed carriers post-deregulation, the company secured seed funding for aggressive growth. The subsequent dot-com bust completely cut off all access to further capital, leaving the business with deployed assets but a strategy that was no longer viable.
The Execution:
I stepped in to lead a radical operational and strategic restructure. Instead of trying to service the entire market, I pivoted the company to focus on niche, underserved sectors where our existing assets could provide a competitive advantage. I implemented relentlessly lean processes, which included recycling and redeploying equipment to maximise the value of every dollar ever spent. Critically, I personally built an extensive industry partnership program from the ground up and oversaw the development of innovative, customer-facing systems that created a superior user experience.
The Outcome: The business was not only saved from collapse but became entirely self-funding. This new, lean, and focused model resulted in over 10 consecutive years of steady, year-on-year growth and sustained profitability in a hyper-competitive market.
A Leader's Toolbox
Examples of Hands-On Initiatives
My role as an embedded leader means I bring a comprehensive set of practical skills to every engagement. I don't just advise on these topics; I have personally built, managed, and executed them.
Revenue & Market Growth
Strategic Partnership Development
Building wholesale and referral programs from scratch by identifying and negotiating with industry partners for mutual commercial gain.
Proactive Business Development
Leading disciplined outreach campaigns using email, phone, and LinkedIn to build brand authority and generate qualified sales leads in new markets.
Targeted Sales & Marketing
Identifying geographical or demographic hotspots and deploying physical assets (like billboards) and targeted direct mail (like gift card campaigns) to build awareness and drive inbound sales.
Digital Growth Engine
Managing paid ad campaigns across Google, Meta, and X, while simultaneously optimising websites and content for long-term organic growth through SEO.
Operational & Financial Control
Technology & Automation Implementation
Leveraging leading-edge tech, implementing automation, AI tools, and system integrations to create operational leverage, reduce costs, and provide better business intelligence.
Robust Financial Management
Creating detailed financial models, cash flow projections, and robust systems for expense, inventory, and asset management. I am expert in collecting debts and reducing debtor delinquency.
Navigating Regulatory Complexity
Successfully managing businesses in highly regulated sectors (e.g., Australian Consumer Law), ensuring full compliance while achieving commercial goals.
Project & Program Management
Strategic Project Planning
Establishing a rock-solid foundation for every initiative by defining clear scope, realistic budgets, and achievable timelines. This can be done by directly managing a keystone project or by mentoring your team across an entire program of works.
Flexible Execution Frameworks
Selecting the right methodology, from Agile to Waterfall, and drawing on Prince2 principles. Ensuring predictable outcomes by applying the framework directly or by setting and policing consistent standards for other project managers to follow.
Proactive Governance & Control
Actively managing project health using techniques like Earned Value Management and rigorous risk mitigation. This disciplined oversight is critical when leading a single project or providing mentorship and governance across a portfolio of initiatives.
Transparent Stakeholder Communication
Implementing clear reporting rhythms to keep all stakeholders aligned and informed. This ensures no surprises and is a core discipline whether managing the project directly or coaching the team to improve their own stakeholder communication skills.
Leadership & Team Management
Full-Spectrum HR Leadership
Managing the entire employee lifecycle, from leading recruitment drives during growth phases to handling difficult redundancies and dismissals with professionalism and fairness. I have deep experience in cultural reform to recognise and reward high performers.
Startup & Fundraising
Securing capital to get new ideas off the ground, including sourcing private backers, negotiating with equity partners, and running successful public crowdfunding campaigns (e.g., Kickstarter).
Corporate Resilience & Legal Defence
Standing firm against corporate bullies. I have a track record of successfully defending the rights of an SME to be paid their dues and protecting their contractual rights against larger corporations.
Why You Can’t Just ‘Hire’ Your Way Out
When a business is struggling, recruiting a senior leader to fix it seems logical, but it’s often impossible in practice.
The Confidentiality Dilemma
A public job ad for a "turnaround GM" signals distress to customers, key employees, and suppliers. Help is needed without broadcasting that there’s trouble.
The Financial Catch-22
How can a cash-strapped business commit to the high six-figure salary a top-tier operator commands? The business can’t afford the very person it needs to solve its financial problems.
A Vanishingly Small Talent Pool
You need a proven executive who is also a turnaround specialist, willing to accept short-term risk, and whose goal is to make themselves redundant. This combination of skills is exceptionally rare on the open job market.
My engagement model is the direct solution to this dilemma. It is discrete, financially viable, and gives immediate access to the right expertise without the risks and complexities of a traditional recruitment process.
Your Path to Clarity:
A Complimentary First Step
To ensure we are a perfect fit and that I can make a genuine impact on your business, I am currently offering a complimentary, no-obligation initial consultation designed to give you a clear, expert assessment of your situation. This is a pre-Phase 1 engagement that includes:
A Confidential Review of your key financial statements.
Two Private 1-Hour Workshops with you and your leadership team to uncover your most critical pain points and strategic opportunities.
A Preliminary Strategic Plan outlining the core challenges and a high-level approach to solving them.
Crucially, if cash flow is a primary concern, this plan will also include a practical proposal for how the formal, paid Phase 1 engagement can be funded.
How to Begin
Step 1: Book Your Initial Chat
The first step is a confidential, 30-minute introductory call to briefly discuss your business and your objectives. You can schedule this directly by clicking ‘book a chat’ anywhere on this page. If you prefer to start with an email, reach me at jonathan@1000-one-percenters.com.au or fill out my contact form.
Step 2: Secure Confidentiality
Once you are booked in, I will email you a confirmation which includes a link to my standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). If you prefer, you are welcome to send me your own NDA for review.
There is no cost or obligation for this initial consultation. It is my investment in ensuring we can build a successful partnership.
Book a video call with me now - it’s obligation free
Once you’ve booked in, Ilet me know if you need an NDA and I will send one through.
Let's start the conversation - the sooner we engage, the sooner the transformation begins.
Schedule a call now to discuss my services and your circumstances.
It’s obligation free.
Once you’ve booked in, I will confirm by email with a link to an NDA, or you can send me yours.
Let's start the conversation. The sooner we engage, the sooner the transformation begins.
jonathan@1000-one-percenters.com.au
book a chat
book a chat
Hi I’m Jonathan
Let's get your business its mojo back
A Hands-On Leader for Growth and Turnarounds
For over 30 years, I have built, transformed and saved businesses.
Yours could be the next to benefit from my unique approach.
I don't simply consult, I embed myself in your team to drive transformation from within.
We will agree target outcomes, timeframes and performance metrics.
My strategy for your business will include a plan for funding my engagement.
I will put measures in place for my own succession and end with my own redundancy.
Read on to discover how and why this strategy wins hands down over anything you've seen before.
Unlocking The Value in Your Business
Sadly, many businesses today are struggling in difficult trading conditions.
Your business may be performing below your expectations, leading to frustration with stagnant growth, declining margins, or operational inefficiencies that are keeping it from reaching its true potential.
The business may even be facing acute financial distress, on a seemingly unshiftable trajectory towards an unthinkable collapse.
For both these scenarios, I offer a powerful, practical solution.
I embed myself as an interim CEO, COO, or GM and drive transformation from within.
I don’t simply consult, I take accountability for execution, preserving value, and unlocking potential.
My experienced, hands-on operational leadership can
Reignite growth in an underperforming business
Execute a full turnaround for a company in crisis
I work best with companies and business units in the 10-50 employee / $2M - $50M turnover bracket
Every Move Matters
I recognise that you’ve already done a lot right in order to get where you are. It’s most likely that you do not need the baby to be thrown out with the bathwater in order to find your mojo. Instead, my 'secret sauce' is to work on 1000 one percent improvements across culture, process, communication and execution that combined together will lead to significant gains. That’s not to say I will shy away from more radical change if it’s needed, or even uncover a 10%’er here or there. But there’s generally no silver bullet - the best path to transformational success is to make many small improvements every day across every function of the business.
I also bring the ability to deploy leading-edge technology—including automation, AI, and system integration—as potent tools for speeding up the transformation, regardless of the industry in which the business operates.
Worrying for your business may be keeping you up at night, but it’s not too late to take action
My Real Value
Executing 1000 One Percent Improvements
My approach provides value far beyond traditional turnaround consulting.
Leadership and execution, not a to-do list
I take the pressure off the owner / existing management team by taking charge of the operational turnaround.
Cost-saving automation
Where others see roadblocks, I see opportunities for automation and system integration. This allows me to unlock efficiencies and create value in ways that traditional operators cannot.
Accountability for the outcomes
My success is not a report; it's the company's improved performance on the P&L and balance sheet.
Real, measurable change
I don't just advise—I personally build the new processes, implement the new initiatives, and lead the team through the transition.
My secret sauce is my thoroughness and diligence
Whilst always applying a practical approach to priorities, there will be no stone unturned and no chance missed to improve. Nothing will be labelled ‘too hard’.
My Engagement
A Three-Phase Approach
Phase 1
Embedded Diagnostic & Stabilisation/Preparation (1-2 Months)
This initial phase is a deep, holistic immersion into your business. I embed myself within the organization not to make immediate, sweeping changes, but to gain a true, ground-level understanding of the interlocking challenges it faces. My approach is considered and strategic. While operationally present, I will only suggest or execute changes during this phase if they are critically urgent for immediate survival. The primary objective is to observe and analyse the business as a complete system, identifying the root causes of sub-optimal performance rather than just treating the symptoms.
Phase 2
Leading the Transformation (6-24 Months)
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the business, I will present a practical, step-by-step plan of action that I will be accountable for delivering. This roadmap to profitability and growth will clearly outline how my ongoing role is funded through the efficiencies we will generate.
Depending on the specific circumstances, I can take direct operational responsibility for the transformation, or I can work hand-in-hand with the business owner / existing management team. A key component of both approaches is to focus everyone on their core strengths while I drive the necessary changes. As an interim CEO, COO or GM, I will personally:
Re-engineer core business processes, deploying intelligent automation and integrating systems to reduce manual effort, eliminate errors, and create significant operational leverage.
Analyse sales data, identify profitable customer segments, and optimise pricing and marketing efforts for a faster return to revenue growth.
Re-engage the team with common goals, set clear performance targets, and make the necessary staffing decisions to align the organisation for success.
Renegotiate with suppliers, creditors, and banks, backed by a data-driven strategic plan.
Instill a culture of accountability and financial discipline.
Phase 3
My Exit and Establishing the New 'Business As Usual' (BAU)
The goal of any successful transformation is to ultimately make my role redundant. This final phase is dedicated to ensuring the business does not drift back into old habits once I am gone. It is a deliberate and structured handover designed to lock in the gains we have made. Key activities include:
Formalising Key Processes: I will document and embed the new, efficient workflows into the company’s DNA, creating a clear operational playbook that anyone can follow.
Solidifying Roles and Responsibilities: I will work with the team to define clear roles, reporting lines, and performance metrics, ensuring everyone knows their part in the company's ongoing success.
Building the Permanent Team: Where required, I will lead the recruitment, hiring, and training of new permanent staff to fill any gaps and equip the entire team to carry the business forward.
Facilitating Leadership Transition: If the owner or existing management is also planning their exit, I will help manage that transition smoothly, preparing the team, systems, and the business itself for a new era of leadership.
A Resilient, Profitable, and Future-Proofed Business
book a chat
Engaging me provides you with a seasoned partner who will not only navigate the business out of its current malaise but will also modernise operations, leaving you with a stronger, more efficient, and tech-enabled business.
Case Studies and Initiatives
Proven Transformation Success: Case Studies in Execution
Theory and advice are easy to give; execution is what creates value. I have a proven history of embedding myself within distressed or under performing businesses and personally leading the charge back to stability and growth.
Case Study 1
DreamWalk Apps – Breaking the Agency Death Spiral
—— Software Development Agency
The Challenge: The agency grew rapidly on the back of the pandemic tech boom but was slow to react to the market downturn and intense competition from offshore firms. This led to a classic "death spiral": under-quoting to win business, then overloading the delivery team to try and hit impossible budgets. When I was engaged, the company had suffered two straight years of heavy losses and had burned through all its working capital.
The Execution:
Phase 1 (Stabilisation): I immediately embedded myself to establish financial control. I implemented granular, real-time tracking of project profitability and team utilisation, ending the cycle of "blind" quoting. This provided the crucial data needed to make informed decisions and stop the financial bleeding.
Phase 2 (Growth): With the business stabilised, I led the strategic pivot to expand outreach beyond volatile startups and into more stable SME and Enterprise client markets. This involved personally leading new outreach campaigns and building a more robust sales pipeline.
Phase 3 (Sustainability & Founder Exit): To wrap up the turnaround, the founding Managing Director's long-desired exit was made into a reality. I recruited for a new, self-sufficient team structure with fresh part-time Account Manager, Financial Controller and Operations Manager roles, and instructed outsourced sales consultants to continue the established growth strategies.
The Outcome: The results were immediate, transformative and long term. After two years of losses, the company posted a profit in the next two financial years. It now has a renewed management structure in place and enough liquidity to explore new markets and invest in developing its own technology offerings.
“I brought Jonathan in to reinvigorate DreamWalk. To my surprise, rather than just advise from the sidelines, he implemented a mix of big and small changes that made all of the difference” -Karl
Case Study 2
Pacific Wireless – From Dot-Com Bust to a Decade of Profitability
—— Telecommunications Carrier
The Challenge: As one of Australia’s first licensed carriers post-deregulation, the company secured seed funding for aggressive growth. The subsequent dot-com bust completely cut off all access to further capital, leaving the business with deployed assets but a strategy that was no longer viable.
The Execution:
I stepped in to lead a radical operational and strategic restructure. Instead of trying to service the entire market, I pivoted the company to focus on niche, underserved sectors where our existing assets could provide a competitive advantage. I implemented relentlessly lean processes, which included recycling and redeploying equipment to maximise the value of every dollar ever spent. Critically, I personally built an extensive industry partnership program from the ground up and oversaw the development of innovative, customer-facing systems that created a superior user experience.
The Outcome: The business was not only saved from collapse but became entirely self-funding. This new, lean, and focused model resulted in over 10 consecutive years of steady, year-on-year growth and sustained profitability in a hyper-competitive market.
“I was an investor in Pacific Wireless which faced insolvency before Jonathan took control. He reversed the company's fortunes, generating healthy returns for all shareholders” -Calum
A Leader's Toolbox
Examples of Hands-On Initiatives
My role as an embedded leader means I bring a comprehensive set of practical skills to every engagement. I don't just advise on these topics; I have personally built, managed, and executed them.
Revenue & Market Growth
Strategic Partnership Development
Building wholesale and referral programs from scratch by identifying and negotiating with industry partners for mutual commercial gain.
Proactive Business Development
Leading disciplined outreach campaigns using email, phone, and LinkedIn to build brand authority and generate qualified sales leads in new markets.
Targeted Sales & Marketing
Identifying geographical or demographic hotspots and deploying physical assets (like billboards) and targeted direct mail (like gift card campaigns) to build awareness and drive inbound sales.
Digital Growth Engine
Managing paid ad campaigns across Google, Meta, and X, while simultaneously optimising websites and content for long-term organic growth through SEO.
Project & Program Management
Strategic Project Planning
Establishing a rock-solid foundation for every initiative by defining clear scope, realistic budgets, and achievable timelines. This can be done by directly managing a keystone project or by mentoring your team across an entire program of works.
Flexible Execution Frameworks
Selecting the right methodology, from Agile to Waterfall, and drawing on Prince2 principles. Ensuring predictable outcomes by applying the framework directly or by setting and policing consistent standards for other project managers to follow.
Proactive Governance & Control
Actively managing project health using techniques like Earned Value Management and rigorous risk mitigation. This disciplined oversight is critical when leading a single project or providing mentorship and governance across a portfolio of initiatives.
Transparent Stakeholder Communication
Implementing clear reporting rhythms to keep all stakeholders aligned and informed. This ensures no surprises and is a core discipline whether managing the project directly or coaching the team to improve their own stakeholder communication skills.
Operational & Financial Control
Technology & Automation Implementation
Leveraging leading-edge tech, implementing automation, AI tools, and system integrations to create operational leverage, reduce costs, and provide better business intelligence.
Robust Financial Management
Creating detailed financial models, cash flow projections, and robust systems for expense, inventory, and asset management. I am expert in collecting debts and reducing debtor delinquency.
Navigating Regulatory Complexity
Successfully managing businesses in highly regulated sectors (e.g., Australian Consumer Law), ensuring full compliance while achieving commercial goals.
Leadership & Team Management
Full-Spectrum HR Leadership
Managing the entire employee lifecycle, from leading recruitment drives during growth phases to handling difficult redundancies and dismissals with professionalism and fairness. I have deep experience in cultural reform to recognise and reward high performers.
Startup & Fundraising
Securing capital to get new ideas off the ground, including sourcing private backers, negotiating with equity partners, and running successful public crowdfunding campaigns (e.g., Kickstarter).
Corporate Resilience & Legal Defence
Standing firm against corporate bullies. I have a track record of successfully defending the rights of an SME to be paid their dues and protecting their contractual rights against larger corporations.
Why You Can’t Just ‘Hire’ Your Way Out
When a business is struggling, recruiting a senior leader to fix it seems logical, but it’s often impossible in practice.
The Confidentiality Dilemma
A public job ad for a "turnaround GM" signals distress to customers, key employees, and suppliers. Help is needed without broadcasting that there’s trouble.
The Financial Catch-22
How can a cash-strapped business commit to the high six-figure salary a top-tier operator commands? The business can’t afford the very person it needs to solve its financial problems.
A Vanishingly Small Talent Pool
You need a proven executive who is also a turnaround specialist, willing to accept short-term risk, and whose goal is to make themselves redundant. This combination of skills is exceptionally rare on the open job market.
My engagement model is the direct solution to this dilemma. It is discrete, financially viable, and gives immediate access to the right expertise without the risks and complexities of a traditional recruitment process.
Your Path to Clarity:
A Complimentary First Step
To ensure we are a perfect fit and that I can make a genuine impact on your business, I am currently offering a complimentary, no-obligation initial consultation designed to give you a clear, expert assessment of your situation. This is a pre-Phase 1 engagement that includes:
A Confidential Review of your key financial statements.
Two Private 1-Hour Workshops with you and your leadership team to uncover your most critical pain points and strategic opportunities.
A Preliminary Strategic Plan outlining the core challenges and a high-level approach to solving them.
Crucially, if cash flow is a primary concern, this plan will also include a practical proposal for how the formal, paid Phase 1 engagement can be funded.
How to Begin
Step 1: Book Your Initial Chat
The first step is a confidential, 30-minute introductory call to briefly discuss your business and your objectives. You can schedule this directly by clicking ‘book a chat’ anywhere on this page. If you prefer to start with an email, reach me at jonathan@1000-one-percenters.com.au or fill out my contact form.
Step 2: Secure Confidentiality
Once you are booked in, I will email you a confirmation which includes a link to my standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). If you prefer, you are welcome to send me your own NDA for review.
There is no cost or obligation for this initial consultation. It is my investment in ensuring we can build a successful partnership.
Book a video call with me now - it's obligation free.
Once you’ve booked in, let me know if you need an NDA and I will send one through.
Let's start the conversation - the sooner we engage, the sooner the transformation begins.
book a chat