Latest news with #YellowBrickRoad
Sky News AU
15-05-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
'It was a wake up call': Mark Bouris, 68, opens up about his secret health scare and the costly mistake he made by ignoring the warning signs
Australian entrepreneur and media personality Mark Bouris has opened up for the first time about a serious health scare he faced in 2009. The 68-year-old shared the personal revelation in a candid new blog post, reflecting on the experience and what it taught him about valuing his health. "I didn't slow down. I thought I didn't have a choice," Bouris wrote. "I worked myself into the ground, and it landed me in hospital with a serious illness." The experience, he said, "was a wake-up call". "I'm sure you've also heard stories of people suffering serious physical and mental consequences from burnout. I became one of them." Born and raised in Punchbowl, Sydney, to a Greek father and Irish-Australian mother, Bouris credits his father- a factory worker- for instilling in him a strong work ethic. In 1996, he founded Wizard Home Loans, which became one of the country's largest non-bank lenders. Three years later, he launched Yellow Brick Road, a financial services company aimed at supporting suburban Australians. Just two years into building his second company, Bouris found himself seriously ill in hospital, worn out from overwork. "I often tell business owners that prioritising your health is non-negotiable," he reflected, now nearly two decades later. "We're so worried about charging our phones but forget to recharge ourselves. "Rest doesn't mean heading to the pub or replying to emails after hours. It means giving your body and mind real time to unwind." In September, the father-of-two launched Project 100, a podcast dedicated to exploring the science and secrets behind living a longer, healthier life. He also hosts Straight Talk and The Mentor, interviewing leading entrepreneurs, business figures, and politicians. Despite advocating for balance, Bouris remains a prolific figure in the business and media worlds. He's authored two books, fronted The Apprentice Australia and The Celebrity Apprentice Australia, and regularly weighs in on key financial issues. Recently, he urged Australians to rethink their retirement expectations amid the rising cost of living and increasing life expectancy. "If you're 20 now, you won't be retiring until you're 80, maybe 90," he said on his Mentored podcast. "If you think you're going to retire at 65 or if you think you're going to have enough money to retire at 65, you've got another thing coming." As of 2025, Bouris' net worth is estimated to exceed $200 million.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Australian millionaire Mark Bouris reveals his secret health battle - and the three things he did to stop burnout and change his life forever
Australian millionaire and entrepreneur Mark Bouris has recalled the moment he hit rock bottom after he pushed himself so hard it landed him in hospital. The high-profile businessman and media personality, 67, is the founder of Wizard Home Loans and the chairman of mortgage-broking business Yellow Brick Road. He also hosts two podcasts, Straight Talk and The Mentor, where he interviews leading entrepreneurs, business figures, and politicians. In a candid blog post this week, Bouris wrote that he had learnt the value of hard work from his father, but that same drive had almost destroyed him in 2009. He reflected on the dangers of burnout, admitting that despite his success, he had paid the price of ignoring the warning signs. 'I didn't slow down. I thought I didn't have a choice,' he wrote. 'I worked myself into the ground, and it landed me in hospital with a serious illness.' That experience, he said, changed his view point forever. 'That was a wake-up call,' he wrote. 'I'm sure you've also heard stories of people suffering serious physical and mental consequences from burnout. I became one of them.' Now, Bouris advocates for sustainable performance and health in his industry by urging entrepreneurs to treat themselves as their most valuable asset. In his article, Bouris stressed that success isn't about working 24/7, it's about working smart, maintaining discipline, and knowing when to stop. 'I often tell business owners that prioritising your health is non-negotiable,' he said. Adding that the secret isn't in fads or extreme routines, but in nailing the basics, sleep, exercise and recovery. He also warns against blurring the lines between work and rest, something he believes many business owners get wrong. 'We're so worried about charging our phones but forget to recharge ourselves. Rest doesn't mean heading to the pub or replying to emails after hours. It means giving your body and mind real time to unwind,' he said. Bouris said it was vital for business owners to know their purpose and their 'why'. He said that when life in business gets chaotic, what gets you through is knowing why you're doing it in the first place. 'There'll be times when your routine goes out the window. Late nights, early starts, and everything in between,' he said. 'When that happens, purpose gives you that extra gear, like a boxing world champion digging deep in the final round.' Bouris's message is clear, burnout is real, and no one is immune to it. 'Stop ignoring the basics,' he wrote. 'When it's time to work, get it done. When it's time to rest, actually rest.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yellow Brick Road program brings business assistance to Mercer County
Mercer County's Yellow Brick Road program is a one-stop shop for any need-to-knows and resources for entrepreneurs. 'It's really an all encompassing space to meet people where their needs might be and then supporting them in that journey of opening up or expanding,' said Lindsey Dunn, the Director Aledo Main Street. Aledo Main Street, Mercer County Better Together and Visit Merco teamed up to provide listings of all available regional services for 13 cities in the county. Clicking on a city will give you an option for a new or existing business to make sure what you need is clear and easy to find. 'If you hit challenges or roadblocks on your way to building a business, then you are going to go somewhere else,' said Kasi Henshaw, Interim Executive Director for Visit Merco. 'Or you're going to maybe give up.' The organizations are hoping that with this program will bring new businesses to Aledo and Mercer County. 'What we want to do through all three organizations is make it easy and attractive to bring a business to Mercer County,' said Henshaw. Resources include lists for grants, business plans, marketing services and rental assistance. The resource hub isn't just for new businesses, but for those looking to grow in their community. 'I'm hoping that the baker who's decided to test the waters by selling their goods on their front porch,' said Tara McFarland, Creative Director for Mercer County Better Together. 'I'm hoping that they hear about this and want to find out how they can get lease assistance to open up a storefront downtown somewhere.' For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF -
Fashion Network
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Specsavers to launch Elton John eyewear collection
Music superstar Elton John is about to launch a signature range of eyewear with Specsavers. But given his global status, love of statement eyewear, and no doubt a legion of higher-end brands/retailers eager to sign the legend to an eyewear deal, why choose this particular UK-based high street retailer? 'Accessibility', husband and business partner David Furnish told at the pre-launch event in London. Standing in for the music legend (he was relaxing in his home garden at the time of the launch, Furnish revealed), he said it was 'so important that Elton's fans are able to readily have access to, afford, and enjoy his eyewear, a feature of his life that is so special to him'. And with access and price being key, the range launches through Specsaver's 2,800-plus stores and businesses globally (approaching 1,000 in the UK), and online from 7 May, priced from £130. More fashion than theatrical, the collection is inspired by key moments in John's life and career, with each 'named after an iconic song, personal milestone, or a pivotal period in his journey - from Yellow Brick Road and Tiny Dancer to Shooting Star and Crocodile Rock'. Each pair features key signature details, such as the 'E' mark symbolising his personal stamp of approval, and the star, 'a nod to his illustrious career'. Sir Elton added in a prepared release: 'Glasses have always been a big part of who I am. For me, style is all about confidence and expressing who you truly are. That's exactly what this collection is about, its helping people feel fantastic in frames that celebrate their individuality.' He noted: 'Specsavers and I share the belief that everyone should have access to eyewear that makes them feel like the best version of themselves.' Bianca Swan, Specsavers' style editor, added: 'Elton John's impact on music, fashion, and self-expression is undeniable, and this collection captures that magic. Each frame tells a story, offering a balance of everyday versatility with individuality and style at the core of the collection. Whether you want a subtle nod to Elton's iconic look or a bold show-stopping piece, there's something for everyone in this collection.'
Fashion Network
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Specsavers to launch Elton John eyewear collection
Music superstar Elton John is about to launch a signature range of eyewear with Specsavers. But given his global status, love of statement eyewear, and no doubt a legion of higher-end brands/retailers eager to sign the legend to an eyewear deal, why choose this particular UK-based high street retailer? 'Accessibility', husband and business partner David Furnish told at the pre-launch event in London. Standing in for the music legend (he was relaxing in his home garden at the time of the launch, Furnish revealed), he said it was 'so important that Elton's fans are able to readily have access to, afford, and enjoy his eyewear, a feature of his life that is so special to him'. And with access and price being key, the range launches through Specsaver's 2,800-plus stores and businesses globally (approaching 1,000 in the UK), and online from 7 May, priced from £130. More fashion than theatrical, the collection is inspired by key moments in John's life and career, with each 'named after an iconic song, personal milestone, or a pivotal period in his journey - from Yellow Brick Road and Tiny Dancer to Shooting Star and Crocodile Rock'. Each pair features key signature details, such as the 'E' mark symbolising his personal stamp of approval, and the star, 'a nod to his illustrious career'. Sir Elton added in a prepared release: 'Glasses have always been a big part of who I am. For me, style is all about confidence and expressing who you truly are. That's exactly what this collection is about, its helping people feel fantastic in frames that celebrate their individuality.' He noted: 'Specsavers and I share the belief that everyone should have access to eyewear that makes them feel like the best version of themselves.' Bianca Swan, Specsavers' style editor, added: 'Elton John's impact on music, fashion, and self-expression is undeniable, and this collection captures that magic. Each frame tells a story, offering a balance of everyday versatility with individuality and style at the core of the collection. Whether you want a subtle nod to Elton's iconic look or a bold show-stopping piece, there's something for everyone in this collection.'
