The Entreprenuerial Journey

We produce a wide range of content for a variety of domestic and international audiences.

It is our mission to unleash the creative spirit that exists within our collaborative partners, while at the same producing commercially favourable outcomes for all of our stakeholders.

In a market focussed on content, we strive to tell unique stories designed to be experienced and not just consumed.

Hosted by business coach and entrepreneur Simon Bell, the Zen Business Podcast is where modern leadership meets timeless wisdom. Each episode explores how business leaders and entrepreneurs can build successful companies and lead thriving teams, without sacrificing their peace of mind.

Through thought-provoking conversations with global thought leaders, spiritual teachers, and seasoned business experts, Simon uncovers practical tools and profound insights to help you navigate the inner and outer journey of business.

Whether you’re scaling a startup, managing a team, or seeking more meaning in your professional life, Zen Business offers grounded, transformative perspectives to help you grow, without burning out.

StaffBerry was a premium outsourcing company that connected small to medium-sized enterprises in Australia and the United States with high-quality, values-aligned staff in the Philippines. Built on a foundation of matching not just skills, but also culture and values, StaffBerry quickly earned a reputation for delivering remote talent that truly integrated with each client’s team.

With robust systems and a personalised approach to recruitment, StaffBerry ensured that every placement supported long-term success for both the business and the staff member.

Founded by Simon Bell, the company experienced rapid growth and success, ultimately leading to its acquisition. This milestone allowed Simon to step back and spend meaningful time with his young family before moving into the film industry.

The National College of Business was a dedicated business school for small to medium-sized enterprises, founded to equip business owners with the practical tools, mindset, and strategies needed to grow and lead with confidence. Through a curriculum focused on business strategy, sales, marketing, leadership, management, and customer service, the college became a trusted learning hub for entrepreneurs across Australia.

Simon Bell played a leading role in delivering Diploma and Certificate IV programs in business and sales management, helping hundreds of business owners translate knowledge into sustainable growth.

Following a successful run, the National College of Business was merged into what is now PROTRADE United, allowing Simon to shift his focus to building StaffBerry. Today, Simon remains an integral part of PROTRADE United, where he leads the Masters Program—working closely with highly established founders and directors of companies across Australia and New Zealand.

Against The Grain (ATG) was a pioneering streetwear and skate retailer founded in 2005 by Simon Bell and his best mate Ricky. At a time when authentic street culture was still emerging in Australia, ATG stood at the forefront—just 100 metres from the largest skate park in the southern hemisphere.

Carrying iconic brands like Dickies, DC Shoes, Vans, Afends, Heart & Hunting, and other OG streetwear staples, ATG quickly became a cultural hub and retail hotspot, experiencing 100% year-on-year growth in its first three years.

In 2008, the store was hit hard, targeted by a string of criminal break-ins that saw it robbed six times in six months. Despite the relentless challenges, Simon and Ricky’s strategic foresight and resilience allowed them to wind up the business responsibly, breaking even in the end.

ATG wasn’t just a store, it was a movement, years ahead of its time, that left a lasting impression on Australia’s skate and streetwear scene.

Axam-Bell Enterprises Pty Ltd is the parent company behind many of Simon Bell’s ventures, established in 2003 to house his first two businesses: Underdog Motors and Carbucks. These early enterprises laid the groundwork for Simon’s future success, shaping his deep understanding of human behaviour, ethical selling, and the resilience required to thrive in high-pressure industries.

Operating in the used car market, one of the toughest sales environments, Simon averaged over 20 car sales per month, building a highly profitable business through authentic rapport and earned trust with customers who often began the process wary and sceptical.

To better support his automotive clients, Simon co-founded Carbucks, a finance solution designed to serve those overlooked by traditional lenders. In 2007, he built his own finance book to provide car loans to individuals facing hardship. At its core was a simple but powerful belief: owning a car is access to a better life, a means to get to work, take kids to school, and reclaim independence.

These early businesses weren’t just commercial ventures—they were Simon’s real-world MBA, grounding him in purpose-driven business from day one.