Business Systems - the Path to Success

In a recent episode of "Money with Alpha," Kylie Hayes shared her unique and inspiring journey from being a mathematician to becoming a consultant, a winery owner, and an advisor to small businesses. Kylie’s story is a testament to the power of following your instincts, embracing new challenges, and trusting in the process.

The Unexpected Path

Kylie’s journey began with a love for mathematics. Despite the societal expectation to pursue a career in medicine, Kylie chose a different path. Her parents supported her decision to study math, despite their initial concerns. This support allowed Kylie to follow her passion, even when the road seemed unconventional.

After earning a degree in mathematics, Kylie transitioned into management consulting, where she thrived by applying her problem-solving skills in a variety of industries. She traveled globally, helping large organizations improve their efficiency and optimize their processes. However, when family life demanded more of her time, Kylie made the decision to step back from her successful consulting career to raise her children.

A New Chapter: The Winery

During her time as a stay-at-home mom, Kylie rediscovered her love for learning and problem-solving. Meanwhile, her husband’s passion for wine began to grow, and they started experimenting with winemaking. This new venture was born from their shared love for wine and their deep connection to the Barossa region in Australia. Over time, what began as a hobby transformed into a full-fledged winery business.

Kylie’s role in the winery focused on leveraging her strengths in operations, leadership, and people management. She used her skills in building systems and supporting operations to help build this family winery business into a thriving enterprise.

Transition to Small Business Consulting

As her children grew older and the winery operations became more established (essentially making her involvement in the daily operations of the business no longer necessary, because of the systems she had put in place), Kylie found the opportunity to re-engage with her love for consulting. This time, she focused on supporting small businesses, helping them address common challenges like staffing, process optimisation, and operational efficiency. Kylie’s experience in consulting and running her own business equipped her with a unique perspective on the hurdles that many small business owners face.

She emphasises the importance of setting up systems and processes to ensure business sustainability. Kylie encourages small business owners to document their workflows, which not only helps during crises but also allows them to step away from the business when necessary (to have a holiday, for instance!).

The Power of Systems and Strategy

Kylie’s approach combines her practical knowledge with frameworks like Donald Miller’s Business Made Simple, which she has become certified in. She tailors her services to meet the needs of each business, whether product-based or service-oriented. Her expertise lies in helping business owners systematise their operations and align their strategies to achieve growth and sustainability.

Kylie’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of following your instincts, staying open to change, and recognizing opportunities when they arise. Her ability to leverage her skills in different contexts, from consulting to winemaking, and now small business advising, showcases the importance of adaptability and the courage to embrace new paths.