THE PERSON BEHIND
THE PRACTICE

MEET OUR PRINCIPAL ADVISOR

Meet Mahtab Lahijany (Matty)

Principal Business Advisor | Entrepreneur | Business Owner

Business decisions are rarely simple. Behind every decision are people, resources, risks and ambitions that matter.

I bring nearly 18 years of hands-on business ownership to helping small and medium business owners understand their challenges, strengthen their operations and make well-informed decisions about what comes next.

My experience includes acquiring, building, improving, automating and selling businesses. It has taught me that sustainable progress comes from combining clear analysis with practical action—and recognising the people behind the numbers.

EXPERIENCE SHAPED BY REAL RESPONSIBILITY

Beyond Theory

Experience That Comes From Doing the Work

Across vocational training, hospitality, specialist food products and research-led innovation, I have been responsible for decisions that affect cash flow, staff, customers, systems and long-term business viability.

I have seen how easily an owner can become the centre of every process—and how much can change when responsibilities, systems and expectations are made clearer.

My background in food science, agricultural engineering and audit engineering also shapes how I work: I look for evidence, question assumptions and examine how the parts of a business influence the whole.

I do not believe one formula fits every business. Good judgment means understanding the situation first, recognising what the information does and does not tell us, and being willing to adapt.

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Building, Improving and Evaluating Businesses

Edmore Training — Acquisition & Operational Improvement

Acquired an established training business through an arrangement funded from business cash flow. At acquisition, annual revenue was approximately $1 million, alongside substantial overheads and limited net profitability. Reduced unnecessary costs, digitised documents, supported the sales team and introduced automated workflows that reduced day-to-day owner involvement.

Get Grilled — Business Turnaround & Sale

Acquired an underperforming hospitality business and invested in refurbishment, online ordering and delivery integration. Identified additional income opportunities through unused parking spaces. The business was subsequently sold in two stages for a combined $125,000.

Saffronice — Product Development & International Commerce

Co-founded and developed a specialist saffron business, overseeing product development, packaging, sourcing relationships, quality assurance, customer acquisition and international distribution. Introduced systems that reduced routine owner involvement.

Ecoence — Research & Innovation

Co-developed an agritech concept following four years of hands-on greenhouse research. Translated that work into a technology-focused business plan; the concept placed fifth nationally in a multi-round competition.

EXPERIENCE SHAPED BY REAL RESPONSIBILITY

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My Philosophy

A Business Is a Living System

I believe a business works best when its people, finances, operations, technology, customer relationships and leadership work together. Strength in one area cannot always compensate for weakness in another.

That belief led me to organise my advisory approach around three connected pillars:

The purpose is not to make business more complicated. It is to help owners see priorities clearly and take practical steps with confidence.

WHAT WORKING WITH ME LOOKS LIKE

Working Together

Listen First. Examine the Evidence. Act With Purpose.

I begin by listening. Business owners have firsthand knowledge that deserves to be understood before advice is offered.

From there, I examine available evidence, ask questions, distinguish facts from assumptions and work collaboratively to establish priorities. When appropriate, we develop practical actions with clear responsibilities and ways to assess progress.

I value straightforward conversations, accountability, respect and a willingness to challenge ideas—including my own. Where specialist expertise is needed, I believe in recognising that and involving the right people.

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QUALIFICATIONS & COMMUNITY

Website Design & Development Brisbane

My Philosophy

Technical Knowledge, Entrepreneurial Experience and a Commitment to Learning

My academic background includes a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering, specialising in Food Science and Technology, and postgraduate coursework in Project Management at Edith Cowan University. My Master of Project Management studies have not yet been completed.

I have also contributed to community initiatives, including volunteer support for older residents, food preparation for people experiencing homelessness and event photography for an animal-welfare fundraiser.

I believe business success matters beyond profit. Stronger businesses can support livelihoods, families and communities—and provide owners with greater choice over their lives.

START A CONVERSATION

Let’s Talk About What Matters to Your Business

Whether you are facing an operational challenge, looking to strengthen your leadership, or considering an important business decision, a useful conversation begins with understanding where you are now.

Tell me a little about your business and what you hope to achieve.

Small Biz Optimize | Boutique Business Advisory | Coaching | Strategic Consulting
Brisbane, Queensland | Supporting Australian Businesses

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