On this episode of The Startups Drive, I welcomed back Stephanie Nguyen — construction professional and founder of Threefold Strategy, a business focused on helping people set meaningful goals and actually follow through on them.

Stephanie and I sat down to unpack accountability — why it matters, what it really looks like in practice, and why holding yourself accountable is often harder than it sounds. We talked about the role other people play in accountability, whether it’s mentors, peers, or accountability partners, and how the right support can keep you moving when motivation dips.

We also dug into the deeper reasons behind goal-setting itself — why understanding why you want a goal is just as important as the goal itself. And we didn’t shy away from the grey areas either: is a no-excuses mindset always healthy, or is it okay when real life gets in the way? Where’s the line between discipline and self-compassion?

This is a powerful episode to listen to as we close out 2025 and head into 2026 — especially if you’re serious about setting better goals, building real accountability, and doing the work that actually moves the needle.

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow Stephanie

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanienguyenofficial/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephanienguyenofficial⁠⁠

On this episode of The Startups Drive, I welcomed back Natalie Tran — a business and transition coach and former accountant and finance executive — who helps people navigate career change and business growth through her work at Transition With Purpose.

As we head into the countdown to the end of 2025, Natalie and I sat down to talk about when it’s actually the right time to make a career transition, how to build real confidence, and how to design your own career portfolio instead of just chasing job titles — while also creating the work-life balance you actually want and can sustain.

We also unpacked the mindset and systems behind successful transitions — what matters more, how they work together, and how to figure out which one you personally need more of right now.

And we didn’t avoid the hard stuff either. We spoke about burnout — the signs, the symptoms, what to watch for, and what to do if you or someone close to you is already running on empty.

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, thinking about change, or already in the middle of one and wondering if they’re on the right track — and it’s a powerful listen as we head into 2026.

Natalies First Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GH8XTu4oEizLc0fBOUPg6

Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/

Follow Natalie

W: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne/**

Insta: @transitionwithpurpose

YT: @transitionwithp YouTube

Apple Podcasts: Transition With Purpose Podcast

Spotify: Transition With Purpose Podcast Spotify

In this episode of The Startups Drive, I sit down with Robyn Clark — a Media and Communications student with a focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Robyn is an emerging talent, eager to learn and build her path in the startup and business world.

We talk about her journey through university — why she chose her degree, how her studies are shaping her perspective, and the real pros and cons of formal education versus hands-on experience. Robyn also shares her take on the power of networking for young professionals, how students can build real connections, and what she’s learned from working with tools in AI and social media marketing.

We wrap up by talking about balance and drive — including how her passion for running keeps her focused and motivated in life and work.

This is a must-listen for students, early-career professionals, and anyone looking to take their first steps in the business, startup and professional worlds.

Follow Robyn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynelizabethclark/

Follow Myself

https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/