Ben Simpson is a grazier and RCS coach based in Central Western Queensland. Together with his wife, Kim, Ben operates Thistlebank, a
Running a business, especially a farming business, means juggling weather, markets, people, finance, and risk, often all at once. This leaves many managers with decision fatigue and burnout.
In addition, we all have our blind spots and biases that affect what we see and where we spend our time. As a result, we might not be investing time or money in the areas that will create the biggest ‘bang for buck’. Being challenged on our perspective, seeing where our opportunities are and having the support to know how to move forward will accelerate performance and happiness in any business.
Creating real, lasting change takes more than good intentions; it takes time away from the day-to-day, clear thinking, and the right people around the table.
“Talk about your 500% return on investment—we made that without even breaking a sweat.”
Richard Page, ExecutiveLink® member, Young NSW
ExecutiveLink® brings managers and business owners together in professionally facilitated peer advisory boards where you work on your business in a structured way, supported by others who understand the realities of running a complex operation.
Each board is based around continuing education for all involved and regular strategic sessions. Whether it is an issue, blockage or opportunity to work on, these are practical, focused strategic discussions that help you step back and test your thinking to ultimately make better decisions. The facilitator keeps the process on track, while your board provides honest challenge, shared experience, and accountability, so that plans turn into action, not just good ideas.
For more than 30 years, ExecutiveLink® boards have supported farming and regional businesses through long-term change. In 2026, we’re introducing a 12-month rolling enrolment, giving you the chance to experience the value of an advisory board without committing to a traditional three-year program upfront.
To gain a deeper understanding of the program—including the board dynamic, delivery model, and real-world outcomes—you can watch the full Discover ExecutiveLink Webinar on YouTube here.
Want to fast-track kicking your goals? Applications are now open for ExecutiveLink® advisory boards starting in March 2026 in Hobart, Dubbo, and Yeppoon.
If you’re ready to work on your business with greater clarity, discipline, and support from people who understand your world, we’d love to talk.
To apply or find out more, call me!
Dom Walker – Program Manager
0435 935 526
dwalker@rcsaustralia.com.au
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Ben Simpson is a grazier and RCS coach based in Central Western Queensland. Together with his wife, Kim, Ben operates Thistlebank, a
Richard and his wife, Bernadette, run Stoneridge, a fourth-generation family grazing business near Young in South West NSW, where they raise sheep
David explains what unpaid labour really means and why it matters when calculating the true profitability of a business. He also explores the implications for cashflow, business continuity and succession when a business cannot afford the true cost of labour.
No plan survives first contact with reality—but successful businesses do. In this article, RCS Advisor David McLean explores why planning is only the first step, and how monitoring conditions and adapting decisions are essential for profitability. Discover practical insights to help you respond confidently to seasonal, market and operational challenges while keeping your business on track.
Profit doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from making deliberate decisions and regularly checking whether those decisions are delivering the results you want. In this article, RCS explores why quarterly profit planning meetings should be a priority for every farming and grazing business, and how using Cost of Production, benchmarking and focused business discussions can turn financial information into practical decisions that strengthen profitability and resilience.
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