Mark Bouris hires Jess Smalley as EP to drive podcast growth

Businessman Mark Bouris is expanding his podcast operations, hiring Jess Smalley as executive producer.

In addition, Bouris will open his first purpose-built podcast studio in Darlinghurst’s Victoria Street in July. Bouris said he hopes the move will help spearhead the reinvigoration of small businesses in the high streets of Sydney and across Australia.

The former owner of Wizard Home Loans and face of The Apprentice in Australia has been hosting his podcast The Mentor since 2016. In it, he interviews small business owners about their struggles, triumphs and tales of survival.

New recruit Smalley will lead The Mentor’s expanding podcast and production output, including the weekly podcast as well as the vodcast, Straight Talk.

Smalley was previously a radio producer at triple j as well as a podcast producer for Audiocraft.

Bouris said he can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the role.

“Jess has hit the ground running, and her insight and experience is already moving the dial for both the show and its growing community,” he said.

Smalley added: “Mark Bouris is a world-class leader in Australian business and is passionate about sharing the rich knowledge he has acquired along the way. I’m excited to take the lead on one of Australia’s most downloaded business podcasts, The Mentor.”