In this high-stakes episode of the WA Leaders podcast, host Charlie Gunningham and Dr Paula Smith sit down with Oliver Wood, founder of PWD, to uncover the raw reality of scaling a digital agency. Oliver began with a backpacker’s "means to an end" in North Beach and grew it into a powerhouse generating $800,000 in monthly revenue.
This is more than just a success story. Oliver shares a cautionary masterclass on the "Million-Dollar Mistake" a moment when rapid growth clashed with a toxic "boiler room" partnership, resulting in physical threats and nearly costing him his reputation. The discussion covers the "wild west" days of SEO, the dangers of "Solo Founder Syndrome," and why business owners should avoid shortcuts that seem "too good to be true" on the path to seven figures. Oliver’s transparency shows why protecting your brand and mental health is just as important as your bottom line.
Click here to Listen to the full podcast
Guest: Oliver
Wood
Website: PWD
Interviewer: Charlie Gunningham & Dr Paula Smith
Recorded at: Podwave Studios
