Introducing the third edition of the Western Sydney Business Connection's 'Meet the Member' Series: our ongoing initiative that shines a spotlight on our diverse and dynamic members. Through this series, we delve into the stories behind their businesses, celebrate their achievements, and share their unique insights. Stay with us as we feature more members, welcome new faces, and strengthen the bonds within the Western Sydney business community.
Meet The Alternative Board
The Alternative Board supports business owners to take their business to the next level through; supportive advisory boards made up of other local business owners, expert one-to-one coaching, and our suite of business tools.
But how do we differ from a traditional business coach or consultant? They may concentrate on improving your sales, sorting out your HR or helping you with your finances but that’s where it often ends. At TAB, we’ll look at these too of course, but we’ll start with you, the business owner, as a person.
Our coaching and mentoring sessions are designed to give you the time and space you need to gain more clarity and focus on your business. With the additional support of the TAB Business Builder’s Toolkit you will have everything you need to exceed your goals and set new ones.
Visit The Alternative Board Website
Meet The Team
John Sweeney - Ryde/Parramatta NSW
E: john@thealternativeboard.com.au
P: 0418 233 695
As the owner of The Alternative Board Ryde/Paramatta, I have more than 45 years executive and board level experience working across Banking and Finance, Equipment Leasing and Tertiary Education. I possess extensive finance and accounting skills which most business owners that I work with do not have.
Before joining TAB, I provided mentorship to business owners and CEO’s in my own consulting and coaching business but the opportunity to join the TAB network was too good to pass up. The business model of members holding each other accountable is an incredibly powerful tool and combining that with personalised one-on-one coaching really frees me up to focus on the business owners and helping them achieve their personal and business visions.
I am passionate about using my real life experiences to assist business leaders to become leaders of industry by exploiting their full potential and my goal is to pass on my experience of great successes and challenging business conditions to help business owners achieve their vision of success. I come from a senior corporate background where, as a CEO, I led a team of 500 people and together we built a company from grass roots to $2 billion in an extremely competitive and overcrowded market. Together, we weathered three severe recessions, where many of our competitors failed, whilst we emerged intact and stronger. That experience, whilst stressful and threatening, taught me the value of being prudent and playing to our strengths in business.
TAB’s resources, together with my own corporate experience, places me in a strong position to work alongside business owners coaching them to recognise the solutions to their challenges and then take action to address them. TAB’s ethos and values align closely with mine so working with business owners and watching them succeed personally and in business is a source of pride and deep satisfaction for me.
As a TAB member, you have access to the thoughts and ideas of other successful business owners to help you find solutions to your challenges. Moreover, you are working with like-minded people who are committed to supporting each other to grow and prosper.
Nigel van Reyk - Ryde/Parramatta NSW
E: nigel@thealternativeboard.com.au
P: 0418 600 174
Working with John Sweeney in The Alternative Board Ryde/Paramatta area as a Certified Coach and Facilitator, I help forward-thinking business owners increase profitability and improve their lives by leveraging local business advisory boards, private business coaching and other strategic services.
With over 20 years of experience managing privately owned businesses for owners and directors, I have helped countless businesses create and execute business strategies that get results. I combine the entrepreneurial skills vital to a privately-owned business with the operating and reporting disciplines required in a corporate environment.
I am committed to life long learning and TAB provides me with that stimulus from both members and other TAB business owners. I am also in a position where I can give back to the business community by sharing my experiences with others. I enjoy working with owners who are interested in making their businesses the best they can be.
I have had a very varied career in terms of industry sectors and job roles and I have both formal and practical training in Strategy, Marketing, Operations and Finance in both B2B and B2C markets. This helps me provide our members with a multitude of insights, both from a personal and a business perspective.
Robert Proietti - Macarthur NSW
E: robert.proietti@thealternativeboard.com.au
P: 0430 317 179
I have more than 30 years experience in roles spanning across production, operations, sales, and senior management.
Having worked in both local and international companies, I’ve worked on establishing distribution channels, setting up new facilities, and launching new products, worked on mergers and have a background in engineering. I also understand the pressures of owning a small business, as I come from a family of business owners.
Working with The Alternative Board, I thoroughly enjoy seeing the board care for the other members by becoming engaged in the conversation of helping the other board members with their challenges.
I pride myself on my understanding the needs of the business and then developing a strategic plan to execute the business goals. I especially love seeing the excitement when a member shares how they have overcome their problem, with the help of the board. I enjoy being able to bring value to the business owner by sharing my experiences and then seeing them grow and thrive.
I am passionate about helping other business owners to achieve both their personal and business goals. I thrive on the excitement that business owners share when they hit their business and personal goals.
On weekends you’ll find me restoring old cars (I own a 1962 EK Holden), on the golf course, or traveling with my family.
Tony Cocks - Sydney Hills District NSW
E: tony.cocks@thealternativeboard.com.au
P: 0452 652 153
As the Owner of The Alternative Board Sydney Hills District, I bring a wealth of experience in General Management, Finance, IT, and Operations from my time in large multinational companies. I have successfully led business units through extensive transformations to enhance competitiveness and drive growth.
Joining The Alternative Board wasn’t just about shared values for me, it was also about empowering fellow business owners. As a Facilitator at The Alternative Board, I find fulfillment in forging connections, fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs and making a real difference for their businesses and personal goals.
My passion for business extends to my commitment to continual learning and improvement. I believe in the power of sharing experiences, making The Alternative Board’s platform invaluable for collective growth.
With a focus on strategic guidance and transformative insights, I am dedicated to helping business owners realise their visions. So what’s my advice for you and your business? It’s simple; experience The Alternative Board’s community-driven approach firsthand, it will change how you run your business, view your business and help you achieve your goals, both personal and business-related.
When I’m not working you will find me watching AFL. I also enjoy fitness, travel, and spending quality time with my family.
Seeking connections with our members? Reach out with The Connection to learn how we can help facilitate those introductions for you.
