FirstAct_Charlie-Puchala

Time-stamped overview

04:00
Moving to Australia and seeing the value of hard work from a young age.
08:24
How a mentor helped overcome language barriers in school.
11:22
Young traveller exploring Australia, finding love in Sydney.
15:09
Couple combined skill sets to start business.
18:27
Managing cash flow as a startup.
21:56
Risk assessing clients for business ventures is crucial.
25:13
Coming up with Charlie's Interiors, designing, building, furnishing homes.
29:00
Ethics and sustainability in projects, ensuring health of workers.
36:10
Managing time and energy as a business owner with the right support.
39:40
A new hobby for the brain: Learning to fly a plane.
42:50
Breaking out of new habits and doing new things.

Hosts: Cec Busby and Adam Bub
Guest: Charlie Puchala
Audio Production: Morgan Sebastian Brown

Pioneers’ path: Charlie Puchala’s story of entrepreneurship and ethical ventures

Growing up in a tiny village in Poland, Charlie Puchala could have never imagined she’d one day be running a multi-million-dollar construction empire in Sydney. But with grit, determination, and a touch of flair, she’s made it happen.

Now, as the powerhouse behind Puch Constructions and Charlie’s Interiors, Justyna “Charlie” Puchala is building more than just structures — she’s building a legacy.

From navigating the challenges of starting over in a new country at the age of eight to launching her own ethical fashion label to getting a construction company off the ground, Charlie’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and pure hustle.

We sit down with Charlie to hear how a young girl from rural Poland transformed into one of Australia’s most dynamic entrepreneurs.

KEY TOPICS

Episodes

  • All
  • 2024
  • 2022
  • 2019
Justus Hammer - First Act

What do pet owners want? Justus Hammer has figured it out with Mad Paws

If you’re mad about pets, you’ll be mad for our next guest … Justus Hammer. Justus is the founder of Mad Paws, Australia’s largest online pet care platform. Dubbed ‘Airbnb for pets’, Mad Paws matches pets with trusted pet sitters….

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Dan Churchill on First Act

Celebrity chef Dan Churchill’s journey from MasterChef to Hemsworth-approved nutrition expert

He’s the Aussie chef who’s made it in the US, popping up on shows like Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show. We first met Dan Churchill on season five of Masterchef Australia when he was making ‘dude food’. He’s since become a…

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Irene Falcone Clean Nectarine

Bouncing back: How clean beauty entrepreneur Irene Falcone rose from the ashes of two businesses

You’d be hard pressed to find a more determined entrepreneur than Irene Falcone. From the comfort of her garage, Irene created low-tox eCommerce brand Nourished Life and eventually sold it for $20 million. But the experience was anything but nourishing,…

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Jason Smith - First Act

Jason T Smith built a $100 million physio business from his garage – then sold it

Jason T Smith is someone who has redefined resilience in business. Jason’s entrepreneurial journey started with an entirely different goal – to become a medical missionary. But life took him on a detour, and at just 24, he founded what…

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Aviv Palti, founder of Lifestyle Brands

Beyond profit: Aviv Palti’s journey from business to global impact

Aviv Palti is a lifelong entrepreneur with a knack for building businesses — and a heart set on making a difference. As the CEO of Lifestyle Brands and founder of the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST), Aviv’s journey weaves together…

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Shaun Christie-David from Plate It Forward on First Act podcast

Recipe for change: How Shaun Christie David is serving up hope to refugees

Shaun Christie-David is a passionate entrepreneur who’s turning the tables on the food industry with a purpose-driven mission. As the founder of Plate it Forward, Shaun’s journey from the corporate world of finance to creating a socially conscious food business…

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Tyson Koh - First Act

Tyson Koh talks night-time culture, Keep Sydney Open and life after RAGE

In this episode of First Act, host Cec Busby gets up close and personal with the founder of Keep Sydney Open, Tyson Koh. A self-described reluctant activist, Koh explains the genesis of the grassroots campaign which has since grown to…

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How Michelle Fotheringham is saving ‘corporate escapees’ from the daily grind

People, culture and organisations are Michelle Fotheringham’s bread and butter. As the founder of Werkling – an on-demand talent platform – Michelle spends her day-to-day immersed in helping businesses assemble their dream teams. But it wasn’t always the case. Michelle is a…

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