For established owner-led businesses

Your business has a team.
So why does it still need your brain to run?

BGB helps established business owners get how they think, decide and solve problems out of their head and into the business. So it can work with or without them.

300+ Australian owners•60% fewer after-hours interruptions•5-star Google rated

Things owners quietly tell themselves

It feels like eight different problems.

But listen closely. They are all saying the same thing.

You do not have eight separate problemsYour business still needs to borrow your brain to run.

That is why the staff questions, client fires, missed standards, slow decisions, broken holidays and Sunday-night laptop all travel together. They are symptoms of the same thing.

The business has your labour. It has your people. What it still does not have is enough of your judgement.

BGB puts that judgement where the work happens, so fewer things need to climb all the way back up to you.

300+Owners Helped
60%Fewer After-Hours Interruptions
5.0/5Google Rated
Real HolidaysMembers Getting Time Back

The Black Diamond System

Find the five places your business still borrows your brain.

Black Diamond is BGB's diagnostic and operating system for owner-led businesses. It shows where the business still depends on your judgement, then moves that judgement into the team, the numbers and the way the work gets done.

It looks at five pressure points: the business model, the work, the team, the numbers and the owner. When one is weak, decisions drift back to you. When they work together, the business can make better calls without borrowing your brain all day.

Cleaner decisionsStronger team ownershipFewer after-hours interruptions
BusinessHow the model makes money.
WorkHow jobs get done without chasing.
TeamWho owns outcomes and decisions.
NumbersWhat shows when something is off.
OwnerWhere you should and should not be involved.

Free 2-Minute Assessment

Not sure where your business actually sits?

Two questions. Twenty possible positions. Your result tells you exactly where you are on money and freedom — and what's holding you back from moving up.

Find my level

No email required to start. Takes 2 minutes.

Stephen did it in his own business first.

LTrent does not need to borrow his brain
all day, every day.

It runs through one 45-minute meeting a week because the standards, numbers and decisions live in the business, not just in Stephen's head.

This is not theory dressed up as coaching.

It is the operating discipline Stephen used to unwind himself from the company he built.

Stephen O'Sullivan Sydney Business Coach - Australia's Largest Driving School Owner - BGB Founder

Today Australia's largest driving school runs through a single 45-minute meeting with Stephen each week.

LTrent has 120+ staff and 88+ franchises. The team carries the daily operation. Stephen gives his attention to the few decisions that genuinely need him.

That means he can:
Take 5x family holidays per year minimum
Take his boat out fishing whenever he wants
Ski the best runs and resorts around the world, all year

What changed for the owners who stopped carrying it all

Their businesses were already real. The change was teaching the business to make more decisions, solve more problems and keep moving without them.

Bianca Schwartpaul from B-Thriven video testimonial
Bianca SchwartpaulB-Thriven
Vanessa Brecht from Bobbi's Pole Studio video testimonial
Vanessa BrechtBobbi's Pole Studio

What business owners say about BGB

★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars
Based on 22 Google reviews
★★★★★
"My husband Greg and I have been part of BGB for the past two years, and the impact it has had on both our business and our lives has been incredible. As business owners, we've seen enormous growth in...""My husband Greg and I have been part of BGB for the past two years, and the impact it has had on both our business and our lives has been incredible. As business owners, we've seen enormous growth in our business as a direct result of the education, support, and systems that BGB provides. What has impressed us most, however, is the improvement in our quality of life. We now enjoy more holidays, more quality time with our family, and significantly less stress. The changes we’ve experienced have been truly life-changing. As a husband-and-wife team, we love working together, and we genuinely believe that BGB has played a major role in helping us build a stronger business while maintaining a great relationship and a balanced lifestyle. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing to grow and improve our business with the support of the BGB team. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
Amanda Watts
16 October 2026
★★★★★
"Two and a half years ago, when I joined BGB, I was honestly struggling to take a day off because I was so involved in my business. I was also nervous about what other business owners might think of me...""Two and a half years ago, when I joined BGB, I was honestly struggling to take a day off because I was so involved in my business. I was also nervous about what other business owners might think of me and how I operated. At the same time, I was really intrigued and inspired to learn from people who had already achieved things I still wanted to achieve. Two and a half years later Stephen and the BGB team have helped me improve my systems, develop my leadership skills, change the way I think, and have most certainly contributed to doubling my revenue. I have also found genuine friends in other BGB members. Running a business can feel very lonely at times, especially when people around you do not always understand what it is really like. BGB is a great place if you are serious about growing your business and want to create a better life for you as a business owner."
Bianca Schwartpaul
1 May 2026
★★★★★
"Great business! Great team. Would highly recommend them for any business questions and needs !"
Pure Gutters
25 March 2026
★★★★★
"Super-powerful, actionable content that makes an immediate difference. Stephen's content, delivery and support give clarity; this is big-picture stuff, in bite-size chunks."
Darrell Hannon
1 February 2026
★★★★★
"The BGB course gave me the skills and practical tools I needed to switch my business from manual-shift to ‘self-driving mode’. Easily one of the best investments I’ve made."
Brent
28 January 2026
★★★★★
"Cannot recommend Stephen and his team highly enough. The coaching made a real difference, shifted our mindset and moved us in the direction we wanted to go but were stuck getting in our own way previo...""Cannot recommend Stephen and his team highly enough. The coaching made a real difference, shifted our mindset and moved us in the direction we wanted to go but were stuck getting in our own way previously. There is no pressure, just warmth, expertise and genuine supprt."
Sue Brown
16 December 2025
★★★★★
"Starting your own business sounds like great idea.... until you realise the complexity and solitude of it all. That's where the guidance, expertise and experience of Stephen and BGB be team come into ...""Starting your own business sounds like great idea.... until you realise the complexity and solitude of it all. That's where the guidance, expertise and experience of Stephen and BGB be team come into play. Their approach is simple yet thorough. They assist cut through the noise and self doubt and guide you through trailed, tested and quantified strategies. Would highly recommend the team at BGB for all business owners looking to grow, scale and eventually have a business that functions without them!"
Fernando Kularatne
31 August 2025
★★★★★
"Running your own business is a lonely job. Decisions can be delayed (or not made!) because of doubt, lack of clarity, or even lack of confidence sometimes. Stephen is fantastic! He will look you in th...""Running your own business is a lonely job. Decisions can be delayed (or not made!) because of doubt, lack of clarity, or even lack of confidence sometimes. Stephen is fantastic! He will look you in the eye and tell you to snap out of it while providing you with the tools and systems to put in place an action plan and execute it. He’ll hold you accountable when he needs to so you never let excuses get the better of you. Clear goals, clear strategy, action and results are what you can expect working with the team at BGB."
Kamal Naouri
24 May 2025
★★★★★
"I've been working with BGB for the last year and a half and my business and lifestyle has totally transformed. I've had more access to time off and holidays as well as sustainable growth, results and...""I've been working with BGB for the last year and a half and my business and lifestyle has totally transformed. I've had more access to time off and holidays as well as sustainable growth, results and profit in my business all while in a supported community of business owners and amazing coaches. I'm extremely grateful to Stephen, Andrew, Joel and Jamee for their guidance and knowledge."
Nick Read
16 May 2025
★★★★★
"Working with Stephen from BGB (Building Great Businesses) has been a game-changer for me. Through his coaching, I’ve gained so much clarity around time management, strategic planning, and most importa...""Working with Stephen from BGB (Building Great Businesses) has been a game-changer for me. Through his coaching, I’ve gained so much clarity around time management, strategic planning, and most importantly—shifting my mindset. I’ve gone from seeing myself as “just” an event planner to stepping fully into the role of a business owner, focused on growth, sustainability, and long-term success. Stephen’s insights have been invaluable, and his ability to challenge my thinking while keeping me accountable has made a huge impact. A special shout out to Jamee, the incredible Member Success Manager, for all of her support, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes magic. Her positivity and dedication never go unnoticed—thank you for always being there! Highly recommend BGB for any business owner ready to level up!"
Grace Dagher - GD Events Group
11 April 2025
★★★★★
"Fantastic Program! Excellent community and very informative and practical advice. I highly recommend any business owner to give this a try!"
Charbel Raish
20 February 2025
★★★★★
"Since joining the BGB Profit Club, I have learnt so many valuable skills and lessons for my business. Stephen seems to have endless knowledge and experience to share, and he takes the time to get to k...""Since joining the BGB Profit Club, I have learnt so many valuable skills and lessons for my business. Stephen seems to have endless knowledge and experience to share, and he takes the time to get to know every business in the group so he can build them up and coach them to reach their potential. It is also an incredible community to be part of. I highly recommend Profit Club to anyone."
Annie Rendle-Short
12 September 2023
★★★★★
"We had the privilege of being part of the BGB program, and it was a game-changer. Their expert guidance, personalized approach, and unwavering support helped me gain invaluable insights and confidence...""We had the privilege of being part of the BGB program, and it was a game-changer. Their expert guidance, personalized approach, and unwavering support helped me gain invaluable insights and confidence in my business endeavors. I highly recommend BGB to anyone seeking the best business coaching program in Sydney."
RZ Media
3 August 2023
★★★★★
"Participating in BGB has been an invaluable experience for me, contributing significantly to my professional growth. The program has provided me with an abundance of resources and tools that I have im...""Participating in BGB has been an invaluable experience for me, contributing significantly to my professional growth. The program has provided me with an abundance of resources and tools that I have implemented into my current organisation (and will continue to do so), leading to continuous improvement and success. The knowledge and skills I have acquired from BGB will undoubtedly assist me as I continue to progress through my career. The BGB coaches have a wealth of experience and knowledge, their delivery of information is easy to understand and apply. There was no question they did not have a practical answer for. Thank you to the BGB community, you are all great and I look forward to the many success stories that will eventuate from you all. Thank you to Stephen & Andrew (Coaches) and Jamee (Organiser) for all your time and effort."
Jarrod Viles
1 August 2023
★★★★★
"I love being apart of the BGB programme. In the last 12 months I’ve come from being overwhelmed with a fast growing business and overworked to having a clear plan. I now spend more time with my son, m...""I love being apart of the BGB programme. In the last 12 months I’ve come from being overwhelmed with a fast growing business and overworked to having a clear plan. I now spend more time with my son, manage to play golf once a week and am happy that the business is pointed in the right direction. Stephen & Andrew are absolute legends to work with and I would highly recommend the BGB programme any business owners looking for more time & money."
Kane Godfrey
31 July 2023
★★★★★
"BGB have provided very valuable help to Hunter & Scribe. In just a short amount of time, they've provided really clear, practical ways for us to deliver better service, attract more clients and become...""BGB have provided very valuable help to Hunter & Scribe. In just a short amount of time, they've provided really clear, practical ways for us to deliver better service, attract more clients and become more profitable. Even more excitingly, I can see massive potential for further improvement in the months and years ahead. BGB are brilliant at what they do."
Hunter & Scribe
28 July 2023
★★★★★
"BGB has been a game changer for me and my business. I’ve gained valuable skills in leadership, marketing and strategic planning. Thank you Stephen and Andrew for your expertise and guidance."
Nicole Gerber
21 July 2023
★★★★★
"I've been a member of Stephen's profit club and benefited from his workshops to improve my offering. I'd highly recommend BGB to anyone that is considering using a business coach to scale and grow the...""I've been a member of Stephen's profit club and benefited from his workshops to improve my offering. I'd highly recommend BGB to anyone that is considering using a business coach to scale and grow their business"
Sean McHugh
4 July 2023
★★★★★
"BGB has been a game changer! Going from corporate life to small business is a massive learning curve for anyone. I feel this program is necessary for anyone who has plans to grow a profitable business...""BGB has been a game changer! Going from corporate life to small business is a massive learning curve for anyone. I feel this program is necessary for anyone who has plans to grow a profitable business that supports their life style needs and dreams. Being in a room with like minded business owners facing the same challenges, sharing wins and supporting each other is rare to find and for me is what I look forward to most. The education is absolutely relevant and has seen me go from “winging it” to winning the Entrepreneur of the year award in 2022 in under 8 months of membership. Huge thanks to Stephen, Andrew and fellow members for having me."
Leeza Bright
3 April 2023
★★★★★
"Significant improvements in business and in my life started when I joined BGB over a year ago. The Business is hitting better numbers, the team is far more motivated and am able to go on long overdue ...""Significant improvements in business and in my life started when I joined BGB over a year ago. The Business is hitting better numbers, the team is far more motivated and am able to go on long overdue holidays while the business runs itself. Not only have I learned about how to get my business to perform, a huge benefit for me has been being a part of a supportive and welcoming community. Everyone is working through similar business challenges, I have been able to get invaluable feedback and support from people with so much experience across different industries. I would highly recommend BGB to anyone wanting to grow their business without sacrificing their free time."
Annette Cross
3 April 2023
★★★★★
"I’ve been a member of BGB for about a year now, and it has completely transformed how I approach my business and even my life in general! I now have more time to pursue what my passions outside of wor...""I’ve been a member of BGB for about a year now, and it has completely transformed how I approach my business and even my life in general! I now have more time to pursue what my passions outside of work, my business is running better than ever, and my staff are happier and more engaged. I cannot overstate what a great program this is, and if you’re on the fence about joining up, my strong advice is to just do it! You can thank me later. :)"
Craig Reeve
7 February 2023

Read the reviews on Google

What happens next

Find the work that still needs you. Then teach the business to carry it.

1

FIND WHERE IT COMES BACK TO YOU

We start with a short call to understand the decisions, problems and parts of the business that still cannot move without you.

2

FIX THE RIGHT THING FIRST

We identify the few changes that will remove the most pressure, then turn them into a clear plan your team can actually follow.

3

MAKE THE CHANGE HOLD

Your team takes on more decisions and follow-through. We help you resist rescuing the work and make the new way of operating stick.

The same work. Different levels of access.

BGB is built for established businesses that already work. You do not need us to invent the model. You need the business you have built to stop needing you in every decision.

Black Diamond Elite

$1,750 /month

The core Black Diamond membership with weekly coaching and support.

  • ✓ One workshop with Stephen each week
  • ✓ Weekly Tune Up feedback session
  • ✓ All Black Diamond training, templates and tools
  • ✓ Weekly opportunity to book an additional 20-minute 1:1 session
Explore Elite

Black Diamond Platinum

$4,000 /month

Everything in Premier, plus fortnightly extended 1:1 sessions and direct access to Stephen.

  • ✓ Everything in Black Diamond Premier
  • ✓ Fortnightly extended 1:1 sessions with Stephen
  • ✓ Ongoing phone and email access between sessions
Join the waitlist

Meet Stephen

A business owner who coaches business owners.

Stephen O'Sullivan built LTrent into Australia's largest driving school, then did the harder job: making sure it no longer needed him in the middle of everything.

He knows the difference between advice that sounds tidy on a whiteboard and a change that survives contact with staff, customers, cash flow and a busy Tuesday.

Stephen is based in Sydney and works with established owner-led businesses across Australia. See our Sydney business coaching page

Your business will always have problems. But they should be better problems.

Not the same questions, mistakes and fires your team should be able to handle without you. BGB helps your business think, decide and move without waiting for you, so you get your time and headspace back for the work only you can do: building the team, shaping the culture and deciding where the business goes next.

About Stephen
Stephen O'Sullivan - BGB founder and Black Diamond System creator

Common questions

Common questions about BGB

What does Building Great Businesses do?

Building Great Businesses helps owners unwind themselves from the daily running of an established business. We build the team, systems, numbers and accountability for the business to work with or without the owner.

Who is BGB best suited for?

BGB is best suited for owners doing roughly $500,000 to $5,000,000 in revenue with a proven business and a team, but who are still the person every decision, problem and client issue comes back to.

Is BGB only for Sydney business owners?

No. BGB is based in Sydney and works with business owners across Australia through an online coaching format.

Your business can keep borrowing your brain. Or you can start putting that brain into the business.

Talk to BGB