Tony Robbins on the Next Big Disruptor to every Business

Clarke McEwan Accountants

Tony Robbins. CREDIT: Getty Images

"Not since the dawn of the internet has a single technology had the power to fundamentally change every business and industry," says Tony Robbins in his latest podcast, The Next Big Disruptor|NextVR's Brad Allen talks about how virtual reality is about to change everything .

When Tony Robbins first put on a pair of virtual reality goggles, he was transported to a basketball game, courtside. "I have been fortunate enough to sit courtside watching an NBA finals game, and I felt like I was right back there," says Robbins.

I must admit that my first reaction was to be skeptical. Ever since Star Trek's Holodeck, I have wanted to believe that virtual reality would one day change the very fabric of how we consume content and thereby how we do business. I was an early supporter of Linden Lab's Second Life in the late '90s and a huge fan of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash novel (published in 1992). But for the better part of the past two decades, virtual reality has not seemed to progress very much, until now.

Virtual Reality (Finally) Ready for Prime Time
What has changed is that the technology has finally caught up with the vision of what's possible. And the end-user cost of the technology has dropped below the $1,000 price point, which means that we're about to see massive growth in user adoption. According to research firm Tractia, more than 200 million consumer virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) will be sold worldwide by 2020. The same article states, "The company forecasts that consumer virtual reality hardware and content revenue will increase from $108.8 million in 2014 to $21.8 billion worldwide by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 142 percent."

Consumer adoption is fundamentally being driven by three players: (1) Google's Cardboard, (2) Samsung's Gear VR, and (3) Facebook's Oculus Rift.

Why Virtual Reality Is the Next Big Disrupter
In Robbins's latest podcast, he and NextVR's executive chairman, Brad Allen, discuss what has fundamentally changed in both virtual reality and augmented reality that has made it ready for prime time. NextVR has invested millions in building the hardware and software technology that allows you to feel like you're right there.

"It's as if you are transported," says Allen. "It's the closest thing to teleportation you'll ever experience. You put on the goggles and instantly you're right there. From a courtside seat at the NBA to backstage with your favorite artist." NextVR has cut deals with the NBA, Nascar, Live Nation, PGA, NHL, boxing, NCAA March Madness, and Fox TV (to name just a few). NextVR is actively working to deliver the kinds of experiences you can't even buy in the real world. Not just front-row seats at your next music concert, but onstage, backstage, and the ability to bounce around from multiple perspectives during the live event.

"This is an unfair competitive advantage for businesses in the next 12 to 18 months," says Allen. "Goldman Sachs is predicting virtual reality will become an $80 billion industry." He expects as many as 20 million customers will adopt the technology in 2016, with another 50 million to 70 million in 2017 and hundreds of millions thereafter.

And while the focus of NextVR is currently entertainment, Allen sees applications in every industry. Imagine your child coming home from school and telling you, "We went to the pyramids today and walked around." Or how about using virtual reality for enhanced training programs? These are way better webinars when you can actually attend the live event. Or in the medical profession, why not consult your doctor virtually? And what about all the advertisers who want to tap this medium?

With the technology finally being ready for prime time, there are a slew of applications we are only just beginning to explore that will fundamentally shift your business.

What Business Are You In? What Business Must You Become?
Robbins teaches that every business must know the answers to two fundamental questions: What business are you in? And what business must you become? When you fall in love with your customers (instead of your products), you must build the future of your business for tomorrow while simultaneously delivering the value you've promised today. Regardless of what business you are in today, Robbins is encouraging you to be thinking about what business you need to become so you are not disrupted when the needs of your customers fundamentally shift.

In the podcast, I enjoyed Robbins's hockey analogy: "The best hockey players in the world don't skate to where the puck is, but rather they get to where the puck is going." Google, Facebook, Samsung, and Robbins believe that virtual reality will fundamentally impact every business. It's not a matter of if so much as a matter of when. Strategizing and planning for these shifts today will help ensure you ride the technology wave rather than have the wave of technology crash over you.

Being Transported Into the Heart of Incredible Experiences
But hardware is not enough. We've seen massive flops in technology such as 3-D television sets. Why should anyone believe that virtual reality will succeed when other technologies have failed utterly? The answer is in the incredible content that is currently being developed.

This year at Collision , I was consumed by a virtual reality storytelling panel that had David Eun and Marc Mathieu of Samsung Electronics speaking with Jacques Methe of Cirque du Soleil. Eun talked about his own life-changing experience being transported to Africa. "I was fortunate enough to be with Scott Harrison, CEO of Charity: Water, and a small group of benefactors," said Eun. "We put on our VR goggles and were instantly transported to a small village in a third-world country. There we experienced the joy of dozens of children as the water well Charity: Water had drilled went online. I've never experienced anything like it. I was there. We all were there. And yet each of us had a different and unique experience depending on which child's face we chose to focus on. I believe virtual reality will fundamentally change the nature of the charities we support, when you can stand in front of the very people whose lives you are forever changing."

Then, Jacques Methe blew my mind when he described what Cirque du Soleil was doing in partnership with Samsung. "At first, we used virtual reality to capture the front-row-seat viewing experience" he said. "But then we asked ourselves, what if we put you right in the middle of the action? Rather than watch from the audience, what if you could be in the show? With virtual reality, you can now be onstage and part of the story."

Imagine experiencing what it feels like to be a Cirque du Soleil acrobat. With the ability to change perspectives, you can be flying on a trapeze, bouncing on a trampoline, or simply look out into the audience as a clown. We are now only scratching the surface of what's possible with virtual reality storytelling. The content creators have an entirely new medium to play with.

We Must Get Beyond the Novelty
I also had the opportunity to speak with Curtis Evey and Dominic Kurtaz of Dassault Systemes 3DExcite, a leader in virtual reality for the automotive and aerospace industry. "Until you put on a virtual reality headset, you don't understand," says Evey. "Today, retail is primarily an execution of decisions already made digitally before you ever enter the store. But with virtual reality, we can finally experience the product without leaving our homes."

"What gets me really excited," says Kurtaz, "is combining 3-D printing capabilities with virtual reality. This is going to completely change the game in so many industries."

And that, my friends is the point of all of this. Virtual reality is (finally) here, and it appears to be gaining traction in all the right places. You can choose to ignore virtual reality and wait for one of your competitors to disrupt you. Or you can take the time to understand what this is all about and find new and interesting applications for your business.

Take Massive Action on Virtual Reality
So, enough of the intellectually interesting information. The time has come to take massive action. If you want the full benefit of this knowledge, you need to do something with it. So here are the three things you must do if you're serious about building the business you must become.

Listen. Hear all of these insights from the very players who are making it happen today. Listen to Tony Robbin's podcast: The Next Big Disruptor|NextVR's Brad Allen talks about how virtual reality is about to change everything.
Put on a damn virtual reality head-mounted display. We can discuss and debate this until we're blue in the face. You're at a massive disadvantage until you adorn a virtual reality headset from Facebook's Oculus Rift or Samsung's Gear VR. Even Google's Cardboard at least gets you a taste of what's possible. But just talking the talk is meaningless. You won't get it until you wear it.
Envision and write down three possible futures. Once you've experienced today's virtual reality, take 30 minutes to brainstorm (by yourself or with your team) how you might use this technology to make your customers' experience 10X better. Don't fall in love with the technology. Instead, fall in love with how you will dramatically improve the lives of the customers you serve. That's the only way to win.

I appreciate your taking the time to read my articles, but if you choose not to take these action steps, then all I've done is bring this technology to your attention. For the full benefit of your business, you need to take the time to do something with this information. Otherwise, there's very little benefit for you or your company.

If I haven't convinced you, you can also read Tony Robbin's latest LinkedIn Influencer post on the same topic. Perhaps hearing it from "the Chairman" (i.e., the man whose ownership of multiple businesses is worth more than $5 billion) will inspire you to take massive action. Robbins is, after all, the No. 1 life and business strategist, a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. When he sees something insightful, let alone game-changing, I tend to pay attention.

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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Cash is Making a Comeback – Is Your Business Ready to Take It?

By Clarke McEwan • December 3, 2025

The Government has released draft regulations that would require certain retailers to accept cash payments, ensuring Australians can still buy essential goods like groceries and fuel – even when technology fails. The change aims to stop people from being excluded when power, internet, or card systems go down, or when they simply prefer to pay in cash. Who Will Need to Accept Cash – and Who Won’t The new rules are targeted and, importantly, practical. They’ll apply to fuel stations and grocery retailers, including both major supermarket chains and independent operators, but only for in-person transactions under $500. That means you won’t have to accept someone paying for a $700 tyre replacement or bulk farm supplies in cash – it’s about the everyday essentials. If your business (or franchise group) has an annual turnover of less than $10 million, you’ll be exempt. That’s good news for most small businesses such as family-run grocers, local cafés, and corner stores already managing tight margins and staffing challenges. The regulations are expected to take effect from 1 January 2026, with a review after three years to see how the system is working in practice. Why It’s Happening The move comes as part of a broader push to maintain access and fairness in Australia’s payment system. The Government and industry groups have recognised that while most Australians are happy to tap their card or phone, around 10–15% still prefer to use cash – particularly older Australians and those in regional or remote areas. There’s also a resilience angle: during bushfires, floods, or power outages, card networks can go offline. In those moments, cash becomes essential. What This Means for Your Business For larger retailers, this change will mean dusting off cash-handling policies and reintroducing processes that many have phased out. That may include: Re-establishing cash floats and tills Staff training to handle and verify cash More frequent bank deposits and reconciliation procedures For small businesses that fall under the $10 million exemption, the key step will be to document your turnover clearly so you can demonstrate that the exemption applies. We can help ensure your records and structures support that. There may also be commercial upside. Accepting cash could attract a segment of customers who’ve drifted away as stores went digital – especially in regional areas where cash use remains strong. A small business that promotes “cash welcome” could even gain new loyal customers who value convenience and personal service. Preparing for the Change With final regulations expected soon, it’s worth starting to plan now. Review your payment policies, assess whether you’re likely to be caught by the new rules, and budget for any setup or compliance costs. If you’re exempt, ensure your records are watertight. If not, look for ways to streamline cash handling – for example, by using digital cash counters or smart safes to reduce errors and time spent on reconciliations. Looking Ahead Cash isn’t going away just yet. This reform is about maintaining choice, resilience, and fairness in how Australians pay – and ensuring businesses are ready when customers want to use it. If you’d like help assessing how these rules could affect your operations or what the exemption means for your business, get in touch with our team.

Know the Rules Before You Break Them: Why SMSF Education Matters More Than Ever

By Clarke McEwan • December 3, 2025

Why understanding SISA matters You can’t comply with what you don’t know: Many common breaches arise from misunderstanding basic SISA duties (for example, sole purpose, arm’s length dealings, or in-house asset limits). Awareness of the rules is the first step to spotting a problem early. Early identification reduces harm: Knowing what to look for, incorrect benefit payments, related party transactions that aren’t on commercial terms, or records that are incomplete, lets you seek advice before small errors become reportable contraventions. Education protects members: The consequences of a breach can include loss of tax concessions, penalties and remediation costs that reduce retirement savings for members. The ATO’s Focus on Education — What Trustees Need to Know The ATO has recently published a draft Practice Statement (PS LA 2025/D2) explaining when it might issue an education direction under section 160 of SISA. These directions give the ATO power to require trustees (or directors of corporate trustees) to complete specified education, where trustees’ knowledge or behaviour poses a risk to compliance. The draft statement sets out the ATO’s approach and the kinds of circumstances that may lead to an education direction. However, trustees should not wait for an ATO directive before getting educated – such a directive means the trustees have already breached the rules. The draft Practice Statement is intended to support compliance and public confidence, but it is not a substitute for proactive trustee learning. Acting early and voluntarily is both safer for trustees and viewed more favourably by regulators. Practical Steps Trustees Can Consider Use ATO’s official SMSF guidance Start with the ATO’s SMSF courses on the lifecycle of an SMSF, setting up, running and winding up. These courses are written for trustees and prospective trustees: Setting up an SMSF: https://smallbusiness.taxsuperandyou.gov.au/setting-up-a-self-managed-super-fund-smsf Running an SMSF: https://smallbusiness.taxsuperandyou.gov.au/running-a-self-managed-super-fund-smsf Winding up an SMSF: https://smallbusiness.taxsuperandyou.gov.au/winding-self-managed-super-fund-smsf Complete the ATO’s ‘knowledge check’ The ATO provides an online “knowledge check” for each course designed to test trustee understanding. It’s a useful starting point, but note a pass mark of 50% should not be taken as a guarantee of safety. Trustees should consider whether aiming for a much higher standard, even 100% comprehension of core duties, is a more appropriate target to reduce risk. Seek timely professional advice If a knowledge check or your reading flags uncertainty, contact us early to discuss your concerns. Timely, qualified advice often transforms a potential contravention into a routine fix and may mitigate potential penalties or ATO enforcement action. Document your learning and decisions Keep records of training completed, who provided advice, and why investment or payment decisions were made. Good records are persuasive evidence of a trustee’s intent to comply. Final Word SMSF trustees hold both opportunity and responsibility. Learning the SISA rules and the ATO’s expectations is the most practical way to prevent costly mistakes. The ATO’s draft Practice Statement shows the regulator is prepared to use education directions where trustees’ knowledge gaps pose risks, but you shouldn’t wait to be told. Build your knowledge, use the ATO’s resources, complete the knowledge check, document what you learn, and seek professional help confidently and early. That approach better protects your fund and retirement outcomes.

Unlocking Tax Savings: Can Your MBA (or Other Studies) Pay Off at Tax Time?

By Clarke McEwan • December 3, 2025

The ATO’s rules on self-education expenses are strict, and the line between “deductible” and “non-deductible” can be thin. Getting it right could mean thousands back in your pocket; getting it wrong could mean an ATO adjustment, plus interest and penalties. Let’s unpack how it works with a real-world example and some practical takeaways. The Scenario: Sarah’s MBA Sarah works in the Department of Defence and recently completed an MBA through a private provider. Her employer supported her studies with a $40,000 study allowance, and the course fees totalled $18,000. She deferred payment using the FEE-HELP loan system and declared the allowance as taxable income in her return. Now she’s asking: Can I claim a deduction for my MBA fees? Does it matter that I used FEE-HELP? Does the employer allowance change things? The Type of Loan Matters First, not all funding for education courses is treated equally. HECS-HELP - no deduction: If your course is a Commonwealth supported place (most undergraduate and some postgraduate university programs), you can’t claim a deduction. There is specific legislation in the tax system which denies deductions for fees covered by HECS-HELP — even if you pay them upfront and even if the course is closely related to your work. FEE-HELP - potential deduction: If you’re in a full-fee course, your tuition fees might be deductible if the study directly relates to your current employment or business activities. The ATO doesn’t allow a deduction for loan repayments later on — just the course fees themselves. Practical tip: Check your course statement or loan confirmation to see if you’re under HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. Only FEE-HELP (or private payment) gives you potential deductibility. The “Nexus” Test — Linking Study to Your Current Work Even if the funding passes the first test, the purpose of the study is key. The ATO will only allow deductions if the course maintains or improves the skills you already use in your job, or is likely to increase your income in that same role. It won’t apply if you’re studying to move into a new field or start a different career. The ATO issued a detailed ruling on this topic in 2024 which provides some clear examples: Allowed: A store manager doing an MBA to strengthen leadership and business operations skills. Denied: A sales rep doing an MBA to change careers into consulting — the link to the current role was too weak. For Sarah, the deduction depends on whether her MBA subjects (like strategy, policy or management) build directly on her current Defence role. The fact that her employer funded the course helps demonstrate relevance, but it’s not proof on its own. In some cases you might find that specific subjects or modules are sufficiently linked with current income earning activities, while other subjects are too general in nature for the fees to be deductible. Employer Allowances and HELP Repayments The $40,000 allowance Sarah received is assessable income — it’s taxed just like salary. But that doesn’t stop her from claiming eligible self-education deductions for the course fees. HELP loan repayments later on are not deductible — they’re simply a repayment of debt. The timing of the deduction is based on when the course expense was incurred (not when the loan is repaid). Making It Practical If you’re planning further study or reviewing a recent course, here’s how to make sure you get it right: Check your loan type – FEE-HELP or private fees can be deductible; HECS-HELP cannot. Gather evidence – Keep course outlines, job descriptions, and any correspondence showing the study supports your current work. Claim what’s relevant – You can only claim expenses directly connected to your current job (fees, books, and possibly travel). Be ready for review – Large claims often attract ATO attention. A private ruling can provide peace of mind if the amount is significant. Key Takeaways For many professionals, postgraduate studies like an MBA can deliver both career and tax benefits — but only if they relate directly to your current role. Handled correctly, self-education deductions can return thousands in tax savings. For Sarah, that could mean a refund of over $5,000 on an $18,000 course. If you’re considering further study, talk to us before you enrol or claim. A quick chat could ensure your next qualification delivers the best return — professionally and financially.

Super on Payday: Fundamental Changes for Employers

By Clarke McEwan • December 3, 2025

It’s called Payday Super, and it became law on 4 November 2025. The new rules are designed to close Australia’s $6.25 billion unpaid super gap and make sure employees — especially casual and part-time workers — get their retirement savings when they get paid. What’s Changing? From 1 July 2026, you’ll need to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as wages, rather than weeks or months later. Employers will have seven business days from payday to ensure contributions hit employees’ super funds. If payments are late, the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) will apply — that means paying the missed super plus an interest and administration penalty. Once SGC has been assessed, additional interest and penalties may apply if the SGC liability isn’t paid in full. Unlike the existing system, SGC amounts will normally be deductible to employers, although penalties for late payment of SGC won’t be deductible. On top of this, the ATO will retire the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) platform from 1 July 2026 for all users and alternative options should be sought. The change isn’t just about compliance — it’s about impact. The Government estimates the earlier payments could boost an average worker’s retirement balance by around $7,700. Why It’s Good for Business This reform might sound like extra admin, and it might take a bit of getting used to, but it can actually simplify your payroll process and strengthen your reputation as an employer. Less admin – Paying super when you run payroll means no more quarterly payment crunches. Fewer compliance risks – ATO data-matching will pick up issues faster, helping you avoid penalties before they snowball. Stronger employee trust – Staff can see their super growing in real time, which might help with engagement and retention. Smoother cash flow management – Paying smaller, regular amounts of super is often easier to manage than large quarterly sums. The ATO will take a “risk-based” approach for the first year, focusing on education and helping businesses transition smoothly. If you pay on time, you’ll likely be flagged as low risk, meaning fewer compliance checks. How to Get Ready — Practical Steps to Take Now You’ve got time before the rules kick in, but the smart move is to prepare early. Here’s how: Check your payroll software. Most modern systems (like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks) already support payday-aligned super. Confirm your setup and check if any updates or integrations are needed. Map your pay cycles. Note how often you pay staff (weekly, fortnightly, monthly) and calculate the seven-day payment window for each. Brief your team. Make sure whoever manages payroll understands the changes. The ATO has free online resources and webinars to help. Plan your cash flow. Consider shifting from quarterly to more regular payments now to get used to the timing. Smaller, frequent super payments can reduce cash flow shocks. Monitor and review. Set up a monthly check to ensure super contributions have cleared correctly. Keep an eye on ATO updates as final guidance is released. If you outsource payroll, contact your provider soon — many are already updating systems for Payday Super and can help you make a seamless switch. The Bottom Line Payday Super isn’t just a compliance change — it’s an opportunity to make your payroll more efficient, your staff happier, and your business more compliant with less effort. With the laws now passed and just over 6 months to prepare, it’s time to get ahead of the curve. If you’d like help reviewing your payroll setup or planning the transition, get in touch with our team — we can help you make sure your business is ready to go when Payday Super commences.