Gold Coast icons reveal untold business stories on new podcast
Striking Gold launches 6 November with Gold Coast icons.
What’s happening
A new podcast is shining a light on the real stories behind some of the Gold Coast’s most recognised entrepreneurs and leaders.
Striking Gold, hosted by local entrepreneur Sterling Cincotta, officially launches on Thursday, 6 November, with new episodes dropping weekly.
The first season features an impressive lineup including Mayor Tom Tate, Kenton Campbell (Zarraffa’s Coffee), Clark Kirby (Village Roadshow Group), Christina Baker (Gold Coast Cookies), Rebecca Frizelle OAM (Gold Coast Titans) and Scott Freeman (EMF).
The podcast dives into the setbacks and challenges these business founders have faced and overcome, exploring what kept them going through it all.
Sterling also reflects on his own experiences, including setbacks faced in the public eye, while highlighting why the Gold Coast has become such a strong place for business growth and success.
Why it matters
The stories shared on Striking Gold reveal the resilience behind the success of business leaders who helped shape the Gold Coast’s entrepreneurial landscape. Sterling said the aim of the podcast is to go beyond surface-level achievements and offer honest insights into the realities of building a business.
“While the Gold Coast is known for its lifestyle, it’s fast becoming one of the country’s most sought after business hubs and a place where ideas are built, tested and scaled by people willing to take risks and start again when things don’t go to plan,” said Sterling.
“In recent years, we’ve seen the region’s population climb substantially with a new generation of entrepreneurs choosing to base themselves on the Gold Coast, and an influx of established business operators relocating from southern states who see real commercial potential here.
“This has created fertile ground for new businesses and future leaders to plough and Striking Gold taps into that momentum while sharing the stories of some of the region’s most iconic leaders.”
Through open and honest conversations, Striking Gold aims to provide inspiration and reassurance to anyone navigating their own path to success.
“We hear a lot about success, but not much about the failures that shape it,” said Sterling. “Striking Gold is not looking to create a platform for glossy highlight reels likened to what you see on LinkedIn or hear about at business networking events.
“Instead, we’re sharing the moments that nearly broke people, the lessons they learned and what kept them going when it all felt impossible.”
By the numbers
The first season of Striking Gold features six major Gold Coast figures representing business, sport, and entertainment.
Over 1,500 cafes stock Gold Coast Cookies, founded by featured guest Christina Baker.
The series will release new episodes weekly, starting Thursday, 6 November.
Zoom in
Each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, lows, and lessons of entrepreneurship through the voices of those who have defined the Gold Coast’s business scene.
Listeners will hear firsthand how these founders navigated self-doubt, risk and growth to build lasting brands. Sterling, a Gold Coast entrepreneur himself, shares his own story of rebuilding after major professional and personal challenges.
“There’s a saying that arriving at any level of success without your reputation is failure and that’s definitely how it felt for me at one point in time,” Sterling said. “But my resilience led me to where I stand today and connected me to others who kept going and have gone on to build some of Australia’s most successful businesses over the last twenty to thirty years.
“That’s exactly what I want Striking Gold to capture, the honesty in how people get back up and where it takes us next.”
Zoom out
The podcast reflects the growing strength of the Gold Coast as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sterling said Striking Gold celebrates the region’s rising influence by highlighting those who took risks, faced failures, and built the businesses that define the city today.
Local impact
The stories featured in Striking Gold show the determination of Gold Coast leaders who turned ideas into thriving ventures.
From the early beginnings of Zarraffa’s Coffee to the success of Gold Coast Cookies, the podcast showcases how local ambition continues to shape the region’s business future.
What to look for next
Episode 1 launches Thursday, 6 November, featuring Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate sharing a rare look into his early professional and personal journey, as well as his insights for the Gold Coast’s future.
Striking Gold will be available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and RXM Network.