In this episode, John from Auxilio Finance unpacks a surprising truth: 92% of catastrophic borrowing decisions are made by business owners with strong financial literacy. The issue isn’t understanding the numbers — it’s how the human brain behaves under stress.

When business owners face urgency — payroll pressure, cash-flow gaps, or time-sensitive opportunities — the brain’s decision-making centre (the prefrontal cortex) becomes less active. Research shows decision quality can drop by up to 40%, pushing people toward short-term relief instead of long-term sustainability.

Under pressure, owners are:

• 3.5x more likely to accept predatory loan terms
• 78% more likely to prioritise immediate relief over consequences
• 65% likely to mistake loan approval as validation of a good decision

Approval bias plays a major role. In fact, 82% of problematic business loans were approved by multiple lenders, creating a false sense of safety.

Past success can also backfire. Owners who’ve successfully handled financial challenges before are 2.4x more likely to over-leverage, developing what psychologists call success-induced risk blindness.

Anchoring bias adds fuel to the fire. 71% of borrowers fixate on monthly repayments, ignoring total cost — which explains why balloon payments default at 3.7x the rate of standard repayments, even in healthy businesses.

Perhaps most damaging is the delay in seeking help. On average, business owners wait 7.2 months too long due to “capability shame.” Each month of delay reduces finance options by 8% and increases cost of capital by 1.2%.

The solution?
Research-backed safeguards:

• A 48-hour cooling-off period
• Applying a third-party perspective (“What advice would I give someone else?”)
• Pre-committed decision criteria set before pressure hits

Businesses using these strategies are 2.8x more likely to maintain healthy debt levels and 3.1x more likely to avoid predatory finance.

Auxilio Finance helps Australian businesses access fast, flexible funding without the hassle.

They specialise in business loans, equipment finance, technology and software funding, and cash-flow solutions that make it easier for SMEs to grow, upgrade, and invest without big upfront costs. Their mission is straightforward: make business finance simple, smart, and stress-free so owners can focus on running the business, not wrestling with paperwork.

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In this episode of the Auxilio Finance Business Insights Podcast, we open with an important truth: founder John Glasheen brings over 40 years of hands-on experience helping Australian businesses navigate growth, pressure, and changing economic conditions. When John talks about cash flow, risk, or business sustainability, it’s coming from lived experience — not theory.

The episode explores a challenge faced by organisations of every size: cash flow management. With 82% of business failures linked directly to cash flow problems, the presenters question why traditional banks still rely on lending models created in the 1950s — models that often don’t reflect the realities of modern business operations.

This leads into a discussion on how Auxilio Finance stands apart. Instead of forcing businesses into rigid structures, Auxilio takes time to understand unique operational patterns, timing pressures, and industry-specific challenges. Their approach isn’t just lending; it’s matching finance to real-world business behaviour.

The conversation highlights Auxilio’s flexibility — funding from $25,000 to $1 million, plus specialised options that support everything from AI system investments to bridging short-term cash flow gaps. The hosts explore invoice factoring, noting that with small businesses waiting an average of 72 days to get paid, unlocking the value of unpaid invoices can keep a business moving when it matters most.

Technology financing is another major focus. Unlike traditional banks that treat tech investments the same as a vehicle purchase, Auxilio evaluates how AI, software builds, and digital infrastructure impact efficiency, productivity, and growth trajectory. It’s a modern approach that aligns with how businesses operate today.

Ultimately, the episode emphasises that Auxilio Finance isn’t just providing capital — they’re providing context, experience, and industry understanding. Whether it's trades, manufacturing, professional services, or tech startups, Auxilio recognises that every business is different, and financing should reflect that.

The takeaway is clear: business lending is evolving, and Auxilio Finance is at the forefront of that shift — creating smarter, more adaptive financial solutions built for today’s economy.

Auxilio Finance is an independent Australian business finance specialist led by John Glasheen, who brings over 40 years of experience in commercial lending, cash-flow strategy, and growth funding. The company focuses on understanding how businesses actually operate — their pressure points, seasonal cycles, and long-term goals — rather than forcing them into rigid, old-school banking models.

Auxilio offers a wide range of flexible finance solutions including working-capital loans, equipment and technology finance, growth capital, and invoice factoring. This tailored approach helps businesses smooth out cash-flow gaps, seize time-sensitive opportunities, upgrade technology, and scale without being held back by slow or outdated lending systems.

What sets Auxilio apart is its relationship-driven model. Instead of relying solely on spreadsheets, John and his team take the time to understand the business behind the numbers — the challenges, the ambition, and the story. That’s why Auxilio works so effectively across industries: trades, manufacturing, tech, professional services, logistics, and more.

If your business is looking for smarter, more flexible finance support — or simply wants advice from someone who’s seen every type of economic cycle — get in touch with John directly.

📞 Call John: +61 418 655 061
📧 Email: Available on the Auxilio Finance website (auxiliofinance.com.au)
🌐 Visit: https://auxiliofinance.com.au