Black Belt

Finance industry veterans Joseph Healy and David Hornery reveal how they successfully started Judo Bank and disrupted the Australian banking market against all odds in this business masterclass for leaders, startups, and entrepreneurs.

Disillusioned with the culture and strategy of the four big Australian banks, Joseph Healy and David Hornery began contemplating a startup that would improve and disrupt the immovable banking sector.

Although they were self-professed "no spring chickens" who fell outside of the usual millennial startup entrepreneur demographic, they devised a plan to launch a new bank that would service small and medium-sized businesses—a sector neglected by the big banks—in a highly regulated industry monopolised by four of Australia’s largest companies.

Inspired by the Netflix mantra "that will never work", Joseph and David founded Judo Bank in 2016. The name is a nod to the fact that in judo, the smaller, weaker person can overpower a stronger opponent through efficient use of energy.

In Black Belt, the authors share key lessons from the Judo journey and their decades in business prior to the startup, including how to:

• Find and stick to your niche
• Act like a David and succeed as the underdog against Goliaths
• Be 100% clear on your purpose
• Continuously work on your culture

This is a true masterclass in planning, launching, and scaling a successful business against all odds. Follow their advice, and you too could become a Black Belt leader and entrepreneur.