Interview: Exa Product Development
We have the pleasure of working with businesses from all kinds of industries – from cafes to trades, marketers and consultants in varied fields. We love working with professional services and Exa Product Development is a niche feather in our cap; we’ve learnt more about engineering and product development than we would’ve expected as accountants and it’s been a pleasure watching Stephen, Sarah and their team expand and succeed at what they do.
Here’s a bit about Exa, why the company was founded and what Steve and Sarah have learnt along the way.
In a nutshell, what does Exa Product Development do?
Stephen Leahey (Director and Engineering Manager): Exa is a Certified B Corporation offering engineering and product development advisory services across utilities, medical, consumer, and government sectors. We combine deep expertise in electronics, firmware, software, and systems engineering with a collaborative and transparent approach. But what truly sets us apart is our belief that engineering should be a force for good. We take the time to thoroughly understand our clients—who they are, what they value, and where they want to go—so we can design and develop purposeful technologies that make a lasting impact.
Sarah Bardwell (Co-Founder and General Manager): Our purpose, ‘Built for Good,’ isn’t just a phrase—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe engineering and innovation should be a force for good, creating meaningful impact for people, organisations, and the planet. That belief guides not only the products we build but also the way we work—with responsibility, empathy, and integrity.
What’s the origin story of Exa?
Steve: Having worked in commercial product development and engineering for over 18 years at the time, I saw a significant need for greater transparency, flexibility, and collaboration between engineering consultancies and their clients. Commercial product development is incredibly challenging–complex, dynamic, and high-stakes–regardless of a business’s maturity. We founded Exa to address these needs, creating a space where open communication and collaboration drive technical success, and where our clients truly feel supported and engaged throughout every stage of the development process.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted Exa to operate differently. Our mission is to take a fresh approach to everything we do—from systems engineering to embedded development to culture and client relationships. It’s not just about delivering projects; it’s about creating real-world impact through deep partnerships and aligned values.
What’s something you think burgeoning business owners should know, before launching?
Steve: Just get started! As a business owner, you’ll be stretched and challenged in ways both within and beyond your control–every single day. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ idea or situation is a trap because perfection never comes. Challenges and opportunities will always evolve so the best time to start is now. Surround yourself with people and partners you can trust–let them in and listen to them. Future Advisory has been a steady support over the years as our own challenges and opportunities have evolved–they help us get the best out of our business.
Tell us about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Sarah: Oh man, so many! For Steve and I, Exa was our first real foray into entrepreneurship–we were naive and idealistic in a lot of ways–but I think that was part of the magic and willingness to start a company in the first place.
The most invaluable lesson we’ve learned, and have come to accept, is that our team and business can only evolve as far as we do. For married Founders, the line between work and life can be especially blurred. Growth requires a constant state of discomfort, and Steve and I have had to take a hard look at ourselves every step of the way. Deep self-reflection, seeking and accepting tough feedback, embracing the facts–even when they’re uncomfortable–and knowing when to pause and appreciate the journey and each other have been critical. Surrounding ourselves with trusted people who challenge and support us keeps us moving in the right direction. Entrepreneurship has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life–and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What’s something about Exa that you’re particularly proud of?
Sarah: We’re incredibly proud of the environment we’ve built at Exa–a transparent, people-focused organisation that prioritises respect and integrity. From day one, our goal has been to create a culture where our ‘people first’ values are felt throughout, benefiting both our team and our clients. We’re deeply grateful to all of the Exa team members, past and present, who’ve contributed to this journey and helped us bring our vision to life.
And, speaking of transparency, Future has been instrumental in shaping our profit-sharing program and providing our team with regular visibility into company performance and forecasts.
How has Future helped you along the way?
Steve: Exa is celebrating our 8th birthday this month! One of the very first steps I took after registering the business was finding an accountant. I turned to my network for a referral (because really, is there any better way to find a great partner?) and was introduced to Jason Robinson. From that moment, Jason and the Future team have been with us–literally–since day one.
Growing alongside Future over the years has been invaluable. Our partnership has scaled with us, evolving from basic tax compliance and payroll services to a broader suite of support. Today, we rely on Chloe for bookkeeping, and we’ve tapped into strategic advisory and virtual CFO services with Jason and Antoine. Having a trusted partner to grow with has been an incredible part of Exa’s journey.
Any plans for the future you’d like to share?
Sarah: We continuously invest in the tools and platforms that drive product development, ensuring they are not only powerful but also easily accessible to our clients.
Over the past few years, we’ve built a robust suite of software, firmware, electronics, and testing capabilities–designed not just for us, but for our clients. These platforms accelerate development, enhance product reliability, and reduce risk in the early design stages.
A ‘fresh approach’ isn’t just a tagline–it’s how we tackle every opportunity. So looking ahead, we’re focused on making these tools even more accessible to the teams we collaborate with. Our goal is to enable faster development cycles and provide best-in-class technical solutions–so our clients can focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional outcomes for their customers.
Can you leave us with a taste of a current piece of work that’s particularly exciting?
Steve: One of the most exciting programs we’re currently working on is the development of a large-scale IoT deployment that supports the transition to renewable energy. It’s part of a nationally significant effort—backed by multiple partners—to stabilise the energy grid through implementing Demand Response technologies.
Our role has been to design and engineer the edge device that will be deployed in millions of homes across Australia and overseas. These devices enable energy networks to intelligently manage residential loads, reducing peak demand and alleviating pressure on the grid—especially as more renewables come online.
It’s a complex, high-impact program, and the kind of challenge we love: designing technology that scales, performs reliably, and contributes to a more sustainable future.
You can read more about Exa here, our tax and accounting services here and business advisory here.
