Shows
Finance FriendsMeet Grant Hackett OAM, Olympic Gold Medallist and CEO of Generation Development GroupGrant Hackett's journey from Olympic gold medal glory to CEO of a $2 billion ASX-listed company offers a masterclass in high-performance mindset and leadership transition.When Grant Hackett was 13 years old, he made a decision that would shape his entire life: he wasn't just going to the Olympics – he was going to win gold. This clarity of purpose drove him to become a three-time Olympic gold medallist who dominated the 1500m freestyle for 11 years. But what's truly remarkable is how he's applied that same championship mindset to transform Generation Development Group from a $50 million company to a nearly $2 bi...2025-08-0838 minFinance FriendsMeet Ted Richards, Iconic AFL Defender and Head of Melbourne at Wilsons AdvisoryFrom premiership glory to private wealth... Ted Richards joins us for Episode 3 of From the Field to Finance!A former Sydney Swans premiership player and All-Australian defender, Ted takes us on an extraordinary journey from elite sport to high-stakes finance. With remarkable candour, he shares the mindset shift that transformed his football career, becoming the best centre-half back in the competition through self-belief, visualisation, and mental resilience.While playing AFL for 15 years, Ted was also quietly building a parallel path studying commerce and finance and preparing for a future beyond the field. That...2025-07-2543 minFinance FriendsMeet Luke Jones, Former Wallaby, Rugby Union Star and Investment Specialist at Fawkner PropertyFormer Wallaby, international rugby star, and now Investment Specialist... Luke Jones joins us for the second episode of From the Field to Finance!After a 14-year professional rugby career that spanned Australia and France, Luke made the leap from elite sport into the world of Finance. Now an Investment Specialist at Fawkner Property, he’s responsible for raising millions in capital and thriving in a new kind of pressure environment.In this episode, Luke reflects on the identity shift that comes with life after sport, the steep learning curve of entering the corporate wo...2025-07-1153 minFinance FriendsMeet Chris Judd, AFL Star, Founder of Cerutty Macro FundHe needs absolutely no introduction... A two-time Brownlow Medallist, premiership captain, and one of the greatest to ever play the game, AFL legend, Chris Judd, kicks off our exclusive third season: From the Field to Finance.Judd's transition from AFL superstar to successful portfolio manager and Founder of the Cerutty Macro Fund, reveals striking parallels between elite sport and financial markets. He shares his strategic thinking and competitive drive to investment management that made him a football legend.In this episode, Judd shares what it was like stepping away from the g...2025-06-2737 minFinance FriendsSeason 2 Wrap-Up & What’s Next: Sneak Peek at Season 3!Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a finance podcast? Host Fabian and producer Sienna pull back the curtain to share the Finance Friends journey and preview an extraordinary new season featuring sports stars who've conquered the finance world.Want the inside scoop on which sports stars are joining us? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to be first in line when Season 3 drops in just a few weeks! Got questions or ideas f...2025-06-1025 minFinance FriendsMeet Natalie Jollow, Head of Marketing at GlobalXWhat does it take to rise from a call centre agent to the head of marketing at a major investment firm? Nat Jollow's journey shatters expectations and offers a refreshingly honest look at career development in financial services.This episode delves deep into how modern marketing within financial services has evolved beyond creative campaigns to become a strategic, data-driven function. As Head of Marketing at GlobalX, Nat candidly discusses the importance of building stakeholder relationships, and managing a specialised team of six across different marketing disciplines.For anyone considering a marketing career or leadership role...2025-06-0322 minFinance FriendsMeet James Wrigley, Financial Advisor and FinfluencerWhat happens when a financial advisor goes viral? James Wrigley has amassed over 220,000 followers across social media platforms with his refreshingly authentic approach to financial advice, reaching millions of people worldwide with every post. But his success story begins far from the spotlight.Now, James is a principal advisor helping clients navigate the complex relationship between money and life satisfaction. His most powerful insight? Financial advice isn't just about numbers—it's about helping people understand what they truly want from life.For those interested in financial advising careers, James offers practical wisdom: "The hardest job to...2025-05-2725 minFinance FriendsMeet Nadia Jaworski, Infrastructure Strategy Advisor and Partner of Maverick AdvisorsJoin us as we sit down with Nadia Jaworski, joint founder and partner of Maverick Advisors, who pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of social infrastructure development. With over 25 years of experience working across both government and private sectors, Nadia offers rare insights into how essential community facilities move from idea to reality.The conversation delves into the challenges facing infrastructure development today, from fiscal constraints to climate considerations. Nadia shares how COVID disrupted construction supply chains and budgets, requiring greater innovation and risk management. For aspiring professionals, Nadia's advice is refreshingly practical: "J...2025-05-2027 minFinance FriendsMeet Ray Becher, Property Advisor and Senior Buyers AgentWhat separates a great property purchase from a costly mistake? Ray Becher, Property Advisor and Senior Buyer's Agent at Cohen Handler, reveals the strategic depth behind successful property transactions that most buyers never consider.Drawing on three generations of property knowledge, Ray takes us through his fascinating journey from performance studies graduate to marketing professional to trusted property advisor. Ray's approach transcends simple transactions. He delves into the psychology of buying versus selling, explaining why understanding human motivation is crucial to negotiation. For those considering a career pivot, Ray offers invaluable wisdom: surround...2025-05-1225 minFinance FriendsMeet Marc Olynyk, Senior Lecturer and Course Director of Financial Planning.Career journeys are rarely straightforward, and Marc Olynyk's path from accounting to academia proves just that.In this weeks episode, our host Fabian Ruggieri chats with his past professor Marc, now the Senior Lecturer and Course Director at Deakin University's renowned financial planning program. Marc takes us through the unexpected twists that led him to his passion.What makes Marc's story particularly valuable for aspiring financial planners is his practical advice on breaking into the industry, he advises students every day who struggle to find their first opportunity. Having guided countless students into successful careers...2025-05-0529 minFinance FriendsMeet Andrew Beaumont, Director of Vest CapitalIn this weeks episode, Fabian chats with Andrew Beaumont, Director of Vest Capital. Andrew reveals the inner workings of private credit and how Vest Capital is changing the game for businesses needing fast, flexible financing solutions across Australia. Andrew's personal journey from big four accounting through management consulting to fund management provides valuable lessons for finance professionals. He emphasises surrounding yourself with exceptional talent who think differently and creating environments where ideas flow freely. Most importantly, he credits Vest Capital's rapid growth to a shared commitment to excellence and mutual support amongst their team.If y...2025-04-2824 minFinance FriendsMeet Sean Graham, Managing Director of Assured SupportSean Graham, Managing Director of Assured Support, takes us on a journey through the evolution of compliance in Australia's financial advice landscape. Far from the rigid box-ticking exercise of decades past, today's compliance function requires creativity, psychological insight, and commercial acumen to drive better business outcomes.What makes an exceptional compliance professional? Sean argues the best are creative problem-solvers who can contextualise regulations and influence behaviour without direct authority. For advisors seeking to build sustainable, profitable practices delivering superior client outcomes, this episode offers invaluable insights into leveraging compliance as a strategic advantage rather than vi...2025-04-2230 minFinance FriendsMeet Samantha Sun, Senior Manager Practice Engagement & GrowthEver wondered about the invisible support system behind successful finance professionals? This week, our host, Fabian Ruggieri chats with Samantha Sun as she pulls back the curtain on this fascinating profession in a candid conversation that explores the critical role of practice management in helping advisors build thriving businesses.As Senior Practice Engagement and Growth Manager at Entireti, Samantha supports financial planning practices across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. Her work combines strategic business coaching, accountability frameworks, and professional development initiatives that enable advisors to achieve more than they thought possible.Whether you're considering a...2025-04-1526 minFinance FriendsMeet David Werdiger, Family Wealth GeneralistThis week, our host, Fabian Ruggieri chats with David Werdiger, Family Wealth Generalist. Having navigated his own journey from working in his own family's business, to working on software development, to successful tech entrepreneur, and finally to his current role as an author and generalist advisor on family dynamics and wealth transition.Through this conversation, Werdiger emphasises the importance of collaboration between specialists and taking a family-centric rather than advisor-centric approach. His work through Swinburne University, Harvard Business School, and the Ultra High Net Worth Institute reflects this multifaceted approach to helping families create legacies that last...2025-04-0834 minFinance FriendsMeet Chris Clayton, Head of Distribution at L1 CapitalMeet Chris Clayton, Head of Distribuition at L1 Capital. Chris shares his journey with us in this episode from starting as a manager at McDonalds when he was 18, to becoming a CEO of a funds management firm by 29. This conversation peels back the curtain on success and servant leadership in finance, with Clayton explaining how important empowerment is in a team. For aspiring finance professionals, Clayton reveals his four-part framework for evaluating talent: commercial skills, technical knowledge, relationship abilities, and creativity. Whether you're just starting your finance career or leading a team, Clayton's insights on ba...2025-03-3126 minFinance FriendsMeet Stefan Galbo, Partner, Corporate Finance at PKFExplore the world as a Partner in Corporate Finance with this weeks guest, Stefan Galbo. Stefan shares how his humble beginnings working in a Greek restaurant through high school and university, taught him valuable life lessons, of which he continues to implement into his everyday life, and that ultimately led him to the success he wears every single day. As a long-time friend of our host, Fabian Ruggieri, Stefan is raw, authentic and incredibly insightful. Listeners gain practical tips for achieving a healthy work-life balance. He emphasises the significance of networking, communication skills, and personal growth. This e...2025-03-2424 minFinance FriendsMeet Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMPDive into the world of economics with Diana Mussina, the Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, in the first episode of Season 2 at Finance Friends! Diana shares her inspiring journey from a finance and economics student at the University of New South Wales to a leading role in one of Australia's prominent financial institutions.Listeners will learn about the intricacies of precarious economic forecasting, the transition from sell-side to buy-side roles, and Diana's firsthand experiences during unpredictable market cycles. With insights into the importance of effective communication in conveying economic data, Diana provides invaluable advice for anyone looking...2025-03-1725 minFinance FriendsMeet Frank Campisi, Mortgage BrokerJoin us in this week’s episode of Finance Friends with Fabian as we chat with Frank Campisi, mortgage broker and co-founder of Explore Finance. Frank opens up about his career journey from accounting to broking, the key skills for building trust with clients, and how he balances a busy professional life with running a farm and a childcare business.Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram and TikTok for updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!2024-12-1924 minFinance FriendsMeet Stefan D'Alessandro, Risk Insurance AdviserJoin us in this weeks episode of Finance Friends with Fabian, as we chat with Stefan D'Alessandro, founder and director of The Risk Lab, about his journey from computer science to risk insurance specialist. Stefan shares his thoughts about building meaningful client relationships, the importance of balancing work with personal passions, and how his approach to business aligns with his values.Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram and TikTok for updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!2024-12-1525 minFinance FriendsMeet Peter Vlachos, Senior Distribution ManagerJoin us in this week’s episode as we sit down with Peter Vlachos, Senior Distribution Manager at Elston Asset Management. Peter takes us through his journey from studying financial planning to becoming a key player in the funds management industry. He shares valuable insights into the challenges of building relationships, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and how consistent effort drives long-term success. Beyond finance, Vlachos offers our listeners advice on discipline, mindset, and achieving personal and professional goals.Love what you heard? Follow Finance Friends with Fabian for more inspiring stories and...2024-12-0825 minFinance FriendsMeet Kieran Berry, Managing Director and CEOJoin us in this weeks episode of Finance Friends with Fabian, as we sit down with Kieran Berry, CEO and Managing Director of RiverX, one of Australia’s fastest-growing investment advisory firms. Kieran shares his journey from selling stock market newsletters at 23 to building his own business, offering insights into the challenges of building a client book, managing a company, and balancing personal life. Beyond finance, Kieran highlights the importance of discipline, routine, and fitness in achieving success, offering advice for all aspiring financial professionals.2024-11-2819 minFinance FriendsMeet Megan Crow, Recruitment ConsultantJoin us this week as we chat with Megan Crow, Financial Services Recruitment Consultant at RIVA Recruitment. Megan, born and raised in Tennessee, found her calling in Melbourne's financial services recruitment sector and shares with us in this weeks episode her stories, and insights as she continues to grow her career, network and knowledge. 2024-11-2114 minFinance FriendsMeet Vas Piperoglou, Chief Investment OfficerJoin us in this weeks episode as we chat with Vas Piperoglou, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer at Collins Street Asset Management. Vas' path to a successful career was paved by motivation, ambition, and the power of knowledge. From starting his investment journey at the age of only 12 with the help of his father, Vas developed a passion for understanding markets. In this conversation, he shares with us the lessons he's learned along the way, the principles that guide his investment decisions, and his insights into the evolving financial landscape.2024-11-1523 minFinance FriendsMeet Chris MacEachern, Financial Planning CEOJoin us as we chat with Chris MacEachern, AKA C-Mac, the Financial Planning CEO behind Australia's Freedom Finance. Chris's path to success is a testament to resilience and strategic thinking. Listen in as we explore how his early interest in finance, sparked by his father's day trading, led him to the successful career he has today. 2024-11-0528 minFinance FriendsMeet Fabian Ruggieri, Director of RIVA RecruitmentIn the first episode of Finance Friends with Fabian, we dive into the personal and professional journey of Fabian, director of RIVA Recruitment and our podcast host. Joined by co-host Megan, Fabian shares his path from studying finance at La Trobe University to working at prestigious financial firms, both in Australia and abroad. With insightful reflections, he discusses his early career challenges, the lessons he learned managing high-net-worth clients, and his eventual leap into recruitment.2024-10-2716 min