In this special episode, Sharon McClafferty sits down with Mike McHenry of SeamlessSMSF to delve into cultivating a thriving workplace culture. Sharon and Mike chat about the profound impact of workplace culture on business success. They explore how a great culture can truly make or break a firm, diving into the key elements that contribute to a th…

In this episode we talk with Con Voultsios of aXelerate Advisory about funding the purchase of equity interest in professional services firms. Con shares some interesting aspects about what banks are looking for when considering finance applications submitted by accounting and financial planning firms. His observations with respect to developing re…

In this episode we talk with Richard Hernan of Broadleaf Financial Group about investing in financial advisory firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the roles and resources that an external investor can bring to the table, along with the characteristics of firms in which Broadleaf is interested in taking a long term equity positi…

In this episode, we talk with Larry Fingleson of The Edward Alexander Foundation about his career, finding purpose and charitable giving. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss - Private ancillary funds and the roles that they can play in supporting good causes whilst at the same time fostering healthy discussions about money in families…

In this episode we talk with the latest coach to join Slipstream Group, Nina Forbes. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss Nina’s career to date (lots of highlights here!), her views on the future of the financial planning profession and what she is most looking forward to in her coaching relationships. It was great to explore Nina’s ca…

Fiona also shares some interesting aspects about her own journey, becoming a shareholder and director of her firm in recent years. For additional information, you may care to visit the Accru Hobart website – Due diligence for potential purchasers The news section of the website contains a range of interesting articles that Fiona has written The pod…

In this compelling episode we talk with Fraser Jack of The Cyber Collective about cyber security. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the risks which apply to small businesses and how team members being eager to please clients can make your firm vulnerable to attack. Fraser also shares some interesting aspects about emails, tax file n…

In this episode we welcome back renown marketer Kirt Daunt to talk about putting marketing to work in your firm. In particular, we drill into what comes next after putting the marketing foundations (brand, website, case studies etc) in place. To squeeze the utmost out of this interview with Kirt, we pitched him headlong into real life scenarios tha…

In this episode we talk with Jon Petie about his retirement from public practice after 28 years and his new role as Slipstream Group’s latest coach. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss delivering on one’s promises, being of a growth mindset and maintaining a keen interest in the value of one’s business. It’s also clear from the discus…

In this episode we talk with John Fitzgerald of Active Rehabilitation about growing a remarkable professional practice. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss – Specialising in profitable niche areas Being nimble enough to handle staff and patient illness throughout COVID Recruitment, including how to source, employ and train top level g…

In this episode we talk with marketing expert Kirt Daunt about developing a winning brand. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss two aspects that one should obsess over – What your client needs and wants How to deliver this profitably to your bottom line Kirt makes the point that doing a good job of the first helps you achieve the secon…

In this episode we talk with Ray Miles, recently retired founder of Fortnum Financial Advisers. For three decades, Ray has been a highly significant figure in the Australian financial services landscape and this interview explores his reflections post the final instalment of his career. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the future o…

In this episode we talk with Michael Burnett about his pending retirement from public practice and his upcoming role as Slipstream Group’s latest coach. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss some keys to a successful professional partnership and how to coordinate efforts being brought to bear on a client’s financial affairs in the conte…

In this episode we talk with fellow practitioner Al Ramos about his professional journey. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how he developed a specialty in looking after particular clients (businesses), his willingness to go far beyond providing traditional services and how leadership fatigue became a catalyst in deciding to sell hi…

In this episode we talk with Rebecca McGough of Slipstream Group about managing professional service firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss when to keep matters ticking over Vs when it’s time to create new systems and/or add new resources; freeing up busy practitioners to focus on their client-facing work plus some thoughts regard…

In this episode we talk with Vivienne Quinn of Quinn & Associates about buying and selling a professional practice. Amongst a range of timeless topics, we discuss why there is still plenty interest in buying fees and firms – notwithstanding this current COVID environment. For those looking to sell their firm, now or down the track, Vivienne provide…

Podcast with Michael Spinks In this episode we talk with Michael Spinks regarding how he has found his first 12 months as a Slipstream coach. Amongst a range of interesting topics, Michael speaks about the importance of organisation in one’s firm – Having the right people in the right roles An appropriate meeting structure – who meets with who and …

Measuring team member performance With Brent Charlton In this episode we talk with Brent Charlton of Altitude Advisers about measuring team member performance, as applied in his own multidisciplinary practice. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how Brent developed a system to suit his firm, beginning with basic spreadsheets and evolv…

Selling Professional Services Show Notes In this episode we talk with Ryan Devillers of Slipstream Coaching about selling professional services. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss what makes a good salesperson and how partners of busy accounting and financial services firms tend to focus on current clients rather than prospective cli…

In this episode we talk with Julia Vojkovic of Compliance Co about various aspects of financial services from a compliance perspective. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the responsibilities of AFSL’s in navigating the current legislative landscape and how Compliance Co assists by providing an outsourced compliance solution. Julia a…

Show Notes In this episode we talk with Andrew Jago about joining the Slipstream Coaching team as our latest business coach. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how financial planners can engage with clients about their business and his views about accountants providing business advisory services. Andrew also shares some interesting a…

Show Notes In this episode we talk with Brent Charlton and James Mills about some impressive systems that they have implemented in their multi-disciplinary firm, Altitude Advisers. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the impressive infrastructure Brent and James have implemented which enables Altitude to deliver a great multidisciplin…

Positivity, Passion and The Profession: An absorbing discussion with Tim Munro Show Notes In this episode we talk with Tim Munro of Change GPS about Positivity, Passion and The Profession. Tim shares some interesting views about the future of the accounting profession - the role technology will play, what the leading firms will be doing and the rel…

Podcast with Paul Little Show Notes In this episode we talk with Slipstream Coaching’s Paul Little regarding how he has found his first nine months as a Slipstream coach. Amongst a range of interesting topics, Paul outlines what he brings to the table as a business coach, having been a successful practitioner himself. Paul discusses the process tha…

Achieving through others – leading your financial services firm Show Notes In this episode we talk with Jacqui Sherlock of Sherlock Wealth and Irma Bantjes of Stratus Financial Group about leadership in professional service firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss engaging managers from a non-technical background to the role of CEO …

Attitude, Abundance & Action - an interview with Kath Orman Show Notes In this episode we talk with Kath Orman of Goals & Dreams about running a financial services practice and her new book Attitude, Abundance & Action. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss Kath’s career in financial services and some particular challenges she’s faced a…

The road to success can lead to interesting places, with Melissa Voss Show Notes In this episode we talk with Melissa Voss of Fuseworks about her career in public accounting, the process whereby she became an owner in that business and her interest in process improvement. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how this interest in automa…

Introducing Michael Spinks, our new Slipstream coach Show Notes In this episode we get to know Slipstream Coaching’s latest coach, Michael Spinks. Michael brings a fascinating range of experiences to his role as a coach, including running his own professional services firm, being a senior executive in an AFSL and a distinguished career in the Navy.…

“Websites that work” – a conversation with Matt Wilkinson Show Notes In this episode we talk with Matt Wilkinson of Bizink about websites that work. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss the role one’s website plays as part of an overall marketing program; the respective importance of content and design of a website; having “hero conten…

Getting on with business – Working smarter with Melissa Voss Show Notes In this episode we talk with Melissa Voss of Fuseworks about working smarter using technology in one’s firm. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss automating back office procedures which creates numerous flow on benefits in terms of turnaround time on client assignm…

Show Notes In this episode we talk with Dr Richard Brandon of Immunexpress about working from home long term, whilst playing a central role in an organisation based on the other side of the world. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how to work effectively as a remote member of an organisation; the importance of having structured meet…

Show Notes In this episode we talk with Steve Bakker of Business IT Professionals (BITP) about technology issues likely to arise when your team is working from home. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss not just the immediate challenges in getting one’s team settled and working productively but other issues such as security and backups…

HR issues at a time of crisis Show Notes In this episode we talk with Kearin Lowry, founder and managing director of Workforce Positive about critical HR issues which are presenting during the Corona Virus crisis. Amongst a range of relevant topics, we discuss varying team members’ employment arrangements - going part-time, asking people to use the…

Podcast with Paul Little, new Slipstream Coach In this episode we talk with Paul Little, who has recently become a coach here at Slipstream Coaching. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss his transition from being a practitioner himself, some key factors in his success as a practitioner and how he is settling in here at Slipstream. Also…

Podcast with Andy Gild Show Notes In this episode we talk with Andy Gild about A Cause Worth Pedalling For. We discuss Bicycles for Humanity, a charity which embraces and supports bicycles as a means to help people in need become more self sufficient. It’s a terrific story which you are bound to find uplifting. We also discuss many aspects of what …

Fresh thoughts on graduate recruitment, with Alisdair Barr Show Notes In this episode we talk with Alisdair Barr of Striver about graduate recruitment for professional services firms. Amongst a range of interesting topics we discuss the professional year recently introduced to financial planning, retention of the graduate talent one has recruited a…

Podcast with Brett Cribb Show Notes In this episode we talk with Brett Cribb of Stratus Financial about Then, Now and Beyond. Amongst a range of aspects in Brett’s business which have evolved over the years, we discuss how his role in the business has changed, specialisation, pricing one’s services. Brett also talks about his firm winning the IFA A…

Stark Naked Numbers with Jason Andrew Show Notes In this episode we talk with Jason Andrew of SBO, a bookkeeping and operational finance company servicing high growth businesses. Jason is also the author of the very readable book Stark Naked Numbers. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss some nitty-gritty details with respect to running…

Show Notes In this episode we talk with Greg Gunther of Your Business Momentum about his varied career in business. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how he fell into a very successful financial planning career then evolved into becoming a coach and mentor to other practitioners. Greg shares how he became an expert in podiatry pract…

In this episode we talk with Paul Little about how and why he got into his financial planning business and ultimately what brought about his decision to successfully exit. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how he overcame the “Loneliness of the long-distance runner” by tapping into support networks and the importance of having and w…

Podcast with Stephen Kostarelas Show Notes In this episode we talk with Stephen Kostarelas of The Wealth Designers (TWD) about his life as a director and financial adviser. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how he came to financial planning from an accounting background and how TWD came to be AFA’s Firm of the Year in 2018. Stephen …

Estate Planning with Brant Dillon Show Notes In this episode we talk with Brant Dillon of The Legal Hub about estate planning. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss how busy accountants and financial planners can and should play a more active role in their clients’ estate planning. Brant shares how he has streamlined the process to make…

Podcast with Barry Daniels Resilience, mental well being and entrepreneurship - a practitioner’s journey In this episode we talk with Barry Daniels about Resilience, mental well being and entrepreneurship. We trace Barry’s journey through his formative and very challenging childhood through to critical times in his business career. Barry shares som…

Podcast with Rachel Wilson Show Notes In this episode we talk with Rachel Wilson, newly appointed coach at Slipstream Coaching. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss Rachel’s experience in leading her own professional services firm, some of her other entrepreneurial experience and what she gets up to when not at work. Interestingly, whi…

Podcast with Phil Little, 12 months on as a Slipstream coach Show Notes In this episode, we talk with Phil Little of Slipstream about how he has found his first 12 months as a coach with Slipstream Coaching. Amongst a range of interesting items covered, we discuss the importance of knowing one’s future business cash flow, the importance of delegati…

Podcast with Higher Purpose In this episode we talk with Brad Mackay of Higher Purpose about philanthropy and making a contribution. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss non-monetary means of contributing, tax breaks for donations, beneficiary organisations and guiding clients on how best to leave a legacy. Brad also shares some intere…

Podcast with Jenny Brown Show Notes In this episode, we talk with Jenny Brown of JBS Financial Strategists about FASEA, the Royal Commission and other matters relevant to the future of the financial planning profession. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss doing further study, the increased requirement for professional development in t…

Podcast with Leonie Henry Upon reflection - a practitioner’s journey Show Notes In this episode we talk with Leonie Henry, the founder of Henry Financial Group about her time in practice and now, her life in retirement. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we discuss fee for service, pricing one’s services and running the business in line with so…

In this episode, we talk with Tim Lane of Centurion Market makers about practice valuations. Amongst a range of interesting topics, we explore trends in valuation including why there is a difference between CBD firms and regional firms. For planners, we also canvass discuss the impact that the Royal Commission and FASEA may have on valuations and o…

In this episode, we talk with Steve Bakker of Business IT Professionals (BITP) about Cyber Security and Coming Back from Retirement. On the matter of Cyber Security, we discuss the very real threat of a cyber attack and the potential ramifications. Clearly, this is not an issue to be taken lightly…or ignore altogether. Steve explains some of the pa…