In this episode of the Connect podcast, we chat with Chetan Ahuja, founder of ARI. Finance & Advisory, about his transition from the corporate banking world into entrepreneurship. Chetan shares the personal and professional lessons he’s learned along the way—from navigating risk and starting his own business, to becoming a solutions-based advisor focused on building trust and long-term client partnerships.

We explore how Chetan differentiates himself as a finance broker, why networking and referral relationships matter, and how understanding a wide range of loan types helps him deliver tailored finance solutions. If you're building a business in the finance space or simply want real-world insight into what makes great client relationships, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

• How Chetan made the leap from banking to business ownership
• Why trust and genuine relationships drive client success
• The value of being a solutions-driven finance professional
• Advice for new and aspiring entrepreneurs

In this episode of the Connect podcast, Steven Franks, founder of Higher Purpose Accounting, shares his journey from a 25-year career in corporate finance to consulting for small businesses. Drawing on his extensive experience, Steven explores how business owners can gain clarity and confidence with their numbers, especially those operating in the NDIS sector or other purpose-driven fields.

Steven covers:

• The fundamentals of cash flow forecasting, why it matters all year and how to create a simple forecast
• Common financial challenges faced by SMEs and strategies to overcome them
• The growing influence of AI in accounting and how to use it responsibly
• The benefits of online courses for boosting financial literacy and empowering business owners
• Practical tips for reviewing expenses, uncovering hidden costs and improving profitability
• The importance of hands-on client engagement and building long-term financial partnerships

This episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to help you take control of your finances, prepare for end of financial year obligations and set your business up for sustained success.

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Guy Weerarathne from Smart Wealth Financial Services to talk about the importance of personalised advice when it comes to finance, especially in the areas of home loans, refinancing, and SMSF lending.

Guy explains why his approach focuses on long-term relationships with clients rather than quick transactions. With access to over 35 lenders and a deep understanding of the full financial ecosystem, from business structures to superannuation and risk, Guy offers practical insight on how to make lending decisions that align with your personal goals.

We cover everything from first home buyer incentives to the complexities of SMSF loans and why working with a broker offers flexibility, credit protection, and strategic support that banks can’t match.

Key Takeaways:
• Finance is a huge part of everyday life
• There’s no one size fits all, every client is different
• You may be eligible to buy your first home with just a 5% deposit
• SMSF loans are complex and require specialised support
• Brokers have access to multiple lenders and protect your credit rating
• It’s not just about getting the loan, it’s about protecting your future

If you’re planning to buy your first home, refinance, or just want to better understand your loan options, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice.

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Steven Ford, founder of Goodwork HR, for an honest and insightful conversation about what it really takes to build a strong team and a healthy business culture.

Steven shares lessons from his own journey—starting out solo, growing a team, and rebranding to reflect a shared identity—but the discussion goes well beyond that. We dive into the role of HR in business growth, the power of a values-driven culture, and the challenges of leading teams through organisational change.

This episode is full of practical advice for business owners and leaders navigating growth, managing people, and building culture with intention.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. You can’t fake culture—if your values aren’t lived internally, they won’t stick externally.
2. Rebranding is more than a logo—it’s an opportunity to reflect who your team really is.
3. Hiring for values, not just skills, leads to long-term team success.
4. Leaders must model the behaviour they want to see—alignment starts at the top.

In this episode, Dianna Jacobsen from Shine at Business discusses her journey from a farming background to creating a business that integrates financial services with a focus on supporting rural and small businesses. She emphasises the importance of personalised relationships, the need for cohesive financial planning, and the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Dianna shares insights on the mental health aspects of farming, the significance of mindset in business, and her vision for empowering clients through strategic planning and support.

Key Takeaways

• Shine at Business integrates various financial services for holistic support.
• Rural businesses often lack access to essential resources and advice.
• Mental health is a significant concern in rural communities.
• Personalised client relationships are crucial for trust and understanding.
• Empowerment through financial planning can alleviate stress for clients.
• Mindset plays a critical role in business success and resilience.
• Structure, strategy, and sequence are essential for effective business management.

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we interview Michael Messner from Vantage Accounting, who shares insights on various business structures, including sole traders, companies, and trusts. Michael emphasises the importance of understanding these structures for asset protection and tax benefits, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He explains the differences between business types, the complexities of ABNs, and the role of offset accounts in managing finances. The conversation also highlights the responsibilities of directors and the significance of building trust with accountants for informed decision-making.

Key Takeaways

• A company is a legal structure that can conduct business.
• Trusts allow for flexible income distribution among beneficiaries.
• Offset accounts help manage loan interest effectively.
• Choosing the right business structure depends on individual circumstances.
• Building a personal relationship with your accountant is essential.

Tired of playing small? It's time to blow up your business – franchise style.

Brian Keen, the rebel founder of Franchise Simply, is here to detonate everything you thought you knew about scaling your company. Forget cookie-cutter advice and corporate jargon. This is raw, unfiltered strategy for transforming your single-location dream into a multi-unit empire.

Whether you're a scrappy startup or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is your blueprint for domination. It's not just about replication – it's about revolution.

Stop dreaming. Start building. Join the Franchise King for one unforgettable episode that could change your business forever.

Caution: This episode may cause severe growth and profitability. Listen at your own risk.

Buckle up, business owners! In this episode of Connect, we're diving headfirst into the world of brand strategy with none other than Jack Ferguson, the mastermind behind the Push podcast and a brand strategist extraordinaire.

Jack spills the beans on his journey from pharmacy student to marketing maverick, and trust us, it's anything but ordinary. He breaks down the essence of brand strategy, serving up a delicious analogy involving Australian states that'll make you see your business in a whole new light.

Get ready for a no-holds-barred discussion on common branding mistakes, the power of storytelling, and how to make your brand stand out in a sea of sameness. Whether you're a solopreneur or running a growing empire, Jack's insights will revolutionise the way you approach your brand strategy.

"Your brand is what people think of you. It's not just your logo or colours - it's every interaction, every touchpoint. Are you living up to your brand strategy in each of these moments?" - Jack Ferguson