This week on Exchanges, Merriden Varrall Special Advisor Geopolitics at KPMG South ASPAC and Head of geopolitical insights outfit Vantage Geopol joins us to explore the rise of populism and its far-reaching implications for markets, trade, and institutional trust.

We unpack how populism’s anti-establishment sentiment and ‘us versus them’ mentality are driving a new wave of protectionism, reshaping global politics and economic policy. Merriden shares insights into the growing challenges faced by international institutions, and the critical role businesses must play in rebuilding public trust.

The exchange also dives into Australia’s position in global trade, what rising populism means for economic diplomacy, and how politics, policy, and perception are converging to define the next era of global cooperation.

Follow Merriden here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriden-varrall-phd-maicd-ab96024/

Website: http://www.vantagegeoopl.com/

Follow Evan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Populism and Its Impact

05:20 The Rise of Protectionism in Global Trade

12:02 Challenges for International Institutions

17:53 The Role of Business in a Populist Era

20:00 Tariffs and Economic Coercion

24:42 Strategic Economic Interventions

28:06 Future of Politics in a Populist Landscape

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Welcome to Season 3 of Exchanges

This Week’s Episode: Sarah Hunter on Inflation, Productivity, and Australia’s Economic Outlook from the inner thinking of the RAB

Sarah Hunter, Assistant Governor (Economic) and Chief Economist at the RBA, joins Exchanges to unpack the current state of inflation in Australia and what it means for households, businesses, and policymakers.

We discuss the RBA’s transition to monthly economic data, how AI is reshaping economic analysis, and the key productivity and growth challenges facing the nation. Sarah also shares insights into consumer confidence, monetary policy decisions, and why keeping a close eye on multiple indicators is crucial to balancing inflation control with sustainable growth.

To follow Sarah click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hunter-42526541/

Website: https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/people/ag-economic.html

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Inflation Transition and Economic Outlook

06:13 Housing Market and Rental Inflation Concerns

12:49 AI's Role in Economic Analysis

15:11 Understanding Productivity in Australia

20:22 Growth Projections for the Australian Economy

27:03 Consumer Confidence and Economic Perceptions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Betsy Westcott, financial coach and former banker, joins us to share her journey from the world of banking to financial coaching—and what she’s learned about the psychology of money along the way.

We dive into the disconnect between wealth and personal happiness, the dynamics of Australia’s housing market, and our cultural addiction to debt. Betsy explains why financial education is critical to breaking unhealthy money cycles and empowering individuals to make better choices.

We also explore the growing role of finfluencers in shaping financial behaviour, and Betsy shares her vision for a more financially confident and empowered society.

To follow Betsy click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsywestcott/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsywestcott/

Website: https://www.betsywestcott.com/

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 From Banking to Financial Coaching

03:02 Understanding Money Psychology

05:49 The Value Trap and Self-Worth

08:49 Housing Market Dynamics and Debt Addiction

12:04 Cultural Attitudes Towards Wealth

14:54 The Role of Influencers in Financial Education

17:51 Navigating Investment Strategies

20:56 The Risks of Negative Gearing

24:02 The Need for Financial Literacy

26:59 A Vision for Financial Education

29:57 Betsy’s Ideal Financial Revolution

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Lawrence Lam joins us to explore the powerful role that founders play in shaping company success. We dive into the unique traits and decision-making styles that set founders apart, and how their intrinsic motivation drives long-term vision and resilience.

Lawrence unpacks the psychological side of corporate leadership, the risks that come with founder control, and why long-term incentives are essential in corporate governance.

Follow Lawrence here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-lam-354b84bb/

Website: https://lumenaryinvest.com/

Book: https://lawrencelam.org/the-founder-effect/#buythefoundereffect

Follow Evan Here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 The Fascination with Founders

02:52 The Traits of Successful Founders

05:48 The Lego Case Study: A Masterclass in Alignment

09:36 The Risks of Founder Control

12:49 Identifying Founder Narcissism

15:50 Motivation: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic

19:51 Long-Term Thinking in Corporate Leadership

23:33 Incentives for Change in Corporate Australia

26:45 A Vision for the Future

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This week, John Addis joins us to examine the state of fundamental investing in today’s markets and the growing influence of AI in analysis and research.

The rise of passive investing, the opportunities (and risks) AI presents, and the historical parallels to the dot-com bubble. John also shares why learning from mistakes is central to building resilience as an investor.

At its core, John emphasises the need for a balanced, disciplined approach to investing—and the importance of not letting worry or fear dictate financial decisions.

To follow John click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnaddis/

Book: https://majorstreet.com.au/products/how-not-to-lose-1-million-br-i-small-by-john-addis-i-small

To follow Evan click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 The State of Fundamental Investing

02:59 The Impact of Passive Investing

05:54 AI's Role in Market Analysis

08:56 The Dot Com Bubble and AI Hype

11:46 Australia's Economic Landscape

14:43 The Future of Australian Companies

17:43 Regulatory Challenges in Capital Markets

20:33 The Role of Superannuation in Investment

23:45 Learning from Investment Mistakes

29:38 A Day in Charge: John Addis' Vision

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, on Exchange, Belinda Allen Senior Economist at Commonwealth Bank joins us to break down the current state of the Australian economy, from the RBA’s interest rate decisions and inflation trends to shifting consumer behaviour and the hurdles facing fiscal and tax reform.

We explore what these factors mean for business investment, economic recovery, and the ongoing energy transition, as well as the pressing issue of housing affordability across different states.

Follow Belinda here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-allen-1b322134/

Website: https://www.commbank.com.au/newsroom/contributors/Belinda-Allen.html

Follow Evan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 RBA Rate Cuts and Economic Outlook

02:53 Inflation and Consumer Behaviour

05:54 Business Investment and Economic Recovery

08:52 Fiscal Policy and Economic Reform

11:44 Tax Reform Challenges

14:49 Energy Transition and Future Investments

17:59 State Performance and Housing Affordability

20:53 Final Thoughts on Housing and Planning

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This week, Joseph Healy, co-founder of Judo Bank, joins us to explore the enduring relevance of Adam Smith’s economic principles in today’s Australia.

We dive into the often-overlooked connection between economics and morality, the role of education in driving equality and productivity, and why businesses must start viewing employees as long-term assets, not just costs.

Joseph also shares his concerns about the profit-driven direction of universities, the challenges within our current education system, and how Smith’s thinking can help rebalance economic priorities with societal responsibility.

It’s a powerful reminder that good economics starts with good values

Follow Joesph here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-healy-6638974b/

Book: https://majorstreet.com.au/collections/new-release/products/what-would-adam-smith-make-of-modern-australia-br-i-small-by-joseph-healy-i-small

Follow Evan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Rebecca Maher CEO & Founder, My Money Circle joins us to challenge the way we think about money. From her unexpected path into finance to her work in financial coaching, Rebecca dives into the real, human side of money how we behave, what we fear, and why it's rarely just about numbers.

We explore Australia’s money culture, the rise of DIY finance, and why we need to be define wealth beyond just dollars in the bank. Rebecca also shares why embedding financial support into everyday systems could be the key to helping more people feel confident and in control.

Follow Rebecca here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-maher/

Website: https://www.mymoneycircle.au/

Follow Evan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Rebecca's Journey into Money Management

03:38 The Behavioural Aspects of Money

14:27 The Shift Towards DIY Finance

16:54 Understanding Wealth Beyond Capital

29:48 A Vision for Financial Support in Australia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.