This week, consumer futurist Amanda Stevens joins us to explore the rapid transformation of consumer behaviour in a world reshaped by digital acceleration. From the rise of experiential spending over ownership to the growing influence of AI on how brands engage with their audiences, Amanda offers expert insight into what’s driving today’s purchasing decisions—particularly among millennials and Gen Z.

We dive into the critical role of brand trust, not just in the commercial world but also in political branding, and how shifting values are reshaping expectations of leadership, service, and authenticity.

Amanda also makes a compelling case for education reform, arguing that to future-proof younger generations, we must teach essential life and financial skills that align with the demands of a fast-changing world.

Follow Amanda here:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/marketingamanda/3631491497381964939/

Website: https://amandastevens.com.au/

Follow Me here:

LinkedIn:https://lnkd.in/gbqaSuBZ

Instagram: https://lnkd.in/guJqhENY

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Consumer Behaviour in a Digital Age

02:57 Political Branding and Consumer Trust

05:57 The Impact of Generational Shifts on Consumption

08:53 Experiential Spending: The New Consumer Mindset

11:57 The Role of AI in Consumer Engagement

14:59 Education and the Future of Skills Development

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This week, Greg McKenna, CEO of Police Bank, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of Australian lending and its impact on housing affordability. We discuss the challenges posed by current lending regulations, the need for innovative lending products, and the critical role of increasing housing supply to ensure future generations can achieve home ownership.

Greg also shares insights into the competitive banking sector, the potential of AI to transform operations, and the importance of regulatory frameworks that support both consumer protection and access to credit.

Follow Greg here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mckenna-3a963922/

X: https://x.com/gregorymckenna

Website: https://www.policebank.com.au/executive-leadership-team

Follow Me here:

LinkedIn:https://lnkd.in/gbqaSuBZ

Instagram: https://lnkd.in/guJqhENY

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 The Lending Landscape in Australia

07:16 Government's Role in Housing Affordability

12:01 Supply vs. Demand in the Housing Market

14:40 The Need for Innovative Lending Products

20:20 Competition in the Banking Sector

26:23 The Impact of AI on Banking

27:04 Regulation and Its Effects on the Banking Industry

33:37 Building a Future: The Importance of Housing

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This week on Exchanges, I'm joined by Kieran Gilbert, Chief News Anchor at Sky News, to unpack the current state of the Australian election landscape. From low voter engagement and thin policy debates to the growing prominence of housing affordability, Kieran offers a front-line perspective on what’s shaping the national conversation.

We explore the increasing scrutiny on political leaders, the influence of international relations on domestic policy, and the structural challenges facing modern governance. Kieran also reflects on the need for stronger leadership accountability and greater transparency in political discourse, as Australia heads into a critical electoral period.

Follow Kieran here:

Website: https://www.skynews.com.au/the-team/kieran-gilbert

X: @Kieran_Gilbert

Follow Me here:

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

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

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

You can buy my book Mind over Money here: https://lnkd.in/gxtsgt95

Chapters

00:00 Election Atmosphere and Voter Engagement

02:48 Policy Discussions and Economic Strategies

05:47 Housing as a Central Election Issue

08:53 Scrutiny and the Role of Independents

12:09 International Relations and Domestic Impact

14:54 Future of Governance and Structural Reform

17:59 Leadership and Political Accountability

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This week on Exchanges, I am joined by one of the most cerebral digital thinkers around - Steve Sammartino. Steve explores the cultural shifts that have and are being driven by tech giants, the rise of AI, and how algorithms are reshaping public discourse.

We dive into the importance of open-source technology, the future of work in an AI-powered world, and the growing political influence of corporations. Steve also calls for urgent reform in political funding to protect the integrity of our democracy in the digital age.

Follow Steve here:

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

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

Website: https://www.youtube.com/user/SuperAwesomeMicro

Follow Me here:

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

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

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

You can buy my book Mind over Money here: https://lnkd.in/gxtsgt95

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Tech Companies in Cultural Decline

02:58 The Evolution of the Digital Age

05:53 The Impact of Algorithms and Polarisation

09:05 The Rise of AI and Open Source

12:03 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World

26:10 Political Influence and Corporate Power

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This week, the amazing Mary Delahunty, CEO of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) joins me to unpack the current state of Australia’s superannuation system and its role as a long-term wealth creator. We explore the impact of recent market shifts, the need for equitable taxation, and how infrastructure investments can support economic growth.

Mary also shares insights on industry consolidation, the changing bond and fixed income landscape, and why it’s time to link superannuation, sustainability, and financial equity in a broader national conversation.

Follow Mary here:

LinkedIn: hhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marydelahunty/

Website: https://www.superannuation.asn.au/professional-development/investment-summit/mary-delahunty/

ASFA: hhttps://www.superannuation.asn.au/

Follow Me here:

LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gbqaSuBZ

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

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

You can buy my book Mind over Money here: https://lnkd.in/gxtsgt95

Or from all good online book stores.

Chapters

00:00 Market Reactions and Long-Term Perspectives

03:06 Superannuation as a Wealth Creator

05:57 Taxation and Equity in Superannuation

09:02 Investment Opportunities and Global Markets

12:00 Infrastructure Investment and Government Partnerships

15:13 The Future of Bond Markets and Fixed Income

18:06 Consolidation in Superannuation and Fee Structures

20:57 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

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On This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Chris Kohler Finance Editor at Nine. Chris has had an extensive career across the Australian financial media landscape and now in the social media world. So who better to get on to discuss the evolution of financial reporting, the rise of social media as a communication tool, and how they now shape public understanding of key issues like housing affordability, monetary policy and the cost of living crisis.

Chris insights into the ever changing consumer behaviour, the ethics of advertising, and the unique pressures facing today’s property market is not to be missed. As well as his biggest bug bear the importance of factual accuracy in financial journalism and why transparency in advertising practices matters more than ever.

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of media, money, and trust.

Follow Chris here:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisKohlerNews

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

Website: https://chriskohler.news/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacoptYinDC4mnhib3tUU1OeVqcp70xGsTnc6EFRYqWPY9DLZETy08FdSG57mg_aem_3ZMDrcJeN8N0Ta55aVTpew

Follow Me here:

LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gbqaSuBZ

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

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

You can buy my book Mind over Money here: https://lnkd.in/gxtsgt95

Or from all good online book stores.

Chapters:

00:00 Career Overview

02:48 The Avocado Debate and Housing Affordability

06:02 Cost of Living vs. Spending Crisis

09:01 The Impact of COVID-19 on Financial Awareness

11:46 Social Media's Role in Finance Communication

15:08 Property Market Dynamics and Consumer Behaviour

18:05 Ethics in Real Estate and Development

21:01Advertising Honesty and Consumer Awareness

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Exchanges with Pascale Helyar-Moray - The Super Pay Gap

On this weeks episode of Exchanges Pascale Helyar-Moray OAM. Pascale has been on a crusade to make superannuation a thing for all. Which is why this episode explores key issues such as the gender super gap, salary sacrifice, and the barriers women face in retirement, emphasising the urgent need for reform and financial education.

We also break down the implications of the First Home Super Saver Scheme, the role of financial literacy in long-term wealth building, and the critical policy changes needed to create a fairer system. Drawing from her book, Rich Woman, Poor Woman, Pascale shares powerful insights on how knowledge can empower better financial decisions and secure a stronger future.

Follow Pascale here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascale-helyar-moray/

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

Website https://pascalehm.com.au/

Book: https://majorstreet.com.au/products/rich-woman-poor-woman-br-i-small-by-pascale-helyar-moray-i-small

Follow Me here:

LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gbqaSuBZ

Instagram: https://lnkd.in/guJqhENY

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

You can buy my book Mind over Money here: https://lnkd.in/gxtsgt95

Or from all good online book stores.

00:00 Introduction to Superannuation and Its Importance

03:01 The Complexity of Superannuation

06:00 The Gender Super Gap

09:01 The Impact of Salary Sacrifice

12:05 The First Home Super Saver Scheme

15:01 The Value of Superannuation

18:09 Financial Literacy and Education

21:02 The Role of Behavioural Economics in Superannuation

24:01 The Book: Rich Woman, Poor Woman

27:01 Policy Changes for Future Generations

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On this weeks episode of Exchanges none other than the great Paul Zahra, former CEO of David Jones and the Australian Retailers Association. We dive into the rapid evolution of the retail industry from the impact of AI, pricing strategies, supply chain challenges, and industrial relations pressures. Couple this with the rise of fast fashion, issues around sustainability, innovation, as well as the growing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion - Paul's vision for building a more resilient and thriving industry in an increasingly complex market are not to be missed.

If you like this episode of Exchanges - Don't forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow Paul here:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulzahra_1/

Group Chair: https://mentorlist.com/our-chairs/

Follow Me here:

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

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

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

You can buy my book Mind over Money here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mind-over-Money-understanding-behaviour/dp/1922611859/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Or from all good online book stores.

Show notes:

00:00 The Evolution of Retail: A Five-Year Journey

02:59 AI's Impact on Retail: Winners and Losers

06:06 Pricing Strategies in a Changing Economy

08:55 Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities

11:52 The Pressure of Industrial Relations on Retail

15:03 Competing with Giants: The Future of Retail

17:49 Consumer Behaviour: Fast Fashion and Sustainability

21:09 The Role of Regulation in Retail Sustainability

23:55 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Retail

24:58 A Vision for the Future of Retail

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