This week, Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, joins Exchanges to make the case for why regional Australia is central to the nation’s future.

We explore the urgent need for strategic planning across housing, jobs, and infrastructure as Australia’s population grows, and unpack the pressures building in regional housing and rental markets. Liz explains why connectivity, livability, and productivity are critical to attracting and retaining people outside the major cities.

The conversation also tackles the need for regulatory reform, greater local decision-making power, and how regional communities must be at the centre of renewable energy development.

To follow Liz click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-ritchie-a3b7a012/

Website: https://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/

To follow Evan click here:

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

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

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Chapters

00:00 The Future of Regional Australia

03:15 Housing Challenges in the Regions

09:01 Rental Market Dynamics

11:22 Infrastructure Needs for Growth

14:55 Livability and Connectivity

19:35 Retention of Residents in Regional Areas

22:53 Regulatory Changes for Productivity

26:10 Embracing Renewable Energy in Regions

31:47 A Vision for National Policy

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This week, Madeline Miller Gen Z Leadership Architect joins Exchanges to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping the meaning of work and identity. Madeline explains why this generation is increasingly skeptical of traditional career paths and promotions, and how they’re redefining success on their own terms.

We explore Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance, their push for authenticity in the workplace, and their willingness to change jobs to find alignment with their values. Madeline also highlights how the failures of previous work models have shaped this generation’s expectations, from their demand for better culture to their insistence on flexibility and meaningful work.

Follow Madeline Here

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

Website: https://coachingwithmadeline.com/

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

Follow Evan Here:

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

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

Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

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This week on Exchanges ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant joined us to unpack why Australia’s financial markets are at a crossroads, and why innovation has never been more important.

We dive into the challenges facing public markets, the rapid growth of private markets and private credit, and what this shift means for businesses, investors, and the broader economy. Simone highlights the need for stronger market integrity, access, and participation, while also addressing emerging systemic risks and the importance of smart regulatory oversight.

At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: building a healthy, inclusive financial ecosystem will require real collaboration across the industry.

To follow Simone click here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-constant-b1a86678/

ASIC: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/australian-securities-and-investment-commission

To follow Evan click here:

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

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

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

Chapters

00:00 Innovation vs. Stagnation in Australian Markets

02:58 Public Market Challenges and Opportunities

06:07 The Rise of Private Markets

08:55 Concerns in Private Credit

11:56 Market Dynamics and Systemic Risks

15:10 Access and Participation in Financial Markets

17:48 The Future of Private and Public Markets

21:01 Regulatory Insights and Industry Practices

23:56 Final Thoughts and Vision for the Future

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On This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Andy Fithall on Coffee, Connection, and Creating Social Good

Andy Fithall, social entrepreneur and founder of The Good Machine, joins Exchanges to explore how purpose and profit can coexist.

Andy shares the story of how he launched In Other Good News during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew it into a thriving social enterprise focused on creating positive impact with every cup.

We dive into the essence of social entrepreneurialism, the idea of coffee as a currency for connection, and how businesses can balance commercial success with community contribution. Andy also reveals his future vision for The Good Machine and the importance of sustainability and purpose in building meaningful change.

A conversation that proves small actions like a cup of coffee can fuel something much bigger.

To follow Andy click here:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/andyfithall

Website: https://thegoodmachine.com.au/

Dadstock '25: https://events.humanitix.com/dadstock-25

To follow Evan click here:

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

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/

Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Social Entrepreneurialism

02:58 The Role of Coffee in Social Impact

05:50 Balancing Profit and Purpose

09:01 The Birth of 'In Other Good News'

12:01 Transforming a Good News Show into a Social Enterprise

14:53 The Evolution of The Good Machine

17:56 Future Vision for Social Entrepreneurship

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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

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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

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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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