Q&A with S&A

In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Wayne Schmidt - global traveller, digital nomad, business mentor, and industry leader with over 35 years of experience in accounting, sales, and technology.Wayne shares his remarkable journey from programming on mainframes and pioneering fixed-fee models, to launching software giants like Xero, and now mentoring firms while travelling the world. He reflects on lessons learned from corporate life, why planning for retirement is really about planning what you’re retiring to, and how AI is reshaping the accounting profession at breakneck speed.Tune in for candid stories, practical advice, and a glimpse into Wayne’s life as a semi-retired consultant balancing work, travel, and lifestyle - all while staying ahead of the curve.About Bespoke Mentor: https://www.bespokementor.com/Connect with Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneschmidt/More about Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

Dr. Jackie King joins Shane and Andrea to share how she discovered her purpose through empathy, both for herself and for others, and the journey of reconciling the many parts of her life and identity.Fresh from her first solo international trip in decades, Jackie reflects on the pivotal life experiences that have shaped her path: learning to find and follow her flow, leading with compassion, and embracing understanding. She also opens up about the strength she has found in her “otherness” during some of life’s most challenging moments.This is an inspiring conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the power of empathy in discovering who we truly are.🔗 Learn more about Jackie: drjackieking.com.au📘 Order her book The Ultimate Other: Amazon Australia

Shane and Andrea chat with buyer and vendor advocate Lisa Britcliffe, who specialises in guiding people through property sales and purchases during major life transitions like divorce. They discuss why empathy and understanding are crucial for professional advisors in these turbulent times, and recognising that assets aren’t just figures on a balance sheet — they often carry deep emotional and nostalgic significance for our clients.Find out more about Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabritcliffe/Find out more about Orium & Co: https://www.oriumandco.com/Find out more about Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintreegroup

In this episode, Miles Beamish joins Shane and Andrea to explore how a love of numbers can drive meaningful impact, both professionally and personally.They unpack the value of finance brokers and accountants working together with clients over the long term, offering consistency and trust, rather than being passed from one client manager to the next at a big bank.Miles also opens up about the physical challenges he takes on to support causes like Movember, Cancer Council, and Beyond Blue. From 100km charity rides to endurance training, he shares how he breaks down the numbers—pace, time and mindset—to stay on track and push through.Find out more about Miles & Finlease: https://finlease.com.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/finlease/

In this special episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Amanda Mandie OAM, founder and Executive Director of locally based charity, Koala Kids. This conversation follows a recent volunteering day where Aintree Group team members spent time at the Koala Kids warehouse in Hawthorn.Amanda shares the heartfelt story behind Koala Kids – a charity she co-founded with her son Nick – and how it has grown into a vibrant, community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. She talks about their journey so far, the impact of their work, and how people and businesses can get involved to support them.Find out more about the wonderful work Koala Kids do, and how can you get involved, here: https://koalakids.org.au/, and follow them on Instagram: @koalakids.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Cryptocurrency has captured mainstream attention since 2017, yet many wealth advisors still lack the knowledge to offer helpful advice to investors who could genuinely benefit. In this episode, Andrew McPhee from Synergist joins Shane and Andrea to bust myths and unpack the real opportunities in cryptocurrency and blockchain that are often hidden behind misconceptions and meme-coins.We explore the meaningful innovation driving change in the financial world, why understanding must come before investment, and how advisors can build trust in an industry clouded by hype, jargon, and “crypto bros.” This isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about preparing for the future of wealth with clarity, caution, and confidence.Find out more about Andrew and Synergist: https://synergist.com.au/.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea and the team from Aintree Group share their key takeaways, advice and insights from the 2025 Slipstream Connect conference. Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.