Q&A with S&A

In this episode, we get to know Richard Lyons, who recently joined the team after completing his Bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Law, a journey he began in the early 2000s before taking a long hiatus working in hospitality.They explore what it means to have a lifelong thirst for knowledge, the instinct to constantly ask “why?”, and how platforms like audiobooks and YouTube have become powerful tools for self-education. Richard and Shane also defend the supposedly “dry” careers of Accounting and Law, reframing the work as complex, engaging problem-solving in action.From Roman aqueducts to the origins of the English language, and even how Australia’s Commonwealth foundations may have shaped a very different political path to America, this episode is packed with insight, curiosity, and plenty of fascinating trivia.See more from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintreegroupGeneral Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.

In this episode, Shaun de Vries, founder of Open Pantry Consulting, shares the remarkable story of his diverse career in hospitality — from early success buying his first bakery at just 21, to hard lessons learned through rebuilding his life and business after a life-changing car accident and navigating insolvency.He reflects on the power of strong business relationships, the importance of being proactive with debt, and how honesty, transparency, and learning from mistakes can turn even the toughest experiences into opportunities for growth.Today, Shaun has found his calling helping hospitality venues across Australia scale with confidence — specialising in recruitment, operational strategy, and technology integration.About Open Pantry Co: https://www.openpantryconsulting.com/General Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.

In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Andrea and Shane chat with Gus McLennan, Co-Founder and CEO of Propella.ai, about how AI is reshaping professional services businesses. Over the past year, Aintree Group has partnered with Propella.ai to develop AI-driven internal process databases, boosting accuracy, security, and data management.The conversation looks at common myths and legitimate concerns, while also highlighting the opportunities AI can unlock when applied thoughtfully. Gus shares guidance on overcoming overwhelm, managing resistance to disruption, and addressing security concerns - so businesses can embrace the benefits of AI in a fast-evolving space with confidence.About Propella.ai: https://www.propella.ai/General Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.

Naomi Way, Managing Director of Moss & Co Consulting, shares why genuine connection and community are key to attracting top talent. From arriving in Australia as a 20-year-old backpacker to building a career in real estate, recruitment, and launching her RecruitHer podcast - Naomi’s journey is all about people.Naomi shares how she matches candidates with the right culture, supports working mothers and female leaders, and brings the human element back to hiring in Australia’s relationship-driven market.Find out more about Moss & Co: https://mossandco.consulting/More about Recruither: https://recruither.com.au/General Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.

In this episode, Shane and Andrea speak with leadership and communications strategist, best-selling author, and business consultant Mel Kettle. Mel opens up about her experience with burnout and how it led her to support others in redefining success in a way that protects their wellbeing.Mel shares practical strategies to help leaders build a career, and a life, that’s both sustainable and fulfilling. She discusses the foundations of Connected Leadership, how to spot the warning signs of burnout, the importance of setting clear boundaries, and why it’s time to let go of the pressure to always “be the good girl.”Find Mel online at: https://www.melkettle.com/Order her leadership book Fully Connected: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbookGeneral Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Chris Risteski, founder of itsagame, who shares how he is using sport and coaching principles to make financial literacy more accessible.After a successful career in financial planning, Chris launched itsagame to help rebuild financial literacy in Australia through affordable, community-focused education. He explains how treating money management like a game - complete with coaching, strategy, and skill-building, can empower people to take control of their finances and build independence.Find out more about Chris and itsagame: https://itsagame.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.General Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.

🎧 This week we’re revisiting our episode with Olivia Clark-Moffatt from the Australian Communities Foundation!As 30 June approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your charitable giving and how it fits into your end-of-financial-year tax planning.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Olivia Clark-Moffatt from the Australian Communities Foundation shares her passion for helping generous Australians make a bigger impact with their charitable donations, and explains how families, businesses and individuals can benefit from structured giving and setting up their own foundation.Australian Communities Foundation: communityfoundation.org.au | @auscommunitiesFind 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.General Advice Disclaimer:The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation, business, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on any information discussed. Aintree Group and featured podcast guests accept no liability for any actions taken based on this content.