Finance Friends

An Australian, nationally recognised, retail super fund investing in Bitcoin? That’s not a headline grab; it’s a measured, research-led step that says a lot about where money is going. This week, we sit down with AMP quantitative researcher Jonas Benner to unpack why a quant team that runs dynamic overlays across equities, bonds, and commodities now includes Bitcoin, and what it took to get there.

Jonas brings a rare blend of skills and perspective. He charts his path from Germany to Australia, the scramble after a COVID layoff, and the decision to rebuild his career in quantitative finance. 

His resilience sets the stage for a clear, rigorous explanation of how Bitcoin actually works—open-source code, global nodes, and miners assembling transactions into blocks every 10 minutes. We dig into the halving schedule, the difficulty adjustment, and the 21 million cap, showing why supply cannot speed up when price rises, unlike gold or any other commodity. 

Whether you’re sceptical or curious, this conversation gives you the mechanics, the incentives, and the institutional context to think like a professional investor. 

Follow Jonas Benner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-benner/
Visit the AMP Website: https://www.amp.com.au/ 

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

We are kicking off Season 4 with a powerhouse conversation as Fabian sits down with Andrew McKie, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager at Elston Asset Management! 

With two decades of experience navigating markets, constructing portfolios, and guiding clients through every economic cycle, Andrew brings unmatched clarity to a world that often feels overly complicated.

In this episode, we unpack how monopolistic advantages, culture, and execution compound far beyond any short‑term chart. Andrew’s path from recession‑era credit collections to stockbroking and on to building a specialist managed accounts platform sets the stage for a masterclass in investing.

If you want a clearer way to weigh value versus growth, judge management by outcomes, whether you're just starting your wealth journey or looking to sharpen your strategy, Andrew’s insights give you the tools and perspective to make smarter, more confident investment decisions

Follow Andrew McKie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mckie-cfa-99949b40/
Visit the Elston Asset Management website: https://www.elston.com.au/asset-management/elston-asset-management/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

That’s a wrap on Season 3 of Finance Friends - From the Field to Finance! 

In this episode, we reflects on the conversations, lessons, and standout moments that defined this season — from navigating career pivots to uncovering what truly drives success in the world of finance. You’ll hear insights from some of our favourite guests, behind-the-scenes reflections, and what’s coming next.

Plus, a sneak peek into Season 4, where we’re diving deep into the world of investing — not just where to put your money, but how to think like an investor. Expect fresh perspectives, big names, and practical takeaways to help you build both financial literacy and confidence. Stay tuned...

Whether you’ve been here since Season 1 or just joined the Finance Friends community, this is the perfect episode to catch up, reflect, and get excited for what’s next.

Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and upcoming announcements!

Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

At just 20 years old, Jack Trengove made history as the youngest-ever captain in the AFL! Leading Melbourne Football Club with maturity beyond his years. After nearly a decade in professional sport, Jack made the bold move to pivot his career, trading the footy field for the finance world. Now an Equities Analyst at Lanyon Asset Management, he brings the same discipline, focus, and drive that once defined his playing career to the world of investing.

In this episode of Finance Friends Jack reflects on the highs and lows of elite sport. From leadership lessons and mental resilience to navigating injury setbacks and career transitions. He shares how those experiences shaped his approach to markets, risk, and long-term thinking, offering rare insight into how the mindset of an athlete can translate seamlessly into success in finance.

We also dive into what life looks like after professional sport, the importance of building identity beyond your first career, and Jack’s advice for young people figuring out their own path. Honest, grounded, and deeply reflective, this conversation is a reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage and that the qualities that make you great in one field can propel you just as far in another.

Follow Jack Trengove on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-trengove-6b602763/
Visit the Lanyon Asset Management website: https://lanyon.com.au/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

From scoring three-pointers at the University of San Diego to leading major real estate credit strategies as Director at Centuria Bass Credit, Izzy Chilcott's journey demonstrates how elite sporting mindsets create exceptional business outcomes.

Izzy's basketball career took her from the Gold Coast to college basketball in the U.S.A, then through a decade in Australia's WNBL, culminating in a championship with the Melbourne Boomers in 2022 – her final professional game. Unlike many athletes, Izzy maintained a parallel finance career throughout, providing a seamless transition when she hung up her basketball shoes. This dual-career approach, while challenging, built exceptional  resilience, discipline, and adaptability - qualities that now underpin her success in finance. 

At Centuria Bass Credit, Izzy leads a team providing non-bank lending solutions for commercial real estate developers. Her funds offer something traditional banks can't – speed and flexibility worth paying premium rates for. 

The parallels between basketball and finance are striking – teamwork, performing under pressure, and maintaining high standards translate directly between court and boardroom. 

Follow Izzy Chilcott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzy-chilcott-abb8a3157/?originalSubdomain=au 
Visit the Centuria Bass Credit website: https://www.centuriabass.com.au/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

From premiership glory at Hawthorn to the boardroom as President of the Club and Founder of Vest Advisory, Andy Gowers’ journey is one of leadership, trust, and reinvention.

Known as a hard-working half-back in Hawthorn’s 1991 Premiership side, Andy’s playing career was built on discipline, resilience, and a relentless team-first mindset. But his story didn’t end when he hung up the boots. Instead, he turned those same qualities toward business, founding Vest Advisory to help families and business owners navigate the complex world of succession planning.

Andy reflects on the challenges of dealing with money, family, and legacy all at once, and why independence and trust are crucial in guiding clients through life’s toughest decisions. At the same time, he opens up about his path back into football leadership, culminating in his election as President of the Hawthorn Football Club in a defining moment for the club’s future.

Ready to discover how lessons from the field shape leadership in business and beyond? Tune in for Andy’s insights on resilience, navigating pressure, and why being interested in people is the real key to influence.

Follow Andy Gowers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/successionwealthestatetransfer/
Visit the Vest Advisory's website: https://www.vestadvisory.com/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

What happens after you've reached the pinnacle of human achievement? For Tom King, Olympic gold medalist in sailing at the 2000 Sydney Games, the journey from elite athletics to the corporate world reveals surprising challenges and universal truths about success, purpose, and reinvention.

Tom pulls back the curtain on his remarkable path from sailing on Albert Park Lake as a teenager to becoming Chief Investment Officer at Nanuk Asset Management, Australia's leading sustainable investment firm. 

Tom's story illuminates how seemingly disconnected experiences create unexpected opportunities. His sustainable investment focus now channels his competitive drive toward positive global impact through industries ranging from renewables to healthcare technology.

Whether you're navigating a career transition, interested in sustainable investing, or simply curious about what happens after the Olympic podium, Tom's journey offers powerful insights about reinvention and finding meaning in the next chapter of life.

Follow Tom King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-king-9690a9368/ 
Visit the Nanuk Asset Management website: https://www.nanukasset.com/

Content Note
This episode discusses themes of depression, purpose, identity, and life transitions. If these topics raise concerns for you, know that support is available.

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
• Headspace (for young people aged 12–25) | headspace.org.au
• If you’re in immediate danger, please call 000.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

From AFL powerhouse to Executive Director of Distribution at ARK Capital: Shane Wakelin’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and leadership beyond the field.

Across 252 AFL games with St Kilda and Collingwood, Shane Wakelin built a reputation as a tough, reliable player who thrived under pressure. But what makes his journey remarkable is how he managed the transition into his second career. 

The lessons from elite sport form the backbone of Shane's business approach. Working under Eddie McGuire and Mick Malthouse at Collingwood instilled a ruthless pursuit of excellence that continues to drive him today. The resilience that helped him bounce back from being dropped or losing grand finals became crucial when navigating uncertainty in business. His emphasis on finding strong mentors and maintaining curiosity has led to success.

Ready to hear how the discipline of professional sport translates to finance success? Listen now for insights that will change how you think about career resilience, leadership, and the importance of grinding through difficult transitions.

Follow Shane Wakelin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-wakelin-6619599b/
Visit the ARK Capital Fund's website: https://arkcapital.com.au/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

Grant Hackett's journey from Olympic gold medal glory to CEO of a $2 billion ASX-listed company offers a masterclass in high-performance mindset and leadership transition.

When Grant Hackett was 13 years old, he made a decision that would shape his entire life: he wasn't just going to the Olympics – he was going to win gold. This clarity of purpose drove him to become a three-time Olympic gold medallist who dominated the 1500m freestyle for 11 years. But what's truly remarkable is how he's applied that same championship mindset to transform Generation Development Group from a $50 million company to a nearly $2 billion enterprise.

The parallels between elite sport and executive leadership shine through Hackett's story. The margins in Olympic swimming are devastatingly small and this appreciation for detail and discipline informs his approach to business execution, where he focuses on consistent fundamentals while maintaining strategic clarity. His leadership philosophy emphasises creating teams with genuine purpose, clear objectives, and disciplined daily practices that accumulate toward significant achievements.

Want to learn how champion mindsets translate between worlds? Join us for this extraordinary conversation with one of Australia's most accomplished athletes turned business leaders.

Follow Grant Hackett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-hackett-oam-30820225/
Visit the Generation Development Group (ASX:GDG) website: https://www.wilsonsadvisory.com.au/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

From premiership glory to private wealth... Ted Richards joins us for Episode 3 of From the Field to Finance!

A former Sydney Swans premiership player and All-Australian defender, Ted takes us on an extraordinary journey from elite sport to high-stakes finance. With remarkable candour, he shares the mindset shift that transformed his football career, becoming the best centre-half back in the competition through self-belief, visualisation, and mental resilience.

While playing AFL for 15 years, Ted was also quietly building a parallel path studying commerce and finance and preparing for a future beyond the field. That dual commitment coincided with some of his most successful years on the field.

Now Head of Melbourne at Wilsons Advisory, Ted brings the same discipline and competitive edge to managing wealth for high-net-worth clients. Ted applies performance principles from the locker room to the boardroom.

This episode unpacks how mental strength outweighs physical prowess, why preparation is the ultimate edge, and how success is best measured far beyond your first act.

Whether you're planning your next chapter, building your portfolio, or striving to stay sharp in a fast-moving world - Ted’s story is a powerful playbook for long-term thinking and reinvention.

Follow Ted Richards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-hackett-oam-30820225/
Visit the Wilsons Advisory website: https://www.wilsonsadvisory.com.au/

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!