Finance Friends

Ever wondered about the invisible support system behind successful finance professionals? This week, our host, Fabian Ruggieri chats with Samantha Sun as she pulls back the curtain on this fascinating profession in a candid conversation that explores the critical role of practice management in helping advisors build thriving businesses.

As Senior Practice Engagement and Growth Manager at Entireti, Samantha supports financial planning practices across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. Her work combines strategic business coaching, accountability frameworks, and professional development initiatives that enable advisors to achieve more than they thought possible.

Whether you're considering a career in financial planning, already working in the industry, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable insights. Discover why Samantha believes financial planners do such an amazing job and how supporting their businesses allows more Australians to access quality financial advice.  

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!

This week, our host, Fabian Ruggieri chats with David Werdiger, Family Wealth Generalist. Having navigated his own journey from working in his own family's business, to working on software development, to successful tech entrepreneur, and finally to his current role as an author and generalist advisor on family dynamics and wealth transition.

Through this conversation, Werdiger emphasises the importance of collaboration between specialists and taking a family-centric rather than advisor-centric approach. His work through Swinburne University, Harvard Business School, and the Ultra High Net Worth Institute reflects this multifaceted approach to helping families create legacies that last beyond financial wealth.

Whether you're part of a  family business, navigating succession or simply interested in the psychology of wealth, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building "castles" that stand the test of time across generations.

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!

Meet Chris Clayton, Head of Distribuition at L1 Capital. Chris shares his journey with us in this episode from starting as a manager at McDonalds when he was 18, to becoming a CEO of a funds management firm by 29. 

This conversation peels back the curtain on success and servant leadership in finance, with Clayton explaining how important empowerment is in a team. 

For aspiring finance professionals, Clayton reveals his four-part framework for evaluating talent: commercial skills, technical knowledge, relationship abilities, and creativity. Whether you're just starting your finance career or leading a team, Clayton's insights on balancing technical expertise with humanity offer a masterclass in modern leadership.

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!

Explore the world as a Partner in Corporate Finance with this weeks guest, Stefan Galbo. Stefan shares how his humble beginnings working in a Greek restaurant through high school and university, taught him valuable life lessons, of which he continues to implement into his everyday life, and that ultimately led him to the success he wears every single day. 

As a long-time friend of our host, Fabian Ruggieri, Stefan is raw, authentic and incredibly insightful. Listeners gain practical tips for achieving a healthy work-life balance. He emphasises the significance of networking, communication skills, and personal growth. This episode is not just about finance; it’s about understanding the broader world of work and personal life in the pursuit of success. You don’t want to miss it!

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!

Dive into the world of economics with Diana Mussina, the Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, in the first episode of Season 2 at Finance Friends! Diana shares her inspiring journey from a finance and economics student at the University of New South Wales to a leading role in one of Australia's prominent financial institutions.

Listeners will learn about the intricacies of precarious economic forecasting, the transition from sell-side to buy-side roles, and Diana's firsthand experiences during unpredictable market cycles. With insights into the importance of effective communication in conveying economic data, Diana provides invaluable advice for anyone looking to carve out a career in finance.

Follow Diana on LinkedIn and check out @Econosights on Instagram for more economic insights. You can also listen to their podcast, linked here, for expert takes on market trends and financial strategies.

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

Join us in this week’s episode of Finance Friends with Fabian as we chat with Frank Campisi, mortgage broker and co-founder of Explore Finance. Frank opens up about his career journey from accounting to broking, the key skills for building trust with clients, and how he balances a busy professional life with running a farm and a childcare business.

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

Join us in this weeks episode of Finance Friends with Fabian, as we chat with Stefan D'Alessandro, founder and director of The Risk Lab, about his journey from computer science to risk insurance specialist. Stefan shares his thoughts about building meaningful client relationships, the importance of balancing work with personal passions, and how his approach to business aligns with his values.

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

Join us in this week’s episode as we sit down with Peter Vlachos, Senior Distribution Manager at Elston Asset Management. Peter takes us through his journey from studying financial planning to becoming a key player in the funds management industry. He shares valuable insights into the challenges of building relationships, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and how consistent effort drives long-term success. Beyond finance, Vlachos offers our  listeners advice on discipline, mindset, and achieving personal and professional goals.

Love what you heard? Follow Finance Friends with Fabian for more inspiring stories and  advice from industry leaders. Got a topic or question for future episodes? Reach out to us via Instagram DM @financefriendspodcast 

Join us in this weeks episode of Finance Friends with Fabian, as we sit down with Kieran Berry, CEO and Managing Director of RiverX, one of Australia’s fastest-growing investment advisory firms. Kieran shares his journey from selling stock market newsletters at 23 to building his own business, offering insights into the challenges of building a client book, managing a company, and balancing personal life. Beyond finance, Kieran highlights the importance of discipline, routine, and fitness in achieving success, offering advice for all aspiring financial professionals.

Join us in this weeks episode as we chat with Vas Piperoglou, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer at Collins Street Asset Management. Vas' path to a successful career was paved by motivation, ambition, and the power of knowledge. From starting his investment journey at the age of only 12 with the help of his father, Vas developed a passion for understanding markets. In this conversation, he shares with us the lessons he's learned along the way, the principles that guide his investment decisions, and his insights into the evolving financial landscape.