Grow Your Wealth

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Gary Sly, a banking and capital markets veteran with more than 40 years of experience across Australia, the US, the UK, and New Zealand. Gary shares his unconventional path into finance- from aspiring Navy pilot to landing his first role with the local bank manager - and how that evolved into a distinguished career in securitisation. He reflects on market cycles from the late 90s through the GFC to today’s highly liquid environment, explaining how structures, investor behaviour, and regulation have changed across decades. Gary also opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the importance of trust in client relationships, pivotal career moments, long-term investing lessons, and life outside the markets. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in banking, structured finance, or building a resilient career in financial markets.

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Gary Sly and His Four-Decade Career in Banking and Capital Markets

[00:05:06] – From Gunnedah to Global Markets: Early Career, Part-Time Study, and Discovering Securitisation

[00:12:30] – Market Evolution: Pre-GFC Structures, the Crisis, and the Rebuild of Australia’s ABS Market

[00:18:00] – Tranching, Regulation, and the Rise of New Investor Segments Across the Capital Stack

[00:23:13] – Private Credit, Warehouses, and How Securitisation Logic Now Powers the Broader Market

[00:28:18] – Mentors, Leadership, and Lessons from Working with Top Treasury and Banking Executives

[00:33:01] – Career Advice: Education, Patience, Asking Better Questions, and Navigating Opportunity

[00:37:15] – Life Beyond Banking: Photography, Surfing, Family, and Finding Balance

[00:38:23] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Gary Sly on LinkedIn

iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Alison Crealy, a financial services leader with 25+ years across audit, M&A, and corporate leadership. Alison shares her journey from a KPMG cadetship to a decade in Belgium working on pan-European deals pre-GFC, and later returning to Australia to lead as CFO and GM of Capital Markets at iPartners. She unpacks personal lessons on embracing failure, navigating pregnancy bias, and building resilient teams through culture, training, and continuous improvement. Alison also discusses philanthropy and community service and offers clear, practical advice on risk, consistency, and avoiding greed when building wealth.

[00:00:00] - Cold Open: “Don’t be afraid to fail” - why risk and resilience matter

[00:01:29] - Introduction & Bio: Alison’s role at iPartners and career overview

[00:02:26] - Early Years: Sydney upbringing, selective school, and the KPMG cadetship

[00:03:53] - Europe Chapter: Belgium, languages, and moving from audit to M&A pre-GFC

[00:05:19] - Tennis Foundations: Family coaching, Australian Schoolgirls tour, and competition

[00:07:20] - Working Trilingual: Navigating Flemish/Dutch, French, and English in business

[00:17:33] - GFC & Pregnancy: Job loss, overcoming bias, and landing a pivotal project role

[00:20:45] - What Drives Her: Team first, continuous improvement, and better processes

[00:21:41] - Play to Strengths: Passion, mentors, and handling toxic workplaces

[00:32:20] - Defining Success: High-performing teams, family, wealth tips on consistency and risk

iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Sam Kennard, who joined the Kennards Self Storage family business in 1991 and became CEO in 1994, guiding the company from 14 storage centres to 126 locations across Australia and New Zealand. Sam shares lessons from large-scale developments and acquisitions, his early career culture reset, and why disciplined site selection and brand consistency matter. Sam talks financing growth, risk management, and the systems mindset needed to scale, while offering practical career advice on ambition, learning, and initiative. He also touches on planning hurdles, the role of AI in operations, and timeless guidance for building long-term wealth through patience and diligence

[00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Sam Kennard and the Growth of the Family Storage Business

[00:03:40] - From Hire Business Roots to Storage Focus: Holiday Jobs to University Pivot

[00:05:34] - Taking the Helm: Becoming CEO in Late 1994 and Leading with a Strong Team

[00:08:11] - Culture Wake-Up Call: 1998 Turnover Spike, Measuring Culture, Authentic Leadership

[00:10:04] - Game-Changing Acquisition: Buying Millers Self Storage in 2004 and Integration

[00:10:56] - Funding Growth: Debt Mindset, Refinancing, and the 13-Site Auckland Expansion

[00:14:53] - What Drives Sam: Customer-Facing Operations

[00:16:26] - Planning & Permits: Why NSW Is Toughest and Navigating Bureaucracy

[00:17:50] - Scaling Playbook: Systems Thinking, The E-Myth, and Eliminating Assumptions

[00:21:15] - Lessons from Bumps: Missed Buys, Overpaying, and Upgrading the Team

[00:24:38] - Career Advice for 21-Year-Olds: State Ambition, Learn Relentlessly, Take Initiative

[00:29:43] - First Job: The Birchgrove Paper Route

[00:30:24] - Note to Younger Self: Buy More Buildings

[00:30:43] - What Motivates: Making a Difference and Being Heard

[00:31:10] - Long-Term Wealth: Patience Over Unicorn Chasing

[00:31:48] - Biggest Mistakes in Wealth: Misreading Your Niche and Risks

[00:32:19] - Hobbies & Wrap-Up: Weekend Farm Work and Where to Connect

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn

Sam on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Simon Moore, Senior Partner and founder of Colinton Capital Partners. From his Queensland roots to JPMorgan in New York, Investcorp in the Middle East, and launching The Carlyle Group’s Australian office, Simon unpacks global lessons in private equity. He explains why Australia is the “land of the duopoly,” the traps Aussie companies face expanding to the U.S., and how rigorous diligence, co-investor scrutiny, and pattern recognition drive outsized results. Simon also shares the story behind a cleaning-services deal that delivered a 5x return, insights from recent transactions, and practical advice on resilience, networking, and long-term wealth building. This episode is a must-listen for investors and operators navigating competitive markets and non-linear career paths.

[00:00:00] - Cold Open: Australia’s “land of the duopoly” and U.S. expansion realities

[00:01:40] - Introduction: Meet Simon Moore and Colinton Capital Partners (est. 2017)

[00:05:08] - Breaking In Overseas: Global training programs and building an international network

[00:09:06] - Why Start Colinton: Leaving Carlyle to focus on $50–$150m EV opportunities

[00:14:03] - Mentors & Influences: Family, UQ’s Frank Finn, JPMorgan sponsorship, and Bill Conway

[00:21:20] - Entrepreneurial Leap: Plan A will change—resilience over rigidity

[00:22:50] - Market Cycles: Adapting strategy as fundraising and relative value shift

[00:30:17] - Big Win: Jemmie cleaning services—tripled earnings and a 5x exit, then reinvested

[00:32:30] - Recent Work: Why Doors Plus made sense despite housing headwinds

[00:33:13] - Advice to a Younger Self: Back yourself, embrace non-linear paths

[00:35:26] - Beyond the Models: Soft skills, people leadership, and real-world judgment

[00:37:02] - Definition of Success: Team growth, family priorities, and giving back

iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Jaki Virtue, an accomplished leader with over 25 years in the financial services sector, including senior roles in Sydney, London, and Hong Kong. From her unconventional start in an alternative school to becoming Co-Chief Operating Officer, Jaki shares her career journey, lessons in leadership, and passion for tackling big challenges. She discusses pivotal career moments, the value of backing yourself, and the importance of work-life balance. Jaki also offers candid advice for entrepreneurs, tips for long-term wealth creation, and insights on building resilient teams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with purpose, embrace calculated risks, and leave a lasting impact.

[00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Jaki Virtue and Her Career in Financial Services

[00:02:32] - Early Life: From Kiama to a Hippie School and Transition to Mainstream Education

[00:05:10] - University Choices: Lessons Learned from PE Teaching to Finance

[00:08:21] - Landing in Investment Banking: Schroders Corporate Finance and Learning on the Job

[00:09:03] - Career Growth: COO Roles and Discovering Sol Patts’ Unique Culture

[00:11:13] - The Critical Role of a COO in Scaling Businesses

[00:12:11] - Influential Leaders: Lessons from Deutsche Bank Mentors

[00:15:51] - Driving Forces: Thriving on Challenges and Personal Risk

[00:18:51] - Advice for Entrepreneurs: Back Yourself and Build the Right Support Network

[00:23:42] - Career Philosophy: Taking Risks and Embracing Non-Linear Paths

[00:24:59] - Top Business Tips: Say Yes to Opportunities and Learn from Setbacks

[00:27:22] - Legacy: Building Resilience and Curiosity in the Next Generation

[00:29:38] - Long-Term Wealth: Invest in What You Understand and Know the People Behind It

[00:30:44] - Biggest Investment Mistake: Chasing Quick Wins Instead of Compounding Wealth

[00:32:14] - Closing Thoughts and Connecting with Jaki Virtue

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller speaks with Grant Lovett, a seasoned financial markets expert whose career has spanned top-tier roles in New York, London, and Sydney. From his beginnings in public schooling in the Sutherland Shire to executive positions at UBS and the ASX, Grant shares his unconventional journey through accounting, trading, and public service—including a pivotal role as Chief of Staff to Hon. Joe Hockey. Grant opens up about managing mental health, the importance of mentorship, and his dedication to causes like the Black Dog Institute and the Story Factory. This insightful conversation covers everything from managing risk in volatile markets to advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs looking to break into finance. A must-listen for anyone interested in long-term wealth building, resilience, and living a meaningful life.

[00:01:50] – Career Snapshot: From UBS to ASX and Government Strategy

[00:03:04] – From Sutherland Shire to New York: An Unlikely Leap into Global Banking

[00:05:08] – Philanthropy and Advisory: Grant’s Current Focus

[00:06:37] – Key Mentors and the Value of Discipline in Finance

[00:08:14] – Personality Traits That Drive Success in Finance

[00:09:05] – Pivotal Career Moments and the Importance of Taking Chances

[00:11:30] – The Power of Fixed Income: Lessons from the GFC

[00:12:36] – What Drives Grant in Business and Life

[00:14:01] – Mental Health Journey: Giving Back to Black Dog Institute

[00:15:51] – Moving from Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Advice for Taking the Leap

[00:18:37] – Lessons from Failure: Document Everything and Plan Ahead

[00:22:11] – Making Decisions in Uncertain Markets

[00:23:16] – Tips for Graduates and Young Bankers

[00:25:38] – Lifelong Learning and Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

[00:27:24] – Career Advice Beyond University: Trades and Policy Shifts

[00:28:42] – Quickfire Questions: First Jobs, Advice, and Long-Term Wealth Tips

[00:32:05] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Grant Lovett on LinkedIn

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Clayton Howes, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of MoneyMe. With a rich background in financial services, Clayton shares how his journey from Zimbabwe to Australia shaped his passion for entrepreneurship. He dives deep into the importance of capital structure, the power of product innovation, and the role of customer obsession in business success. From bold leadership lessons to tips on wealth creation and personal development, Clayton offers a compelling roadmap for aspiring founders and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Clayton Howes on Chasing Legacy, Not Income

[00:03:07] – Early Years: Sport, School and Moving to Australia

[00:06:17] – Starting the Career: GlaxoSmithKline, Vodafone, and Embracing Innovation

[00:08:04] – Becoming an Entrepreneur: The Leap from Corporate to Startup

[00:09:40] – Influences and Mentors: Grandfather, Mother, and Richard Branson

[00:10:35] – Lessons in Hypergrowth: Capital Structure, Leadership, and Culture

[00:13:06] – What Capital Structure Really Means for a Lending Business

[00:15:10] – The Real Driver: Leaving a Lasting Impact Through Innovation

[00:17:29] – Technology and AI: Speed, Language, and Better Customer Service

[00:19:41] – Advice for Entrepreneurs: Act Fast and Surround Yourself with Talent

[00:21:44] – Relentless Customer Obsession: Think in Decades, Not Years

[00:24:10] – The Big Bumps: COVID, ASX Listing, and the Need for Diversification

[00:27:23] – Key Business Principles: Capital, Talent, and Customer Centricity

[00:28:24] – Legacy in Action: Democratizing Access to Capital

[00:29:40] – Life Beyond Work: Fitness, Family, and AFL Sponsorship

[00:32:23] – Tips for Wealth Creation: Invest Early and Avoid Lifestyle Creep

[00:33:04] – Work-Life Integration: Productivity in the New Era

[00:34:16] – Rethinking Time Management: Strategy for Life’s Most Valuable Asset

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller chats with Simon Petris, co-founder of Revolution Asset Management. With an academic foundation in theoretical physics and a PhD in mathematics, Simon made a unique pivot into the world of banking and asset management. He shares how a chance opportunity at ANZ launched his finance career and the path that led him to roles at Challenger, CBA, and Westpac. Simon recounts the challenges and triumphs of founding Revolution Asset Management, now one of the leading private credit firms in Australia. This episode offers deep insights into private credit, the value of mentorship, and the courage required to leave corporate security for entrepreneurship.

[00:00:00] - Introduction: Simon's Academic Roots and Early Career Ambitions

[00:01:37] - From Physics to Finance: How a PhD Led to a Role at ANZ

[00:04:14] - Life on a Dealing Floor: From Academia to Derivative Trading

[00:06:37] - Growing Up in Melbourne: Family, Education, and Early Interests

[00:08:27] - Finding His Footing: Mentors and Key Career Moves

[00:09:54] - Challenger and Cap Stream: Learning from Industry Veterans

[00:12:03] - Westpac Years: Portfolio Management and Investment Strategy

[00:13:05] - Lessons in Capital Raising and Boutique Fund Formation

[00:16:03] - Taking the Leap: Starting Revolution with Family Support

[00:17:23] - Scaling Up: Revolution’s Rise to $3.4 Billion in Assets

[00:18:12] - Private Credit’s Evolution: From Obscurity to Mainstream

[00:19:17] - What Drives Simon: Competition, Education, and Trust

[00:21:00] - Advice for Students: Networking and Staying Flexible

[00:22:57] - Advice for Entrepreneurs: When to Leave and When to Leap

[00:24:04] - Career Reflections: Openness, Listening, and Judgement

[00:25:20] - Setbacks and Resilience: Learning from Failure

[00:25:33] - Life Tips for the Next Generation: Relationships and Adaptability

[00:26:06] - Defining Success: Professional Purpose and Personal Balance

[00:27:07] - First Jobs and Formative Work Experiences

[00:28:01] - Investment Philosophy: Accountability and Index Realities

[00:29:19] - Public vs. Private Markets: Allocating Capital Strategically

[00:30:20] - Outside the Office: Sport, Family, and Fishing Adventures

[00:31:47] - Partner Dynamics: Making Revolution Work

[00:32:23] - Final Thoughts and Connecting with Simon Petrus on LinkedIn

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller chats with Harry Hyslop, a dynamic force in the world of property origination and private credit. Harry shares his journey from the northern beaches of Sydney to leading real estate investment deals and building a reputation in Australia’s evolving private credit market. They dive into lessons from early career risks, the value of relationships, and how hustle and local insight drive success in origination. Harry also offers practical advice on creating long-term wealth, the importance of calculated risks, and the mindset needed to thrive in entrepreneurial finance. A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate, private credit, and building lasting investor value.

[00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Harry Hyslop and His Path in Real Estate

[00:01:28] - From Manly to Finance: Surfing, Study, and Social Networks

[00:03:00] - Early Career: Property Consulting, Colliers, and Exposure at JLL

[00:04:35] - Discovering Capital Markets: Relationships, Revenue, and Reputation

[00:06:05] - Mentors and Influences: Family, Guidance, and Career Shifts

[00:07:37] - Taking the Leap: Moving to Private Credit and Entrepreneurial Risk

[00:09:20] - The Evolution of Private Credit: Market Growth and Maturity

[00:10:31] - Pivotal Moments: Confidence, Appointments, and Fear as Motivation

[00:12:08] - What Drives Success: Deals, Money, and the Adrenaline of Origination

[00:13:15] - Advice to the Young: Learn, Build a Network, and Take Educated Risks

[00:14:12] - Navigating Challenges: Syndication, Capital, and Market Volatility

[00:16:19] - Structuring for Uncertainty: Exit Strategies and Clear Communication

[00:17:06] - Documentation is Power: Managing Risk Through Terms

[00:18:09] - Top Tips for Origination: Hustle, Market Insight, and Constant Learning

[00:20:15] - Private Market Edge: Information Advantage and Qualitative Inputs

[00:21:13] - What Success Looks Like: Asymmetric Returns and Investor Alpha

[00:22:23] - Building a Legacy: Growth Mindset, Colleagues, and Future Aspirations

[00:25:00] - Quickfire Round: First Job, Best Advice, and Driving Long-Term Wealth

[00:28:02] - Common Mistakes: Overleveraging and the Risk of Inaction

[00:29:05] - Life Outside of Work: Engagement, Surfing, and Balance

[00:29:34] - Final Thoughts and Connecting with Harry on LinkedIn

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

Follow Travis Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travismilleripartners

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Ed Burns, a seasoned investment professional with over two decades of experience across global markets. From his early days in Adelaide to working in London and Sydney, Ed shares his journey in financial services, including his time at UBS and other top-tier firms. He discusses alternative assets, structured products, and the art of managing risk in volatile markets. Ed also shares his thoughts on the importance of networking, mentorship, and navigating pivotal career moments. This episode is a must-listen for investors looking to gain insights into alternative investments, market cycles, and long-term wealth creation.

[00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Ed Burns and His Career in Investment Markets

[00:05:20] - From Adelaide to London: Taking a Career Risk and Breaking Into Finance

[00:12:30] - Navigating Investment Banking: What a Day in the Markets Looks Like

[00:18:50] - The Role of Alternative Assets: Structured Products and Non-Linear Payoffs

[00:24:10] - Managing Risk: Lessons from the GFC and Market Cycles

[00:30:45] - The Power of Networking: Building Relationships in the Finance Industry

[00:36:15] - Advice for Entrepreneurs: Taking the Leap and Understanding Market Trends

[00:42:10] - Common Investment Mistakes: Chasing Trends vs. Long-Term Thinking

[00:47:35] - The Future of Markets: AI, Investment Strategies, and Emerging Trends

[00:52:20] - Final Thoughts and Connecting with Dan Burn

iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au

Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/

iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

Follow Travis Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travismilleripartners