It's all about the grey podcast

In this special final episode recorded at the West Perth studio, Pasquale Princi flips the mic and sits down with the two people behind it's all about the grey: Ben Kosterich and Ray Mancini, co-founders of Podwave Studios.

This one is personal. Three years ago a chance introduction, an early arrival to a meeting, and a very small Perth turned into hundreds of hours of recordings, a studio built in a couple of weeks, and a business that helped put video podcasting on the map here. Ben, Ray and Pas look back on how it all started, the guests who walked through the door, and the messy, unscripted reality of building something with no playbook.

They also get honest about the personal side. Ray shares what led him to become a monk in Thailand and why he needed to strip everything familiar away. Pas opens up on reflection, leadership and six months without a drink. Ben talks through choosing Podwave over playing sport for his country. It is a conversation about the grey between business and life, and the art of managing both.

Connect with Ben Kosterich:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-kosterich/

X: https://x.com/KosterichBen

Connect with Ray Mancini:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymancini.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymancini/

Key Takeaways.

• Why Podwave went video-first before it was the norm, and why that call still pays off.
• The origin story: from a one-man band with a backpack to a corporate studio built in two weeks.
• Why the guest experience is the one thing competitors cannot copy.
• Ray on becoming a monk in Thailand and the reset that came with it.
• Change the individual or change the environment, or keep getting the same result.
• Ben on choosing the business over playing sport for Australia.
• Pas on six months alcohol-free and what it did for his sleep, focus and leadership.
• How podcasting became the networking tool that opens doors a coffee never could.

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If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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Chapters:

(0:00) Mindset, environment and reflection

(1:19) A special final episode at the West Perth studio

(2:39) How Ben, Ray and Pas first met

(4:29) Going video-first before podcasting was cool

(7:35) The origin of Podwave, from a gun shop to a corporate studio

(12:36) Building and launching the studio in two weeks

(14:00) The guests, the team and an experience that is hard to replicate

(19:15) Ray becomes a monk in Thailand

(25:08) Change the individual or change the environment

(29:04) Ben chooses Podwave over playing for the country

(34:55) Reflection, leadership and giving up drinking

(47:14) What is next for Podwave, SEER and the power of podcasting

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Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au⁠⁠⁠

About the show: Educating the real s#!t about business. It’s easy to manage the black and white, the art is managing the grey.

In this episode of It’s All About the Grey, Pasquale sits down with Tanya Brisbane, R&D Tax Partner at SEER Financial Group, to discuss the intersection of science, innovation, and tax law. Tanya shares her career pivot from working as a medical scientist at Royal Perth Hospital to leading an all-female R&D tax division.

We pull back the curtain on the R&D Tax Incentive, a Commonwealth initiative that provides critical cash back for companies pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible. Tanya breaks down why so many founders miss out on these credits and why a "failed" experiment is often the strongest evidence for a successful claim.

Connect with Tanya Brisbane:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/tanyabrisbane

SEER FG: https://seerfg.au/tanya-brisbane/

Key Takeaways.

• How to identify "hidden" R&D in fields like software, mining, and engineering.
• The "Grey Area" of AI: Determining when machine learning qualifies for tax offsets.
• The critical difference between technical uncertainty and commercial risk.
• The value of a "science-first" approach to accounting and leadership.
• Practical advice for women in STEM and those considering a major career pivot.

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If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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Chapters:

(0:00) Intro

(1:45) From medical scientist to R&D partner

(4:00) Managing masters degrees and a family

(6:45) Understanding the Commonwealth tax offset

(9:15) The ROI of Failure

(12:30) From initial chat to a successful application

(14:45) When does machine learning count as R&D?

(17:45)Identifying technical uncertainty

(21:30) Commercial vs. Technical Risk

(26:30) Leading an all-female team in STEM

(34:30) Building an R&D division from scratch

(42:15) Advice to my 25-year-old self: "Slow down and try"

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Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au⁠⁠⁠

About the show: Educating the real s#!t about business. It’s easy to manage the black and white, the art is managing the grey.

In this episode of It’s all about the grey, Pasquale sits down with the "man with many talents" and one of the most well connected individuals in Perth, Steve Archibald.

Steve shares his 15 year career in recruitment to his current roles as Strategic Relationships Manager at Pragma Lawyers and business partner at ProGrid. Steve opens up about his personal mental health journey and how his "lived experience" fueled a deep passion for giving back.

We dive deep into the true meaning of networking, discussing why it shouldn’t be a "scary" concept for professional services. Steve explains his philosophy of "giving before taking," the importance of being deliberate in the rooms you choose, and how he helped raise over $100,000 for youth mental health through zero2hero.

Plus, don't miss the origin story of the "Quarter Chicken Dinner Dance" how a year’s supply of Chicken Treat turned into a viral black tie community event.

Steve Archibald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archibaldsteve

Pragma website: https://www.pragma.law/

ProGrid: https://progrid.com.au/

zero2hero: https://www.zero2hero.com.au/

Key Takeaways:

The evolution of networking: Why "likability" and "adding value" trump business cards.

Mental health advocacy and the impact of the zero2hero Cape to Cape Trek.

How to build a business through authentic friendships.

Addressing the "loneliness epidemic" in men through Walk for a Bloke.

The return of the legendary Chicken Treat Ball in 2026.

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If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠⁠⁠  

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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Chapters:

(0:00) Networking is more than just business

(1:30) Meet Steve Archibald

(2:45) 15 years in recruitment and non-profits

(6:15) Mental Health Journey:

(8:15) zero2hero

(11:30) Adding value through introductions

(15:45) De-stigmatising Networking

(19:15) The "Give Before You Take" Philosophy

(28:45) Walk for a Bloke

(31:30) The Chicken King

(34:00) The Return of the Quarter Chicken Dinner Dance?

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au⁠⁠

About the show: Educating the real s#!t about business. It’s easy to manage the black and white, the art is managing the grey.

In this episode of It’s All About the Grey, Pasquale Princi sits down with Craig Gregory, Integrity & Compliance partner at SEER FG. They dive deep into the complexities of Tranche 2 AML/CTF legislation and what it means for "designated service providers" like accountants, lawyers, real estate agents, and precious metal dealers.

Craig shares his journey from the WA Police Force and Australian Federal Police to leading fraud teams at Medibank and HBF. Using his decades of investigative experience, he explains why AML compliance shouldn't be a "big scary beast" and how businesses can meet their obligations without the $50,000 price tag.

Key Takeaways:

What is Tranche 2? The expansion of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws to cover new industries.

Critical Deadlines: Mark your calendars for 31 March (AUSTRAC registration) and 1 July (full compliance go-time).

Your Obligations: Understanding Risk Assessments, KYC (Know Your Customer), and suspicious matter reporting (SMRs).

The "Overseer" Solution: How automation can handle police clearances, staff training, and transaction monitoring affordably.

Craig Gregory: https://au.linkedin.com/in/craig-gregory-7a6089180

Overseer website: https://www.overseer-aml.au/

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If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠⁠  

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠  

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠⁠ 

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Chapters

(0:00) Introduction: Is your business exposed?

(1:50) Craig Gregory’s background: From policing to professional services

(9:00) The Secret to Success: The Regulatory Craft

(12:20) AML/CTF Tranche 2 explained

(16:30) KYC and the burden on SMEs

(20:00) Repercussions of non-compliance

(24:00) Introducing Overseer: An efficient compliance solution

(31:30) The Outsource Model vs. Doing it Yourself

(39:30) Two critical dates you cannot miss

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au⁠

About the show: Educating the real s#!t about business. It’s easy to manage the black and white, the art is managing the grey.

In this episode of It’s All About the Grey, we sit down again with Sean Meyer, the co founder of Leelo Active, one of Australia’s fastest growing activewear brands. Over the past year, Leelo Active has continued its explosive rise, with a projected $17.5 million in revenue, major retail wins, and a shift from “business” to true brand power.

But this year also brought a big personal change for Sean — he became a dad, and that changed everything.

We talk about how fatherhood reshaped his priorities, the mindset shift that allowed his team to step up, and how focusing on the business instead of in it freed Leelo Active to scale even faster.

This episode is full of raw insights on leadership, identity, growth, brand building and the personal evolution that comes with becoming a parent while scaling a company.

Follow Sean Meyer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sean_meyer/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-meyer-9584b6196/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠  

TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠  

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey⁠⁠ 

Timecodes:

(0:00) Introduction and Welcoming Sean

(2:44) Reflecting on the Past Year

(3:33) Shifting Focus and Delegating Responsibilities

(5:27) Business Growth and Revenue Targets

(10:32) Social Media Strategies and Challenges

(15:41) Product Development and Sustainability

(19:56) Leveraging AI and Content Creation

(21:51) The Future of Streaming and Brand Collaborations

(26:14) Balancing Fatherhood and Leadership

(32:19) Breaking into David Jones

(41:31) Advice for Aspiring Founders

(44:28) Black Friday Strategy and Reflections

(48:58) Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au

About the show: Educating the real s#!t about business. It’s easy to manage the black and white, the art is managing the grey.

James Limnios is the CEO and Managing Director Limnios Property Group. James shares the story of how his parents founded the business in 1969, starting from a fish and chip shop. The discussion covers James's journey, returning to the family business after running a project management firm, and the evolution of the group's services to include leasing, property development, and retirement living. The main focus is the urgent need for a shift in Western Australia's housing strategy, with James discussing urban infill over costly greenfield expansion. The conversation concludes with a look at high debt levels, generational differences in lifestyle priorities, and James's enduring advice for first-time buyers: "Buy the worst property on the best street" 

James Limnios - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslimnios  
Limnios Property Group - https://limnios.com.au/  

If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!  

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐 

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠  

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey⁠  

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey⁠ 

Timestamps:

00:50 The Founding Story

3:22 James's Journey: Entering the Business, the Recession, and His Commitment to Education

6:40 The Evolution of Limnios Property

14:04 The Case for Urban Infill: Why Expanding Out is More Costly than Developing In

21:26 Activating Perth: Solving the CBD's "Ghost Town" Feel with Increased Density

26:50 Policy Solutions: Light Rail, Expanded Ferries, and Creating Micro-Apartments

32:15 Risk in Lending: Why Reducing Deposit Schemes to 2% is a Dangerous Policy

35:28 Generational Shifts

42:10 Where to Still Find Value in the Perth Market

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au

Valerie Formby, founder of Hub Interiors Group shares her journey from moving to Perth at 19 to follow her love, to building a million dollar career in professional services and eventually co-founding successful businesses with her partner, Christian. Valerie discusses the importance of integrity in business, overcoming challenges as a female in the construction industry, and balancing her roles as a businesswoman and mother. Tune in to hear her insightful story and discover how she navigated her unique path to success.

Valerie Formby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-formby-06b48b58/?originalSubdomain=au

Hub Interiors: https://hubinteriors.com.au/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow, and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey/⁠⁠

Timestamps:

01:14 Valerie's Journey to Australia

02:42 Early Career and Major Deals

05:55 Starting a Business with Christian

09:52 Building Hub and Matrix

18:24 Balancing Business and Personal Life

21:36 Challenges as a Woman in Construction

25:12 Navigating Dominance in the Workplace

26:36 Balancing Work and Family Life

28:23 The Importance of Integrity in Business

39:17 Future Plans and Vision for Hub

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠https://podwavestudios.au

In this episode, Pasquale Princi speaks with Framy Browne, lead partner of Lavan’s Family and Private Clients Team. Framy shares her journey from Sydney to Perth, the challenges of raising three children while building a legal career, and the emotional depth behind family law. Family law is complex and, as Framy discusses, requires compassion and clarity.

Framy Browne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/framy-anne-browne-377b122b/

Laven Legal - https://www.lavan.com.au/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow, and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey/⁠

Timestamps:

(00:29) Guest Introduction: Framy Browne

(01:51) Personal Background and Journey to Perth

(02:58) Starting a Family Law Practice

(04:44) Challenges and Rewards in Family Law

(07:41) Complexities of Family Law

(16:29) Empathy and Emotional Management in Family Law

(23:56) Impact of Divorce on Business and Family

(26:34) Faith and Professional Life

(28:59) Balancing Faith and Career

(32:07) Normalising Faith in the Workplace

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au

In this episode of It’s All About the Grey Podcast, Pasquale Princi speaks with Basil Zempilas, Leader of the Liberal Party in Western Australia and former broadcaster, to explore his bold vision for the state’s future. Basil opens up about his transition from media to politics, the pressing challenges facing WA’s Liberal Party, and how he plans to rebuild it into a modern, inclusive, and aspirational force. He shares his take on the Cook Government’s state budget, the urgent need to support small businesses, and the battle against rising cost-of-living pressures.

Follow Basil:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/basil-zempilas-5146371b4/

X - ⁠https://x.com/BasilZempilas?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/basil_zempilas/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey/⁠

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:56) Basil's Journey from Broadcasting to Politics

(3:27) Challenges in State Parliament

(11:45) Payroll Tax & Small Business Impact

(13:35) Rebuilding the WA Liberal Party

(17:03) Core Liberal Values & Vision for the Future

(24:07) Four-Year Plan for the Party

(24:49) Importance of Feedback & Listening

(26:18) Credibility & Leadership Presence

(27:39) Leading with Authenticity

(30:30) Honouring Family, Faith & Heritage

(32:16) Multicultural WA & Community Engagement

(41:23) Political Strategy & Long-Term Goals

(45:41) Accessibility & Open Communication

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠⁠https://podwavestudios.au/

Rakesh Shah is a seasoned financial planning expert with over 18 years at Capital Partners. Rakesh opens up about his journey from his early days in Kenya to becoming a trusted advisor in wealth management. He talks about strategies for building lasting financial success, the power of a comprehensive wealth map, smart diversification, and the role mentorship plays in shaping a meaningful career.

Capital Partners website: https://capital-partners.com.au/

Rakesh Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-shah-31544836/
If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, follow and review!

Follow Pasquale Princi 🌐

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualeprinci/⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsallaboutthegrey/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthegrey/

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction and Warm Welcome

(1:12) Rakesh Shah's Journey into Financial Planning

(2:14) The Essence of Financial Planning

(5:14) Capital Partners and Investment Philosophy

(9:06) Advice for Aspiring Investors

(15:34) Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

(18:51) Preparing for Home Ownership

(21:47) The Reality of Property Prices

(23:20) The Importance of Budgeting

(24:24) Redefining Retirement

(30:01) The Concept of Eldership

(32:13) The Power of Mentorship

(34:14) Investment Advice and Pitfalls

(36:56) Cryptocurrency

(39:03) Final Thoughts

Recorded and Produced by Podwave Studios: ⁠https://podwavestudios.au/