Season 2, Episode 2: Xero’s Andrew Hirst joins Joe McCord to discuss how AI is transforming accounting, the future of SaaS, Xero Ultra, and why trusted relationships remain critical as technology evolves.

They explore AI automation, vibe coding, attracting talent, managing change, cash flow challenges, and practical ways businesses can adopt AI without losing the human touch.

💡 Topics covered:

• AI and accounting automation

• The future of SaaS and connected platforms

• Xero Ultra and the Xero ecosystem

• Talent, change management, and AI adoption

• Cash flow and automated payments

• Managing technology fatigue

👤 Guest: Andrew Hirst, Head of Sales - Partner Success & National Accounts, Xero

🎙 Host: Joe McCord, Head of Growth, Pinch Payments

🔗 Learn more: Pinch Payments

In this episode of PM, ID, I dive into the fascinating journey of Pinch Payments with co-founders Ben and Paul. We discuss their early struggles, the pivotal moments that shaped the company, and the insights they've gained from years of perseverance in the fintech landscape. They share their thoughts on the importance of seeking impartial feedback, the challenges of navigating financial regulations, and the excitement surrounding the future of payments technology. With engaging anecdotes about their partnership and the realities of startup life, this episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring founders and business leaders alike. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience and innovation driving Pinch Payments forward.

In this episode of PM,ID: Pinch Me I'm Dreaming, our Head of Growth Joe McCord sits down with Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners and one of Australia's most respected voices in payments, startups, and innovation.

From helping launch Braintree in Australia and scaling GoCardless, to now leading Scalare Partners and the Founders Union, Carolyn has spent her career at the intersection of technology, payments, and entrepreneurship.

Together, Joe and Carolyn explore how technology can democratise opportunity, why Australia's startup ecosystem continues to face structural challenges, and what the future of AI, payments, and innovation could look like.

The conversation also dives into venture capital, founder psychology, Australia's innovation policies, and the growing role AI will play in everything from commerce and payments to wealth creation and decision-making.

💡 In this episode you'll learn:

• Why Carolyn believes the best technology should be accessible to businesses of every size

• Why AI could fundamentally change how consumers make purchasing decisions

• The hidden challenges facing Australia's startup ecosystem

• Why Australia struggles to retain startup talent and investment capital

• Carolyn's perspective on venture capital, founders, and scaling companies

• How founders can build successful businesses without raising funding

• The impact of proposed capital gains tax changes on innovation

• The secret reason the RBA may be trying to outlaw surcharges

• The traits Carolyn believes separate successful founders from those who fail

If you're a founder, startup operator, technology leader, investor, or simply curious about where business and innovation are heading, this episode offers a fascinating look at the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's future.

👤 Featured Guest

Carolyn Breeze

CEO – Scalare Partners

🔗 Website

https://scalarepartners.com.au

🔗 LinkedIn

/ carolynbreeze

🎙 About the Podcast

PM,ID: Pinch Me I'm Dreaming explores the realities of modern business, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Hosted by Joe McCord, each episode features conversations with founders, industry leaders, operators, and innovators about what actually drives growth, success, and meaningful change in business.

In this episode of Pinch Me, I’m Dreaming, Joe McCord sits down with Kelly Berger to unpack a hard truth:

👉 A Cert IV isn’t enough to succeed as a bookkeeper.

With 15+ years in the industry and a community of 8,000+ bookkeepers, Kelly shares what’s really missing from traditional training and why so many struggle in real-world practice.

From systems and compliance to burnout, client relationships, and working with accountants, this episode breaks down what it actually takes to run clean books and build a sustainable bookkeeping business.

💡 You’ll learn:

• Why most bookkeepers struggle early on

• The importance of systems and processes

• How to work better with accountants

• Where AI fits into bookkeeping

• What small businesses should expect from a bookkeeper

Joe sits down with Trent McLaren to unpack how AI is transforming accounting, bookkeeping, and modern business workflows.

From uncovering missed revenue in client conversations to analysing hours of meetings in seconds, Trent shares how AI is moving beyond automation into real decision-making support. This episode explores the future of accounting tech, smarter workflows, and how advisors can stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

What does it really take to leave a stable corporate career and build something of your own?

In this episode, Shaye Thyer shares her journey from traditional accounting firms to leading transformation at BDO, working inside global tech at Intuit, and ultimately starting her own business. Along the way, she opens up about risk, confidence, motherhood, and the realities of building a business.

This isn’t just a career story it’s a conversation about impact. Shaye Thyer dives into the disconnect between what the accounting industry says and what it actually does, why smaller firms are often overlooked, and the massive opportunity sitting within women-led businesses in Australia.

You’ll also hear how technology (including AI) is reshaping how modern advisors operate, and why the future belongs to those willing to rethink “the way things have always been done.”

If you’re an accountant, advisor, or business owner looking to challenge the status quo, this one’s for you.

Build a business that works for your life not one you have to escape from.

In this episode of PM, ID, Jacob Aldridge shares what it really takes to design a business around freedom, family, and fulfilment, without sacrificing growth.

From running a fully remote advisory business across the world, to redefining success, leadership, and the role of AI, the conversation also dives into the powerful role of masculine and feminine energy in the workplace and how balancing both can transform culture and performance.

Because the goal isn’t just to build a successful business… it’s to build a life you actually want to live.

In this episode of PM,ID: Pinch Me I’m Dreaming, Joe sits down with Chris Wheatley, founder of Scope Accounting, to unpack the realities behind business growth, accounting, and what actually drives long-term success.

Chris shares a candid accountant’s perspective on what’s really happening behind the numbers. From why understanding your balance sheet is critical, to the financial mistakes business owners make again and again, this conversation explores the real-world challenges of running a business.

Joe and Chris also dive into the evolving role of accountants, bookkeepers, and technology, and why communication, financial awareness, and good decision-making will matter more than ever in the future of business.

In this episode, Philip Johns shares his story about founding PassM8, an online studio management platform designed with love to solve problems for small dance studio operators. Phil talks about the two and a half year odyssey that unfolded when he was rejected by Stripe and speaks from the heart about his passion for his community and local businesses.