In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we sit down with Julian Fayad, Founder and CEO of LoanOptions.ai, to explore how technology is reshaping the way we approach lending and financial decision-making.

Julian shares the vision behind building an AI-driven platform in a complex, highly regulated industry, and the leadership principles that have guided him through the challenges of scaling a fintech business. We discuss the role of innovation in simplifying financial systems, the importance of designing with the end user in mind, and how data and technology can be used to create more transparent, efficient experiences.

This conversation offers a thoughtful look at what it takes to challenge legacy systems, build trust in a digital-first environment, and lead with clarity in a fast-evolving space. For business leaders, founders, and anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and impact, this episode offers valuable insights on building with purpose and navigating complexity.

Connect with Julian:

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

Loanoptions.ai: https://loanoptions.ai/?partnerId=1222

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4 Apple

Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we’re joined by Celeste Norman, Principal and Founder of Rayne Legal, to unpack how legal and compliance strategy can become a real growth driver for founders, especially in Australia’s highly regulated financial services space.

With deep in-house experience and a unique approach to legal problem-solving, Celeste explains why legal shouldn’t sit on the side-lines. She shares how integrating compliance into everyday business processes creates efficiency, reduces risk, and supports long-term vision, rather than stalling it.

We also dive into the rise of fractional legal services, the personal liability directors often overlook, and the challenge founders face balancing fast growth with financial stability. Celeste offers clear, practical insights for business owners who want to scale sustainably without cutting corners.

Whether you're building a start-up, sitting on a board, or just navigating risk in a complex space, this conversation will shift the way you think about legal strategy.

Connect with Celeste:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-norman-rayne/

Rayne Legal : https://www.rayne.com.au/about-us

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4

Apple Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this unfiltered episode of The Socius Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Araouzou, founder of PAKD Sport and one of the most controversial figures from Married at First Sight Australia. Adrian breaks his silence on the reality behind reality TV, discussing being cast as the MAFS villain, friendship breakdowns, public backlash, and the pressures of a highly public relationship.

Beyond the headlines and social media hate, Adrian offers a deep, honest reflection on mindset, identity, and building a business in the harsh spotlight of reality TV fame. We explore personal growth, purpose, and the mental resilience required to grow a brand while navigating negative media exposure and intense online scrutiny. He shares sharp insights on staying grounded, turning criticism into momentum, and using chaos as fuel for meaningful impact.

He reveals how he kept PAKD Sport running during filming, the post-show sales performance, and his next chapter in launching a mental health-focused venture that challenges hustle culture and champions mindfulness.

From viral controversy to personal clarity, this is Adrian's story about navigating noise, rewriting the narrative, and staying true to yourself, no matter the cost. 

Connect with Adrian:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.araouzou/

PAKD Sport : https://pakdsport.com.au/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacMKtswBMk9iJzaEktCfXL6FJsyEdIs_nER0YlX1sWEWo0nSBNR3OOuKWev-Q_aem_3nWsSrJlTlavOwUMo5MwlA

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

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4

Apple Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we speak with Stephen Mitchell, founder of Nexus Advisory, who is helping businesses access fast, flexible, and bank-free financing. Stephen shares his journey from launching startups to becoming a trusted financial adviser for growing companies. He opens up about the lessons he learned the hard way, like the importance of understanding funding options early, and how those experiences now shape the way he helps other business owners.

We dive into the power of using debt as a tool for growth, the difference between equity and various types of debt, and how alternative funding can give SMEs a real edge, especially as major banks pull back from supporting small businesses. Stephen explains how his team works with clients to restructure debt, improve cash flow, and build financial models that set them up for long-term success. He also shares his view on the future of Australia’s business finance landscape, including why he believes we’re moving into a more optimistic, opportunity-rich phase of the cycle.

At The Socius Podcast, we aim to connect business leaders through honest, practical conversations that inspire growth, clarity, and connection. This episode is packed with valuable insights for founders, operators, and advisers alike. Don’t miss it.

Connect with Stephen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mitchell/

Nexusadvisory.co: https://www.nexusadvisory.co/

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4 Apple

Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we’re joined by Jose Ramirez, founder of HOPR, the alcohol-free beverage brand redefining what it means to unwind. Born from a blend of athletic discipline, tech know-how, and a drive to do things differently, Jose shares how he turned a personal frustration with drinking culture into a fast-growing brand stocked in over 70 retailers across Australia.

Jose opens up about the gritty reality of building a business from scratch, learning everything from YouTube, pushing through burnout, and choosing community and content over conventional strategies. His story reflects the entrepreneurial mindset we champion: one grounded in resilience, innovation, and a belief that meaningful change comes when leaders share the journey- not just the wins.

This is a conversation for anyone looking to grow with purpose, challenge industry norms, and build something that actually matters.

Connect with Jose:

Email: [email protected]

HOPR: https://drinkhopr.com.au/

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4 Apple

Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we sit down with Calvin Chilchik, National Sales Director and part-owner of CUB - Club of United Business, to unpack what it really takes to succeed in sales, business, and building strong relationships.

We explore the mindset behind confident selling, why repetition builds mastery, and how to pitch without falling into false promises. Calvin shares the three essentials of B2B sales, relentless prospecting, salesmanship, and emotional control and why systems and reps are non-negotiable for growth.

He talks candidly about his experience imposter syndrome, the role of self-awareness, and how to find what you’re truly good at. We also discussed strategies for using LinkedIn and Sales Navigator to build authority and reach the right people.

Plus, we dig into what most people get wrong about networking, why chasing quick ROI ruins relationships, and how Calvin motivates high-performing sales teams through smart incentives and structure.

If you’re serious about levelling up your business game this one’s for you.

Connect with Calvin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-chilchik-2a9826124/

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

Club of United Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cub-network/

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4 Apple

Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we sit down with Esther Colman, Director of Seed HR, a company providing end-to-end HR support for small businesses. Esther shares when businesses should seek HR help, how to approach hiring and onboarding, and why responsive, fractional HR services can be a smart solution when a full-time hire isn’t an option.

She talks about her journey from retail and sales into HR, and how her passion for leadership and understanding people shaped her approach. We explore the link between psychology and HR, the importance of building a culture of belonging, and why flexibility is essential for modern workplaces. Esther also shares practical tools for adapting leadership styles to different personalities and situations.

Finally, she reflects on founding Seed HR, the value of trust and relationships in business, and why consistency and discipline have been key to her success. Whether you’re growing your first team or strengthening an existing one, this conversation offers real-world insights for building better businesses.

Connect with Esther:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-colman-seedhr/

Website: https://www.seedhr.com.au/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seed-hr-sydney/?originalSubdomain=au

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4

Apple Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Socius Podcast, we sit down with Bonnie-Jean, Naim founder of Beon Media, to talk entrepreneurship, modern marketing, and motherhood.

Bonnie shares how her background in sales led to the launch of her agency- and how she quickly realised that most people don’t fully understand marketing. She breaks down the difference between organic and paid media, how to measure success (hint: it’s not vanity metrics), and why consistency and patience are key to conversions.

She also discusses running a business while raising kids and the systems she uses to thrive in both roles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a brand in the digital age. It is packed with real talk and practical tips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the world of entrepreneurship, authenticity, and building a brand that resonates. Rebecca Klodinsky, founder of The Prestwick Place, shares her insights on the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds and the importance of educating consumers about the jewellery industry. We discuss Rebecca’s talent in identifying gaps in the market, leading to the launch of her fine jewellery brand with a focus on transparency and providing more affordable options to traditional diamonds.

The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of social media marketing, the shift from organic growth to paid influence, and why authenticity is more important than ever. Rebecca opens up about the pressures of comparison culture and how entrepreneurs should resist the temptation to follow trends, opting instead to stay true to their unique vision.

Rebecca also shares her perspective on the dangers of oversharing in the digital age and the impact it’s having on privacy, emphasising the need to protect personal boundaries while navigating the online world.

If you’re looking for practical advice on how to build a lasting, authentic brand, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Connect with Rebecca:

Instagram: @BecKlodinsky / https://www.instagram.com/becklodinsky/?hl=en

 Instagram: @ThePrestwickPlace / https://www.instagram.com/theprestwickplace/?hl=en The Prestwick Place: https://theprestwickplace.com/?

gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw47i_BhBTEiwAaJfPpqbGTTC49XfKb5C13UQBqENcX-8L2ZEAeKYATh0zVxu-RlwWgwuQfhoCt6UQAvD_BwE Follow us on our socials!

 Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4

Apple Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

#Entrepreneurship #Authenticity #SocialMediaMarketing #LabGrownDiamonds #BrandBuilding

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Socius Podcast, we dive into the story of Charlie Viola, Executive Chair, Adviser, and Founding Partner at Viola Private Wealth. From his humble beginnings as a bank teller to overseeing over $2.5 billion in assets for high-net-worth clients, Charlie’s journey is one of ambition, resilience, and a relentless focus on what truly matters: the client.

Charlie shares the secret behind the success of Viola Private Wealth, of building trust through a client-first approach. He opens up about the exciting management buyout of Pitcher Partners’ Sydney wealth management business and how his team has created a unique system for acquiring and retaining clients through exceptional service.

Beyond business growth, Charlie is passionate about creating a culture of ownership within his company, where everyone has a stake in the outcome. If you're looking for insights on wealth management, the power of personal branding, or how trust can fuel business success, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. 

Contact Charlie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieviola/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/viola-private-wealth/ Viola Private Wealth: http://violaprivatewealth.com.au/

Follow us on our socials!
Instagram: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesociuspodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: @thesociuspodcast / thesociuspodcast https://www.facebook.com/thesociuspodcast/

LinkedIn: @thesociuspodcast https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-socius-podcast

Spotify: @thesociuspodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5xYBq7dLOkfYx0MiFC2hKu?si=b8fcc2c9f4f047b4

Apple Podcasts: @thesociuspodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-socius-podcast/id1566473205

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.