Xy Adviser Podcast - Driving The Positive Evolution Of Financial Advice

This week, Pat is joined by Tim Reid, Founder at AdviceOps. They discuss how technology, automation, and AI are transforming advice businesses by streamlining workflows, integrating CRMs, and enabling a more client-centered approach to planning. Tim Reid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyareid/ AdviceOps Website: https://adviceops.com.au/ Sintra AI: https://sintra.ai/ A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250829 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Rob is an Associate Director and Senior Financial Advisor at Acuity Wealth. He and James discuss his career journey, the growth and client focus of Acuity Wealth, financial planning strategies for high-earning clients, business culture, hiring practices, and the importance of networking and referrals. Rob Chertok LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-chertok-b957394a/ Acuity Wealth Website: https://www.acuitywealth.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250828 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Rocksy is joined by David Carney, Executive Director and Former CEO at VBP. They discuss his journey from planner to business leader, and his lessons in business growth, outsourcing, leadership, and the evolving future of advice. David Carney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcarneyvbp/ VBP Website: https://www.vbp.au/ The 4 Disciplines of Execution: https://www.amazon.com.au/4-Disciplines-Execution-Chris-McChesney/dp/1491517751 Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250826 Recognise real-world learning as CPD: https://ensombl.com/cpd/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Pat speaks with Kate Fellows, Founder of tap'd (the Advice Professionals' Directory). They discuss the platform's mission to connect advisers with service providers, enhance efficiency through AI and content, and foster transparent, dynamic engagement within the advice profession.  Kate Fellows LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-fellows-a1993b18/ tap'd Website: https://www.tapdau.com/ A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250822 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Dean is a Senior Advice Assistant (PY) at Clarity Wealth. He and James discuss his transition from HR and operations into financial advice, and what advice he has for others considering a similar path. Dean Southern LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedeansouthern/ Clarity Wealth Website: https://claritywealth.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250821 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Rocksy speaks with Mitch Ramsbotham, Head of Growth and Strategy at Coastal Advice Group. Mitch discusses the rapid growth, strategic evolution, and operational transformation of Coastal Advice Group, and their approach to mergers and acquisitions, technology integration, and the development of a scalable, client-focused advice business. Mitch Ramsbotham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-ramsbotham-04122812/ Coastal Advice Group Website: https://www.centralcoastfpg.com.au/ Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250819 Recognise real-world learning as CPD: https://ensombl.com/cpd/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, Pat is joined by Brett Wright, Founder at LifeBid. They discuss the development and impact of LifeBid, a next-generation digital platform designed to streamline and modernise life insurance advice by leveraging technology, AI, and industry collaboration to improve efficiency, compliance, and client experience. Brett Wright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-wright-a9461430/ LifeBid Website: https://lifebid.com.au/ A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250815 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, James is joined by Ben Marshan and Maddie Catlin from the Future2 Foundation. They discuss the Foundation's mission, grant programs, fundraising efforts, and the impact of their work in supporting financially vulnerable Australians through community-driven initiatives. Ben Marshan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmarshan/ Maddie Catlin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-catlin/ Future2 Foundation Website: https://future2foundation.org.au/ Know a grassroots program changing lives by building stronger financial futures? Future2’s Make the Difference! Grants offer up to $15,000 to help them go further. Nominations close 21 August 2025. Find out more and apply at https://future2foundation.org.au/grants/future2-make-the-difference-grants/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250814 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 0

In this first instalment, Paul talks with Nigel Baker, Managing Director at Arch Capital and Founder of Scientiam and Stu Alsop, Director of Sales at Intelliflo Australia. They explore the critical role of data quality in advice practices, and the challenges, solutions, and benefits for client experience, business growth, and security. Nigel Baker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-baker-b25662/ Arch Capital Website: https://www.archcapital.com.au/ Scientiam Website: https://scientiam.com.au/ Stu Alsop LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-alsop-5505963b/ Paul Benson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbensonaustralia/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Intelliflo: https://ensombl.com/go/20250813 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/ 

Paul speaks with Adele Martin, Certified Financial Planner, founder of My Money Buddy and The Savings Squad podcast. They discuss how leveraging high-quality data and modern technology — such as AI, client portals, and workflow automation — can transform advice businesses by improving efficiency, client experience, and business outcomes. Adele Martin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelemartin/ Adele Martin Website: https://adelemartin.com/ Paul Benson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbensonaustralia/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Intelliflo: https://ensombl.com/go/20250813 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/ 

In this episode, Paul is joined by Mitch Ramsbotham, Head of Growth and Strategy at Coastal Advice Group and Stu Alsop, Director of Sales at Intelliflo Australia. They discuss how data quality, readiness, and effective dashboard tools are critical for maximising valuation and ensuring successful mergers and acquisitions in advice practices. Mitch Ramsbotham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-ramsbotham-04122812/ Coastal Advice Group Website: https://www.centralcoastfpg.com.au/ Stu Alsop LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-alsop-5505963b/ Paul Benson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbensonaustralia/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Intelliflo: https://ensombl.com/go/20250813 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/ 

In this final episode, Paul is joined by Andrew Rocks, Co-Founder at Lydian Financial and Host of Ensombl's Engine Room Podcast. Rocksy discusses his experience selling a financial planning practice, and the importance of data readiness, operational efficiency, and strategic planning for maximizing business value and successful exits. Andrew Rocks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrocks/ Lydian Financial Website: https://lydian.com.au/ Paul Benson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbensonaustralia/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Intelliflo: https://ensombl.com/go/20250813 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/ 

Mason Stevens’ CIO Jacqui Fernley joins host James Whelan to explore the evolution of managed accounts and managed discretionary accounts for advisers. As market volatility rises and efficiency becomes paramount, managed accounts are increasingly valued for their ability to deliver scalable, tailored investment strategies—particularly for high-net-worth clients. Jacqui highlights emerging opportunities in private credit and thematic investments, while underscoring how managed accounts can simplify portfolio management, reduce client friction, and support consistent performance. Jacqueline Fernley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fernley-cfa-cew-member-gaicd-2a8845b/ James Whelan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-whelan-68146036/ Interested in SMAs, MDAs, or model portfolios? Contact nick.mitchell@masonstevens.com.au or visit https://ensombl.com/go/20250811/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Pat speaks with Jane Ridder, Financial Adviser and Mortgage Broker at Infocus. They discuss how her advice business leverages AI, automation, and an integrated tech stack to deliver highly personalised and efficient client experiences. Jane Ridder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeridder/ Infocus Website: https://www.infocus.com.au/office/?location=infocus-sydney-st-leonards A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250808 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, James is joined by Mark and Emma O'Flynn from Oxlade Financial. They discuss the rapid growth, team structure, and boutique culture of their independent advisory firm, and their strategies for recruitment, marketing, and maintaining consistent client experience. Mark O'Flynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-o-flynn-cfa-cfp-97134628/ Oxlade Financial Website: https://www.oxlade.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250807 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Pat is joined by Joe Stephan, Financial Adviser and Director at Stephan Independent Advisory, and Host of the "It's Never About Money" podcast. They discuss Joe's client-focused approach, and his evolving tech stack — including AI, CRM migrations, and client engagement tools — shaping the future of his practice. Joe Stephan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephstephancfp/ Stephan Independent Advisory Website: https://siadvisory.com.au/ "It's Never About Money" Podcast: https://itsneveraboutmoney.com.au/ A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250801 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Joel is CEO and Head of Enterprise Sales at Fourth Line. He and James discuss his work with Fourth Line, a compliance monitoring platform, his exam preparation program for advisers, and the evolving landscape of advice, including trends in technology, regulation, and professional development. Joel Ronchi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-ronchi/ Fourth Line Website: https://fourth-line.com.au/ To learn more about Paradino & Athena, view our Solutions Showcase on Ensombl here: https://app.ensombl.com/posts/solutions-showcase-paradino General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Neil Rogan is joined by Alex Cousley, Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Russell Investments, to unpack the drivers of recent market movements, what Australia’s US beef import announcement signals about tariff diplomacy, and why the recent NVIDIA-China development could reshape strategic investment narratives. Alex also shares his outlook on interest rates, inflation, and the Australian dollar, providing a sharp, timely update for financial advisers navigating shifting macro conditions. Neil Rogan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roganneil/ Alexander Cousley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-cousley-cfa-a10b81109/ Russell Investments Website: https://russellinvestments.com/ Recognise real-world learning as CPD: https://ensombl.com/cpd/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

When the market noise is deafening, how do you help clients stay calm and focused?  In this episode, host James Whelan speaks with Bhanu Singh (DFA Australia) and David Andrew (Capital Partners) about equipping clients to ride out volatility. From using 'fire-drill conversations' to build resilience, to rebalancing discipline, anchoring back to plans, and demystifying sensationalist headlines, this episode is packed with strategies for cutting through noise, managing behaviour, and helping clients stay focused and invested in portfolios that are built to withstand uncertainty. Bhanu Singh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhanu-singh-5b09602/ David Andrew LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidandrewfamilywealthadviser/ Capital Partners Website: https://capital-partners.com.au/ James Whelan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-whelan-68146036/ For more information on Dimensional reach out to our team or visit our website: https://ensombl.com/go/20250728/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl

This week, Pat is joined by Leong Tang, Partner, Financial Adviser (CFP®) at Callaghans. They discuss the importance of process-driven technology adoption, leveraging tools like ClickUp and AI to enhance client service and operational efficiency. Leong Tang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chih-leong-tang-b393296a/ Callaghans Website: https://www.callaghans.com.au/ Pricing Guide: https://www.callaghans.com.au/pricing-guide/ A world of client data awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250725 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/