Exchanges with Evan Lucas

This week, Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, joins Exchanges to make the case for why regional Australia is central to the nation’s future. We explore the urgent need for strategic planning across housing, jobs, and infrastructure as Australia’s population grows, and unpack the pressures building in regional housing and rental markets. Liz explains why connectivity, livability,...

This week, Madeline Miller Gen Z Leadership Architect joins Exchanges to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping the meaning of work and identity. Madeline explains why this generation is increasingly skeptical of traditional career paths and promotions, and how they’re redefining success on their own terms. We explore Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance, their push for authenticity in the workplace, and t...

This week on Exchanges ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant joined us to unpack why Australia’s financial markets are at a crossroads, and why innovation has never been more important. We dive into the challenges facing public markets, the rapid growth of private markets and private credit, and what this shift means for businesses, investors, and the broader economy. Simone highlights the need for st...

On This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Andy Fithall on Coffee, Connection, and Creating Social Good Andy Fithall, social entrepreneur and founder of The Good Machine, joins Exchanges to explore how purpose and profit can coexist. Andy shares the story of how he launched In Other Good News during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew it into a thriving social enterprise focused on creating positive impact w...

This week on Exchanges, Merriden Varrall Special Advisor Geopolitics at KPMG South ASPAC and Head of geopolitical insights outfit Vantage Geopol joins us to explore the rise of populism and its far-reaching implications for markets, trade, and institutional trust. We unpack how populism’s anti-establishment sentiment and ‘us versus them’ mentality are driving a new wave of protectionism, reshaping...

Welcome to Season 3 of Exchanges This Week’s Episode: Sarah Hunter on Inflation, Productivity, and Australia’s Economic Outlook from the inner thinking of the RAB Sarah Hunter, Assistant Governor (Economic) and Chief Economist at the RBA, joins Exchanges to unpack the current state of inflation in Australia and what it means for households, businesses, and policymakers. We discuss the RBA’s transi...

This week, Betsy Westcott, financial coach and former banker, joins us to share her journey from the world of banking to financial coaching and what she’s learned about the psychology of money along the way. We dive into the disconnect between wealth and personal happiness, the dynamics of Australia’s housing market, and our cultural addiction to debt. Betsy explains why financial education is cri...

This week, Lawrence Lam joins us to explore the powerful role that founders play in shaping company success. We dive into the unique traits and decision-making styles that set founders apart, and how their intrinsic motivation drives long-term vision and resilience. Lawrence unpacks the psychological side of corporate leadership, the risks that come with founder control, and why long-term incentiv...

This week, John Addis joins us to examine the state of fundamental investing in today’s markets and the growing influence of AI in analysis and research. The rise of passive investing, the opportunities (and risks) AI presents, and the historical parallels to the dot-com bubble. John also shares why learning from mistakes is central to building resilience as an investor. At its core, John emphasis...

This week, on Exchange, Belinda Allen Senior Economist at Commonwealth Bank joins us to break down the current state of the Australian economy , from the RBA’s interest rate decisions and inflation trends to shifting consumer behaviour and the hurdles facing fiscal and tax reform. We explore what these factors mean for business investment, economic recovery, and the ongoing energy transition, as w...

This week, Joseph Healy, co-founder of Judo Bank, joins us to explore the enduring relevance of Adam Smith’s economic principles in today’s Australia. We dive into the often-overlooked connection between economics and morality, the role of education in driving equality and productivity, and why businesses must start viewing employees as long-term assets, not just costs. Joseph also shares his conc...

This week, Rebecca Maher CEO & Founder, My Money Circle joins us to challenge the way we think about money. From her unexpected path into finance to her work in financial coaching, Rebecca dives into the real, human side of money how we behave, what we fear, and why it's rarely just about numbers. We explore Australia’s money culture, the rise of DIY finance, and why we need to be define wealt...

This week, Alan Oster, former Group Chief Economist at NAB, joins Exchanges to unpack the Reserve Bank’s latest interest rate decision and what it signals for the broader economy. We dive into the housing market, cost of living crisis, and the pressing need for structural reform particularly in taxation and housing supply. Alan also shares insights on the economic role of superannuation, strategie...

This week, Michael Masterson Co-founder of Intrinsika joins us to explore the concept of intrinsic value and why understanding a company’s intrinsic assets is critical for long-term growth and sustainability. Michael unpacks his 90-9-1 rule for evaluating value, the role of boards in driving innovation, and the challenges of preserving founder energy as businesses mature. Get your pens and noteboo...

This week on Exchanges, the brilliant Tim Loh, Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office. But this isn’t an Exchange on tax, Tim has joined me to share his personal journey from introverted public speaker to media spokesperson and senior leader. Tim opens up about overcoming the challenges of public speaking, managing imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity in leadersh...

This week, Cameron Kusher joins me on Exchanges to unpack the complex forces shaping the Australian housing market. From the economics of supply and demand to the impact of government policy, negative gearing lending and everything in between. We explore affordability challenges, the future of stamp duty, and the growing appeal of rentvesting among younger Australians. Cameron also makes the case...

This week, Stephen Koukoulas, Managing Director at Market Economics joins Exchanges on what’s keeping him up at night, Trump-era tariffs on global trade, the impact on the Australia–China relationship, business confidence, and consumer sentiment. Stephen also unloads his insights into the structural challenges facing the Australian economy particularly inflation, energy prices, and the pressing ne...

This week, Danni Hunter, social futurist and infrastructure expert, joins us to explore the links infrastructure, community, and societal progress bring. The big exchange for Danni is how do we get government, industry, and communities to address key challenges like the housing crisis, energy transition, and urban development. We look at the cultural shift of the “home” and unpacks the policy, tax...

This week on Exchanges, Michelle Bowden, the leader in persuasion and communication, joins us to unpack the power of authentic, effective communication in driving business and leadership success. She breaks down the difference between influence and persuasion, and explains why adapting your style to suit different stakeholders is essential in today’s fast-moving world. We explore the role of AI an...

This week, Rob Carson Founder of Canopy East joins us to explore the evolving landscape of financial advice in Australia , highlighting a shift toward a more holistic, family-centric approach . We discuss the growing importance of addressing intergenerational wealth transfer , understanding family dynamics , and encouraging open conversations about money . We also jump into the regulatory challeng...

This week, consumer futurist Amanda Stevens joins us to explore the rapid transformation of consumer behaviour in a world reshaped by digital acceleration . From the rise of experiential spending over ownership to the growing influence of AI on how brands engage with their audiences , Amanda offers expert insight into what’s driving today’s purchasing decisions—particularly among millennials and G...

This week, Greg McKenna, CEO of Police Bank, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of Australian lending and its impact on housing affordability. We discuss the challenges posed by current lending regulations, the need for innovative lending products, and the critical role of increasing housing supply to ensure future generations can achieve home ownership. Greg also shares insights into the...

This week on Exchanges, I'm joined by Kieran Gilbert, Chief News Anchor at Sky News, to unpack the current state of the Australian election landscape. From low voter engagement and thin policy debates to the growing prominence of housing affordability, Kieran offers a front-line perspective on what’s shaping the national conversation. We explore the increasing scrutiny on political leaders, the in...

This week on Exchanges, I am joined by one of the most cerebral digital thinkers around - Steve Sammartino. Steve explores the cultural shifts that have and are being driven by tech giants, the rise of AI, and how algorithms are reshaping public discourse. We dive into the importance of open-source technology, the future of work in an AI-powered world, and the growing political influence of corpor...

This week, the amazing Mary Delahunty, CEO of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) joins me to unpack the current state of Australia’s superannuation system and its role as a long-term wealth creator. We explore the impact of recent market shifts, the need for equitable taxation, and how infrastructure investments can support economic growth. Mary also shares insights on ind...