Ensombl Advice Australia

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.co...

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...

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...

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.link...

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/ Lif...

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/...

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-...

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/adelemart...

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/mi...

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/...

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 opportun...

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-leonar...

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...

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/ S...

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.co...

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, thi...

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....

Marcus is an Associate Financial Adviser at Rising Tide Financial. He and James discuss his career transition from a family office investment professional to an adviser at Rising Tide, driven by a desire for personal fulfillment and helping clients align their financial strategies with their life goals. Marcus Boadle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-boadle-b5a26a249/ Rising Tide Financ...

In this episode, Pat speaks with Stephen Handley, Founder and CEO at Fin365. They discuss the platform's evolution, focusing on Microsoft-powered technology solutions for advice firms, data-driven automation, AI integration, and the recent Qwrk acquisition to provide scalable tech consulting services. Stephen Handley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhandley42/ Fin365 Website: https://f...

Natasha is a Financial Planning Assistant at Vista Financial Group. She shares her journey from working in Sri Lanka to pursuing her professional year at Vista Financial Group, driven by her passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. Natasha Warnakula LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-warnakula-a24454268/ Vista Financial Group Website: https://www.vistafinancial.com.au/...

This week, Pat is joined by Shehan Alwis and Tim Rogers from Adviceflo. They discuss how Adviceflo can transforms static advice documents into dynamic, interactive, and visually engaging presentations, making client communication more effective and accessible across various professional services. Shehan Alwis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shehanmarkalwis Tim Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.li...

What if everything you thought about risk was wrong? In this episode of the Ensombl lnvestment podcast, host James Whelan is joined by Dan Miles from Innova Asset Management to challenge the old obsession with volatility and offer a sharper, goals-based view of risk as it relates to a client's lifestyle. Together, they flip the script on risk, diving into longevity, sequencing risk, flawed profili...

This week, Pat is joined by Natallia Smith, Founder of TruWealth Advice. They discuss her tech stack focused on serving single women over 50, using user-friendly tools like Microsoft Dynamics, Fin 365, Typeform, and AI technologies to create an efficient, empathetic client experience. Natallia Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalliasmith/ TruWealth Advice Website: https://www.truwealt...

Hannah is an Associate Adviser at Stellar Wealth. She and James discuss her progress through the professional year, her role in client interactions, and her use of social media to educate and build her personal brand in the advice industry. Hannah Elliott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-elliott-financialplanning/ Stellar Wealth Website: https://stellarwealth.com.au/ To learn more abou...

This week, Pat speaks with Alan FitzGerald, Founder & Fractional CTO at Practice Connections. They discuss the critical importance of strategic technology adoption, data management, and AI integration to help advice practices improve client experiences, staff productivity, and overall business performance. Alan FitzGerald LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arfitzgerald/ Practice Connections Web...