Q&A with S&A

Creating Connections That Matter with Chelsea Scarlett This week on Q&A with S&A, the tables are turned as Aintree Group's Marketing & Communications Manager, Chelsea Scarlett, steps out from behind the camera and into the guest chair. Having spent nearly a decade helping shape Aintree Group's brand, communications, events, podcasts, websites, social media presence, and client engageme...

In this episode, we get to know Richard Lyons, who recently joined the team after completing his Bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Law, a journey he began in the early 2000s before taking a long hiatus working in hospitality. They explore what it means to have a lifelong thirst for knowledge, the instinct to constantly ask “why?”, and how platforms like audiobooks and YouTube have become powerf...

The Business of Leadership with Brent Szalay & Josh Vanderloo In this episode of Q&A with S&A , Andrea sits down with Brent Szalay and Josh Vanderloo from Leaders In Business, to unpack the evolving world of business advisory, leadership and what accountants can learn from elite sport. From a chance friendship formed through their kids’ sporting teams to building a fast-growing advisor...

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference with Jane Stewart In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Jane Stewart, co-founder of It’s the Little Things Community, a Melbourne-based organisation dedicated to providing home-style meals and acts of kindness to vulnerable people across the community. Jane shares the inspiration behind starting the organisation, the po...

Choosing Peace While Building a Busy Life with Alex Baldock Pilates and yoga instructor, business owner, client manager and all-round time-management extraordinaire Alex Baldock joins S&A for a conversation about building a busy life that still prioritises peace. Alex shares her journey from Adelaide to Milan, to the UK, and eventually to Melbourne, reflecting on how travel and expat life shap...

In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Melbourne-based HR specialist Nick Gearen to explore what really goes on behind the scenes in the world of human resources. Nick shares his journey into HR, unpacking the realities of the profession and how it differs from common perceptions. From managing workplace challenges to building strong team cultures, he offers practi...

TV vs Reality: Keeping Lawyers in Line for a Living with Katie McRae In this episode of Q&A with S&A , Shane and Andrea sit down with Aintree Group Legal’s Business Manager, Katie McRae, to unpack what life in law really looks like. Inspired by Suits to pursue a career in law, Katie shares how the reality of the industry compares to what we see on screen, and why she chose to go straight i...

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with former Collingwood Football Club captain and Eclat CEO, Nick Maxwell, to explore his transition from professional football into the business world. Nick shares what led him to pivot into a new chapter of his career, why he finds the lives of business owners so interesting, and the importance of building connections and community. They dive into the d...

Fresh off 876 shows touring Australia with Beauty & The Beast , performer Amy Hopwood joins Q&A with S&A to share what life is really like behind the curtain. From juggling competitive dance training throughout school to booking Disney’s Frozen before even graduating with her Performing Arts qualification, Amy opens up about breaking into the industry during COVID, surviving 8–9 show w...

Shane and Andrea chat with Aintree Group–sponsored athlete Kaylen Bassett for an inspiring and insightful conversation about family, resilience, and elite performance in canoe slalom. Kaylen shares his unconventional journey into the sport, the strong family foundations that underpin his career, and the mental skills required to compete at the highest level. The conversation centres on a career-de...

When the right solution doesn’t exist, sometimes the only option is to create it yourself! In this episode, Andrea chats with Melissa Voss , Co-Founder of FuseWork , to discuss how identifying gaps and developing the right tools to fill them can transform not only your own business but an entire industry. They explore what it means to take initiative when no one else will, how problem-solving can...

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with mother–daughter powerhouse Jane Willox and Maddie Devereux, the team behind Kitchen Queens Catering. The pair share how their shared passion for food grew into a thriving business, and how working together as family has strengthened both their bond and their brand. From the joy of cooking to the fulfilment of feeding others, Jane and Maddie talk abou...

In this episode of Q&A with S&A , Andrea sits down with Mary-Anne Brasacchio and Geena Di Stefano, founders of the Social Soirée Collective, to talk about the importance of connection, especially for mothers who are rediscovering their identity later in life. Born out of the lull in the events space following the COVID pandemic, the Social Soirée Collective was created to give women a plac...

In this episode, Andrea chats to Val Coin from Via Technology about all about the joys, challenges and benefits of transformation, systems and processes and being a husband-and-wife business team. They talk about how all businesses can learn from hospitality when it comes to the importance of system and process, and how technology should be the last thing on the list when you want to successfully...

In this episode of Plant Grow Reap, Andrea and Shane catch up with event photographer Melissa Hobbs to explore her creative journey - how discovering a love of photography in adulthood led to building an in-demand business trusted to capture life’s most meaningful moments. Mel shares what it’s like to photograph the energy, emotion, and connection that define an event. She also chats about travel,...

In this episode, Shaun de Vries, founder of Open Pantry Consulting, shares the remarkable story of his diverse career in hospitality — from early success buying his first bakery at just 21, to hard lessons learned through rebuilding his life and business after a life-changing car accident and navigating insolvency. He reflects on the power of strong business relationships, the importance of being...

In this episode of Q&A with S&A , Shane and Andrea sit down with Wayne Schmidt - global traveller, digital nomad, business mentor, and industry leader with over 35 years of experience in accounting, sales, and technology. Wayne shares his remarkable journey from programming on mainframes and pioneering fixed-fee models, to launching software giants like Xero, and now mentoring firms while...

In this episode of Q&A with S&A , Andrea and Shane chat with Gus McLennan , Co-Founder and CEO of Propella.ai , about how AI is reshaping professional services businesses. Over the past year, Aintree Group has partnered with Propella.ai to develop AI-driven internal process databases, boosting accuracy, security, and data management. The conversation looks at common myths and legitimate co...

Dr. Jackie King joins Shane and Andrea to share how she discovered her purpose through empathy, both for herself and for others, and the journey of reconciling the many parts of her life and identity. Fresh from her first solo international trip in decades, Jackie reflects on the pivotal life experiences that have shaped her path: learning to find and follow her flow, leading with compassion, and...

Naomi Way, Managing Director of Moss & Co Consulting, shares why genuine connection and community are key to attracting top talent. From arriving in Australia as a 20-year-old backpacker to building a career in real estate, recruitment, and launching her RecruitHer podcast - Naomi’s journey is all about people. Naomi shares how she matches candidates with the right culture, supports working mo...

Shane and Andrea chat with buyer and vendor advocate Lisa Britcliffe, who specialises in guiding people through property sales and purchases during major life transitions like divorce. They discuss why empathy and understanding are crucial for professional advisors in these turbulent times, and recognising that assets aren’t just figures on a balance sheet — they often carry deep emotional and nos...

In this episode, Shane and Andrea speak with leadership and communications strategist, best-selling author, and business consultant Mel Kettle. Mel opens up about her experience with burnout and how it led her to support others in redefining success in a way that protects their wellbeing. Mel shares practical strategies to help leaders build a career, and a life, that’s both sustainable and fulfil...

In this episode, Miles Beamish joins Shane and Andrea to explore how a love of numbers can drive meaningful impact, both professionally and personally. They unpack the value of finance brokers and accountants working together with clients over the long term, offering consistency and trust, rather than being passed from one client manager to the next at a big bank. Miles also opens up about the phy...

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Chris Risteski, founder of itsagame , who shares how he is using sport and coaching principles to make financial literacy more accessible. After a successful career in financial planning, Chris launched itsagame to help rebuild financial literacy in Australia through affordable, community-focused education. He explains how treating money management l...

In this special episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Amanda Mandie OAM, founder and Executive Director of locally based charity, Koala Kids. This conversation follows a recent volunteering day where Aintree Group team members spent time at the Koala Kids warehouse in Hawthorn. Amanda shares the heartfelt story behind Koala Kids – a charity she co-founded with her son Nick – and how it has grown...