Catching Up With CUB

Hosted by Daniel Hakim

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300

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Oct 2026

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About the show

A Podcast by Daniel Hakim, CEO of the Club of United Business (CUB). Daniel catches up with the best in Australian business, to provide you with the knowledge and entertainment you need to kick ass in today's business world. Catching Up with CUB is more than a business podcast.

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60 recent

October 18, 2026Episode 30646 min

#306: Daniel Pym – How the Wealthy Borrow

In Episode #306 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with longtime CUB member Daniel Pym, Director of Loan Market Double Bay, to explore how the wealthy borrow, how to get the best rate on your mortgage and how property investment has changed since the latest Federal Budget. A broker for 25 years and a winner or finalist in more than 30 industry awards, Dan and his team write around half a billion dollars in loans a year, working at the top end of the market in Double Bay, where he says hundreds of brokers compete for business. Daniel and Dan unpack why many wealthy buyers still choose to carry debt on their homes, why investment lending all but stopped after the budget, and why more buyers are now putting their money into the biggest home they can afford rather than another investment property. They also discuss the First Home Guarantee, why Dan's team reviews clients' interest rates twice a year, how Australia's building approval process is slowing new housing, and why the next generation needs more than one viable path to building wealth. A timely conversation on property, borrowing and getting ahead in Australia.

October 11, 20261 hr 1 min

#305: Mark Bouris – Finding Opportunity in a Downturn Part Two

In the second half of our special 300th episode, Daniel continues his conversation with Australian business icon Mark Bouris to explore Australia's economic outlook and how business owners can turn challenging conditions into long-term opportunity. Drawing on decades of experience navigating economic cycles, Mark shares his perspective on the pressures facing Australian businesses, from inflation, interest rates and rising operating costs to government spending, taxation and housing affordability. Daniel and Mark unpack why economic downturns are an inevitable part of business, how to protect cash flow and manage costs, and why difficult periods can be the best time to strengthen operations, invest in efficiency and prepare for future growth. They also discuss leadership, recruitment, customer relationships, and the importance of anticipating market changes rather than reacting when it's too late. A candid and practical conversation about navigating uncertainty, building a more resilient business, and positioning yourself to come out stronger when the economy recovers.

September 27, 202655 min

#304: Ann-Mary Rajanayagam – How to Turn AI Into Real Business Value

In Episode #304 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Ann-Mary Rajanayagam, Founder & CEO of Alderon, to cut through the AI hype and explore how businesses can turn rapidly evolving technology into real business value. With almost 30 years of experience across technology, data and transformation, Ann-Mary has held senior leadership roles at organisations including the New York Stock Exchange, JP Morgan and JANA Investment Advisers. Today, she advises business leaders and boards on AI strategy, governance, data and the future of work. Daniel and Ann-Mary unpack where business owners should actually start with AI, why identifying the right business problem matters more than simply adopting the latest technology, and how SMEs can use AI to improve processes, efficiency, customer outcomes and revenue. They also discuss vibe coding versus working with experienced developers, why human expertise becomes even more valuable as technology gets easier to access, and how AI is lowering the barriers to starting and building a business. Beyond implementation, Daniel and Ann-Mary explore the bigger questions surrounding AI, from data security, privacy and Big Tech to education, the future of work and how leaders can adapt as the pace of technological change accelerates. A practical conversation for business owners looking to move beyond the AI hype and understand where the technology can actually create value.

September 21, 2026Episode 2771 hr 3 min

#303 David Werdiger - Can Your Business Survive the Next Generation?

In this episode of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with David Werdiger, family enterprise advisor, entrepreneur and Managing Director of the Power of Pause Institute, to explore one of the biggest challenges successful business owners eventually face: what happens to the business, wealth and family after them. Drawing on his own experience growing up around a family business and advising family enterprises, David unpacks succession, choosing the right person to lead the next generation, navigating siblings and spouses, and why ownership and leadership don't always need to sit with the same person. Daniel and David also discuss how families can preserve wealth without destroying ambition, why purpose becomes increasingly important for younger generations, and the difference between simply inheriting a business and becoming a steward responsible for its future. The conversation also explores David's Power of Pause philosophy, why he believes time is our most valuable asset, and what ancient traditions can teach us about disconnecting from technology and being more present. A fascinating conversation about family, business, succession and building a legacy that can survive generations.

September 13, 2026Episode 30243 min

#302 Simon Cohen - Is Now the Time to Buy Property?

In Episode #302 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Simon Cohen, Founder & CEO of Cohen Handler, to unpack what's really happening in the Australian property market, and where he sees opportunity right now. Since launching Cohen Handler in 2009, Simon has built it into a 100+ person national powerhouse, helping clients secure more than $13 billion in property and becoming one of Australia's most recognisable names in luxury real estate. After 20 years navigating the GFC, COVID and countless market cycles, Simon explains why he believes today's slowdown is creating some of the most compelling buying conditions he's seen in years. Daniel and Simon unpack the impact of the Federal Budget, negative gearing and potential capital gains changes, what's happening at the top end of Sydney's market, and why waiting to perfectly time the bottom can cost you. They also explore where Simon is seeing value across residential and commercial property, how younger Australians can get into the market, and why he still sees property as one of the strongest long-term wealth-building assets. Beyond property, Simon shares how he has used the strength of the Cohen Handler brand to launch multiple ventures with specialist partners, what he looks for in the people he goes into business with, and why reputation, experience and trust still matter. A timely conversation on property, business, opportunity and where the smart money may be moving next.

August 30, 2026Episode 30153 min

#301 Farid Zaki - What The Federal Budget Means For Your Business

In Episode #301 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Farid Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of ATP Accounting & Taxation Professionals, to unpack how proposed Federal Budget changes could impact Australian business owners. With 32 years of experience in accounting, Farid breaks down the proposed changes to trusts and business structures, what they could mean for the way business owners manage and distribute profits, and why getting the right advice will become increasingly important. Daniel and Farid also discuss negative gearing, the growing interest in commercial property, cash flow versus profit, managing costs and how businesses can respond when economic conditions become more challenging. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, Farid explains why periods of uncertainty can create opportunity for businesses prepared to adapt, invest strategically and strengthen their operations. A practical conversation on navigating change, protecting your business and making smarter financial decisions in a shifting economic environment.

August 17, 2026Episode 3001 hr 14 min

#300 Mark Bouris - The State of Australia Part One

For the special 300th episode of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel catches up with Mark Bouris to discuss the state of Australia, where the country is heading and the economic pressures facing business owners. Mark shares why he believes Australia is heading towards a recession, including his concerns around inflation, interest rates, unemployment and the growing divide between the public and private sectors. The conversation also tackles housing affordability, taxation, government spending, migration and Australia's increasingly divided political landscape, before exploring practical ideas to help younger Australians enter the property market and encourage developers to build more housing. Mark also opens up about why Australia is becoming an increasingly expensive place to do business and why more entrepreneurs are considering investing and operating overseas. From the risk of recession to the future of Australian business, Episode #300 asks what needs to change to put prosperity and the private sector back at the centre of Australia's economic future.

August 2, 2026Episode 29952 min

#299 Tim Wilson – Is the Australian Dream Still Within Reach?

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Australia's Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson, for an exclusive conversation on the Federal Budget, Australia's economic future and what he believes needs to change to restore opportunity for ambitious Australians. From the Federal Government's proposed tax changes and housing affordability to productivity, migration and small business, Tim shares why he believes the latest budget could make it harder for Australians to get ahead, and outlines the Opposition's approach to supporting investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth. Daniel and Tim also discuss the role entrepreneurs play in growing the economy, why some business owners are considering expanding overseas, and provide an inside perspective on the ideas, challenges and policy debates shaping Australia's economic future. Whether you're building a business, buying your first home or simply interested in where Australia is heading, this episode provides a unique perspective on some of the biggest economic and policy decisions shaping the country's future.

July 26, 2026Episode 29846 min

#298 Ashlea Roach - How Great Founders Build Great Teams

Daniel catches up with Ashlea Roach, Founder and Managing Director of People Co., to discuss what it really takes to build a high-performing team and why people and culture are one of the biggest drivers of business growth. After spending her career helping startups, scaleups and SMEs navigate the challenges of hiring, leadership and workplace culture, Ashlea founded People Co. to give growing businesses practical, commercially focused people advice that goes far beyond traditional HR. Today, she works with founders to build stronger leaders, more accountable teams and cultures that scale alongside the business. Daniel and Ashlea discuss hiring, performance management, difficult conversations, leadership development, retaining great employees, building culture as your business grows and the practical strategies every founder can use to build a stronger team.

July 12, 2026Episode 2971 hr 5 min

#297 Justin Khoury – Why Great Businesses Put Their Team First

Daniel catches up with Justin Khoury, co-founder of Unbound Minds, to discuss why the best businesses are built from the inside out and what founders can learn from putting their people first. After helping launch DoorDash Australia, Justin and his wife Monica founded Unbound Minds with a different approach to healthcare. By building the business around practitioners rather than patients, they've grown to more than 32 practitioners across two Sydney clinics and are now helping organisations create healthier workplaces through their newest venture, Unbound Work. Daniel and Justin discuss founder mental health, leadership, hiring, workplace culture, Australia's changing psychosocial safety laws, the challenges facing the NDIS and the lessons every business owner can apply to build stronger, more resilient teams.