Grow Your Wealth

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Oct 2026

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Join Grow Your Wealth host Travis Miller as he delves into the fascinating journeys of individuals who identified early investment opportunities and transformed them into incredible success stories.

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October 22, 202640 min

David Sokulsky – Bigger Isn’t Safer: Hedge Funds, Index Risk, and Global Macro

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Dr David Sokulsky, founder of Carrara Investment Management and an investment professional with experience across asset allocation, portfolio management, macroeconomic analysis, equity research, trading, and fund due diligence. David shares his path from a working-class childhood in Newcastle and a serious cricket career to a PhD in Applied Finance, a hedge fund due diligence role at Macquarie Group, and a stint as a senior analyst and trader at US global macro hedge fund Denali Asset Management — arriving in America just as the financial crisis hit. He reflects on his time as Head of Investment Strategy at UBS Wealth Management and CIO at Crestone, the decision to leave and run an ASX-listed concentrated leaders fund, and what finally gave him the confidence to build his own firm. David also explains why the super industry stopped backing smaller Australian managers, why indexing behaves like a momentum strategy, and why “bigger” has come to mean “safer” even when the returns say otherwise. This episode is packed with contrarian perspective for investors, advisers, and anyone who wants to understand how money is really allocated in Australia. – Career Overview: Hedge Funds, Wealth Management, and Listed Funds – Growing Up in Newcastle: Cricket First, Finance by Accident – The Honours Year That Changed Everything – Breaking Into the Industry Through Publishing and Investor Info – The Hedge Fund Report That Opened the Door to Macquarie – How Australia’s Super Industry Changed: Seeding Managers vs Benchmarking – Blackstone, KKR, and Why Business Risk Now Beats Returns – Influential Mentors: Learning From a Hedge Fund Market Wizard – Cutting Losers, Riding Winners, and Never Falling in Love With a Position – Pivotal Moments: Leaving Crestone to Run an ASX-Listed Fund – What Drives Him: The Challenge and the Jigsaw Puzzle of Markets – Bonds, AI Borrowing, and the Flow-On Effects Most Investors Miss – Choosing Entrepreneurship Over the Comfort of a Big Institution – Bumps in the Road: The GFC, Takeovers, and Where Resilience Comes From – Both Sides of the Coin: Why Allocators Don’t Know What Managers Know – Getting Sold vs Genuine Quality: Lessons From Roadshows and Due Diligence – Contrarian View: Why Indexing Is a Momentum Strategy – Passive Outflows and the Downside Risk Nobody Has Priced – When a Super Fund Owns What It Doesn’t Want – Living Through the Financial Crisis in America – Defining Success: Happy Clients and No Redemptions – Quickfire Questions: First Jobs, Advice for a Younger Self, and Motivation – Tips for Long-Term Wealth: Stay Invested, Avoid Debt, Educate Yourself – Choosing an Advisor Like You’d Test Drive a Car – Life Outside Work and Closing Remarks Grow Your Wealth Podcast Website: ⁠https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au⁠ iPartners Website: ⁠https://www.ipartners.com.au⁠ Register Here: ⁠https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/⁠ iPartners LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

September 15, 202634 min

Lincoln Stollery - Origination From the Ground Up: Private Equity, Direct Deal Flow, and Backing Yourself

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Lincoln Stollery, Managing Director of PhaseOne Partners and former Director of Sales and Head of Investor Relations at iPartners. Lincoln shares how a chance conversation while waiting tables at Kingsleys led to an internship at Roc Partners, how his time as iPartners' first employee shaped his thinking, and what he learned about origination at Pemba Capital Partners. He explains why he left mainstream roles to build Australia's first dedicated outsourced origination service, how his in-house engine "Eddy" – named after his entrepreneurial grandfather – uses AI to profile businesses before a founder is ever approached, and why connecting private equity directly with business owners creates better partnerships on both sides. Lincoln and Travis also dig into the realities of marketing an emerging business, the difficulty of measuring brand awareness, and the lessons that come from trying things that don't work. Along the way, Lincoln offers his views on concentration versus leverage, long-term compounding in private markets, and the advice he'd give his younger self. – Meet Lincoln Stollery: From iPartners to PhaseOne Partners – University, Sales Instincts, and Finding the Right Career Fit – The Kingsleys Story: How a Restaurant Job Led to Roc Partners – Being Employee Number One at iPartners – Why PhaseOne Partners Exists: Solving the Direct Deal Flow Problem – Advisor-Led vs Direct: Why Time Matters When Choosing a Partner – Building "Eddy": An In-House AI Origination Engine – Influences and Mentors: Family, Roc Partners, and the Early iPartners Team – Pivotal Moments: Treating Every Role as a Learning Experience – Taking the Leap: Risk, Timing, and Backing a UK/US Model in Australia – Why Intermediaries Work in a Market the Size of Australia – What Drives Him: Business Owner Stories and Matching the Right Partners – What Hasn't Worked: Paid Ads, Experiments, and Learning by Doing – The Brand Awareness Problem: Measuring What You Can't Easily Measure – Advice for a Younger Self: Take Your Time and Take Risks – Five-Year Vision: Scaling the Platform and Attracting Offshore Capital – Global Interest in Australian and New Zealand Businesses – Quickfire: McDonald's, Reading More, Motivation, and Long-Term Wealth – Concentration, Leverage, and the Danger of Chasing Trends – Life Outside Work: Golf, Family, and Queenstown – Closing Remarks and Connecting with Lincoln Stollery Lincoln Stollery LinkedIn: ⁠https://au.linkedin.com/in/lincoln-stollery-0806b149⁠ PhaseOne Partners Website: ⁠https://www.phaseonepartners.com.au⁠ Grow Your Wealth Podcast Website: ⁠https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au⁠ iPartners Website: ⁠https://www.ipartners.com.au⁠ Register Here: ⁠https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/⁠ iPartners LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

August 11, 202637 min

Michael Blythe – A Career in Macroeconomics: The RBA, CBA, Market Cycles, and Property Dynamics

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Michael Blythe, an economist with more than 30 years' experience shaping economic policy and analysing financial markets across Australia. Michael shares his career journey - graduating from the University of Sydney and spending 13 years at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to his long-standing role as Chief Economist at Commonwealth Bank and his current position as an independent economist. He reflects on navigating economic shocks like the GFC, earning the title of CBA’s "resident optimist," and how data-driven insights and big-picture flexibility help navigate changing market cycles. Michael also unpacks the current interest rate and inflation landscape, property market pressures, key mentors who shaped his approach, tips for building long-term wealth, and life outside the markets. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for investors, business leaders, and anyone looking to understand the macro forces driving the Australian economy. – Career Overview: Michael Blythe’s 30+ Years Across the RBA and CBA – Becoming an Independent Economist and Partnering with iPartners – The RBA Pipeline: How Economics Graduate Paths Have Evolved – Foundational Lessons from Working with Australia’s Top Economists at the RBA – Macro Outlook: Interest Rates, Inflation, Oil Prices, and the Australian Consumer – Influential Mentors: From High School Maths to Glenn Stevens and David Murray – The Chief Economist's Role: Pitching to Clients, Handling Stress, and Independent Thinking – Pivotal Career Moments: Moving to CBA and Being the "Resident Optimist" During the GFC – What Drives Success: Client Feedback, Value Creation, and Stress-Testing Big Ideas – Career Advice for Aspiring Economists and the Rise of Double Degrees – Managing Bumps in the Road: Black Swan Events, Confirmation Bias, and Forecasting – Big-Picture Flexibility, High-Frequency Data, and Banking Data Insights – Defining Career Success: Calling Economic Resilience and Client Relationships – Property Market Reality Check: Rate Hikes, Supply Shortages, Diesel Costs, and First-Home Investors – Quickfire Questions: First Jobs, Share Buying Lessons, Wealth Creation, and Walking Sutherland Shire – Closing Remarks and Connecting with Michael Blythe Grow Your Wealth Podcast Website: https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

July 14, 202631 min

Brendon Gleeson – Consistency Over Speed: Lessons from 23 Years in Private Wealth

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Brendon Gleeson, a senior private wealth manager at Shaw and Partners with over 23 years of experience in the finance industry. Brendon shares his career journey - from graduating from St Joseph’s College and starting out in prospecting during the turbulent days of September 11, to leading the GP Wealth Team. He discusses their shift from traditional stockbroking models toward a comprehensive, multi-asset class "family office" style solution that balances growth and capital preservation. Brendon opens up about the work ethic he learned from his parents, how basketball shapes his mindset on team accountability, and the value of joining external boards to broaden business thinking. He also offers practical advice for young grads on the critical importance of picking up the phone, avoiding haphazard risk allocation, and understanding that building wealth is best done slowly and consistently. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in modern private wealth management, the mechanics of high-performing teams, and driving reliable client-focused outcomes. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Brendon Gleeson, Senior Private Wealth Manager at Shaw and Partners [00:02:11] – The GP Wealth Team: Evolving from Traditional Stockbroking to a Multi-Asset Family Office Model [00:03:46] – AI, Scale, and Business Growth: Navigating Market Noise and Finding Opportunity [00:05:55] – Sponsorships and Community: Shaw and Partners' Commitment to Grassroots Surf Lifesaving [00:08:34] – Career Beginnings: Early Days in Prospecting, the Associate Program, and Bridging the Knowledge Gap [00:11:47] – The Power of the Phone: Why Human Connection Still Dominates the Wealth Management Landscape [00:14:04] – Mentorship and Accountability: Parent Work Ethic, Basketball Lessons, and Senior Peer Influences [00:18:00] – Aligning with Clients: Co-Investing, Driving Growth, and the Real Meaning of Success [00:19:44] – Entrepreneurial Advice: Scalable Mindsets, External Boards, and the Time Commitment of Business Exits [00:23:59] – Navigating Bumps in the Road: Moving Away from Single Asset Volatility to Core-and-Satellite Strategies [00:25:58] – Career Advice for Grads: Structure, Planning, and the Dangers of Haphazard Risk Allocation [00:28:47] – Quickfire Questions: First Jobs, Paper Runs, RSL Tips, and NBL Basketball Finals [00:31:33] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Brendon Gleeson on LinkedIn Grow Your Wealth Podcast Website: https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

June 18, 202627 min

Campbell Smyth – Building a Billion-Dollar Lending Balance Sheet

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Campbell Smyth, a financial services veteran with more than 25 years of experience across credit, capital markets, and portfolio management. Campbell shares his career journey - from a brief stint in a science degree to completing his CFA and managing an excess of $2.5 billion in securities assets at Challenger. He discusses his transition to a standalone non-bank lending business, where he has driven rapid growth to achieve a $1.3 billion balance sheet in just 18 months. Campbell reflects on the importance of embracing new technology like AI, the true meaning of entrepreneurial drive, and the core lessons around hard work passed down from his father. He also opens up about his approach to work-life balance on the Northern Beaches, his past passion for racing cars, and his ultimate goal of raising a supportive, respectful family. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in non-bank lending, corporate growth levers, or building a resilient career in financial markets. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Campbell Smyth and His 25-Year Career in Financial Services [00:02:00] – Current Focus: Life on the Northern Beaches and Growing a $1.3B Non-Bank Lending Balance Sheet [00:03:33] – The Bluestone Grounding: Moving from the Buy-Side to Re-Activating Lending Businesses [00:07:05] – Early Career and Education: Leaving Science, Finding Commerce, and the Value of the CFA Designation [00:10:36] – Influences and Family: Instilling a Hard Work Ethic in the Family Confectionery Factory [00:14:34] – Redefining Entrepreneurship: Leveraging Existing Ideas, Minimising Probabilities, and Planning for Success [00:17:36] – Handling Bumps in the Road: Financial Impacts, Communicating with Chairpersons, and Moving On [00:19:10] – What Drives Success: Seeing People Progress, Budgeting Levers, and Chasing Quantitative Outcomes [00:22:08] – Advice to a Younger Self: Having 100% Belief in Yourself and Your Capabilities [00:23:10] – Philosophical Legacy: Creating a Supportive Environment and Raising a Respectful Human [00:26:04] – Beyond Work: Transitioning from Racing Cars to Enjoying Footy Trips and Family Time [00:27:05] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Campbell Smyth on LinkedIn Grow Your Wealth Podcast Website: https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

May 14, 202638 min

Ian Saines – Decoding Wealth: Macquarie Bank, Market Cycles, and Long-Term Strategies

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Ian Saines, a highly experienced non-executive director and former senior banking executive. Ian reflects on a distinguished career that has spanned the Reserve Bank of Australia, Challenger, CBA, and Zurich, offering a unique perspective developed through decades of leadership in global financial services. He shares his journey from growing up in Wagga Wagga to leading a major institutional bank through the global financial crisis - a period he describes as a defining executive test. Ian dives deep into the mechanics of leadership, discussing the importance of "letting go" of technical specialities to become an effective leader and the value of fostering internal entrepreneurship within an accountable framework. He also offers candid advice on building long-term wealth, the common pitfalls of residential real estate investing, and why simply "being invested" is often the most powerful strategy. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned investor, Ian’s insights on adaptability, risk appetite, and intellectual stimulation provide a masterclass in professional and personal growth. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Leading through the Global Financial Crisis and the essence of leadership [00:02:12] – Meet Ian Saines: A career spanning the RBA, CBA, and Macquarie Bank [00:03:34] – Early Days: Starting at the Reserve Bank, night school, and the grounding of an economics background [00:06:59] – Serendipity and Networking: How a campus introduction led to a 17-year career at BT [00:13:03] – Staying Relevant: Why Ian chooses the boardroom over retirement and the drive for intellectual stimulation [00:16:42] – Innovation and Risk: Testing, learning, and fostering entrepreneurship in large organisations [00:19:16] – Corporate Culture: The "Macquarie Way" and managing the distractions of "organisational hobbies" [00:24:33] – Career Advice: The importance of personal development and letting go of your speciality [00:28:50] – Defining Success: Transitioning from survival mode to having choices in life [00:31:36] – Investment Wisdom: The dangers of market timing and the case against residential real estate [00:36:17] – Life Outside Work: Farming in the Hunter Valley and the balance of physical labour [00:38:03] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Ian Saines on LinkedIn iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

April 14, 202636 min

Saying Yes to Opportunity: Career Lessons from Challenger’s Former Chief Commercial Officer

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Stuart Kingham, an experienced Chief Commercial Officer and veteran of the Australian financial services landscape. Stu reflects on his foundational years growing up on a farm near Orange, NSW, and how that rural upbringing instilled the resilience and planning skills that have defined his 30-year career. From a chance six-week auditing role that transformed into a five-year forensic accounting practice in London to leading Investor Relations and Commercial Strategy at Challenger, Stu shares his unique perspective on how to create and maintain shareholder value. This conversation explores the "people and purpose" phase of Stu's current career, detailing his transition into non-executive roles and consultancy. Stu offers invaluable advice for the next generation of professionals, from the importance of "saying yes" to new opportunities to how the role of junior employees is being reshaped by AI. Whether discussing the scientific evolution of the family farm or his practical tips for driving sustainable long-term wealth, Stu’s insights are grounded in authenticity and a high level of professional curiosity. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Travis Miller welcomes Stuart King, former Chief Commercial Officer at Challenger, to discuss capital markets and shareholder value. [00:04:10] – Career Philosophy: Entering the "People and Purpose" phase of his career and pursuing selective non-executive roles. [00:06:45] – The Role of a CCO: Stuart explains the day-to-day responsibilities of a Chief Commercial Officer, from M&A to government relations. [00:08:13] – Education & Foundations: The value of a commerce degree and why professional services firms provide the best base for young professionals. [00:11:23] – The London Forensic Story: How an audit of a copper derivatives rogue trader case led to building a forensic accounting practice. [00:15:34] – Pivotal Moments: Moving from a subject matter expert to a business leader and the benefits of low-risk internal transfers. [00:20:52] – The "Black Hat" Approach: Using different thinking and "black hat" sessions to identify risks and knowing when the best decision is to not proceed. [00:24:04] – Advice for Grads & the AI Shift: Why the next generation needs to "say yes" and how AI is moving junior roles toward higher-value tasks. [00:27:58] – Defining Success: Shifting the focus from wealth and career development to impact and giving back to the next generation. [00:31:31] – Long-Term Wealth Tips: Stuart’s three pillars for sustainability: patience, meticulous record-keeping, and seeking financial advice. [00:34:25] – The Scientific Farm: How technology and drones have transformed modern farming since Stuart's childhood. [00:35:54] – Closing Remarks: Connecting with Stuart on LinkedIn and the importance of reviews for community education. iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

March 19, 202624 min

Travis Miller – Six Years of the iPartners Credit Investment Fund: Evolution, Lessons, and Private Credit Strategy

In this special "spun around" episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, the tables are turned as Mark Sherwood interviews the show’s regular host and iPartners co-founder, Travis Miller. The conversation marks the six-year anniversary of the iPartners Credit Investment Fund, a flagship strategy designed to offer wealth creation with lower volatility than public equity markets. Travis reflects on the fund’s origins, which grew out of investor demand for managed, diversified access to alternative assets rather than individual deal-picking. He discusses how the strategy has navigated major macro hurdles - including COVID-19 disruptions and the shift from record-low interest rates to a higher-rate environment - while maintaining a consistent track record. Travis also dives into the broader iPartners fund suite, explaining the differences between private credit, bond income, and emerging equities, while sharing his "hustle" philosophy on competing with traditional banks. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting with alternatives, this episode provides a transparent look at the DNA of a private credit fund and the importance of sizing bets for long-term success. 00:00:00] – Introduction: Mark Sherwood Takes the Mic to Interview Travis Miller [00:01:37] – The Six-Year Milestone: Reflecting on the Anniversary of the iPartners Credit Fund [00:03:45] – Navigating Macro Cycles: Managing Credit Through COVID, Inflation, and Rate Hikes [00:06:02] – The Reality of Risk: Learning from "Bumps in the Road" and Managing Maturities [00:09:32] – Performance Breakdown: Delivering Consistent Returns and Building Investor Trust [00:11:01] – The Product Suite: Comparing the Core Income, Bond Income, and Property Credit Funds [00:13:46] – Portfolio Diversification: Target Loan Counts and the Evolving iPartners Investor Base [00:15:45] – Emerging Equities: Moving Down the Capital Structure for Growth-Focused Returns [00:17:41] – Banks vs. Private Lenders: Competing on Speed and Complexity in Today’s Market [00:22:15] – Final Lessons: The Critical Role of Education and Proper Asset Allocation iPartners Website: https:/www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

February 10, 202649 min

From Truck Driver to Board Director: Lessons in Risk and Opportunity

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with David Wiadrowski, an experienced board director with a career spanning public, private and not-for-profit organisations. David reflects on a journey shaped by people, relationships and pivotal decisions — from starting out driving trucks to senior leadership roles at PwC, international experience in San Francisco and Jakarta, and building a diverse board portfolio across media, technology and professional services. He shares candid lessons on taking calculated risks, missed investment opportunities, CEO succession, and why gut feel still matters in business. David also explores the practical impact of AI in boardrooms today, the importance of staying mentally and physically sharp, and what long-term success really looks like beyond money. This is a grounded, honest conversation on leadership, investing time in your own wealth, and building a meaningful career over decades. Grow Your Wealth [00:00:00] - Introduction: David Wiadrowski - Boards and Leadership Journey [00:03:00] - Board Portfolios, CEO Transitions and Staying Active Beyond Executive Life [00:07:30] - The Importance of Relationships and Culture in Business, Especially in Asia [00:12:00] - Education, Early Career Choices and Why People Skills Matter More Than Marks [00:17:00] - Pivotal Overseas Experiences: San Francisco, Work Ethic and Career Risk [00:22:45] - Mentorship, Gut Feel and What Really Drives Success in Business [00:27:15] - Hard Conversations, Leadership Bumps and Lessons from Crisis Moments [00:30:00] - Missed Opportunities: Property, Apple Shares and Risk in Investing [00:33:00] - Defining Success: Family, Health and Meaningful Contribution [00:36:00] - AI in the Boardroom: Practical Use Cases, Limits and Future Potential [00:39:30] - Building a Board Career: Networks, Timing and Taking Opportunities [00:43:30] - Advice to Younger Investors: Risk, Time and Long-Term Wealth [00:47:00] - Final Reflections: People, Growth and What Matters Most iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

January 13, 202630 min

Grow Your Wealth: Best of 2025

In this special episode, we look back at the standout moments from the past year. We’ve gathered the most valuable insights, expert tips, and top highlights from our 2025 conversations to help you stay inspired on your financial journey in 2026. Whether you’re catching up or revisiting your favourite segments, join us for a quick recap of the best conversations from the year. iPartners Website: https:/www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd

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