Grow Your Wealth

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May 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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51 recent

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

December 9, 202540 min

Gary Sly – Four Decades in Capital Markets: Securitisation, Career Lessons, and Navigating Market Cycles

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Gary Sly, a banking and capital markets veteran with more than 40 years of experience across Australia, the US, the UK, and New Zealand. Gary shares his unconventional path into finance- from aspiring Navy pilot to landing his first role with the local bank manager - and how that evolved into a distinguished career in securitisation. He reflects on market cycles from the late 90s through the GFC to today’s highly liquid environment, explaining how structures, investor behaviour, and regulation have changed across decades. Gary also opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the importance of trust in client relationships, pivotal career moments, long-term investing lessons, and life outside the markets. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in banking, structured finance, or building a resilient career in financial markets. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Gary Sly and His Four-Decade Career in Banking and Capital Markets [00:05:06] – From Gunnedah to Global Markets: Early Career, Part-Time Study, and Discovering Securitisation [00:12:30] – Market Evolution: Pre-GFC Structures, the Crisis, and the Rebuild of Australia’s ABS Market [00:18:00] – Tranching, Regulation, and the Rise of New Investor Segments Across the Capital Stack [00:23:13] – Private Credit, Warehouses, and How Securitisation Logic Now Powers the Broader Market [00:28:18] – Mentors, Leadership, and Lessons from Working with Top Treasury and Banking Executives [00:33:01] – Career Advice: Education, Patience, Asking Better Questions, and Navigating Opportunity [00:37:15] – Life Beyond Banking: Photography, Surfing, Family, and Finding Balance [00:38:23] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Gary Sly 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

November 11, 202537 min

Alison Crealy - Fail Forward: Career Pivots, People & Culture, and Building Long-Term Wealth

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Alison Crealy, a financial services leader with 25+ years across audit, M&A, and corporate leadership. Alison shares her journey from a KPMG cadetship to a decade in Belgium working on pan-European deals pre-GFC, and later returning to Australia to lead as CFO and GM of Capital Markets at iPartners. She unpacks personal lessons on embracing failure, navigating pregnancy bias, and building resilient teams through culture, training, and continuous improvement. Alison also discusses philanthropy and community service and offers clear, practical advice on risk, consistency, and avoiding greed when building wealth. [00:00:00] - Cold Open: “Don’t be afraid to fail” - why risk and resilience matter [00:01:29] - Introduction & Bio: Alison’s role at iPartners and career overview [00:02:26] - Early Years: Sydney upbringing, selective school, and the KPMG cadetship [00:03:53] - Europe Chapter: Belgium, languages, and moving from audit to M&A pre-GFC [00:05:19] - Tennis Foundations: Family coaching, Australian Schoolgirls tour, and competition [00:07:20] - Working Trilingual: Navigating Flemish/Dutch, French, and English in business [00:17:33] - GFC & Pregnancy: Job loss, overcoming bias, and landing a pivotal project role [00:20:45] - What Drives Her: Team first, continuous improvement, and better processes [00:21:41] - Play to Strengths: Passion, mentors, and handling toxic workplaces [00:32:20] - Defining Success: High-performing teams, family, wealth tips on consistency and risk 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

October 14, 202534 min

Sam Kennard - Building a Self-Storage Empire: Culture, Prime Locations, and Patient Growth

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Sam Kennard, who joined the Kennards Self Storage family business in 1991 and became CEO in 1994, guiding the company from 14 storage centres to 126 locations across Australia and New Zealand. Sam shares lessons from large-scale developments and acquisitions, his early career culture reset, and why disciplined site selection and brand consistency matter. Sam talks financing growth, risk management, and the systems mindset needed to scale, while offering practical career advice on ambition, learning, and initiative. He also touches on planning hurdles, the role of AI in operations, and timeless guidance for building long-term wealth through patience and diligence [00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Sam Kennard and the Growth of the Family Storage Business [00:03:40] - From Hire Business Roots to Storage Focus: Holiday Jobs to University Pivot [00:05:34] - Taking the Helm: Becoming CEO in Late 1994 and Leading with a Strong Team [00:08:11] - Culture Wake-Up Call: 1998 Turnover Spike, Measuring Culture, Authentic Leadership [00:10:04] - Game-Changing Acquisition: Buying Millers Self Storage in 2004 and Integration [00:10:56] - Funding Growth: Debt Mindset, Refinancing, and the 13-Site Auckland Expansion [00:14:53] - What Drives Sam: Customer-Facing Operations [00:16:26] - Planning & Permits: Why NSW Is Toughest and Navigating Bureaucracy [00:17:50] - Scaling Playbook: Systems Thinking, The E-Myth, and Eliminating Assumptions [00:21:15] - Lessons from Bumps: Missed Buys, Overpaying, and Upgrading the Team [00:24:38] - Career Advice for 21-Year-Olds: State Ambition, Learn Relentlessly, Take Initiative [00:29:43] - First Job: The Birchgrove Paper Route [00:30:24] - Note to Younger Self: Buy More Buildings [00:30:43] - What Motivates: Making a Difference and Being Heard [00:31:10] - Long-Term Wealth: Patience Over Unicorn Chasing [00:31:48] - Biggest Mistakes in Wealth: Misreading Your Niche and Risks [00:32:19] - Hobbies & Wrap-Up: Weekend Farm Work and Where to Connect iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn Sam on LinkedIn

September 9, 202540 min

Simon Moore - From Carlyle to Colinton: Private Equity, Duopolies, and Winning in Tough Markets

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Simon Moore, Senior Partner and founder of Colinton Capital Partners. From his Queensland roots to JPMorgan in New York, Investcorp in the Middle East, and launching The Carlyle Group’s Australian office, Simon unpacks global lessons in private equity. He explains why Australia is the “land of the duopoly,” the traps Aussie companies face expanding to the U.S., and how rigorous diligence, co-investor scrutiny, and pattern recognition drive outsized results. Simon also shares the story behind a cleaning-services deal that delivered a 5x return, insights from recent transactions, and practical advice on resilience, networking, and long-term wealth building. This episode is a must-listen for investors and operators navigating competitive markets and non-linear career paths. [00:00:00] - Cold Open: Australia’s “land of the duopoly” and U.S. expansion realities [00:01:40] - Introduction: Meet Simon Moore and Colinton Capital Partners (est. 2017) [00:05:08] - Breaking In Overseas: Global training programs and building an international network [00:09:06] - Why Start Colinton: Leaving Carlyle to focus on $50–$150m EV opportunities [00:14:03] - Mentors & Influences: Family, UQ’s Frank Finn, JPMorgan sponsorship, and Bill Conway [00:21:20] - Entrepreneurial Leap: Plan A will change—resilience over rigidity [00:22:50] - Market Cycles: Adapting strategy as fundraising and relative value shift [00:30:17] - Big Win: Jemmie cleaning services—tripled earnings and a 5x exit, then reinvested [00:32:30] - Recent Work: Why Doors Plus made sense despite housing headwinds [00:33:13] - Advice to a Younger Self: Back yourself, embrace non-linear paths [00:35:26] - Beyond the Models: Soft skills, people leadership, and real-world judgment [00:37:02] - Definition of Success: Team growth, family priorities, and giving back 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 12, 202532 min

Jaki Virtue - Leadership, Risk-Taking, and Building a Legacy in Business

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Jaki Virtue, an accomplished leader with over 25 years in the financial services sector, including senior roles in Sydney, London, and Hong Kong. From her unconventional start in an alternative school to becoming Co-Chief Operating Officer, Jaki shares her career journey, lessons in leadership, and passion for tackling big challenges. She discusses pivotal career moments, the value of backing yourself, and the importance of work-life balance. Jaki also offers candid advice for entrepreneurs, tips for long-term wealth creation, and insights on building resilient teams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with purpose, embrace calculated risks, and leave a lasting impact. [00:00:00] - Introduction: Meet Jaki Virtue and Her Career in Financial Services [00:02:32] - Early Life: From Kiama to a Hippie School and Transition to Mainstream Education [00:05:10] - University Choices: Lessons Learned from PE Teaching to Finance [00:08:21] - Landing in Investment Banking: Schroders Corporate Finance and Learning on the Job [00:09:03] - Career Growth: COO Roles and Discovering Sol Patts’ Unique Culture [00:11:13] - The Critical Role of a COO in Scaling Businesses [00:12:11] - Influential Leaders: Lessons from Deutsche Bank Mentors [00:15:51] - Driving Forces: Thriving on Challenges and Personal Risk [00:18:51] - Advice for Entrepreneurs: Back Yourself and Build the Right Support Network [00:23:42] - Career Philosophy: Taking Risks and Embracing Non-Linear Paths [00:24:59] - Top Business Tips: Say Yes to Opportunities and Learn from Setbacks [00:27:22] - Legacy: Building Resilience and Curiosity in the Next Generation [00:29:38] - Long-Term Wealth: Invest in What You Understand and Know the People Behind It [00:30:44] - Biggest Investment Mistake: Chasing Quick Wins Instead of Compounding Wealth [00:32:14] - Closing Thoughts and Connecting with Jaki Virtue iPartners Website: 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