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Q&A with S&A

por Aintree Group | Q&A with S&A

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War & Peace, Warhammer & A Lifelong Love of Learning with Richard Lyons

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 powerful tools for self-education. Richard and Shane also defend the supposedly “dry” careers of Accounting and Law, reframing the work as complex, engaging problem-solving in action. From Roman aqueducts to the origins of the English language, and even how Australia’s Commonwealth foundations may have shaped a very different political path to America, this episode is packed with insight, curiosity, and plenty of fascinating trivia. See more from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintreegroup

The Business of Leadership with Brent Szalay & Josh Vanderloo

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 advisory platform together, Brent and Josh share how their backgrounds in accounting, AFL strategy and leadership helped shape a completely different approach to supporting business owners. The conversation dives deep into the parallels between sport and business, the importance of accountability and human connection, and why so many business owners are craving more than just tax and compliance support from their accountants. They also explore the growing need for strategic advisory in small businesses, how trust and community drive better outcomes, and why the future of accounting is about asking better questions, not just crunching numbers. Whether you’re a business owner, advisor or someone trying to build a stronger team and clearer vision, this episode is packed with practical insights around leadership, strategy and creating meaningful impact through business. Find out more about Leaders in Business: Website: https://leadersinbusiness.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaders-in-business/ Connect with Brent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentszalay Connect with Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-vanderloo-83550542

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference with Jane Stewart

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 power of community connection, and how simple acts of kindness can have a life-changing impact on people experiencing hardship. From supporting women and children escaping domestic violence to helping families with seriously ill children and those experiencing homelessness, Jane opens up about the mission driving It’s the Little Things Community and the incredible network of volunteers, schools and businesses helping make it all possible. This conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn’t always come from grand gestures; sometimes it starts with the little things. Find out more about Jane, and It’s the Little Things Community: Connect with Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-stewart-1467bb9a/ More from It’s the Little Things Community: It’s the Little Things Community Website: https://www.itsthelittlethingscommunity.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itltcommunity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-s-the-little-things-community/

Choosing Peace While Building a Busy Life with Alex Baldock

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 shaped her future. She shares how she found the love of her life overseas, forged a new career path during the pandemic, and the experiences that changed the way she approaches work and wellbeing. Co-founder of her studio Club Bend, Alex talks about balancing multiple roles while still remembering to make space for herself. She also discusses why the world of Pilates and wellness doesn’t always need to be as intimidating, curated or serious as it can sometimes appear online. Alex also shares a simple affirmation that helps bring her back to calm in the middle of a busy life. Find out more about Alex and Club Bend: Connect with Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexbaldock/ More from Club Bend: https://www.instagram.com/clubbend/https://www.club-bend.com/

In Defence of HR: Insights from an Expert with Nick Gearen

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 practical insights into the role HR plays in shaping successful businesses. The conversation also dives into career development, navigating difficult conversations, fostering positive workplace environments, and why strong people management is at the core of every thriving organisation. Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgearen/ Check out SHIFT HR: https://www.shifthr.com.au

TV vs Reality: Keeping Lawyers in Line for a Living with Katie McRae

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 into the workforce instead of heading to university. The conversation also dives into favourite travel destinations, personal growth, finding balance, and why the unsung heroes in professional services are often behind the scenes in Operations and Admin. Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mcrae/ More from Aintree Group Legal: https://aintreelegal.com.au/

Driving High Performance: From Elite Sport to Entrepreneurship with Nick Maxwell

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 differences, and more importantly the similarities, between elite sport and business; including the importance of seeking and giving feedback, striving for consistency, showing respect at all levels, and how creating the right environment helps individuals and teams perform at their best. Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-maxwell-060a2922/ Explore Eclat: https://eclat.com/ More from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

The Life of a Showgirl: Aussie Actor Talks Touring with Amy Hopwood

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 weeks, navigating imposter syndrome, and the loneliness of touring life. They talk everything from career plans and education, to sacrifice and burnout, and the brave decision to step away and rediscover identity beyond the stage. Amy also shares her advice for young performers on how to stay grounded, supported, and keep the spark alive. An honest look at the highs, the hustle, and the realities of life as a professional performer. Connect with Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyhopwood_/

Winning A Bronze Medal On The World Stage with Kaylen Bassett

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-defining achievement — winning a bronze medal at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith, marking Australia’s first men’s C1 World Championship medal in over a decade. From life on the World Cup circuit and the realities of constant international travel, to finding balance, entering flow state under pressure, celebrating success, and juggling work alongside elite sport, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to perform on the world stage — and what lies ahead on the road to Oklahoma and the 2028 LA Olympic cycle. Follow Kaylen's journey: https://kaylenbassett.com/ | IG: @kaylenbassett Visit Paddle Australia website to see details of upcoming races and how you can support the Australian Paddling team: https://paddle.org.au/

I'll Fix It Myself: Innovation Begins With Initiative with Melissa Voss

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 be a powerful catalyst for business growth, and why collaboration between accountants and technology is more important than ever. Melissa shares the story of how FuseWork was born from a desire to make accountants’ lives easier, and how that drive to solve everyday challenges evolved into a software company that has redefined efficiency and innovation within the accounting profession. Find out more about FuseWork: https://www.fuse.work/ Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissajvoss/

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