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Plant Grow Reap

Plant Grow Reap

by Aintree Group

Management Careers

How Can Business Owners Manage Psychosocial Risk with Nick Gearen (Shift HR)

How Can Business Owners Manage Psychosocial Risk with Nick Gearen (Shift HR) Running a business in 2026 means navigating an increasingly complex workplace landscape. From psychosocial hazards and wage compliance to workplace flexibility and the right to disconnect, business owners are facing more people-related obligations than ever before. In this episode of Plant Grow Reap, Chelsea sits down with Nick Gearen, Founder of Shift HR, to unpack the biggest HR and workplace risks currently facing Australian businesses. Together, they explore what psychosocial risk actually means, why regulators are placing greater emphasis on proactive workplace management, and how business owners can build confidence around compliance without becoming HR experts themselves. Nick shares practical insights on creating role clarity, managing flexible work arrangements, understanding wage compliance obligations, and fostering workplace cultures where employees feel safe to raise concerns before they become bigger issues. Whether you're employing your first team member or leading a growing workforce, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help you build a safer, stronger, and more resilient business. Connect with Nick Gearen & Shift HR: 🔗 Connect With Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgearen/ 🔗 Check Out Shift HR: https://www.shifthr.com.au Listen to Nick's Q&A with S&A Episode: Want to learn more about Nick's journey, HR strategy, and the future of workplace management? Check out his episode of Q&A with S&A here: 🔗 https://youtu.be/3wEh9yYOG0I General Advice Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, HR, employment, workplace relations, taxation, or business advice. Before making any decisions regarding your business, employees, or workplace obligations, you should seek advice from a suitably qualified professional who can consider your individual circumstances. Aintree Group, Plant Grow Reap, Shift HR, and the podcast hosts accept no liability for actions taken based on the information discussed in this episode.

2026 Budget & Tax Planning Seminar with Shane McKenna

Aintree Groups 2026 Budget & Tax Planning Seminar In this special episode of the Plant Grow Reap Podcast, we bring you the complete recording of Aintree Group's 2026 Budget & Tax Planning Seminar, held at Aintree Group's Hawthorn East headquarters on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Hosted by Shane McKenna, Managing Director and Chartered Accountant at Aintree Group, this annual seminar provides a practical, plain-English breakdown of the latest Federal Budget announcements and the opportunities they create for Australian business owners, investors, trustees, and families. Throughout the session, Shane and the Aintree Group team unpack the key Budget measures, discuss their potential impact, and share practical end-of-financial-year (EOFY) tax planning strategies designed to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions before 30 June. Whether you're looking to better understand recent legislative changes, optimise your tax position, or prepare your business for the financial year ahead, this seminar delivers timely insights and actionable strategies from experienced accounting and advisory professionals. In this seminar: Key 2026 Federal Budget announcements explained in plain English Practical EOFY tax planning strategies Tax optimisation opportunities for businesses and family groups Considerations for investors and trustees Updates relevant to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) Strategic planning insights for the year ahead. This podcast episode contains the full audio recording of the seminar. For the complete experience, including presentation slides, visual examples, and supporting materials referenced throughout the session, we recommend watching the full video recording on YouTube. Watch the full seminar here: https://youtu.be/YVE26Ottzjc Disclaimer: The information presented in this seminar is general in nature and does not constitute financial, taxation, or legal advice. Professional advice should be sought before acting on any information discussed.

Exploring Company Director Rights with Liam McColl

Exploring Company Director Rights In this episode, Associate Lawyer Liam McColl takes a deep dive into one of the most fundamental, yet often misunderstood, rights in corporate governance: a Director’s right to access company information. Liam unpacks why these rights are so critical to the proper functioning of a company, and how the law is designed to protect Directors and officeholders in fulfilling their duties. From financial records to internal documents, he explains what Directors are legally entitled to access and why denying that access can quickly escalate into serious legal consequences. He also walks through what happens when access is refused, including the court process involved in enforcing a Director’s rights, and the practical realities businesses should be aware of when disputes arise. Importantly, Liam outlines how Directors can appoint trusted agents, such as lawyers or accountants, to review company records on their behalf, and what that process looks like in practice. Whether you’re a Director, business owner, or part of a leadership team, this episode offers valuable insight into the legal frameworks that underpin transparency, accountability, and good governance in Australian businesses. This is a complex and highly important area of law. If you have any questions about your rights or the rights of Directors to access company information, reach out to Liam and the team at Aintree Group Legal or visit aintreelegal.com.au.

People, Performance & Practical HR with Allaina Smith

Smart HR Strategies for Small Businesses with Allaina Smith Allaina Smith, Founder and Director of Jigsaw People Solutions, shares practical and refreshingly honest insights into people, performance, and what HR really looks like for small and medium-sized businesses. This episode unpacks common misconceptions around HR, the challenges business owners face when managing people, and why many so-called “recruitment problems” are actually retention and leadership issues. Allaina also explains how small businesses can build strong HR foundations without unnecessary complexity, and the growing importance of AI policies, contractor vs employee risks, and Fairwork compliance. Packed with practical advice and clear takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for business owners who want to sleep better at night knowing their people practices are sound, sustainable, and aligned with their business goals. Connect with Allaina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allaina-smith-%F0%9F%A7%A9-87455945/ More from Jigsaw: www.jigsaw.com.au

Why the new AML Laws are a Big Deal for Businesses with Julie Pidgeon

New AML laws are here - but what do they actually mean for businesses on the ground? From 1 July 2026 all professional service firms in Australia are required to comply with the new AML CTF laws - which include policies, procedures and risk profiles relating to professional standards and client activity. In this episode, Julie, Governance Manager, and Zoe, Operations Manager, sit down to unpack the latest Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance changes in Australia, with a closer look at how they’re impacting organisations across Melbourne. They break down what’s changed, what it means in practice, and why compliance is no longer just a box-ticking exercise. From increased regulatory scrutiny to evolving reporting obligations, Julie and Zoe explore how businesses can stay ahead while maintaining efficient day-to-day operations. The conversation also highlights common challenges organisations are facing as they adapt to the new requirements - and where many are getting caught out. With practical insights from both a governance and operations perspective, they share how teams can embed compliance into their processes without slowing everything down. Whether you’re across the detail or just trying to understand where to start, this episode is your guide to the key items and resources available to make sure you're compliant before 1 July.

Busting Credit Score Myths for Borrowers

Do you really need a credit card to build a good score? Does Afterpay actually affect your credit? And does your credit score even matter? In this episode of Plant. Grow. Reap., finance experts Steve Lake (National Lending Group) and Amanda Byrne break down the most common credit score myths they hear from borrowers every day. If you’re thinking about applying for a loan in the next 6–12 months, this is one you don’t want to miss. In this episode, we cover what credit scores are, how they actually work, how to get a better credit score - and the benefits when you have a good credit score. Get informed, get prepared, and set yourself up for success. Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stlake/ Connect with Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

Rethinking Work, Worth & Impact in the Age of Automation ft. Monica Marquez from FlipWork

AI is your intern, not your replacement! In this episode, Chelsea is joined by Monica Marquez from Flipwork — a specialist in change management, culture, people and technology — to unpack what it really means to integrate AI into businesses the right way. They challenge the outdated idea that effort equals success, exploring how impact — not busyness — is the new measure of meaningful work. Monica introduces a powerful reframe: AI isn’t a threat — it’s your intern. When trained well, AI can support teams, reduce friction and make work easier, not replace human expertise. Spending less time on repetitive tasks isn’t cutting corners; it’s creating space to apply your uniquely human skills where they matter most. The conversation explores what successful AI adoption looks like in practice, where organisations often get stuck, and why some initiatives thrive while others fail — including real-world examples from companies like IKEA. Reach Out FlipWork: https://www.flipwork.ai/ Connect with Monica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/

Practice Pay-Runs & Being Proactive Ahead of Payday Super

This episode of Plant Grow Reap is a must-listen for all employers, Directors and business owners. Payday Super is taking effect from 1 July 2026. Chartered Accountant and Aintree Group Manager Trung Le breaks down the key items you should be across, and the steps you can take to be the most prepared and proactive ahead of the rollout of these rules - including doing a practice payrun. Payday Super Resources: https://aintreegroup.com.au/insights/payday-super-update/ https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/payday-super If you need assistance with your payroll or superannuation obligations, you can reach out via our website: aintreeaccounting.com.au.

Financial Success for Artists & Performers with Salty Theatre

Andrea McKenna from Aintree Group and Ash Tickell from Salty Theatre share the ultimate guide to financial success for people working in the Australian arts industry. Building on a seminar they hosted earlier this year for local performing artists, this episode dives deep into how creatives can confidently manage irregular, gig-based income and make smart financial decisions that support long-term stability and growth. From saving and budgeting to investing, superannuation, contracting, invoicing, taxes, and building wealth on a gig income, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help artists and performers take control of their financial future. BOOK A SPOT AT OUR NEXT FINANCE FOR ARTISTS WORKSHOP: https://aintreegroup.com.au/finance-for-artists-workshop/ More from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintregroup More from Salty Theatre: https://saltytheatre.com.au/ | @saltytheatre

What’s the Recipe for Success in the Hospitality Industry? Ft. Shaun De Vries from Open Pantry Consulting

Why is it so hard to succeed in hospitality — and what’s the recipe for success? In this episode of Plant Grow Reap, CEO and business advisor Andrea McKenna sits down with long-time hospitality professional Shaun De Vries from Open Pantry Co. to unpack the realities of running a hospitality business. With over 25 years of hands-on industry experience, Shaun shares why hospitality can be such a challenging space to succeed in, and how he’s now working to strengthen the industry by advising both new and established hospitality business owners. The conversation explores key challenges including supply chains, technology, investor management, and recruitment and training. This episode offers a practical, honest look at what it really takes to build a sustainable hospitality business — and how stronger foundations can lead to long-term success. Hear more from Shaun & Open Pantry Co: https://www.openpantryconsulting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/openpantryconsulting/

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