Founders and Funders Australia

Ray Yee Consulting
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Founders and Funders explores the dynamic and ever-evolving world of startups in Australia. Hosted by Ray, the show dives into the stories of entrepreneurs. Each episode features conversations with founders about their journeys, challenges, and insights as they turn ideas into businesses.

  1. Jul 17

    Ep 31 — Mark Fitzgerald: Building In Range to Help His Daughter Manage Type 1 Diabetes

    When Melbourne photographer Mark Fitzgerald’s three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes within three months, his family’s life changed overnight. Clinical appointments raised a deceptively simple question: “How has she been going?” Answering it meant piecing together blood-glucose readings, meals, carbohydrate intake, insulin, physical activity, sleep, weather and the many other factors that can affect glucose levels. Mark couldn’t find one tool that brought all of that context together—so he began building one. In this episode of Founders and Funders Australia, Ray sits down with Mark to discuss the journey from country Victoria and early computers to music, commercial photography, AI-assisted software development and In Range: a diabetes-management app created first for his own family. Mark explains how In Range combines continuous glucose monitor data with meal and carbohydrate logging, barcode scanning, activity and local weather information. It also includes caregiver handovers, family-specific care policies, overnight crisis guidance and a separate clinical interface designed to give qualified healthcare professionals more detailed context. What began as a personal solution is now approaching its next stage. Mark is preparing to take In Range beyond his household—but launching software connected to people’s health brings serious questions around safety, privacy, regulation and responsibility. At the time of recording, In Range was not yet publicly available. Growing up near Shepparton and discovering computers through Atari, DOS and early PC gamingWhy Mark left computer systems engineering for music and photographyWhat ten years of drumming and touring taught him about obsession and masteryMoving from wedding photography into fashion, advertising and corporate workWhy making people feel comfortable is the foundation of a strong portraitBuilding a photography business through referrals, coffee meetings and genuine relationshipsWhy creatives must keep learning as technology changesUsing AI to build quoting and gallery-delivery tools for his photography businessHis daughter’s diagnoses of coeliac disease and type 1 diabetesThe information gap Mark encountered during clinical appointmentsWhy glucose readings need context from food, activity, sleep, weather and other factorsHow In Range logs meals, carbohydrates, insulin and CGM dataBarcode scanning and the limitations of estimating carbohydrates from food photographsSupporting parents, kindergarten staff and other temporary caregiversThe app’s crisis-mode and overnight-alert featuresCreating different experiences for patients, carers and cliniciansWhy In Range cannot diagnose, prescribe or recommend insulin dosesThe privacy, regulatory and moral responsibilities involved in health technologyWhy Mark is reluctant to launch aloneFinding a niche that solves a meaningful problem for a specific communityThe value of obsession and the thousands of hours behind apparent overnight progressMark is preparing In Range for a carefully managed pilot and would like to connect with: An endocrinologist who can help validate what information should be presented to users and cliniciansA lawyer with relevant health technology, medical-device, privacy or software experienceAn experienced diabetes, healthcare or health-technology industry partnerApproximately 20 people or families interested in participating in an initial beta-testing groupPeople who can help Mark navigate an ethical, safe and responsible pathway to launchIf you can help—or can introduce Mark to someone suitable—contact him at mark@markfitzgerald.com.au

    Ep 31 — Mark Fitzgerald: Building In Range to Help His Daughter Manage Type 1 Diabetes

  2. Jun 24

    Ep 30 - Stephanie Leung: Building Eat Drink Play and The Hungry Passport

    Stephanie Leung (@misssteph_eatdrinkplay) has spent more than 25 years quietly building one of Melbourne's most recognisable personal brands. You'll know her from her TV work, her 71K-strong Instagram community at Eat Drink Play, and her hosting at some of the city's biggest launches. But she's also is at PR agency Shy Melbournean Media, a regular host for heritage brands like Hennessy and Cartier, and now a talent manager bringing international actors into the Australian market. Or as she calls herself in this conversation, "a slasher." In this episode, Ray takes Stephanie back to the beginning. Growing up Chinese-Australian in Doncaster. Being one of only two or three Asian girls in an all-girls Catholic school in Camberwell, sent there by her mum after she started having boyfriends in grade five. Choosing literature and arts when "good Asian kids" were expected to do STEM. Earning her singing lessons by climbing piano grades. And looking around Australian media as a teenager and finding no one who looked like her, until The Hangover came out years later. Then we get into the work. Her first job in 1997 was a summer vocational role as a sales rep at a commercial lighting company, cold-calling tradies and getting hung up on. She did a year's budget worth of sales in three months, the company put her on a path to full-time and paid for her to finish uni, and she stayed twelve years. She also faxed her own EDMs to clients before the term existed. The lesson she still carries: when someone hangs up on you, you have no idea what just happened to them a minute before. You just keep dialling. From there we trace the path from lighting, to construction media, to Shy Melbournean Media, to becoming one of the early social media OGs in Melbourne's lifestyle scene almost by accident. We dig into the shift into TV, the difference between being an "influencer" and a creator who runs a real business, and how she decides which heritage brands to take on and which to pass. We close on what's next: The Hungry Passport, an upcoming travel and food show headed to a major Australian TV channel, where Stephanie is filming alongside celebrity pastry chef Anna Polyviou and co-hosts Irene Jones and Anna Simmons, with a companion podcast called The Open Table. In this conversation: Why "lucky" is the wrong word, and "opportunity meets preparation" is the right one What 12 years in B2B lighting sales actually teaches you about building a personal brand The reality behind glamorous TV shoots, including a Paris travel shoot that collapsed mid-strike and a Doha layover hours before a major incident How to introduce yourself when you genuinely do seven things What brands get wrong about partnering with creators, and what creators get wrong about pricing themselves Growing up Asian-Australian when there were no Asian faces in local media Why hosting a launch is a different muscle from on-camera TV The decision to start representing international acting talent in AustraliaFollow Stephanie: Instagram: @misssteph_eatdrinkplayFollow Founders and Funders Australia: Host: Ray Yee, @rayzworld

  3. Mar 31

    Ep 29 - How Nautica Australia Uses Brand Licensing to Win the Local Market with Gabriel Bastien-Dietrich

    In this episode of Founders and Funders, host Ray Yee sits down with Gabriel Bastien-Dietrich, Brand Manager at Nautica Australia. Gabriel shares his journey from the ski slopes north of Montreal to navigating the high-stakes world of international fashion licensing. They dive deep into the mechanics of brand rejuvenation. Ready to simplify your content workflow? Explore Riverside here: https://riverside.sjv.io/xLR1Wx Key Takeaways The Licensing Advantage: Discover how licensing (versus distribution) allows the Australian team to design specific silhouettes and sub-brands, like Nautica Competition, specifically for the local market.Authenticity Over Aesthetics: Gabriel explains why their most successful campaign was shot authentically on a boat in Sydney Harbour with friends, rather than using "pretty" staged modeling.Sustainable Quality: A look at why Nautica Australia prioritizes garment longevity—using 220 GSM Australian cotton—to combat "greenwashing" and ensure clothes last for 15 years.Navigating the Retail Crunch: Insights into the shrinking brick-and-mortar landscape and why brands with a "North Star" ethos are the ones that survive economic downturns.Founder Lessons Stay a "Tourist": Gabriel attributes his ability to seize opportunities to a mindset of constant wonder and openness.Data-Driven Decisions: Why "Excel is his best friend" and how annual customer surveys provide the subjective feedback necessary to iterate effectively.The Originality Mandate: In a small, homogenous market like Australia, being a "copycat" is a fast track to being disposed of by consumers.Links & Resources Nautica Australia: Official WebsiteFollow on Instagram: @nauticaausRiverside AI: Our secret weapon for social media clips.Industry Reading: Gabriel recommends Inside Retail and Business Insider for staying ahead of market trends.Host: Ray Yee Guest: Gabriel Bastien-Dietrich, Brand Manager at Nautica Australia

    Ep 29 - How Nautica Australia Uses Brand Licensing to Win the Local Market with Gabriel Bastien-Dietrich

  4. Mar 6

    Ep 28 - Pedals to Patterns: Connor Luke Van Brown on Trading Pro Cycling for Fashion Design

    In this episode of Founders and Funders, we sit down with Connor Luke Van Brown, a designer who transitioned from the high-octane world of professional cycling to the intricate craft of technical fashion. Connor shares the "aha moment" in a team van—watching a Givenchy show just minutes before a race—that led him to trade his bike for a career in design. We explore his journey through UTS School of Design, the reality of funding a career pivot by selling off his cycling gear, and how he leverages his background in animation and 3D software to create his signature "Resembool" collection. Named after the hometown in Fullmetal Alchemist, the collection represents a "checkpoint" in his journey. From interning at Song for the Mute to receiving unexpected interest from international buyers in Tokyo and London, Connor discusses what it takes to build a brand in the modern fashion landscape and the meticulous process behind his "beaded pleat" textile manipulations. Connect with Connor Luke Van Brown Instagram: @connor.lv.brown Latest Collection: "Resembool" (UTS Honors Graduate Collection) Featured References Professional Background: UCI Continental Team Development Industry Experience: Song for the Mute (Sydney) Education:

    Ep 28 - Pedals to Patterns: Connor Luke Van Brown on Trading Pro Cycling for Fashion Design

  5. Jan 30

    Ep 27 - Finding Your Style as a Photographer, with Valentin Zhmodikov

    In this episode of Founders and Funders, Ray speaks with Valentin Zhmodikov, a Melbourne-based fashion and portrait photographer originally from St. Petersburg, Russia. Valentin shares how photography became both a creative outlet and a professional path, and what it really takes to move from hobbyist to working photographer. He talks openly about self-doubt, rejection, and the uncertainty that comes with creative careers, especially during periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores finding your own visual style, why gear matters far less than consistency, and how personal projects help shape a recognisable creative voice. Valentin also reflects on collaboration, trust between photographer and subject, and the emotional vulnerability involved in portrait work. This episode is for creators navigating long journeys, imperfect progress, and the challenge of staying committed when results aren’t immediate. Follow Valentin Zhmodikov Website: https://www.zhmodikov.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhmodikov/

    Ep 27 - Finding Your Style as a Photographer, with Valentin Zhmodikov

  6. 12/29/2025

    Ep 26 - Vickar Adam - International Fashion Photographer

    In this episode of Founders and Funders, Ray interviews Vick, a passionate photographer whose hobby turned into a profession. Vick shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Indonesia to becoming an international photographer, working with models and brands, and attending Paris Fashion Week. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his career, the importance of social media in building his brand, and his aspirations for the future. Follow Vick on Instagram:@vickar.adam Episode Highlights: Photography started as a hobby for Vick and became a profession Vick’s work in humanitarian projects led him deeper into photography Social media played a crucial role in Vick’s career growth Vick’s first paid job came through friends and family support Working with models and brands expanded Vick’s portfolio His international exposure began in Europe, particularly in Holland Paris Fashion Week was a pivotal moment in Vick’s career Vick emphasizes the importance of trust in photography He advises new photographers to take every opportunity, even pro bono Communication is key to balancing personal style with client needsTopics Covered: From hobby to profession: Vick’s photography journey Capturing moments: Vick’s path to international photography The power of social media in building a photography career Vick’s journey from Indonesia to Paris Fashion Week Trust and communication as keys to success in photography Balancing creative style with client expectations Building a photography brand through consistency and connectionQuotes from the Episode: “Photography is half of my life.” “Social media helped me a lot.” “Paris Fashion Week was a big opportunity.” “Trust is crucial in photography.” “Take every opportunity, even pro bono.” “Communication is key with clients.” “My style is capturing emotion.” “Social media connects me with people.” “I love capturing memories.” “Photography started as a hobby.”Special thanks: Special thanks to Society of Wolves for providing the beautiful Oxford shirt worn by Ray in this episode. Follow them on Instagram:@society.of.wolves

    Ep 26 - Vickar Adam - International Fashion Photographer

  7. 11/24/2025

    Ep 25 Dale Crawford: Lilith, Chinese-Australian History & The Paradox of Purpose

    This week on Founders & Funders Australia, Ray sits down with filmmaker and multidisciplinary creative Dale Crawford, founder of Moon Room Films. Dale grew up in Melbourne surrounded by early computers, robotics, and animation thanks to two programmer parents. From childhood inventions to studying fine arts, screenwriting, and philosophy simultaneously, his early life set the foundation for a career that spans fashion design, independent film, and deep historical storytelling. Ray and Dale explore the extraordinary Chinese-Australian history that inspired Dale’s decades-long research project, including secret societies on the Bendigo goldfields, clan wars, and the origins of Australia’s oldest Imperial Dragon. Dale shares why he closed a fashion label invited to New York Fashion Week to pursue filmmaking, and how acting and modelling became tools to study film sets from the inside and reinvest into his creative work. They also dive into the reality of producing independent films: building teams, sustaining multi-year projects, navigating distribution, and shaping meaningful work in a fast-content world. The discussion moves from TikTok attention loops to the “paradox of purpose,” and why creative people must learn to consume less and make more. If you’re a founder, creative, or someone navigating long-term meaningful work, this episode will resonate deeply. In this episode, Dale shares: Growing up with early computers, robots, and stop-motion animation Childhood plans to invent an electromagnet motor and build a “perma jungle” Studying fine arts, screenwriting, and philosophy across three universities Building a made-to-measure fashion label later invited to New York Fashion Week Closing the label to focus on filmmaking 16+ years researching Chinese secret societies in Australia The story behind the Imperial Dragon and the Bendigo goldfields How a stolen script pushed him to start his own production company Using acting and modelling gigs to learn filmmaking and fund projects The 10-year journey from writing to releasing his feature film Lilith How rapid media consumption affects our emotional processing Why creators need to bring “nutritious work” into an oversaturated world The paradox of purpose — why achieving goals can erase meaning Why aspiring filmmakers must start small, iterate, and learn by doingWhere to watch Lilith Australia: Vimeo On Demand North America: FandangoConnect with Dale Instagram: @moonroomfilms Film company: Moon Room Films

    Ep 25 Dale Crawford: Lilith, Chinese-Australian History & The Paradox of Purpose

  8. 11/18/2025

    Ep - 24 Chi: Sculptor, Model, Survivor – Rebuilding a Life in Australia

    This week on Founders and Funders Australia, Ray sits down with sculptor and model Chi, whose life has taken her from childhood in Vietnam to exhibiting at the NGV and building a new life in Australia. Chi shares how her parents, raised during the Vietnam War with almost no resources, fought to give their daughters an international education. She talks about teaching herself English through Disney Channel, moving to Australia to study sculpture, and what it means to carry her family’s history, privilege and sacrifice into her creative practice. In the second half of the conversation, Chi opens up about surviving an abusive relationship while on a partner visa, navigating court, and finding a legal path to stay in Australia without her abuser. She explains how trauma shut down her creativity, how modeling and community helped her rebuild, and why her work now centres on resilience, the human body and the full spectrum of the human experience. Chi also talks about: Getting into a “flow state” with sculpture and why process matters more than prestige Showing work at NGV and integrating sculpture, light and space Her upcoming human-form homewares brand, including an incense holder cast from a human ear The immigrant mindset, hustle culture and why no one is truly “self-made” Practical advice for young artists on building skills, using uni resources and the power of networkingIf you’re an immigrant, creative, or anyone rebuilding after a hard season, this one will land deep. Follow Chi on Instagram: @lc_trinh

    Ep - 24 Chi: Sculptor, Model, Survivor – Rebuilding a Life in Australia
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Founders and Funders explores the dynamic and ever-evolving world of startups in Australia. Hosted by Ray, the show dives into the stories of entrepreneurs. Each episode features conversations with founders about their journeys, challenges, and insights as they turn ideas into businesses.

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