eussen – Design & Lifestyle

John Eussen
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Hosted by John Eussen. The eussen Podcast: Design & Lifestyle is passionate dialogue with prominent people from the creative, design, and lifestyle industries. Authentic and honest discussions are the essence of the program and we discuss the cycles of their respective journeys that will evoke emotion, motivate and influence our captive audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Jul 10

    #050 Shannon Rivkin on What Wealth Really Means | eussen - Design & LifeStyle Proudly Sponsored by Rivkin Private Wealth, Unifi Capital.

    Beyond the Balance Sheet: Shannon Rivkin on What Wealth Really Means For Shannon Rivkin, the measure of financial success has never been purely numerical. As chairman of Rivkin Private Wealth, he has spent decades helping clients reach a state that goes well beyond a healthy portfolio — what he describes as the freedom to live the life they always planned. Returning to the Eussen podcast for a second conversation, Shannon unpacked the philosophy that now underpins his business, and offered a candid assessment of why so many Australians are leaving their financial futures to chance. "It's not just about money," Shannon said. "Money buys toys and that's great, but it's about freedom — feeling that everything you want is attainable." The concept of "beyond the balance sheet" sits at the heart of how Rivkin now positions itself in the market. Shannon describes the business less as a traditional financial services firm and more like a concierge for a five-star hotel of finance — whatever the client needs, the team tries to solve it. That might mean a formal portfolio review, or it might simply mean sitting down over lunch and talking through the anxieties that come with managing decades of accumulated savings. "I always consider our business as we're like the concierge for a five star hotel of finance," Shannon explained. "Whatever you need, we try to solve that." Building that level of trust, he acknowledges, takes time. Most clients don't arrive ready to hand over significant assets. They watch from a distance, perhaps join a lower-commitment service first, then start with a small fraction of what they hold — before gradually expanding the relationship as confidence grows. Shannon sees this as not only normal but healthy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #050 Shannon Rivkin on What Wealth Really Means | eussen - Design & LifeStyle Proudly Sponsored by Rivkin Private Wealth, Unifi Capital.

  2. Jul 7

    #049 From Newsletter to Wealth Manager: The Rivkin Story | eussen - Design & LifeStyle Proudly Sponsored by Rivkin Private Wealth Group, Unifi Capital

    From Newsletter to Wealth Manager: The Rivkin Story When Shannon Rivkin joined his father's financial services business at the age of 21, he was answering phones and selling a weekly stock market report. More than two decades later, he chairs one of Australia's most recognisable private wealth brands — one built not on corporate polish, but on the kind of loyalty that spans generations. Speaking on the Eussen podcast, Shannon traced the origins of Rivkin Private Wealth to 1997, when his father launched a simple newsletter aimed at bringing the sharemarket within reach of ordinary Australians. Delivered by post and fax at a time when the internet was still in its infancy, the publication carved out a following by making finance feel accessible rather than intimidating. "Dad was very good at making people feel comfortable," Shannon recalled. "It was like a chat every week." The elder Rivkin built that relationship through seminars, radio appearances, and a genuine passion for the stock market that, by Shannon's account, bordered on obsession. "His one true love — probably even above his family," Shannon said, with candour. "He lived and breathed it." Growing up as one of five children, Shannon and his brother Dion were the only two drawn into the business. Shannon describes it as a combination of learned behaviour and something closer to instinct. "I go home thinking about the world of finance. It eats up my thoughts at all times." Following his father's death in 2005, Shannon took over management of the family's assets — and began investing the way his father always had: across property, private equity, and equities. When clients started asking why they couldn't access the same diversified opportunities, the answer became the business's next chapter. By around 2010, Rivkin began a gradual pivot toward holistic wealth management, eventually offering tailored portfolios across multiple asset classes with flexible entry points and no lock-up periods. "Now we can have that more all-encompassing, holistic conversation about everything," Shannon explained. "What is your full asset pool? What are your goals for the future?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #049 From Newsletter to Wealth Manager: The Rivkin Story | eussen - Design & LifeStyle Proudly Sponsored by Rivkin Private Wealth Group, Unifi Capital

  3. Mar 31

    #048 How Tash Scutts Is Disrupting Oral Care with LOVEBYT | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly Sponsored by Unifi Capital, Rivkin Private Wealth

    Reinventing the Everyday: How Tash Scutts Is Disrupting Oral Care with LOVEBYT A Fresh Take on a Forgotten Category When Tash Scutts set out to create LOVEBYT, she wasn’t just launching another toothpaste brand—she was challenging an entire category that, for decades, had gone largely unquestioned. Founded in 2018, LOVEBYT was born from a simple but overlooked idea: oral care products should be as thoughtfully designed, health-conscious, and aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the items people proudly display in their homes. For Scutts, the name itself—playful and memorable—was part of the disruption. But the real ambition ran deeper: to deliver a product that matched the performance of mainstream toothpaste while eliminating ingredients she believed consumers should think twice about. “I wanted to make a toothpaste with the same user experience… but with much better ingredients,” she explained.   From Fashion Floors to Bathroom Shelves Tash Scutts did not come from a scientific or dental background. Instead, her career spanned textiles, furniture, and, most notably, fashion—where she worked as a buyer in a highly competitive industry. That experience proved critical. Fashion taught Tash how to build products that stand out, respond quickly to change, and connect with consumers. It also sharpened her understanding of branding—an insight she would later apply to an unlikely category. “I learned… you have to create a product really well, and you have to market that product really well,” she said. The transition into oral care came unexpectedly. Prompted by her daughters’ vegan lifestyles, Tash began searching for suitable toothpaste options—only to find products that felt uninspiring in both taste and presentation. That gap became her opportunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #048 How Tash Scutts Is Disrupting Oral Care with LOVEBYT | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly Sponsored by Unifi Capital, Rivkin Private Wealth

  4. Mar 25

    #047 From Escape to Enterprise: Rebuilding Life in Australia -Jason Ghaffar | eussen - Design & Lifestyle Proudly Sponsored by Unifi Capital, Rivkin Private Wealth

    From Escape to Enterprise: Rebuilding Life in Australia Jacob Ghaffer arrived in Australia in 2014 at the age of fourteen, leaving behind a life in Pakistan that many would consider privileged. His father held a senior role in the police, and their household was supported by staff who managed daily routines. Beneath that comfort, however, was a family environment marked by ongoing conflict between his parents. The turning point came when Jacob’s mother decided to leave the marriage. She gave her children a choice, and Jacob, along with his siblings, chose to go with her. What followed was a tense and calculated departure—retrieving passports in secret, preparing documents without his father’s knowledge, and quietly leaving the country. By the time his father discovered what had happened, they were already in Australia. At first, the move felt exciting. The new environment brought a sense of possibility and change. That feeling gradually gave way to uncertainty as the reality of their situation set in. Arriving on a tourist visa and later applying for asylum meant living without stability. As time passed, Jacob began to feel the emotional impact of separation from his father. Years later, encouraged by relatives, he reconnected with him. The conversation was emotional, but ultimately positive, offering a sense of resolution. Adjusting to life in Australia presented significant challenges. Entering the school system with limited English, Jacob was placed in an Intensive English Centre, which set him apart from other students. He experienced bullying and struggled to find his place socially. Over time, he developed resilience, gradually improving his language skills and confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #047 From Escape to Enterprise: Rebuilding Life in Australia -Jason Ghaffar | eussen - Design & Lifestyle Proudly Sponsored by Unifi Capital, Rivkin Private Wealth

  5. Mar 12

    #046 Saskia Havekes: Sculpting Emotion Through Flowers | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly Sponsored by Unifi Capital, Rivkin Private Wealth Group

    Saskia Havekes: Sculpting Emotion Through Flowers Saskia Havekes has spent more than three decades working with flowers, though she feels the word floristry no longer fully captures what she does. She sees herself as a floral director, even a sculptor, shaping space and emotion with blooms. Over the years, the industry has evolved dramatically, and Saskia has evolved with it, continually redefining how flowers can be experienced beyond the traditional bouquet.She grew up in Kenthurst on the edge of bushland in northwest Sydney, in a house her Dutch immigrant father built overlooking a valley of angophoras and flannel flowers. The home was open and unconventional, filled with artists, architects and lively gatherings. Her father was a painter and potter, and her mother taught her the names of flowers and how to garden. With flower painters in the family and a strong European heritage, creativity and nature were inseparable parts of her childhood. Although she began her professional life in advertising and later worked in publishing and television in the United States, she was always drawn back to flower markets and flower shops. They remained a constant pull.When Saskia returned to Sydney after her marriage ended, she briefly enrolled in formal floristry training but found it too rigid and traditional. After a year, she left to learn from a mentor who encouraged her to break conventions. That decision shaped the direction of Grandiflora. Her early career in advertising sharpened her understanding of branding, but it is the ritual of the flower market that still defines her practice. Rising before dawn, selecting stems alongside trusted growers and maintaining those relationships has become both discipline and devotion.Working with flowers means navigating the full spectrum of human emotion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #046 Saskia Havekes: Sculpting Emotion Through Flowers | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly Sponsored by Unifi Capital, Rivkin Private Wealth Group

  6. Mar 2

    #044 How to Stand Out in a Sea of Job Applications - Garth McMurtrie | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly sponsored by Unifi Capital, The Rivkin Private Wealth Group.

    How to Stand Out in a Sea of Job Applications Competition in the employment market has intensified, with graduates, overseas students, career changers and experienced professionals all competing for attention in a crowded digital landscape. As an HR business partner, Garth McMurtrie sees firsthand how small details determine who progresses and who is overlooked. In his experience, success rarely depends on dramatic tactics. More often, it comes down to executing the fundamentals with precision and intent. In his role, Garth supports senior leaders in delivering on their people and talent strategies, with a strong focus on recruitment at senior levels. Reviewing applications has shown him that many candidates miss simple yet critical opportunities to position themselves effectively. Standing out is less about gimmicks and more about clarity, alignment and preparation. LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools available to job seekers, yet it is frequently underutilized. Garth observes that many people treat it as a static online resume when it should function as a dynamic personal brand platform. A strong profile communicates more than job titles. It presents interests, values and professional direction. Sharing insights, engaging with relevant content and building meaningful connections all contribute to greater visibility. Recruiters and HR professionals spend significant time on LinkedIn, and an active presence can influence hiring outcomes. The same principle applies to resumes. Simply listing roles in chronological order is not enough. Garth advises that a resume should clearly articulate strengths, achievements and measurable impact. Dense blocks of text make it difficult for hiring managers to quickly absorb key information. Clear formatting, concise language and logical structure increase the likelihood that important details will stand out. Visual presentation matters because many reviewers initially skim before committing to a deeper read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #044 How to Stand Out in a Sea of Job Applications - Garth McMurtrie | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly sponsored by Unifi Capital, The Rivkin Private Wealth Group.

  7. Feb 20

    #043 Taking Control of Superannuation - Lindsay Huynh | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly sponsored by Unifi Capital and Rivkin Private Wealth Group.

    Taking Control of Superannuation with Lindsay Huynh In the second episode of the podcast featuring the Rivkin Private Wealth Group trilogy, Lindsay Huynh, Head of Self-Managed Superannuation Services, brought clarity and depth to the evolving world of SMSFs. With more than eight years of experience, Lindsay outlined why this sector continues to demand attention, adaptability, and strong technical expertise. Constant legislative change keeps the space dynamic, requiring professionals not only to stay informed but also to translate complex regulations into practical strategies clients can understand and apply. Lindsay explained that self-managed superannuation funds are not simply compliance structures. They represent a balance of tax planning, wealth creation, and long-term strategic thinking. Unlike retail or industry super funds, where investment options are largely predetermined, an SMSF gives trustees direct control. They decide how contributions are invested, which asset classes are appropriate, and how the overall strategy aligns with personal financial goals.This level of control and transparency is increasingly resonating with younger generations. Lindsay has observed a noticeable shift in engagement, with younger clients wanting to understand not just that their balance has grown, but why it has grown. Each investment decision is deliberate. Each gain or loss reflects strategy rather than default allocation. That visibility encourages accountability and active involvement in long-term financial planning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #043 Taking Control of Superannuation - Lindsay Huynh | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly sponsored by Unifi Capital and Rivkin Private Wealth Group.

  8. Feb 10

    #042 Breaking Patterns and Returning to the Heart - Alexis Hannagan | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly sponsored by Unifi Capital , Rivkin Private Wealth Group

    Breaking Patterns and Returning to the Heart Alexis Hannagan joined the conversation from Chiang Mai, a mountain town in northern Thailand, where she is spending time immersed in Buddhist culture and preparing to sit with monks in meditation. This period of travel is deeply personal. After losing her mother, Alexis recognised the need to step back, grieve, and process while still honouring the work she does. She believes that to truly guide others, she must be living the practices herself rather than simply speaking about them. Through The Sanctuary Australia, Alexis supports women and men in transforming their mind, body, and soul. Many people arrive carrying blocks such as anxiety, stress, fear, lack of confidence, or confusion around purpose. Her work focuses on guiding people back to their heart so they can reconnect with their truth and live from that place. This approach is grounded in lived experience rather than theory. Her path did not begin in the wellness space. Alexis studied commerce and marketing and worked in corporate roles in London with international brands. From the outside, her career appeared successful, but internally she felt anxious, drained, and disconnected. At the time, she lacked the awareness to trust those feelings and believed something was wrong with her. Over time, she came to understand that her intuition was signalling that she did not belong in that environment. Daily practice became the turning point. Kundalini yoga, breathwork, chanting, and meditation helped Alexis retrain her nervous system. Anxiety, low confidence, and PTSD linked to childhood experiences gradually eased. She explains that these practices work at the level of energy and the nervous system, not just the mind. Everyone brings a frequency into the world, whether it is stress or presence, and that frequency can be consciously trained. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    #042 Breaking Patterns and Returning to the Heart - Alexis Hannagan | eussen - Health Life & Style Proudly sponsored by Unifi Capital , Rivkin Private Wealth Group
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About

Hosted by John Eussen. The eussen Podcast: Design & Lifestyle is passionate dialogue with prominent people from the creative, design, and lifestyle industries. Authentic and honest discussions are the essence of the program and we discuss the cycles of their respective journeys that will evoke emotion, motivate and influence our captive audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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