P.O.W.E.R Property Ownership Wealth and Everything Related

Melissa Ashcroft
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P.O.W.E.R Property Ownership Wealth and Everything Related podcast, hosted by Melissa Ashcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. MAY 4

    EPISODE 18: MEET JAMES ROSS, ASSET FINANCE EXPERT

    Asset finance is one of the most practical funding tools available to SMEs — but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked when businesses are planning their next move. In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa Ashcroft is joined by James Ross from Jayar Finance, an asset finance specialist with more than 20 years’ experience across the industry. James breaks down where asset finance fits in the real world, why structure matters just as much as pricing, and how businesses can fund vehicles, equipment, technology and other operational assets while protecting cashflow and keeping flexibility where it counts. They also talk about the lessons James has learned over two decades in business — what holds up through cycles, what strong lending relationships look like, and how to keep decisions grounded when conditions change. The conversation also touches on Compass Finance Australia and Compass Aggregation — a broker business built to support specialist asset finance brokers operating in the SME market, with a unique lender panel across bank, non-bank and specialist cashflow lenders. The focus is on helping broker members grow while keeping the end customer’s business growth front and centre. A valuable listen for business owners, operators and brokers who want a clearer view of how asset finance can support business momentum without unnecessary pressure on cashflow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  2. APR 2

    EPISODE 17: MEET ANDY HARRIS, FOUNDER & OWNER OF MOTUS TRANSPORT

    Motus Transport founder Andy Harris joins P.O.W.E.R. for an honest conversation about building and scaling a modern transport and distribution business - from the early days when the entire team consisted of himself and his wife, to leading a growing operation delivery from Huskisson on the NSW South Coast to Hervey Bay in QLD. Andy and Melissa talk about what it takes to stay nimble in a challenging climate (including rising costs and fuel pressures), how to keep service standards high as you grow, and why strong culture is more than a buzzword. They also explore the parallels between a high-performing sporting team and a high-performing workplace - leadership, accountability, and showing up for the group when it counts. A great listen for business owners, operators, and anyone interested in how sustainable growth is built in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  3. MAR 4

    EPISODE 16: MEET LUCY KOUGH, CREATOR OF SUPERANNUATION PLATFORM 'TAP THE GAP'

    Women retire with around 28% less super on average - and that gap doesn’t close on its own. In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa Ashcroft sits down with Lucy Kough, the creator and founder of start up Tap the Gap, a platform designed to help women build wealth for retirement through incremental behaviour: small, consistent contributions that add up over time. With International Women’s Day this Sunday, 8 March, the conversation is especially timely. This year’s IWD campaign theme, "Give To Gain,” fits the Tap the Gap mission perfectly - giving yourself a simple system that helps you take control and gain long-term financial independence. Lucy runs through how Tap the Gap works in real life: * how you can link a card/account once and keep spending as normal * how “round-ups” and micro-contributions can flow into super without feeling overwhelming * how the platform uses open banking (and what that means for security and consent) * why confidence and financial literacy often come from small wins, not big leaps * what it looks like to start taking ownership of your wealth, even if you’re time-poor, part-time, on leave, or just trying to get back on track This isn’t about perfection or drastic changes. It’s about making super feel visible, manageable, and part of everyday life by giving women more power through knowledge, simple systems, and consistent action. If you'd like to learn more about Tap the Gap, make sure you attend their upcoming event on 19 March, link to get your tickets below. Make sure you're subscribed here for more conversations across property, business, wealth, leadership, and the real-world habits that shape outcomes. Find out more about Lucy Kough here: https://au.linkedin.com/in/lucy-kough-70203389 Tap the Gap: https://www.tapthegap.com.au/ Less, Actually event: https://luma.com/4vn5qzwp Frollo - Open Banking platform: https://frollo.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min

  4. JAN 4

    EPISODE 15: MEET MONIQUE HENDERSON, AAA MORTGAGES' NEWEST ACCREDITED MORTGAGE BROKER

    AAA’s newest accredited broker Monique Henderson joins Melissa for an honest chat about her path into broking, what brought her to AAA, and why she’s really clicked in her role working with people all day, thinking on her feet, and finding smart solutions. She talks about the accreditation process, the support that she received, and what she learned along the way. They also chat about the importance of clear communication, what she enjoys about working in a high-standard team, and why the broker-client relationship can make a big difference to the overall experience. They also unpack the idea of “good debt” (Melissa's favourite!) and why it shouldn’t automatically be feared, plus Monique’s view on delivering the same level of care and service no matter the size or type of loan. If you’re curious about what broking looks like day-to-day, how to grow into the role with the right support, or what it’s like building a career as a woman in finance, this one’s well worth a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  5. 12/14/2025

    EPISODE 14: MEET JOHN MACALYK, FOUNDER OF AAA FINANCIAL GROUP & MFAA LIFE MEMBER

    John Macalyk — Four Decades in Finance AAA’s founder (est. 1988) and MFAA Life Member John Macalyk joins Melissa to reflect on 40+ years in lending: the cycles he’s navigated, why he moved into commercial deals, and the lessons that endure. It's a fascinating conversation on building a business, staying customer-first, and finding balance along the way from someone that has done it, and done it consistently well. It's ideal listening for brokers, lenders, founders and anyone curious about how the industry really works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    P.O.W.E.R. PODCAST EPISODE 13: Meet Carly Chant, CFO of Alliance SI

    Carly Chant is a CFO in a male-dominated role and industry. But the CFO seat is changing - less backward-looking, more about strategy, culture and decision-making - and she’s here for it. Melissa speaks with Carly about building confident, high-trust teams, partnering on strategy, practical ways to adopt AI without losing human judgement, and why she left audit to drive real change. They also talk (very candidly!) how becoming a working mum reshaped her view of genuine flexibility, and the importance of visible female leadership - and why she chooses to be uncomfortable in order to be part of the solution. If you're a woman carving a path into traditionally male-dominated roles this is a must listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    EPISODE 12: MEET BLAKE BUCHANAN, GM OF INDUSTRY AGGREGATOR SPECIALIST FINANCE GROUP (SFG)

    In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa sits down with Blake Buchanan from Specialist Finance Group (SFG), AAA’s aggregator, to unpack how aggregation works, what SFG does differently, and why the right partner can lift service, scale, and client outcomes. They explore: * What an aggregator is, how it supports brokers day-to-day, and the systems behind the scenes * What SFG provides specifically (platforms, service, compliance, lender access, and advocacy) * How to do due diligence on an aggregator: questions to ask, red flags, and what “the right fit” really means * Why Melissa chose SFG, and how the partnership supports AAA’s approach to clients and growth * Broker market share: brokers now write roughly 8 in 10 home loans in Australia, what is SFG doing or what they think it’ll take to move that to 9 or even 10 * Advocacy*for brokers: where policy and industry representation matter * The future of AI and technology in broking - but here's a hint, it can't ever replace the human element of dealing with the right broker Whether you’re a broker weighing your options, a lender keen to understand the broker ecosystem, or a client curious about how great brokerages run, this conversation offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look at the machinery that helps deliver better lending outcomes. New episodes of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast drop regularly - subscribe so you don’t miss the next one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    EPISODE 11: MEET MATT WALLACE, COMMERCIAL VALUER & NSW STATE DIRECTOR WITH RAY WHITE VALUATIONS

    Commercial Valuations 101 (with Matt Wallace) - What lenders look for, how values are set, and how to prepare Most people have a feel for what a residential valuer does. But on the commercial side, the brief is broader, the data is thinner, and the stakes can often be higher. In this P.O.W.E.R. Podcast episode, Melissa sits down with Commercial Valuer Matt Wallace to unpack the role of a commercial valuer, how he entered the industry, what’s changed across cycles, and the story behind one of his most “interesting” valuations. You’ll hear how valuers think about income vs. direct comparison, cap rates, lease covenants, WALE, incentives, vacancy risk, zoning and highest/best use, and how small discrepancies can drive big swings in valuation. They'll touch on using SMSFs for commercial property, and break down some of the industry lingo for those wanting to learn more about how Commercial valuations work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
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P.O.W.E.R Property Ownership Wealth and Everything Related podcast, hosted by Melissa Ashcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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