Q&A with S&A

Aintree Group | Q&A with S&A
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Interviews with interesting people and industry experts. Q&A with S&A features the founders of Aintree Group, husband and wife team Shane and Andrea McKenna, in candid conversations with a diverse mix of guests – from business owners and industry leaders to athletes, creatives, and changemakers. They explore real-life experiences, from the challenges of running a business to navigating personal crossroads and following unconventional paths to success. You’ll hear authentic stories, thoughtful insights, and practical takeaways – all delivered with warmth and curiosity. It’s a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who values purpose-driven conversations. New episodes released fortnightly.

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

    6D AGO

    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/

    43 min
  2. Family, Food & Following Your Passion with Kitchen Queens Jane Willox & Maddie Devereux

    12/14/2025

    Family, Food & Following Your Passion with Kitchen Queens Jane Willox & Maddie Devereux

    In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with mother–daughter powerhouse Jane Willox and Maddie Devereux, the team behind Kitchen Queens Catering. The pair share how their shared passion for food grew into a thriving business, and how working together as family has strengthened both their bond and their brand. From the joy of cooking to the fulfilment of feeding others, Jane and Maddie talk about the heart behind their hospitality and the simple pleasure of bringing people together over a great meal. They also open up about their experience on My Kitchen Rules - the lessons learned, the realities of competing on national television, and the challenges of being in the public eye. Despite it all, they reflect on the meaningful takeaways from the experience and the heartwarming reason they chose to participate in the first place. More from Jane & Maddie: IG: @kitchenqueens_ | @janeywillox | @maddiedevereux https://kitchenqueens.com.au/

    37 min
  3. The Power of Connection with Mary-Anne Brasacchio & Geena Di Stefano

    11/30/2025

    The Power of Connection with Mary-Anne Brasacchio & Geena Di Stefano

    In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Andrea sits down with Mary-Anne Brasacchio and Geena Di Stefano, founders of the Social Soirée Collective, to talk about the importance of connection, especially for mothers who are rediscovering their identity later in life. Born out of the lull in the events space following the COVID pandemic, the Social Soirée Collective was created to give women a place to connect, unwind, and belong - a space just for them. No corporate networking expectations. No kids’ schedules. Just genuine connection and community. Mary-Anne and Geena share how they’ve combined their backgrounds in business ownership, branding, travel, and event hosting with their personal experiences of motherhood and reinvention to build something truly special: a movement that reminds women it’s never too late to find your people, or yourself, again. Find out more about Social Soiree Collective: https://www.socialsoireecollective.com.au/ @socialsoireecollective

    33 min
  4. It's All A Dance: Simplifying Business Systems & Processes with Val Coin

    11/16/2025

    It's All A Dance: Simplifying Business Systems & Processes with Val Coin

    In this episode, Andrea chats to Val Coin from Via Technology about all about the joys, challenges and benefits of transformation, systems and processes and being a husband-and-wife business team. They talk about how all businesses can learn from hospitality when it comes to the importance of system and process, and how technology should be the last thing on the list when you want to successfully transform your internal processes - it's all about the people! Connect with Via Technology: https://www.viatechnology.com.au/ @viatechnologyau

    45 min
  5. Behind the Lens: Capturing Magical Moments with Melissa Hobbs

    11/02/2025

    Behind the Lens: Capturing Magical Moments with Melissa Hobbs

    In this episode of Plant Grow Reap, Andrea and Shane catch up with event photographer Melissa Hobbs to explore her creative journey - how discovering a love of photography in adulthood led to building an in-demand business trusted to capture life’s most meaningful moments. Mel shares what it’s like to photograph the energy, emotion, and connection that define an event. She also chats about travel, networking, business ownership, and motherhood, and how each of these experiences has shaped her perspective behind the lens. Find out more about Melissa’s work: melissahobbs.com

    57 min
  6. Learning From Your Mistakes: Relationships, Resilience & Rebuilding in Business with Shaun de Vries

    10/19/2025

    Learning From Your Mistakes: Relationships, Resilience & Rebuilding in Business with Shaun de Vries

    In this episode, Shaun de Vries, founder of Open Pantry Consulting, shares the remarkable story of his diverse career in hospitality — from early success buying his first bakery at just 21, to hard lessons learned through rebuilding his life and business after a life-changing car accident and navigating insolvency. He reflects on the power of strong business relationships, the importance of being proactive with debt, and how honesty, transparency, and learning from mistakes can turn even the toughest experiences into opportunities for growth. Today, Shaun has found his calling helping hospitality venues across Australia scale with confidence — specialising in recruitment, operational strategy, and technology integration. About Open Pantry Co: https://www.openpantryconsulting.com/

    46 min
  7. Mainframes to Mentoring: Life After Leading the Accounting Revolution with Wayne Schmidt

    10/05/2025

    Mainframes to Mentoring: Life After Leading the Accounting Revolution with Wayne Schmidt

    In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Wayne Schmidt - global traveller, digital nomad, business mentor, and industry leader with over 35 years of experience in accounting, sales, and technology. Wayne shares his remarkable journey from programming on mainframes and pioneering fixed-fee models, to launching software giants like Xero, and now mentoring firms while travelling the world. He reflects on lessons learned from corporate life, why planning for retirement is really about planning what you’re retiring to, and how AI is reshaping the accounting profession at breakneck speed. Tune in for candid stories, practical advice, and a glimpse into Wayne’s life as a semi-retired consultant balancing work, travel, and lifestyle - all while staying ahead of the curve. About Bespoke Mentor: https://www.bespokementor.com/ Connect with Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneschmidt/ More about Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

    18 min
  8. AI in Business: Security, Accuracy & Opportunity with Gus McLennan

    09/21/2025

    AI in Business: Security, Accuracy & Opportunity with Gus McLennan

    In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Andrea and Shane chat with Gus McLennan, Co-Founder and CEO of Propella.ai, about how AI is reshaping professional services businesses. Over the past year, Aintree Group has partnered with Propella.ai to develop AI-driven internal process databases, boosting accuracy, security, and data management. The conversation looks at common myths and legitimate concerns, while also highlighting the opportunities AI can unlock when applied thoughtfully. Gus shares guidance on overcoming overwhelm, managing resistance to disruption, and addressing security concerns - so businesses can embrace the benefits of AI in a fast-evolving space with confidence. About Propella.ai: https://www.propella.ai/

    47 min
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About

Interviews with interesting people and industry experts. Q&A with S&A features the founders of Aintree Group, husband and wife team Shane and Andrea McKenna, in candid conversations with a diverse mix of guests – from business owners and industry leaders to athletes, creatives, and changemakers. They explore real-life experiences, from the challenges of running a business to navigating personal crossroads and following unconventional paths to success. You’ll hear authentic stories, thoughtful insights, and practical takeaways – all delivered with warmth and curiosity. It’s a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who values purpose-driven conversations. New episodes released fortnightly.

Information

  • Creator
    Aintree Group | Q&A with S&A
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Q&A with S&A 2023
  • Show Website
    Q&A with S&A