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.

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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/

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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They cover the impact on work, policy and everyday decision, plus practical ways to build better media habits and amplify women’s voices.

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Ben shares how objective advice, a clear decision-making framework, and tailored investment strategies can help you build long-term financial security that actually aligns with your goals, life stage, and dream retirement.

We also explore where financial planning and lending intersect - how a smart plan, strong cash-flow habits, and the right loan structures can work together to create better outcomes.

If you’ve wondered whether you need a planner, what they cover, or how to get started with confidence, this conversation is for you.

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Dale shares insights into his area of specialty - Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) - and explains what borrowers need to know about this unique lending structure. He also weighs in on where the mortgage and lending landscape is headed, the increasing competition between major banks, and how that fight to retain customers might actually benefit borrowers.

From policy shifts to pricing wars, and the power of strong broker-client relationships, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why brokers like Dale and the AAA Mortgages team are more valuable than ever.

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With a background in corporate retail and shopping centre development, Kirsten brings a unique lens to the housing conversation, shaped by years of observing how built environments impact community, inclusion, and access. She shares what those shopping centres taught her about belonging, the shift to purpose-driven work, and why she believes women in leadership need to stop apologising and start backing themselves.

An honest, inspiring chat about systems change, career evolution, and the human side of housing.

To find out more about or get in contact with Kirsten, head to her LinkedIn profile.

To find out more about Shelter NSW, head to their website.

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Specialising in helping owner occupiers find their ideal home within a 10km radius of the CBD, Kevin brings a unique perspective to the process. With a background in structural engineering and development, he knows how to look beyond the surface, but it’s his people-first approach that really sets him apart.

Kevin shares why taking the time to understand how clients live, not just what they say they want, is the key to long-term satisfaction. It’s a thoughtful and insightful conversation about buying with intention, and why the right home is about so much more than location and price.

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In this chat, Jo and Melissa cover everything from building an investment portfolio to buying your first home (or your next one), and the strategies that make it possible in today’s market. Whether you're an investor, first home buyer, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with practical tips and plenty of straight talk.

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Zoë shares real insights into the challenges and hopes of young Australians aged 0–24, from housing affordability to delayed life milestones. But this isn’t a conversation about despair - it’s a call to listen, learn, and lead change. With clarity and compassion, Zoë reminds us that while the road ahead is tough, the future can be bright if we choose to act.

This episode steps outside our usual finance focus to reflect the values we hold at AAA: real conversations, real impact, and a commitment to building a better future for everyone.

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Melissa Ashcroft sits down with Adrian Dracopoulos, BDM at Msquared Capital, to explore how private finance can be a powerful tool for bridging loans, development projects, and accessing equity for commercial use. It’s flexible, fast, and less restricted than traditional lending — but it’s not for every borrower. Tune in for a practical, honest conversation about how private lending works, the risks to watch, and where it can give you a real edge.

About Adrian:

Adrian Dracopoulos is the Business Development Manager of Private Loans at Msquared Capital, a Sydney-based private lender specialising in short-term, flexible funding solutions. Adrian began his finance career in mortgage broking at 19 and later transitioned into private lending, bringing with him deep knowledge of both sides of the lending space. He studied Accounting and Finance at university and briefly pursued a passion for aviation, earning his commercial and private pilot licenses. Today, Adrian helps clients structure non-bank and bridging loans tailored to complex financial scenarios that fall outside traditional banking criteria.

Link to Transcript

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About Joseph:

Joseph Daoud is a leading mortgage strategist, financial educator, and founder of It’s Simple Finance, a brokerage committed to helping Australians navigate the property and finance landscape with confidence. Known for his down-to-earth advice and transparent approach, Joseph has empowered thousands of clients—especially first-home buyers—to secure smart lending solutions and build long-term wealth.

With a background in finance and a strong digital presence, Joseph uses his platforms to break down complex lending topics into relatable, actionable insights. Whether it’s via social media, speaking engagements, or personalised advice, he’s passionate about changing the way Australians think about money.

📱 Follow Joseph on Instagram: @joetchandon

🏠 Follow his company: @itssimplefinance

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joseph-daoud

Transcript

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Melissa also shares real-world examples, lessons from her career, and tips to help you take control of your finances and get ahead - whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing for a better deal.

Want to know how $100,000 in your offset account could save you $180,000 over time? Tune in now.

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Contact him on 0426 822 547 or dale@aaafinancialgroup.com.au to solve all of your (finance) problems!

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