Ensombl Advice Australia

This week, Pat speaks with Daniel Donovan, Head of Operations at Verse Wealth. They discuss Verse Wealth’s rapid growth, operational improvements, tech stack choices, automation initiatives, and strategic lessons learned in building a scalable, client-focused financial services business. Daniel Donovan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldonovan09/ Verse Wealth Website: https://www.versewealth.com.au/ A world of business efficiency awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250926 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Michelle is the Principal Wealth Adviser of The Wealth Designers. She and James discuss The Wealth Designers' innovative use of AI and technology to streamline client engagement, documentation, and advisory processes for a diverse client base. Michelle Flanagan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-flanagan-42b14413/ The Wealth Designers Website: https://twd.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250925 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, Rocksy is joined by Morgan Hayward, Director Of Financial Planning at LumeWealth. They discuss her journey in financial planning, her client-focused business approach, the challenges and rewards of advising business owners and vulnerable clients, and her vision for building a values-driven, boutique practice. Morgan Hayward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganrhayward/ LumeWealth Website: https://lumewealth.au/ Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250923 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

U Ethical’s Jon Fernie joins host James Whelan to unpack the new age of ethical investing. As client demand for values-aligned portfolios grows, they emphasize the importance of transparency, authenticity, and independent verification to avoid greenwashing. They explore the role of negative screens, positive tilts, and stewardship in building credible strategies, as well as surprising sectors—like mining and data centers—that can support the energy transition. With biodiversity and community impact emerging as key themes, Fernie shows how ethical investing can deliver competitive returns while driving meaningful environmental and social outcomes. Jon Fernie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-fernie-12128118/ James Whelan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-whelan-68146036/ Discover U Ethical's adviser solutions at https://ensombl.com/go/20250922 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, Pat is joined by Shak Lala and Hardy Michel from Marloo. They discuss how they built Marloo as an innovative, adviser-focused AI note-taking and document generation platform, their customer-centric approach, and their vision for transforming the advice tech industry. Shak Lala LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakeel-lala/ Hardy Michel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardymichel/ Marloo Website: https://www.gomarloo.com/ A world of business efficiency awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250919 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

David is a Financial Adviser at First Financial, Melbourne. He and James discuss his career journey, international experiences, and current role as an adviser at First Financial, along with the variety of clients he now serves. David Jackson Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jackson-174b6643/ First Financial Website: https://firstfinancial.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250918 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Peita talks with Ben Marshan and Naomi Holmes. They discuss how advisers can better support clients by shifting retirement planning beyond finances to address the emotional, identity, and lifestyle transitions that define a fulfilling retirement. Peita Diamantidis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peitamd/ Caboodle Financial Services Website: https://www.caboodlefs.com.au/ Naomi Holmes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomiholmes/ Her Money Matters Website: https://www.hermoneymatters.com.au/ Ben Marshan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmarshan/ Marshan Consulting Website: https://www.marshan.co/ To learn more about delivering retirement certainty for your clients, visit https://ensombl.com/go/20250917 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/ 

In this installment, Peita is joined once again by Ben Marshan and Naomi Holmes. They discuss how advisers can move beyond technical compliance to deliver deeper value by focusing on emotional connection, client experience, and transformative retirement planning. Peita Diamantidis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peitamd/ Caboodle Financial Services Website: https://www.caboodlefs.com.au/ Naomi Holmes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomiholmes/ Her Money Matters Website: https://www.hermoneymatters.com.au/ Ben Marshan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmarshan/ Marshan Consulting Website: https://www.marshan.co/ To learn more about delivering retirement certainty for your clients, visit https://ensombl.com/go/20250917 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/ 

This week, Rocksy speaks with someone who's no stranger to Ensombl, Ben Nash, Founder and Financial Adviser at Pivot Wealth. Ben discusses the growth, operational strategies, technology adoption, and team culture that have driven Pivot Wealth’s success in delivering high-value advice to clients. Ben Nash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminjnash/ Pivot Wealth Website: https://pivotwealth.com.au/ Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250916 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Pat is joined by Joel McWilliam, Co-Founder at Atom Automation. They discuss how AI and automation are transforming advice practices, and the shift from basic adoption to integrated, custom workflow solutions that enhance efficiency without disrupting existing processes. Joel McWilliam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-mcwilliam-119a5231b/ Atom Automation Website: https://atomautomation.ai/ A world of business efficiency awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250912 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Simon is a Financial Planner and Adviser at Providence Advisory Group. He and James discuss his career journey, the family-run Providence Advisory Group, and Simon’s "TING" investment newsletter project, which tracks and ranks investment newsletters to help investors make informed choices. Simon Shepherd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-shepherd-618b793b/ Providence Advisory Group Website: https://www.providencegroup.com.au/ The Investment Newsletter Group Website: https://www.tinglive.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250911 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Rocksy is joined by Richard Burton and Steven Roberts from Oakmont Financial Group and BFD Financial Planning. They discuss the growth and structure of their practices, while sharing insights on planning, insurance specialisation, and industry challenges. Richard Burton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-burton-aa87a416/ Steven Roberts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenandrewroberts/ Oakmont Financial Group Website: https://www.oakmontfinancial.com.au/ BDF Financial Planning Website: https://www.bfdfinancialplanning.com/ Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250909 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, Pat speaks with Jordan Vickery, Co-Founder at Vinyl. They discuss the development, features, integrations, and future roadmap of Vinyl, an AI meeting assistant designed for accountants and bookkeepers, and its impact on workflow automation, client engagement, and data security. Jordan Vickery LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanvickery28/ Vinyl Website: https://www.usevinyl.com/ A world of business efficiency awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250905 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Aayush is a Financial Adviser at Frost Financial Planning. He and James discuss his journey from international student to adviser in Darwin, his experiences as a migrant, his professional growth, community engagement, and innovative financial literacy initiatives. Aayush Sharma LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aayush-sharma-fp/ Frost Financial Planning Website: https://www.frostfp.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250904 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, Rocksy speaks with Elliot Watson, Managing Partner at Watson Wealth. They discuss the evolution, operations, team culture, and future growth plans of his diversified planning practice, along with its client focus, technology adoption, and opportunities for new talent. Elliot Watson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-watson-41305957/ Watson Wealth Website: https://watsonwealth.com.au/ Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250902 Recognise real-world learning as CPD: https://ensombl.com/cpd/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

This week, Pat is joined by Tim Reid, Founder at AdviceOps. They discuss how technology, automation, and AI are transforming advice businesses by streamlining workflows, integrating CRMs, and enabling a more client-centered approach to planning. Tim Reid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyareid/ AdviceOps Website: https://adviceops.com.au/ Sintra AI: https://sintra.ai/ A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250829 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Rob is an Associate Director and Senior Financial Advisor at Acuity Wealth. He and James discuss his career journey, the growth and client focus of Acuity Wealth, financial planning strategies for high-earning clients, business culture, hiring practices, and the importance of networking and referrals. Rob Chertok LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-chertok-b957394a/ Acuity Wealth Website: https://www.acuitywealth.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250828 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Rocksy is joined by David Carney, Executive Director and Former CEO at VBP. They discuss his journey from planner to business leader, and his lessons in business growth, outsourcing, leadership, and the evolving future of advice. David Carney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcarneyvbp/ VBP Website: https://www.vbp.au/ The 4 Disciplines of Execution: https://www.amazon.com.au/4-Disciplines-Execution-Chris-McChesney/dp/1491517751 Visit The Adviser Portal and partner with Zurich and OnePath today: https://ensombl.com/go/20250826 Recognise real-world learning as CPD: https://ensombl.com/cpd/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

In this episode, Pat speaks with Kate Fellows, Founder of tap'd (the Advice Professionals' Directory). They discuss the platform's mission to connect advisers with service providers, enhance efficiency through AI and content, and foster transparent, dynamic engagement within the advice profession.  Kate Fellows LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-fellows-a1993b18/ tap'd Website: https://www.tapdau.com/ A world of community awaits you at Netwealth: https://ensombl.com/go/20250822 General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Dean is a Senior Advice Assistant (PY) at Clarity Wealth. He and James discuss his transition from HR and operations into financial advice, and what advice he has for others considering a similar path. Dean Southern LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedeansouthern/ Clarity Wealth Website: https://claritywealth.com.au/ To learn more about Fidelity, visit their website at https://ensombl.com/go/20250821 Consider the PDS and TMD available at Fidelity.com.au and whether Fidelity products are suitable for you. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009 AFSL 409340. General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/