Claim OwnershipQ&A with S&A
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© Q&A with S&A 2023
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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.
51 Episodes
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Fresh off 876 shows touring Australia with Beauty & The Beast, performer Amy Hopwood joins Q&A with S&A to share what life is really like behind the curtain.From juggling competitive dance training throughout school to booking Disney’s Frozen before even graduating with her Performing Arts qualification, Amy opens up about breaking into the industry during COVID, surviving 8–9 show weeks, navigating imposter syndrome, and the loneliness of touring life.They talk everything from career plans and education, to sacrifice and burnout, and the brave decision to step away and rediscover identity beyond the stage. Amy also shares her advice for young performers on how to stay grounded, supported, and keep the spark alive.An honest look at the highs, the hustle, and the realities of life as a professional performer.Connect with Amy on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amyhopwood_/
Shane and Andrea chat with Aintree Group–sponsored athlete Kaylen Bassett for an inspiring and insightful conversation about family, resilience, and elite performance in canoe slalom.Kaylen shares his unconventional journey into the sport, the strong family foundations that underpin his career, and the mental skills required to compete at the highest level. The conversation centres on a career-defining achievement — winning a bronze medal at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith, marking Australia’s first men’s C1 World Championship medal in over a decade.From life on the World Cup circuit and the realities of constant international travel, to finding balance, entering flow state under pressure, celebrating success, and juggling work alongside elite sport, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to perform on the world stage — and what lies ahead on the road to Oklahoma and the 2028 LA Olympic cycle.Follow Kaylen's journey: https://kaylenbassett.com/ | IG: @kaylenbassettVisit Paddle Australia website to see details of upcoming races and how you can support the Australian Paddling team: https://paddle.org.au/
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/
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 | @maddiedevereuxhttps://kitchenqueens.com.au/
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
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
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
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/
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/
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/
Dr. Jackie King joins Shane and Andrea to share how she discovered her purpose through empathy, both for herself and for others, and the journey of reconciling the many parts of her life and identity.Fresh from her first solo international trip in decades, Jackie reflects on the pivotal life experiences that have shaped her path: learning to find and follow her flow, leading with compassion, and embracing understanding. She also opens up about the strength she has found in her “otherness” during some of life’s most challenging moments.This is an inspiring conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the power of empathy in discovering who we truly are.🔗 Learn more about Jackie: drjackieking.com.au📘 Order her book The Ultimate Other: Amazon Australia
Naomi Way, Managing Director of Moss & Co Consulting, shares why genuine connection and community are key to attracting top talent. From arriving in Australia as a 20-year-old backpacker to building a career in real estate, recruitment, and launching her RecruitHer podcast - Naomi’s journey is all about people.Naomi shares how she matches candidates with the right culture, supports working mothers and female leaders, and brings the human element back to hiring in Australia’s relationship-driven market.Find out more about Moss & Co: https://mossandco.consulting/More about Recruither: https://recruither.com.au/
Shane and Andrea chat with buyer and vendor advocate Lisa Britcliffe, who specialises in guiding people through property sales and purchases during major life transitions like divorce. They discuss why empathy and understanding are crucial for professional advisors in these turbulent times, and recognising that assets aren’t just figures on a balance sheet — they often carry deep emotional and nostalgic significance for our clients.Find out more about Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabritcliffe/Find out more about Orium & Co: https://www.oriumandco.com/Find out more about Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/ | @aintreegroup
In this episode, Shane and Andrea speak with leadership and communications strategist, best-selling author, and business consultant Mel Kettle. Mel opens up about her experience with burnout and how it led her to support others in redefining success in a way that protects their wellbeing.Mel shares practical strategies to help leaders build a career, and a life, that’s both sustainable and fulfilling. She discusses the foundations of Connected Leadership, how to spot the warning signs of burnout, the importance of setting clear boundaries, and why it’s time to let go of the pressure to always “be the good girl.”Find Mel online at: https://www.melkettle.com/Order her leadership book Fully Connected: https://www.melkettle.com/store/p/fullyconnectedbook
In this episode, Miles Beamish joins Shane and Andrea to explore how a love of numbers can drive meaningful impact, both professionally and personally.They unpack the value of finance brokers and accountants working together with clients over the long term, offering consistency and trust, rather than being passed from one client manager to the next at a big bank.Miles also opens up about the physical challenges he takes on to support causes like Movember, Cancer Council, and Beyond Blue. From 100km charity rides to endurance training, he shares how he breaks down the numbers—pace, time and mindset—to stay on track and push through.Find out more about Miles & Finlease: https://finlease.com.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/finlease/
In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Chris Risteski, founder of itsagame, who shares how he is using sport and coaching principles to make financial literacy more accessible.After a successful career in financial planning, Chris launched itsagame to help rebuild financial literacy in Australia through affordable, community-focused education. He explains how treating money management like a game - complete with coaching, strategy, and skill-building, can empower people to take control of their finances and build independence.Find out more about Chris and itsagame: https://itsagame.com.au/Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.
In this special episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Amanda Mandie OAM, founder and Executive Director of locally based charity, Koala Kids. This conversation follows a recent volunteering day where Aintree Group team members spent time at the Koala Kids warehouse in Hawthorn.Amanda shares the heartfelt story behind Koala Kids – a charity she co-founded with her son Nick – and how it has grown into a vibrant, community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. She talks about their journey so far, the impact of their work, and how people and businesses can get involved to support them.Find out more about the wonderful work Koala Kids do, and how can you get involved, here: https://koalakids.org.au/, and follow them on Instagram: @koalakids.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.
🎧 This week we’re revisiting our episode with Olivia Clark-Moffatt from the Australian Communities Foundation!As 30 June approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your charitable giving and how it fits into your end-of-financial-year tax planning. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Olivia Clark-Moffatt from the Australian Communities Foundation shares her passion for helping generous Australians make a bigger impact with their charitable donations, and explains how families, businesses and individuals can benefit from structured giving and setting up their own foundation.Australian Communities Foundation: communityfoundation.org.au | @auscommunitiesFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.
Cryptocurrency has captured mainstream attention since 2017, yet many wealth advisors still lack the knowledge to offer helpful advice to investors who could genuinely benefit. In this episode, Andrew McPhee from Synergist joins Shane and Andrea to bust myths and unpack the real opportunities in cryptocurrency and blockchain that are often hidden behind misconceptions and meme-coins.We explore the meaningful innovation driving change in the financial world, why understanding must come before investment, and how advisors can build trust in an industry clouded by hype, jargon, and “crypto bros.” This isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about preparing for the future of wealth with clarity, caution, and confidence.Find out more about Andrew and Synergist: https://synergist.com.au/.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.
In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Nadia Fazli - Chartered Accountant and Director at Aintree Group. Nadia shares how she found her way into the accounting world, how she’s embraced her self-confessed “tax nerd” identity, what it’s like being married to another accountant, and her big passions outside of work: travel and food. Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.
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