Beyond The Numbers With Christian Stevens

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Sinead Grant - a FlintDirector and one of the most exciting young brokers coming through the industry. At just 22, Sinead has already built a portfolio of two investment properties, is on track for five by 25, and has grown a personal brand from scratch by simply putting herself out there and creating consistent content. She shares the exact social media system she uses to generate multiple enquiries per week, how she can film 20 videos in an hour with nothing more than an iPhone, and why she believes rentvesting is one of the most realistic ways for young Australians to get into the property market. Whether you’re feeling priced out, thinking about investing, or considering a career in broking, this is a practical and honest conversation with someone who’s actually doing it. 0:00 — Meet the FlintDirector, who's chasing 5 properties by 25 4:06 — The rent-vesting strategy that changed everything 10:05 — Live demo: Creating a video on the spot with just an iPhone 14:20 — From zero leads to multiple inquiries per week in 90 days 16:47 — Big goals: Third property, SheInvests, and 6-10M monthly settlements 25:03 — Why educating young women on property matters 34:28 — Advice for new brokers: Find a mentor and just start. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Sinead Grant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-grant-718647241/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grantmefinance/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Max Harris, Associate Director at Azura Finance - one of Australia’s leading brokerages - and a 7x Top 100 Broker. Max shares how he went from being a part-time uni student cold-calling buyers at open homes to settling over $300M in loans this year, backed by a lean but highly effective team. Whether you’re a new broker chasing your first deal, or an experienced operator looking to scale without burning out, Max breaks down what actually works - hiring offshore vs onshore, building long-term referral relationships, managing client expectations, and preparing for an AI-driven future in lending. This is a practical, honest conversation about growth, pressure, and building something that lasts. 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Max Harris, 7x Top 100 Broker & Azura's Associate Director 5:15 – Azura's Growth Story: From 4 people to 50 staff across two floors in Double Bay 8:02 – The Multi-Mentor Approach: Why one mentor isn't enough for elite performance 12:23 – Team Structure Breakdown: Offshore vs onshore hires and the $50M junior broker mistake 19:03 – The Numbers: $130M → $200M → $300M in 3 years (and the systems behind it) 26:42 – Tech Stack Confession: Why a $300M broker still runs on Google Sheets + AI "James" 30:14 – Future-Proofing Your Business: Why simple PAYG loans will be eaten by AI 38:35 – Trust Lending Crackdown: What the recent policy changes mean for investors 42:22 – Career Advice: Hire earlier, build fewer but deeper referral relationships, slow down proposals Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Max Harris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxharrisazurafinancial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxharris_____/

David Hyman - Co-Founder, Lendi Group, reveals how AI is fundamentally reshaping the mortgage broking industry. With a $107 billion loan book and 1,400 brokers under management, David shares the inside story of merging two major brands, building AI agents that analyse 600-page contracts in under two minutes, and why brokers who don't adapt may not survive the next five years. From taking top brokers on study tours to Anthropic, Nvidia and Salesforce in San Francisco, to deploying AI voice agents that increased customer engagement from 17% to 80%, this episode breaks down the practical reality of going "AI native" in financial services. Whether you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or just curious about how AI is changing traditional industries, this conversation offers a rare look inside one of Australia's most innovative financial services groups. 0:00 — Stepping down as CEO to go all-in on AI 5:01 — The painful reality of integrating 1,400 brokers 15:54 — What AI agents actually are (and why they're not replacing brokers) 19:04 — Contract Analyser: 600 pages reviewed in under 2 minutes 28:24 — "If you're not using AI, you may not have a job in 5 years" 33:30 — The vision: Redefining how Australians buy property 44:10 — How to actually use AI in your workflow (practical tips) If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with David Hyman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhyman/

Aaron Christie David went from corporate banking at Commonwealth Bank to building one of Australia's top-performing mortgage brokerages in just 10 years. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with his close friend and mentor to unpack the mindset shifts, team structures, and brutal truths that separate elite brokers from the rest. From leaving a stable corporate career with "no Plan B" to serving the top 1% of property investors, Aaron reveals why most brokers plateau, how he built a team that runs without him, and why the simple stuff done consistently beats technical expertise every time. If you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or anyone looking to level up your career while maintaining balance, this conversation delivers real talk on what it actually takes. 0:00 – Why Aaron left corporate banking with no Plan B 5:42 – The Mindset Shift that separates elite brokers from average 11:00 – Mentorship is broken: What real P2P learning looks like 17:49 – Niche Strategy: What he'd do differently starting today 23:56 – Social media built him a $Billions pipeline (how to replicate it) 39:33 – Team Structure Breakdown: From power broker to loan strategist 45:10 – Post-settlement retention: How they keep 95% of clients 58:04 – Abundance vs Scarcity: Why broker vs broker is killing the industry 1:05:07 – Vision boards, executive coaching & eliminating blind spots If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Aaron Christie David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristiedavid/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronc_d/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Dana Blewitt, founder of The Lenders Club and one of Australia's top mortgage brokers specialising in SMSF lending. Dana discusses why women are entering broking but failing to stay beyond five years, why new brokers spread themselves too thin trying to do everything, and how mastering the basics in one niche creates more success than being a jack of all trades. She shares her advice on setting boundaries, building referral partnerships, and the crucial role of communication in managing high volumes, a practical blueprint for brokers at any stage. If you're looking to scale your brokerage, master a specialist lending niche, or learn how successful brokers balance business growth with family life, this conversation delivers actionable insights from someone who's built it from scratch. 0:00 – Introduction: Dana Blewitt, one of Australia's best brokers 2:00 – How Dana accidentally fell into SMSF lending 7:20 – 300-400 deals a year with a team of just 7 people 11:45 – Why women leave broking within 5 years (and what needs to change) 17:50 – "Master the basics" – the mistake new brokers keep making 22:10 – Biggest regret: Not hiring sooner and backing herself 25:55 – 2026 vision: Expanding digital ads, Europe trip, and moving house 38:30 – Why a supportive partner makes or breaks broker success If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn:   / propertyfinance    Instagram: / cmrstevens   Connect with Dana Blewitt:  LinkedIn: / Dana Blewitt née FraserInstagram:  / danaf1

In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Morgan Owen, founder of Penny Finance. From a nutrition degree and a career in the fitness industry to building a national finance brand, Morgan’s journey is defined by resilience and a "figure it out" mentality. After a business partnership and marriage both collapsed, Morgan launched Penny Finance from a one-bedroom apartment with "less than nothing". In this raw conversation, she explains how she turned rock bottom into a catalyst for growth, building a powerhouse brand centered on bold marketing and a digital-first strategy. Morgan breaks down her "conveyor belt" business model, the realities of scaling with onshore and offshore teams, and her ultimate vision for vertical integration. This is a masterclass in leadership, brand positioning, and the grit required to thrive as a strong woman in a male-dominated industry. Chapters: 00:00:00 From Fitness to Finance: Bluffing into a career 00:06:30 Bold Branding: Why Penny Finance stands out 00:13:00 Rock Bottom: Launching during a divorce and business collapse 00:20:00 The "Conveyor Belt" Model: Driving volume through structure 00:27:00 Scaling Teams: Managing onshore and offshore staff 00:34:00 Partnerships & Affiliates: A new model for empowering brokers 00:41:00 Predatory Lending: Early warning signs to watch 00:48:00 Dealing with Haters: Staying true to yourself in business 00:55:00 The Digital Pivot: Life beyond Instagram 01:00:00 The Legacy Play: Stepping back to build an asset If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Morgan Owen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganowenbroker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_pennyfinance/

In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Peter White AM, Managing Director of the FBAA and one of the most respected advocates the Australian mortgage broking industry has ever had. Peter’s career spans decades. He started in banking in the 1970s, moved into investment banking, built his own brokerage in regional New South Wales and became one of the first brokers in Australia to advertise on television. He has lived every version of this industry, from fax machines and Olivetti computers through to today’s conversations about AI. Over the years, Peter has been front and centre of every major regulatory change shaping modern broking. From the Uniform Consumer Credit Code to the NCCP Act and Best Interests Duty, he has been in the room fighting for brokers and for the long term health of the industry. That work was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to both broking and mental health. This conversation goes well beyond policy and headlines. Peter speaks openly about clawbacks, net-of-offset commissions and the growing frustration around channel conflict, including where he believes the industry needs to draw a firm line in the sand on remuneration. He also shares why he believes banks and brokers must work together, not push the industry into a race to the bottom. But this episode is just as much about people as it is about business. Peter opens up about mental health, living with anxiety, finding balance and what culture really means when you strip it back. From “Toasty Tuesdays” to motorbikes and sleep routines, he shares simple but powerful lessons on leadership, resilience and actually caring about the people around you. This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable career, lead through change and still find peace along the way. This is Beyond The Numbers. Chapters: 00:00:00 23 years at the FBAA: From volunteer roles to Managing Director 00:07:30 Cutting teeth in the 70s: The era of Olivetti computers and the first ATMs 00:15:00 The regulatory milestones that shaped the modern broker 00:22:00 The truth about clawbacks and the 342% increase in lost commissions 00:30:00 Channel Conflict: Why major banks are creating a "race to the bottom" 00:37:00 Winning an AM: Advocacy beyond the industry line 00:45:00 The "Black Dog": Peter’s raw advice on mental health and anxiety 00:52:00 Toasty Tuesdays and why culture is just about being human 01:00:00 Finding peace: 1900cc motorbikes and the power of being present 01:05:00 AI and the future: Why the "Terminator" isn't coming for your job yet If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Peter White: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-white-am-b094607/ Website: https://www.fbaa.com.au/

In the debut episode of Beyond The Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with his business partner Redom Syed - Managing Director and Co-Founder of Flint, former Federal Treasury economist, and one of Australia’s most respected mortgage minds. Redom’s story doesn’t start in finance. It starts at 14, helping his family through financial hardship - long before strategy, markets, or lending were career paths. After landing his dream role at the Federal Treasury, analysing household behaviour and economic policy, Redom made an unexpected move - he walked away. Armed with data, conviction, and a laptop in his bedroom, he built a brokerage grounded in education, clarity, and long-term thinking. Along the way, he settled more than a billion dollars in loans and became a Top 100 Broker seven years running and earned a reputation for cutting through noise and explaining the why behind the numbers. In this episode, Redom breaks down how he built his business through content and education - generating 1,300+ warm leads in nine months from YouTube alone. He shares the mastery framework behind his growth, why he merged a successful business into the Flint vision, and what it really takes to scale a company to 100+ staff in 12 months. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a raw conversation about self-doubt, lonely decisions, fatherhood, and the moment that reshaped how Redom thinks about success and impact. This is Beyond The Numbers - real conversations, real lessons, and the thinking that sits beneath exceptional outcomes. Chapters: 00:00:00 At14-year-old he started giving his parents financial advice 00:06:30 He left his dream job at Treasury – everyone thought he was crazy 00:13:00 How YouTube generates 100+ warm leads every month 00:20:00 Why he cannibalised a top brokerage to merge with Flint 00:27:00 The brutal truth about scaling to 100+ staff in 12 months 00:34:00 Most brokers won't do this, it's a huge mistake 00:41:00 The mastery framework that separates good brokers from great ones 00:48:00 The night he heard his father cry changed everything 00:55:00 Managing multiple businesses without losing your mind 01:00:00 The no-douchebag policy and why culture will make or break you If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Are you a broker and want to elevate their craft, build a brand that stands out, and ultimately help more Australians achieve financial freedom? Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Redom Syed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investmentfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDOeVDy-Fjddc7vla7CJNxQ