In Episode #304 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Ann-Mary Rajanayagam, Founder & CEO of Alderon, to cut through the AI hype and explore how businesses can turn rapidly evolving technology into real business value. With almost 30 years of experience across technology, data and transformation, Ann-Mary has held senior leadership roles at organisations including the New York Stock Exchange, JP Morgan and JANA Investment Advisers. Today, she advises business leaders and boards on AI strategy, governance, data and the future of work. Daniel and Ann-Mary unpack where business owners should actually start with AI, why identifying the right business problem matters more than simply adopting the latest technology, and how SMEs can use AI to improve processes, efficiency, customer outcomes and revenue. They also discuss vibe coding versus working with experienced developers, why human expertise becomes even more valuable as technology gets easier to access, and how AI is lowering the barriers to starting and building a business. Beyond implementation, Daniel and Ann-Mary explore the bigger questions surrounding AI, from data security, privacy and Big Tech to education, the future of work and how leaders can adapt as the pace of technological change accelerates. A practical conversation for business owners looking to move beyond the AI hype and understand where the technology can actually create value.
In this episode of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with David Werdiger, family enterprise advisor, entrepreneur and Managing Director of the Power of Pause Institute, to explore one of the biggest challenges successful business owners eventually face: what happens to the business, wealth and family after them. Drawing on his own experience growing up around a family business and advising family enterprises, David unpacks succession, choosing the right person to lead the next generation, navigating siblings and spouses, and why ownership and leadership don't always need to sit with the same person. Daniel and David also discuss how families can preserve wealth without destroying ambition, why purpose becomes increasingly important for younger generations, and the difference between simply inheriting a business and becoming a steward responsible for its future. The conversation also explores David's Power of Pause philosophy, why he believes time is our most valuable asset, and what ancient traditions can teach us about disconnecting from technology and being more present. A fascinating conversation about family, business, succession and building a legacy that can survive generations.
In Episode #302 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Simon Cohen, Founder & CEO of Cohen Handler, to unpack what's really happening in the Australian property market, and where he sees opportunity right now. Since launching Cohen Handler in 2009, Simon has built it into a 100+ person national powerhouse, helping clients secure more than $13 billion in property and becoming one of Australia's most recognisable names in luxury real estate. After 20 years navigating the GFC, COVID and countless market cycles, Simon explains why he believes today's slowdown is creating some of the most compelling buying conditions he's seen in years. Daniel and Simon unpack the impact of the Federal Budget, negative gearing and potential capital gains changes, what's happening at the top end of Sydney's market, and why waiting to perfectly time the bottom can cost you. They also explore where Simon is seeing value across residential and commercial property, how younger Australians can get into the market, and why he still sees property as one of the strongest long-term wealth-building assets. Beyond property, Simon shares how he has used the strength of the Cohen Handler brand to launch multiple ventures with specialist partners, what he looks for in the people he goes into business with, and why reputation, experience and trust still matter. A timely conversation on property, business, opportunity and where the smart money may be moving next.
In Episode #301 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Farid Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of ATP Accounting & Taxation Professionals, to unpack how proposed Federal Budget changes could impact Australian business owners. With 32 years of experience in accounting, Farid breaks down the proposed changes to trusts and business structures, what they could mean for the way business owners manage and distribute profits, and why getting the right advice will become increasingly important. Daniel and Farid also discuss negative gearing, the growing interest in commercial property, cash flow versus profit, managing costs and how businesses can respond when economic conditions become more challenging. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, Farid explains why periods of uncertainty can create opportunity for businesses prepared to adapt, invest strategically and strengthen their operations. A practical conversation on navigating change, protecting your business and making smarter financial decisions in a shifting economic environment.
For the special 300th episode of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel catches up with Mark Bouris to discuss the state of Australia, where the country is heading and the economic pressures facing business owners. Mark shares why he believes Australia is heading towards a recession, including his concerns around inflation, interest rates, unemployment and the growing divide between the public and private sectors. The conversation also tackles housing affordability, taxation, government spending, migration and Australia's increasingly divided political landscape, before exploring practical ideas to help younger Australians enter the property market and encourage developers to build more housing. Mark also opens up about why Australia is becoming an increasingly expensive place to do business and why more entrepreneurs are considering investing and operating overseas. From the risk of recession to the future of Australian business, Episode #300 asks what needs to change to put prosperity and the private sector back at the centre of Australia's economic future.