What does it take to lead one of the UK's most forward-thinking wealth management businesses?

In this episode of the Priority Lane Podcast, Lawrence sits down with Helena Bogdanovski, Director of Private Wealth at Foster Denovo, to discuss how one of the UK's leading wealth management firms is reshaping the industry through innovation, leadership and culture.

Reach out to Helena:
Website - fosterdenovo.com
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/helena-bogdanovski-92575a3

Key Topics

Helena's career transition from recruitment to private wealth.
Foster Denovo's unique culture and shareholder model.
Use of AI and technology to enhance client service.
Strategies for organic growth and advisor recruitment.
Diversity and inclusion in wealth management.
Leadership and mentorship in financial services.

Sound Bites

"People are the source, technology is the tool"
"Top talent is cultivated internally, not just hired"
"Diversity of thinking is essential for effective leadership"
"AI can't replace human judgment and relationships"
"AI helps advisors prepare better for client meetings"

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Helena Bogdanovski and her career background
02:10 - Transition from recruitment to private wealth and leadership insights
05:30 - Building a company culture where "culture is king"
08:15 - Foster Denovo’s unique business model as a shareholder-owned firm
11:00 - The significance of internal recruitment and organic growth strategies
14:20 - Challenges and successes in managing a team of over 90 advisors
17:00 - Mentorship influences and leadership development within the firm
20:30 - The role of diversity and increasing female representation in wealth management
24:00 - Helena’s insights on the future of AI in financial advisory services
28:00 - The firm’s innovative approach to AI and digital transformation
32:00 - Managing a dispersed advisory team and promoting collaboration
36:00 - Strategies for attracting new advisor partners and growth opportunities
39:30 - Advice for young professionals considering wealth management career paths
43:00 - Addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusivity in the industry
46:00 - Closing thoughts on industry evolution and Helena’s vision for the future

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From selling water as a seven-year-old in a scorching market to building a thriving coaching and lending business, Oz Konar’s story is a masterclass in turning pressure into purpose.

In this conversation, Oz and Lawrence unpack the mindset shifts that take an entrepreneur from hustle to strategy, from survival to scalable success. It’s a sharp, honest episode about resilience, mentoring, and why the best business lessons often come from real life - not from textbooks.

Reach out to Oz:
Website - businesslendingblueprint.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oz-konar

Key Topics

Entrepreneurial beginnings at age 7.
Resilience through financial hardships.
Adapting business strategies for different generations.
The importance of action over perfection.
Building trust and human connection in business.

Sound Bites

"Take imperfect action, there's no perfect moment."
"When you take action, something magical happens."
"Understand what it takes to succeed and build long-term business."

Chapters

03:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
06:03 From Childhood Experiences to Business Insights
09:04 Navigating Challenges and Finding Purpose
11:53 The Importance of Mentorship and Learning
14:52 Coaching Philosophy and Accountability
18:00 Adapting to Diverse Learning Styles
20:59 Cultural Diversity in Business Coaching
24:41 Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurship
27:14 The Impact of Age on Work Ethic
30:52 Generational Perspectives on Business
33:38 Adapting Sales Strategies for Different Ages
39:39 The Accidental Entrepreneurial Journey
43:39 The Role of Timing in Success
45:57 Actionable Meetings for Effective Leadership
49:03 Creating a Safe Environment for Open Dialogue
51:04 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership
53:36 Building Trust Through Human Connection
55:01 The Role of Trust in Business Relationships
57:26 Personality Over Titles: The Human Element in Networking
01:00:41 Adapting to Change: The Need for New Skills
01:07:54 Taking Imperfect Action: Entrepreneurial Advice

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Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

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What if the most important part of financial planning isn’t building wealth — but protecting it?

In this episode, Trish Gregory shares her journey into insurance specialisation and explains why specialist advice can completely change outcomes for clients and families. The conversation covers trust, mental health claims, AI in advice, and the growing importance of protection in modern financial planning.

Reach out to Trish:
Website - hcis.com.au
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/trish-gregory-finance

Key Topics

Introduction to Trish Gregory
Transition to Insurance Specialization
The Role of an Insurance Specialist
Client Relationships and Trust
Perceptions of Insurance
AI in Insurance
Future of Insurance

Soundbites

"Insurance is like a seatbelt; you only appreciate it when you need it."
"Specialization in insurance leads to better client outcomes."
"Building trust is essential for accurate risk assessment."
"AI is streamlining complex medical assessments in insurance."

Chapters

00:09 Introduction and Guest Background
01:14 Podcast Co-hosting and Audience
03:11 Career Transition and Specialization
05:43 Client Experience and Insurance Process
20:53 Addressing Insurance Misconceptions
35:14 AI's Role in Insurance
37:29 Future Trends in Insurance
46:43Closing Thoughts and Advice

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Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

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Most people think financial advice is only for the wealthy.

This conversation challenges that perception completely.

Nicola Beswick — Chair of the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN) — shares how advisors across Australia are quietly helping people facing serious illness, disability, and financial hardship through free financial advice.

From navigating Centrelink and superannuation during life-changing diagnoses, to the emotional side of client relationships, this conversation reveals a side of financial advice rarely seen by the public.

A powerful discussion about empathy, purpose, and the human impact of great advice.

Reach out to Nicola:
Website - probonoadvice.com.au
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/nicola-beswick-financialplanner

Key topics

Nicola Beswick's career transition from science and law to finance.
The mission and impact of PFAN in providing pro bono advice.
The process of connecting clients facing serious illnesses with advisors.
The importance of financial education and community support.
Challenges and opportunities for women in the financial industry.

Sound Bites

"It's people first. It's not just about outcomes or results."
"It's like Ted Lasso, PFAN feels grounded in kindness and integrity."
"A good group of human beings doing important work."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Priority Lane Podcast
01:59 Nicola Beswick's Journey: From Science to Finance
05:54 The Impact of Personal Experience on Career Choices
11:47 Understanding PFAN: Connecting Advisors with Those in Need
17:59 The Process of Matching Clients with Advisors
24:07 Supporting Vulnerable Clients: The Role of Social Workers
30:11 How Advisors Can Get Involved with PFAN
32:49 Redefining Wealth and Financial Advice
36:15 Attracting Women to the Financial Industry
40:16 The Importance of Empathy in Financial Advice
43:29 Funding and Support for PFAN
46:55 PFAAN: A Show Like Ted Lasso

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Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

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What do cancer care and financial advice have in common?

More than you’d think.

Kirra Sharrock joins The Priority Lane Podcast to discuss her unexpected path into advice, the importance of soft skills in client relationships, and why the future of the profession depends on trust, empathy, and accessibility.

From volunteering and advocacy to reshaping perceptions around financial advice, this episode is packed with honest insights about the profession behind the numbers.

Reach out to Kirra:
Website - bravium.com.au
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/kirrasharrock

Key topics

Unconventional career transition from radiation therapy to finance.
Importance of soft skills and client trust in advice.
Industry shift from product focus to values-based advice.
Role of industry associations and advocacy for new professionals.
Impact of regulatory changes and levies on advice industry.
The significance of giving back through pro bono work.
Career development pathways in financial advice.
Future industry challenges and opportunities.

Sound Bites

"Empathy and soft skills are essential in advice"
"Advice is about trust, not just products"
"Giving back is part of who I am"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kirra Sharrock and Her Journey
02:02 Transition from Radiation Therapy to Financial Advice
06:00 The Importance of Soft Skills in Financial Advice
11:58 The Shift from Product-Centric to Client-Centric Advice
15:00 Involvement in FAAA and Advocacy for the Profession
20:02 Educating the Public on Financial Advice Careers
21:59 Pro Bono Financial Advice Network Overview
23:46 The Value of Financial Advice
24:30 Getting Involved with Pro Bono Financial Advice Network
26:37 Lessons Learned from Pro Bono Work
30:46 Challenges in the Financial Advice Industry
36:49 Positive Aspects of the Financial Industry
39:41 The Importance of Giving Back
42:52 Balancing Professional and Personal Life
45:09 Inspiration Behind Giving Back

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Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

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What if building wealth had nothing to do with how much you earn? Beyond money—and into mindset.

In this episode, Juanita Wrenn breaks down the real game. Shares how her early exposure to financial instability shaped a lifelong mission: to never let money dictate her life. From raising four children while running a financial firm, to building a business that blends human insight with AI, Juanita offers a grounded perspective on what wealth really means.

The conversation explores why most people fail to build wealth (despite knowing what to do), the underestimated power of starting early, and how financial advice is less about products—and entirely about people.

Reach out to Juanita:
Website - hudsonfinancialplanning.com.au
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/juanita-wrenn-6a22511a9/

Key Topics

The importance of purpose in financial decisions
Balancing family life with a career in finance
The role of AI and technology in future advice
Strategies for wealth accumulation and early start
The human element in trust and client relationships

Sound Bites

"Money is about understanding yourself."
"Start early, compound interest is magic."
"People are more important than products."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wynita Wrenn and Family Dynamics
03:00 Balancing Work and Family Life
05:53 The Journey into Financial Planning
08:54 Understanding Money and Behavioral Finance
12:04 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'
14:53 The Role of Personal Connection in Financial Advice
18:06 The Technical vs. Personal Approach in Finance
21:11 Empowering Clients Through Understanding
24:14 The Power of Early Investment
24:30 The Power of Compounding and Early Saving
30:13 Mindset Shift: From Spending to Investing
36:03 Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation
39:43 Business Growth and Strategic Decisions
01:00:14 The Future of Financial Advice: Balancing Technology and Humanity

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Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

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What really drives financial decisions — logic or behavior?
Dean Weinbren explores the hidden psychology behind investing, decision-making, and customer engagement. From cognitive biases to real-world examples, this episode reveals how behaviour shapes outcomes more than most realize. We also dive into modern work, team dynamics, and building scalable systems.

Reach out to Dean:
Website - pengana.com
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/deanweinbren/

Key topics

Dean Weinbren's background in organizational psychology.
Application of behavioral psychology in finance and customer engagement.
Impact of COVID-19 on remote work and productivity.

Sound bites

"Ownership distorts judgment in investing"
"Relativity shapes our value judgments"
"Perception is reality in decision making"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dean Weinbring and His Background
02:49 The Aura Fund: A Charitable Investment Initiative
05:59 Dean's Unique Career Path in Finance and Marketing
09:03 Lessons Learned from Early Business Ventures
12:08 Understanding Industrial Sociology vs. Organizational Psychology
14:53 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Dynamics
18:10 The Evolution of Remote Work and Collaboration
21:00 Behavioral Psychology in Everyday Life
26:54 The Role of Perception in Decision Making
33:04 Dean's Passion for Building Value in Finance
35:54 Conclusion and Reflections on April Fool's Day

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Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

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Summary

In this engaging interview, Rachel Meadow, Managing Director of IFGL Pensions, shares her journey from early jobs to leadership, discusses the importance of financial literacy, and explores how industry awareness can inspire more women and young people to pursue careers in financial services.

Reach Rachel on:
www.ifglpensions.com

Key topics

Rachel Meadow's career progression
Importance of financial literacy and early pension saving
Industry awareness and attracting talent to finance
Work-life balance and mental health in leadership
Motivation and drive in professional growth

Sound bites

"The sound of waves relaxes me."
"Squeaky tape guns drive me insane."
"I would love to be a party planner."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Meadow and Her Journey
05:53 Early Career Experiences and Work Ethic
10:46 Balancing Work and Family Life
12:40 Motivation and Ambition in Leadership
16:55 Raising Awareness in Financial Services
20:31 The Importance of Early Pension Planning
25:36 Navigating Pension Options for Self-Employed Individuals
28:34 Finding the Right Financial Advisor
30:39 Resources for Pension Guidance
32:37 Building Supportive Teams in the Workplace
35:46 Mental Health Challenges in Leadership
38:31 Personal Insights and Fun Questions
42:43 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

You’re listening to The Priority Lane, fueled by MyBrokers App.

Get ahead, move fast - go to MyBrokers.app and download right now!

Purpose built for the financial services industry.

Provisional Patent Application Number: 2025905501

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.