The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys

Επεισόδια

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  Reuben Williams Quit His Own Company. Then Bought It Back. 14.09.2026 45λ

  SportsGrad founder Reuben Williams quit his own company — then figured out how to buy it back. But that’s only part of his story. Reuben has gone from landing his dream job at Cricket Australia, to redundancy, entrepreneurship and almost losing the business he built. He’s helped close to 850 people find jobs in sport, travelled the world chasing some of its biggest events, and rebuilt SportsGrad after a buyback deal left him under enormous financial pressure. At the same time, Reuben spent six years navigating the legal system after taking a former colleague to court over a sexual assault. The experience led him to speak publicly about what happened and become an advocate for survivors. Reuben joins Sylvia Jeffreys on The Pay Off for a wide-ranging conversation about ambition, resilience, work and what happens when life doesn’t follow the path you expected. In this episode: The CV mistakes that could be holding jobseekers back Why AI is changing the entry-level jobs market What his experience taught him about the barriers facing sexual assault survivors The four values shaping how he lives and works See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Who Gets a Seat at the Table? Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks on Media and Power 07.09.2026 36λ

  Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks has built her career around a question: who gets heard — and who gets a seat at the table? After working inside Parliament House, she founded Missing Perspectives to give young women a bigger voice in media. What started as a Squarespace blog has grown into a global media platform, backed by major brands and amplified by the likes of Reese Witherspoon.  Now, her new book The Right Hand takes her inside another world of influence: the chiefs of staff behind some of the world’s most powerful leaders.In this episode, Phoebe talks about: Why working in Canberra changed the way she thought about power and representation How a cold LinkedIn message helped launch Missing Perspectives Why she turned down early investment — and later quit her job to go all-in What traditional media gets wrong about reaching younger audiences What the people closest to Tony Blair, Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau revealed about leadership behind closed doors The surprising role empathy, trust and difficult conversations play at the highest levels of power Why sometimes the hardest part of building something is simply getting started See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How Sundae Body Reached 10,000 Stores — And Nearly Broke Along the Way 31.08.2026 45λ

  Sundae Body sells a product every six seconds and is stocked in more than 10,000 stores across 14 countries. But behind the rapid growth of the colourful Australian beauty brand are some costly mistakes and hard-earned business lessons. Lizzie Binks went from working in a call centre and receiving a school score of 59 to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing beauty brands.  The Sundae Body co-founder joins The Pay Off to explain how Sundae went from an idea to shake up the body care aisle to an international success story — and the decisions that almost derailed it along the way. Binks reveals how she launched into Woolworths and Priceline without a finished product, why the business took eight months to gain momentum and how a six-month cash-flow gap nearly broke the company. She also shares what happened when Walmart approached her at a New York trade show, why Sundae eventually lost its US shelf space and how the mistake helped the brand succeed at Target. Sundae Body is preparing for its next major step: A 36-product launch into Sephora in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Does $100B Do to a Friendship? Inside the Atlassian Story 24.08.2026 32λ

  Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar started Atlassian as two university friends with $10,000 in credit card debt. They went on to build a global software giant worth more than $100 billion — and become two of Australia’s richest people. But behind the extraordinary success, their friendship was beginning to fracture. Tech Bros authors and senior business journalists John Stensholt and Perry Williams join Sylvia Jeffreys to reveal what they uncovered about the relationship behind one of Australia’s greatest business success stories — from tensions inside Atlassian and a reported year in which the founders barely spoke, to a multimillion-dollar renovation dispute between their neighbouring Point Piper mansions. In this episode: How Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar built Atlassian from almost nothing The Point Piper property dispute that exposed cracks in their friendship What happened when tensions spilled into the workplace and why Farquhar ultimately stepped down as co-CEO How Atlassian’s culture changed as the company grew The impact of AI and 1,600 job cuts on Atlassian’s future What their story teaches us about friendship, ambition and knowing when to walk away See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Rates, Housing and AI: What's Really Happening to Australia's Economy? 17.08.2026 34λ

  Interest rates remain at 4.35%, house prices are falling across much of Australia, and households are still feeling the cost-of-living squeeze. So, what happens next? Westpac Chief Economist and former Reserve Bank Assistant Governor Luci Ellis joins Sylvia Jeffreys to unpack the RBA’s latest decision, what it means for mortgage holders and why Australia’s housing downturn isn’t necessarily a crash. They examine what’s keeping inflation elevated, whether government spending is part of the problem, the complicated relationship between migration and housing affordability, and why Australia needs more skilled workers to build the homes and infrastructure we need. In this episode: What the RBA's latest decision means for interest rates Why falling house prices don't necessarily mean a housing crash Whether migration is really to blame for housing unaffordability When interest rates could begin falling Whether government spending and data centres are adding to inflationary pressure Why Australia needs more skilled tradies How women and older Australians are reshaping the workforce Whether AI will destroy jobs — or create new ones Subscribe for more conversations about money, property and the decisions shaping your financial future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Can Tech Save Democracy? Why 600,000 Aussies Used Lizzie Hedding's Voting Tool 10.08.2026 41λ

  What if technology could help us become better voters? Climate advocate, former elite long jumper and Build a Ballot co-founder Lizzie Hedding is trying to do exactly that. Her non-partisan voting platform attracted more than 600,000 users during the last federal election, helping Australians cut through political noise and make more informed decisions at the ballot box. In this episode of The Pay Off, Lizzie joins Sylvia Jeffreys to unpack the unlikely journey that took her from elite athletics to climate advocacy and, eventually, tech entrepreneurship. She reflects on how the Black Summer bushfires changed the course of her life, why she believes Australian democracy can work better, and what she learned building a political platform designed to remain fiercely neutral. They also discuss: Why younger Australians are engaging with politics differently Housing, cost of living and the rise of minor parties The challenge of remaining politically neutral in an increasingly polarised environment How social media has transformed political messaging Why Lizzie chose the not-for-profit path rather than trying to build the next tech unicorn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg Wants You To Know About Achieving the Impossible 03.08.2026 34λ

  What does it take to dedicate decades of your life to a dream that feels out of reach? In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first qualified astronaut, to explore what it really takes to pursue an extraordinary goal. From stargazing in her Sydney backyard to completing one of the world’s most demanding astronaut training programs, Katherine shares the mindset, resilience and curiosity that have shaped her remarkable career. She reveals what astronaut training is actually like, why humanity’s return to the Moon matters, and how space research is already improving life here on Earth. The conversation also explores Australia’s growing role in the global space industry, the country’s STEM skills challenge, and why Katherine believes inspiring the next generation—especially girls—to dream bigger has become one of her most important missions. She also shares an exclusive first look at Mission Sprouts, a new initiative bringing space-flown seeds into Australian classrooms. Whether you’re fascinated by space, navigating your own ambitious career goals, or simply wondering what’s possible when you commit to a lifelong dream, this episode will challenge the way you think about achieving the seemingly impossible. You’ll learn: What astronaut training is really like—and what it takes to qualify. Why the world is returning to the Moon, and Australia’s role in the next era of space exploration. How space research is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and sustainability. Why curiosity, resilience and long-term thinking matter more than natural talent. How Katherine hopes to inspire more young Australians—especially girls—to pursue careers in science, technology and space. The story behind Mission Sprouts, bringing space-flown seeds into classrooms across Australia. Find out more about Mission Sprouts at www.space.gov.au. Applications close Sunday, August 23, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How to Fund, Start and Scale with Edible Blooms’ Kelly Jamieson and Westpac’s Tamara Bryden 27.07.2026 29λ

  Starting a business is exciting. Building one that lasts is something else entirely. In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys is joined by Edible Blooms Co-founder and Managing Director Kelly Jamieson and Westpac Managing Director of Business Lending Tamara Bryden to unpack what it really takes to launch and grow a successful business. Kelly shares how she turned a kitchen-table idea into one of Australia’s best-known gifting businesses, while Tamara explains why women still receive just a fraction of startup funding—and what can be done to change it. Together, they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship: testing an idea before investing heavily, managing cash flow, securing finance, scaling beyond the “messy middle” and why building a business often means working harder than you’ve ever worked before. Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your corporate job, growing a side hustle or taking your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice from two women who’ve helped thousands of businesses get off the ground. You’ll learn: Why women still face bigger barriers when raising capital How to test a business idea before investing thousands What banks actually want to see in a business plan The biggest cash flow mistakes new founders make How to scale beyond the “messy middle” of business growth Why your network can be as valuable as your funding The mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from everyone else Why “freedom” isn’t the best reason to start your own business See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Where Australia’s Top Stock Picker Is Investing Right Now, with Jun Bei Liu 20.07.2026 39λ

  Jun Bei Liu arrived in Australia from China at 16 with little English but big ambitions. Today, she's the co-founder of Ten Cap, one of Australia's top-performing hedge funds, and one of the country's most respected stock pickers. In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with Jun Bei to unpack where she's finding opportunities in today's market, why she's avoiding some of the biggest names in AI, and what every investor should understand before buying into the latest hype. From SpaceX's eye-watering valuation to the future of Australia's banks, Jun Bei shares the frameworks she uses to separate great businesses from great investments — and why the smartest money isn't always going where everyone else is. You'll learn: Why Jun Bei is backing the "picks and shovels" powering the AI boom, rather than trying to pick the winning platform. What the SpaceX IPO can teach everyday investors about hype, valuation and timing. Why volatility and uncertainty can create the best buying opportunities. The investing philosophy Jun Bei learnt from her father — and how she's now teaching it to her own children. Why understanding the business behind the brands you already use can make you a better investor. Whether you're investing for the first time or looking to sharpen your thinking in a rapidly changing market, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will change the way you look at money, markets and opportunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Money Habits That Build Financial Freedom, with Canna Campbell 13.07.2026 29λ

  It started with a drawer overflowing with sticky $5 and $10 tips, tucked away after gruelling 3am bar shifts while trying to survive university. That mountain of cash eventually triggered an unexpected bank investigation, a furious confrontation with her father and a lifelong obsession with building financial freedom for herself and others.  In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with financial planner, best-selling author, and founder of SugarMamma, Canna Campbell (@sugarmammatv).  From the ultimate $1,650 kitchen appliance hack that saves thousands a year, to surviving a massive relationship breakdown and using her professional expertise to grow a $374,000 portfolio from scratch, Canna shares her direct, no-nonsense playbook for creating long-term wealth. Whether you are staring down a 30-year mortgage, trying to navigate changing tax laws, or just wanting to look glamorous on a budget, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you make your money work harder. You’ll learn: The mindset shifts that helped Canna rebuild after divorce and create lasting financial resilience  The step-by-step "$1,000 Project" framework for building investment momentum with amounts you can actually afford. How to “pay your future self first” and use passive dividend income to build long-term financial security. Why regularly negotiating your mortgage could save you thousands by avoiding the bank’s “loyalty tax.”  And much more. Find more from Canna here: https://www.sugarmamma.tv/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Made Redundant? Here's How to Bounce Back Stronger, with Natalie MacDonald 08.07.2026 46λ

  It came in a midnight email, despite having just kicked some huge goals for her company, and just six weeks after returning from parental leave. Redundancy. Something that's being faced by people in their thousands right now. In this episode, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with Natalie MacDonald. As a former business journalist and a founding member of the LinkedIn News Australia team, Natalie spent nearly a decade helping build the digital ecosystem that millions of professionals use every day. But when she faced a sudden redundancy while managing two small children and a tight family budget, she had to pivot fast—transforming a professional setback into a thriving portfolio career. Natalie shares her journey through career grief and how she bounced back, how you too can rebuild your career on your own terms, and how to leverage the tool so many of us know but so few of us have mastered: LinkedIn.  You will learn: The quick operational and financial steps you need to take right after losing a job. Why the cost of invisibility is greater than the cost of 'cringe' when promoting yourself online. Easy profile tweaks to boost your digital storefront, from writing warmer headlines to hitting the right weekly posting frequency. And much much more. Find more from Natalie here: https://www.workingatit.com.au/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Anti-Influencer Guide to Nailing Your Budget and Spending with Intention, with Breana Davison (Bree on a Budget) 01.07.2026 32λ

  Your days of wondering where all your money went are over. In this empowering episode, full-time nurse turned anti-influencer Breana Davison (@breeonabudget) reveals how she broke free from a debilitating mountain of debt to buy her first home, a secure financial foundation and absolute control over her spending and lifestyle. In this episode: the reality of a life of intentional spending and minimalism - and why it's not about limiting yourself.  The five-step process for stopping impulse purchases in their tracks Bree's biggest budget breakers and her practical hacks for auditing them Why "paying your future self first" will completely transform your financial landscape And much more.  If you are ready to stop comparing yourself to the world, slash unintentional spending and design a life that aligns with your true values, this episode is your definitive action-plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How Authenticity Still Drives Everything for Steph Claire Smith (KIC) 24.06.2026 56λ

  There's plenty of advice out there about fostering a social media, building a multi-million dollar business, or creating an utterly devoted community. Steph Claire Smith, founder of KIC, one of Australia's biggest wellness brands, has done all of these things. But her key is a little more simple than most: above all, keep it real. Not only that, this principle has also steered her through some of the most difficult parts of her life; such as her recovery from disordered eating, hashing out issues with her business partner best friend Laura, and the more recent trials of motherhood. In this episode, she opens up to Sylvia Jeffreys about all of the above, along with the origins of her work-life as as a model, how KIC grew from e-book to empire, her disconnect with the traditional corporate "businesswoman" archetype, the recent launch of KICstudio and more. Plus, keep listening to receive a Pay Off exclusive KIC offer code! This episode contains discussions of body image issues and disordered eating. For support, please contact the Butterfly Foundation at butterfly.org.au or 1800 ED HOPE(1800 33 4673)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Scams Out to Get You Right Now - and How to Stop Them, with Ben Young (Westpac Head of Scam and Fraud Prevention) 22.06.2026 35λ

  If you thought an EOFY sale was the biggest threat to your savings right now, this episode will make you think again. Ben Young, Head of Fraud and Scams Prevention at Westpac, pulls back the curtain on the scams he encounters - and fights - every day. From 'flavour of the month' tactics specifically designed for tax time, to emotion-triggering texts, the long cons of investment or romance scams, to the terrifying and uncanny new world of AI-powered deep fake scams - Ben breaks down how they all work, and our best defenses against them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Menopause is Corporate Australia’s Hidden Problem, with Mary Coustas 17.06.2026 43λ

  Australian actress and comedian Mary Coustas - and her famous and fabulous alter-ego Effie - have been responsible for decades of laughter. But away from the stage and screen, she's faced struggles shared by millions of other women: a grueling 23-cycle IVF journey, navigating the profound grief of a stillbirth and symptoms of menopause that, surprisingly, were hardest to deal with of all. In this deeply moving, raw, and validating episode of The Pay Off, Mary opens up about all of these experiences, why every woman and every business needs to be menopause-informed, the origins of Effie and her career, and her new menopause focused health start-up Unpause - all in her trademark style of honesty, vulnerability and humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How Ex-Journo Talitha Cummins Honestly Disrupted the Diamond Industry 10.06.2026 46λ

  Being honest has done a lot for Talitha Cummins. It's allowed her to pivot her skills as a prominent television journo into becoming the founder and design director of Australian fine jewelry house The Cut. It's generated sales across the world with zero in paid marketing. It's ruffled the feathers of her competition. It's helped her heal from addiction and it's encouraged countless others to do the same.  In this raw and far-ranging chat, Talitha explains: The myths the diamond industry is based around and the truths they'd rather you didn't hear The true difference between lab grown and natural diamonds and other FAQs Her personal investment history and strategy Her advice for those who run their own business Her story of entering and maintaining sobriety - what it's meant for her and her message for others who are struggling  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Navigating a "Swirling Economy": Westpac CEO Anthony Miller’s Honest Verdict on the Budget, Housing Supply and More 08.06.2026 35λ

  Australia is caught in a complicated, fast-moving financial landscape—what Westpac CEO Anthony Miller calls a "swirling economy." In this episode, Sylvia sits down with the leader of one of the nation’s Big Four banks for an unfiltered, data-backed assessment of the country's economic future. Anthony shares his candid perspective on the structural hurdles holding Australia back and the massive opportunities waiting to be unlocked, including: The Budget Verdict & Tax Changes: Why Anthony backs the productivity agenda but argues that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) adjustments need a strict carve-out for small businesses and startups. The $1M Housing Reality Check: The stark math behind Australia’s supply crisis— and how regional development and flexible work play a role. Interest Rates & Consumer Stress: Why Westpac is currently forecasting two more rate rises this year, and how Australian mortgage holders are holding up against the pressure. The Truth About AI & Unemployment: Why Anthony completely rejects the scary predictions of a 15% unemployment rate Skilled Migration & Nation Building: A look at why a precise, evidence-based immigration debate is vital  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is Private Education Worth It? with Skye Predavec 04.06.2026 19λ

  It's the question that weighs upon every parent: where do I send my kids to school?But with yearly tuition fees for private schooling reaching truly staggering numbers, another question often follows: is it worth it? In this eye-opening episode, Skye Predavec, researcher behind the Australia Institute's recent report on private schooling unpacks the data and the stark structural realities of our school system, including: Does private schooling equate to better outcomes? How does Australia's school system compare to the other parts of the world? A look at how private fees consistently outpace inflation, and what it will realistically cost to educate a child born today within the private system Why current trends suggest most Australian high school students will be in private systems within a few decades, and what that means for societal inequality  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Tips and Techniques to Make Your Kids Rich, with Sarah Megginson 03.06.2026 44λ

  If you've ever wanted to ensure you're giving your kids the best possible financial start - imparting not just wealth, but the means for them to generate and handle their own wealth throughout their lives, this is the episode for you! Finance expert, mother of three and author of 'How to Raise Rich Kids' Sarah Megginson is here to share her expertise, including: What rich really means  Her top tips for pocket money How to involve your kids in family finances the right way Navigating dangers of frictionless payments and online influences Communicating concepts like saving and investing in a way kids can connect to See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Scott Phillips is Optimistic About Your Financial Future 27.05.2026 48λ

  Between the cost-of-living crisis, a brutal housing market, and the constant "doom-scrolling" of financial news, it’s easy to feel financially disheartened. But today’s guest has a different perspective. In this episode, Sylvia sits down with Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool Australia to explain why (and how) your long-term financial future could be brighter than you think. In this episode, we dive into: The Power of Simplicity: Why the financial industry thrives on making things look hard just to charge you more—and how Scott’s "One-Page Investing Plan" can change your life. The Housing Crisis & "Inherited Inequality": A candid look at the structural failures of the property market and why "inheritocracy" is creating a societal divide. Historical Resilience: How the Australian market has turned $10,000 into $130,000 over 30 years—despite wars, depressions, and recessions. The Future of Work and AI: Why we shouldn't fear the coming changes Connect with Scott Phillips: Look out for his upcoming book, The One Page Investing Plan, and find him across social media and on The Motley Fool Money podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.