Axel's journey from Paris housing commission to owning a multi-million dollar Australian property portfolio is proof that background doesn't determine destiny. Arriving in 2014 with no English and $5,000, he started a landscaping business with borrowed equipment and built it into Sydney's premier garden service with Australia's first subscription model. But this isn't just a business success story. In five years, Axel went from pushing a mower to owning three Australian investment properties plus a Spanish apartment for his mum - all while working 80-hour weeks in the garden industry, where cash is king and property investing seems impossible. In this conversation, Axel reveals why he rejected cash jobs to show bank-worthy numbers, how he used 10% deposits and LMI strategically when everyone said don't, and why he bought properties he's never inspected while flying to Spain to sign papers in person. From listening to audiobooks while mowing lawns to understanding equity release and compounding growth, his self-education transformed a tradesman's income into a portfolio heading toward $100 million. Axel shares the brutal mortgage broker rejection after year one, the tax mistake that delayed his second purchase, and why cutting expenses and eating hot dogs on footpaths was his secret to rapid portfolio growth. His goal isn't just wealth - it's giving back to young people trapped in environments like the one he escaped.

Manpreet Singh's journey from Indian migrant to founding one of Australia's most trusted accounting firms reveals the financial foundations every investor and business owner gets wrong. After seven years climbing the accounting ladder, he made a bold one-week decision that changed everything. In this conversation, Manpreet exposes the critical mistakes that destroy businesses and investment portfolios. He reveals why a simple 1% price increase can double your profit, how "micro improvements" transform cashflow, and why most people set up trust structures at exactly the wrong time. From his unique SIS framework (Situation, Intention, Structure) to busting dangerous SMSF myths, Manpreet shares the strategies big firms use for major clients that small businesses and property investors never hear about. He explains why "turnover is ego but cashflow is existence," the hidden costs of credit cards on borrowing capacity, and how parents can help their children without risking everything. Whether you're a first-time property investor or scaling a business empire, Manpreet's insights on systems, discipline, and strategic thinking could save you thousands in mistakes and multiply your wealth through smarter structures. This episode cuts through the barbecue talk and DIY disasters to reveal what actually works in Australian property investment and business growth.

Nick Georges' journey from footballer to director of one of Australia's fastest-growing offshore providers is a masterclass in turning setbacks into success. After his football dreams ended at 18, his painter father got him a job in real estate - a decision that would change thousands of lives across two countries. Now Director of Growth at Wingman Group, Nick oversees 1200 remote professionals working across 900 Australian and New Zealand real estate businesses. But this isn't just another offshoring story - it's about humanising remote work, building genuine relationships, and creating systems that allow property managers to handle 300+ managements while business development managers sign 35 new clients monthly. In this conversation, Nick reveals the brutal academy process where only 150 graduates emerge from 4000 monthly interviews, why most remote professional arrangements fail, and how AI will transform the industry without replacing the human element. He shares insights from working with Australia's top agents, the leadership lessons from Richard Branson that drive Wingman's culture, and why he believes the best agents focus on relationships and play the long game. From losing his licence and accidentally becoming a property management expert to meeting his future business partner at a Brisbane football game, Nick's story proves that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from unexpected detours.

Peter Ristevski, CEO of Investment Plus Accounting Group and named Australia's Best Accountant in 2024, reveals why most property investors are making expensive structural mistakes that could cost them hundreds of thousands. From running a mail order business in high school that earned more than his dad to building an accounting empire with offices across Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong and New Zealand, Peter's journey is anything but ordinary. Known as "The 1% Accountant," he's built his reputation on challenging the status quo and creating asset protection structures that no other firm in Australia offers. In this conversation, Peter shares the costly mistakes investors make by putting properties in the wrong names, why negative gearing should never be your primary strategy, and how testamentary trusts can protect generational wealth from divorce courts. He also reveals his thoughts on the ATO's upcoming changes, why Sydney's property dominance is a myth backed by 40 years of data, and his predictions for potential taxation on family homes. Whether you're buying your first investment property or building a multi-million dollar portfolio, Peter's insights on structures, tax minimisation and asset protection could save you more money than any property deal ever will.

Mat's story is one of the most compelling migrant success stories in Australian property. Arriving from Serbia at 17 without speaking English, he went from construction sites to building one of Australia's most sophisticated property analytics platforms. In this conversation, Mat reveals how he and co-founder Alex created HTag Analytics - a platform that analyses over 80 metrics and 2 billion data points to predict property growth before the market catches on. We explore the crucial difference between "hotspots" (already expensive) and "warm spots" (where smart money goes), and why 80% of property returns come from location choice, not the property itself. Mat shares the mistakes that nearly killed their business, why most property courses fail investors, and how AI is revolutionising property analysis. Plus, he gives his current buying recommendations for different budgets.This episode is packed with insights on data-driven property investing, building a tech business, and why community beats competition every time.

In this episode of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian sits down with Nick Reilly, founder of Inovayt, to unpack what smart investing looks like in today’s fast-moving world. With nearly two decades of experience in lending and financial planning, Nick brings clarity to common pitfalls—from high-rise apartment traps to outdated SMSFs—and the red flags in property spruiking. They discuss the rise of buyer’s agents, the myth of the “best rate,” the increasing role of AI in finance, and why structure and planning matter more than ever. Nick also opens up about what makes a good advisor, how investors are changing post-COVID, and why confirmation—not just data—is what clients really seek. If you're planning to build a portfolio, refinance, or just want to avoid financial mistakes that could cost you decades, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian is joined by finance strategist and Entourage Finance broker Katherine Stephens. With over a decade in banking, commercial lending, and now broking, Kat shares how she helps clients go beyond a transaction to build real financial strategy. From leveraging equity the smart way, to structuring for long-term growth, and avoiding pre-approval traps, Kat reveals the common mistakes buyers make — and how to avoid them. They also deep-dive into SMSF borrowing, the power of pre-planning, and how working with the right team (accountant, buyer’s agent, broker, and solicitor) is the secret weapon of top investors.

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian is joined by Kaveer Soni, commercial lawyer and founder of Soni Legal. With legal experience spanning South Africa and Australia, Kaveer breaks down how investors can protect themselves in an increasingly complex property market. From risky house-and-land packages and joint ventures with family or friends, to trust structures, asset protection, and commercial property traps—this episode is a legal reality check for every investor. Kaveer shares his personal investment journey, the pros and cons of buying property with others, and the one thing you must do before signing a contract. If you're buying property, especially off-the-plan or with others, this is essential listening. Legal protection isn't just for worst-case scenarios—it's how smart investors plan for success.

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian sits down with economic futurist, behavioral finance expert, and bestselling author Evan Lucas. From his unexpected career journey to hard truths about rentvesting, regional trends, and the misunderstood "Bank of Mum and Dad," Evan unpacks how emotions drive our money decisions. They dive into affordability, post-COVID shifts, investing mindsets, and why owning 10 properties might not equal financial freedom. It’s a candid, insightful conversation that blends global insight with real, human behaviour. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just money-curious, this episode will challenge how you think about wealth.

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian sits down with Frank Lin — Certified Financial Planner, SMSF Specialist, and Director of XIN Wealth — to talk about what really sets strategic investors apart. Frank shares his journey from first-generation immigrant to trusted advisor, and explains why strategy, not products, is the key to long-term financial control. From the psychology of decision-making and the power of habit, to the common traps in SMSFs and why succession planning shouldn’t wait until you're 70 — this episode is packed with insight. If you’re ready to go beyond basic finance and start thinking like a true strategist, this one's for you.

In this episode, host Julian chats with Dion Fernandes — a seasoned mortgage broker, finance expert, and host of the Finance This, Property That podcast. A key member of the award-winning team at Emerge Finance, Dion has helped more than 200 investors grow their portfolios strategically. Together, they explore Dion’s unique journey — from growing up in Mumbai to moving to New Zealand, working as a professional tennis umpire, and eventually building a successful career in finance. Dion offers valuable insights into developing smart finance strategies, staying proactive, and navigating the challenges of securing finance as a self-employed individual.

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, we sit down with Dan Argent – real estate agent turned entrepreneur – for a no-BS chat about how he broke free from the traditional agency model to build something of his own. Dan shares the story behind UrbanX, the challenges of going against the grain, and what it really takes to back yourself in business. Whether you're a property professional or just someone looking to carve your own path, Dan’s insights into risk, reward, and reinvention are pure gold.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Tyson, co-founder of Dominion and a visionary in property development. Known for his strategic, systemised approach and strong focus on relationships, Jon shares how he creates high-value, tenant-first projects that benefit both investors and the communities they serve. We look at why a great tenant experience is essential to attracting quality renters—and how that directly impacts long-term returns. Jon explains the difference between buy-and-hold and buy-and-sell strategies, and why matching the right site to the right strategy creates more predictable outcomes. We also explore the common misconceptions around co-living, and how modern designs with private living spaces and shared amenities are attracting tenants like CEOs, pilots, and top-tier professionals, challenging outdated views and setting a new standard for investment properties.

In this episode, we chat with John Kalachian, Partner at Fortis Accounting Partners, about all things accounting, tax, and financial strategy for Aussie property investors. John shares how he started Fortis and built a career helping people and businesses make sense of the tax system—and make the most of it. We talk through common tax mistakes, smart ways to boost your financial outcomes, and why having the right team around you really matters. He also discusses his own property investment journey and offers some great advice for parents who want to help their children enter the market.

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, host Julian is joined by Mike Mortlock, Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors and a leading authority on property investment and tax depreciation. Mike shares his journey, the key services his firm offers, and how he helps investors boost their returns through smart tax strategies. With fresh data and sharp analysis, he offers a clear picture of Australia’s property market—what’s happening now, what’s ahead, and where the real opportunities lie in 2024 and beyond. They also explore the often-overlooked power of depreciation schedules and why getting them right can make a big difference to your bottom line.

In this episode, we're joined by John Micalizzi, a finance broker at Blue Lantern Financial Services and a lending specialist with over 25 years of experience in accounting, insurance, and finance. John shares his journey from a traditional corporate career to launching his own finance broking business. We delve into his personal story, explore the ins and outs of property investment, and get his perspective on the current lending environment. He also breaks down the pros and cons of commercial vs residential properties, the implications of SMSF lending, and why taking action is one of the most important steps in any investor’s journey. If you're looking to better understand finance, loans, and how to structure your investments for long-term success, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Christie David, the founder of Atelier Wealth Mortgage Brokers. Aaron specialises in helping property investors join the top 1% of Australian investors. We discuss his journey from Sri Lanka to Australia, the challenges and successes he faced, and his insights on scaling property portfolios. Aaron also shares his thoughts on the current market, the recent interest rate drop, and the importance of having a supportive partner in your investment journey. Learn about his strategic advice for first home buyers and investors alike, and how to navigate the property market with confidence. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation!

Welcome to the Smart Investor Show! In the very first episode of the series, host Julian interviews Munzurul Khan, a distinguished chartered accountant and founder of KHI Partners, known for his expertise in strategic accounting, financial advisory, and property investment. Munzurul shares his compelling journey from Bangladesh to Australia, highlighting the challenges his family faced and how they overcame them. He discusses his career trajectory, the importance of humility, and the significance of strategic planning in business and investment. Munzurul also offers his insights on the current property market, the impact of interest rates, and the growing trend of self-managed super funds. Lastly, he sheds light on his philanthropic endeavours and the values that drive his commitment to giving back. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation!

The Smart Investor Show is a podcast offering practical insights, expert interviews, and data-driven analysis to help both novice and experienced property investors in Australia make strategic decisions to build long-term wealth.