In our second episode of this season, Douglas Isles interviews a very special guest who, as co-founder, was there at the origin of Platinum Asset Management almost three decades ago, and whose investment philosophy is the inspiration behind the Investing for Life podcast – Kerr Neilson.

Kerr shares a rare insight into his life growing up, how his father’s business challenges shaped his views on entitlement and hard work, learning the difference between luck and competitive advantage in investing, and how insecurities and the drive to win led to the creation of Platinum. 

Full of honesty, wisdom and ‘learning opportunities’, this discussion is as insightful for investors as it is for anyone looking to build a successful business. As Kerr explains, success comes from continuous improvement and not being wedded to old ideas, especially your own. In his words: “If you are open to criticism and if you are open to new ideas, you progressively get better.”

Listen to this conversation to:

- Learn where Kerr’s ability to find ‘unexpected’ value in the market came from, and why he believes awareness of any fashion is crucial to inform your own investment position;
- Hear how lessons learned from analysing others’ businesses helped shape his own approach to improving Platinum;
- Hear what Kerr believes are the two most important qualities candidates can have in an unpredictable market; 
- Gain an insight on his views on the current market and what lies ahead for the unprepared investor; and
- Discover what Kerr feels is the single most important driver for any business to succeed.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E2: Kerr Neilson, Co-Founder @ Platinum Asset Management

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest with infectious enthusiasm, entrepreneurial drive and vision. Anthony (‘Ant’) Millet is Global Partner and co-lead of Global Capital at Antler, providing institutional grade access to Global Venture Capital from the earliest of stages, through heavily curated, diversified, unique and proprietary portfolios. 

But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Ant made an incredibly difficult, emotional decision to leave an illustrious investment banking career in 2008 to join the family business, quickly running out of cash. The challenge of transforming ActivInstinct from one High Street store into a leading global online sports retailer and multi-channel operator unlocked his deep passion for problem solving and innovation. A passion he ultimately took to FinTech BrickX as CEO, scaling the business to over 12,000 investors, before joining Antler.

"When I joined there was a website that was barely functional, completing three to five orders a day. We ultimately grew it over five years into a business doing about a million orders a year, launched into nine countries."

One of Ant’s greatest personal discoveries during those five years was how to operate in a mode where failure was “not an option”. This conversation explores his leap of faith and a key pivot in his career, how he overcame early setbacks, and how he applied those hard lessons learned to shape his future career pathway.

Tune in to hear more about:

- His family business turnaround story, the decisions made, and challenges faced along the way;
- Ant’s views on whether one is born with – or learns – entrepreneurial grit, based on his own childhood experiences;
- His less-than-linear career path from investment banking to family sports shop to global e-commerce success story to scaling BrickX to his role with Antler today; 
- His reflections on the "golden age of innovation" from his time working in the US; and
- How Ant perceives and approaches risk, and how he deals with ‘failure’.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E8: Anthony Millet, Global Partner @ Antler

Today’s guest on the Investing for Life podcast believes winning her battle with breast cancer saved her life in more ways than one. Esteemed academic leader Professor Catherine Bennett (BHSc, MAppEpid, PhD and GAICD) shares her remarkable story with host Douglas Isles.

Following a diverse and distinguished career in public health practice research, academic governance and teaching, Catherine now holds the role of Alfred Deakin Professor and Inaugural Chair in epidemiology at Deakin University. However, it hasn’t always been easy. Catherine lost both parents at a young age, suffered from poor health throughout university, and was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her intertwining personal and professional journeys now provide her with a rare combination of resilience, expertise and perspective that – at this time in history – has never been more important.

"The pandemic is a terrible situation for the world. But one where everything I have worked on over time comes together, in a way. Epidemiology, transmission, communication, analytics - I'm grateful I can now draw on them.

"It comes down to how you respond to the challenges. That is the mark of the epidemiologist."

Tune in to this episode to hear more about Catherine’s:

- Approach to her career, with a renewed value placed upon work-life balance, and her commitment to modelling this for her team;
- Insightful reflections on her experience of the pandemic as a frontline epidemiologist – from preparation to the manifestation of a COVID reality;
- Expert analysis on Australia's COVID response; and 
- Perspective on how personal setbacks have equipped her with a rare professional skillset needed in today’s world.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E9: Catherine Bennett, Alfred Deakin Professor @ Deakin University

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest who put purpose and passion ahead of a traditional career path, unlocking an ongoing journey of positive community impact and social change. 

David Williams has more than two decades’ experience across the private and for purpose sectors, most recently at Social Ventures Australia, spanning diverse roles from global senior management to field operations and delivery. His experiences partnering with people in Australia and around the world to generate positive community outcomes has transformed his approach to ‘work’.

After meeting his wife and raising their young family in her hometown in the Northeast of Brazil, David began to fully appreciate the breadth and depth of racism and unconscious bias in society. This sparked a journey of understanding of self, and the way people from different cultures and contexts interact.

David has applied these learnings throughout his career working within 'for purpose' sector; leaving his early career at Bain & Company and spending more than a decade working in countries across Africa and Latin America, before returning to Australia to work and raise his family. 

For anyone seeking deeper purpose in their career, tune in to this inspiring conversation with someone who took a leap of faith and has never looked back. Listen to hear more about:

- David’s experience as an 'outsider' living with his family in the Northeast of Brazil;
- David’s transition into the 'for purpose' sector;
- How his sustainable tourism social venture (Meza Community) came to light, combining marine conservation and community development alongside recreation and hospitality services in Tanzania;
- His view on how to create positive social change including learnings along the way; and
- Whether David believes you can have a greater social impact at home or abroad. 

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E10: David Williams, Founder @ Meza Community

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest who opted not to follow the crowd, and made her mark as a female founder within a male-dominated industry. Today, she passionately advocates for and encourages the next generation of women to find their own path. 

Dominique Gill has 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. After beginning her career in architecture, in 2016 she became the founder and managing director of Urban Core: the first female-founded construction start-up of its kind, and one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, according to The Australian Financial Review. 

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. As a female founder within an industry comprising an 88% male workforce, Dominique has had her share of “uphill battles” to overcome discrimination and demonstrate her experience and credibility. But her efforts have laid important foundations for others to follow.

Urban Core has enjoyed strong performance, and Dominique maintains a workforce with 44% women, well above industry benchmarks. She continues to challenge the status quo of what the industry could look like in the future, and is a pioneer for diversity and inclusion, working with high school students to help them access new opportunities within the construction sector.

“If we have more women sitting at the table, everybody wins. A team that has that is more diverse, will be more collaborative, more creative, more profitable.”

Tune in to hear Dominique’s views on:

- the value of ‘debunking’ the many myths around the construction sector;
- moving from France to Australia, and from architecture to Urban Core, and how these transitions shaped her character; and
- why educating the next generation is crucial to overhaul diversity and inclusion in the sector.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E11: Dominique Gill, Founder & MD @ Urban Core

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest who has always taken a "nothing to lose, give it a go" attitude, and drawn on his own grit and determination to overcome a multitude of barriers. 

This amazing story starts in a tiny town in the middle of the Indian jungle where Ali Mohammed spent his early years. His career began as a technician in the Indian Air Force, where he became a qualified aeronautical engineer, moved up the ranks and, along with his wife and two young twins, ultimately emigrated to Australia in 2004. 

But life in Australia didn’t start smoothly. After landing, Ali realised his qualifications weren't recognised, and he was told he had to go back to university and start again. With limited English, limited funds, and a young family, Ali had to adapt his thinking and pursue a new path in this new country. 

After six years retraining while supporting his family through a range of sales and retail roles, he took a leap of faith and founded Melbourne-based financial advisory firm, Planet Wealth. Today, Ali is an award-winning financial planner with a successful track record, driven by his desire to ensure his family found its feet in Australia – a resilience that resonates with clients keen to reach their own goals in life.

In Ali’s words: "When you don't have an option to fail, you will actually put in 100 per cent."

Listen to this episode to learn about:

- Ali's childhood growing up in the Indian jungle in the 1970s;
- His experience joining the Indian Air Force before migrating to Australia;
- The challenge of re-establishing himself in another country, his determination to succeed, and the journey towards financial planning; and
- Ali’s successes with Planet Wealth and his approach with clients today. 

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E12: Ali Mohammed, Director & Financial Advisor @ Planet Wealth

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest who has had one of the more unique life journeys. 

It started on an 800-acre potato farm on the Victorian border, before continuing in Adelaide as a teacher, up to the skyscrapers of Hong Kong with McKinsey and – at one point – across four countries in 12 months with two children under three.

Today, Davina Stanley is the co-author of The So What Strategy: a book she wrote based on over 25 years’ experience helping professionals clarify and communicate complex ideas. 

So, what is her ‘so what’? What has been the driving force shaping her path?

"I just really enjoy helping people. It's really that simple."

It’s a clear thread that runs through her life: helping others. 

As a fourth generation teacher, Davina was originally called to the classroom to help young kids. However, despite her family legacy, she quickly found out it just wasn't for her. She was far better suited to helping adults. 

It was a realisation that saw her reskill in communications, train teams and leaders with McKinsey in Hong Kong, and even having “great fun” litigating with lawyers to help them write legal advice others could read in a much shorter timeframe.

“That was the thing that kept me going through the GFC. You become a bit of a human dartboard, and you really have to bat it back. But they love the banter, so it's actually great fun.”

Listen to this episode to hear more about:

- Davina's experience growing up in the country and starting her career while helping her younger siblings;
- What inspired her career change from teaching to communications and consulting;
- The challenges she faced working, living and regularly relocating around the world with two young children; and
- Her passion for and approach to helping executives communicate with clarity, quality and velocity today.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E13: Davina Stanley, Co-author of The So What Strategy

"What is the truth of performance?" 

It's a question as relevant in the world of sport as it is in the worlds of business and investing. And it’s a question that drives everything former Wallaby Ben Darwin does with his team at GAIN LINE Analytics. Ben is our guest on this week’s episode of the Investing for Life podcast.

After suffering a career-ending neck injury in the 2003 Rugby World Cup semi-final, Ben went on a journey of self-discovery. Starting that fateful match, Ben finally felt like he was “where he wanted to be”. But, as he describes in this episode to host Douglas Isles, just one moment changed his life permanently. 

Over the coming years, Ben had to reflect and rebuild – physically and mentally – to work out where life would take him after the very real threat of quadriplegia. 

‪"When I had the injury, ‪the doctor said to me:‪ "This is gonna go one of three ways: ‪‪you become a quad; ‪‪you get killed; or you're gonna walk out of here." ‪‪So, I got to walk out‪."‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

It was during those years of reflection and rebuilding that he started to explore high-performing teams from a fresh perspective – as a coach and then analyst. The data drew him to the idea of ‘cohesion’, and its clear presence in high-performing teams: something he has now spent a decade sharing with clients across sport and business through his role as Co-founder and Director at GAIN LINE Analytics. 

"Talking to guys like Craig Bellamy, Arsene Wenger…they know they are not the reason for the success. They ‪know there's certain things they can do, but massive things they can't control.‬‬

"The level of understanding between the ‪participants of the team is far more predictive of the outcome than the level of individual skill."‪‪‬‬‬‬‬‬

Listen to this episode to hear more about:

- Ben's life-threatening injury in the 2003 World Cup semi-final against the All Blacks;
- His rehabilitation journey - physically and mentally - including his ADHD diagnosis;
- His transition from professional sport into a career in team cohesion, data and analytics; and
- His views on the importance of team cohesion for performance and engagement, and how organisations like the AFL have become the benchmark globally.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E14: Ben Darwin, Co-Founder of GAINLINE Analytics

"Death affects 100% of the population, so it's an issue in which we are all invested."

Today's Investing for Life episode covers one of our most taboo topics. But, despite the subject matter, the conversation balances the dark with the light. Host Douglas Isles is joined in the studio by comedian, interviewer, and unwavering campaigner – Andrew Denton (who is quick to point out that Doug "left out sex symbol" among his list of titles.)

While it’s not without a few laughs, their conversation focuses on Andrew’s advocacy and lobbying work around voluntary assisted dying in his role as founding director of Go Gentle Australia. 

It’s a deeply emotional subject. Yet, while Andrew concedes championing such a sombre and complex cause has not been without its challenges, his journey has been anything but dark. In fact, it's full of hope, as Andrew shares why he continues to pursue this 'sacred duty' to help Australians ‘walk each other home better at the end of life’.

"I've certainly found [campaigning for voluntary assisted dying] stressful and emotionally really draining. But…this has been the most rewarding and, in many ways, positive thing I've ever done.

"Because I know for a fact that the work I've been engaged in has made a fundamental difference to what could have been a hugely traumatic [experience] - not just to the person, but their immediate family. 

“So, if you think of it as a third act, then - wow. What a third act. Way more important to me than the previous two acts, and way more beneficial."

As you'll learn through this conversation, "there is no 'one size fits all' for death", but Andrew shares his own powerful story blending his personal experience and professional skills. Tune into this discussion to hear:

- His changing relationship with death after the painful experience of losing his father, and how that compared with losing his mum;
- What is was like hosting Enough Rope - his most challenging and successful interviews, including Michael Parkinson, Bill Clinton and Mark Latham;
- His work with Go Gentle, and the meaning he has found in working alongside families, speaking with politicians and influencing those connected to voluntary assisted dying; and
- Why he continues to fight to be a source of light and hope in the often dark conversation of death.

You can also learn more about Go Gentle - and donate to their work - via this link: https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/ 

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E15: Andrew Denton, Founding Director of Go Gentle Australia

“Talking about things, and being open and honest, is actually a sign of strength – not weakness.”

This is how our guest in this episode of Investing for Life talks about strength; a different perspective to his invincible, world record-breaking persona in the pool. 

Host Douglas Isles has the privilege of speaking with CEO of Generation Life and former Olympic, Commonwealth and World Champion swimmer, Grant Hackett OAM.
 
From the high of winning gold at a home Olympics and holding 16 world records throughout his career, to the discomfort of racing with a partially collapsed lung, Grant’s life journey truly oscillates from glory to pain in pursuit of success and meaning. 

However, it is Grant’s insights on his transition from Olympic champion to corporate leader, and the very public breakdown of his marriage, that sheds new light on his greatest setback to date. 

Through this experience, Grant learned the foundations of real leadership, the power of vulnerability, and why helping others to be their best is a far greater outcome than solo success. In his words, these were “the most eye-opening elements to my entire life.” 

“It actually gave me a licence to ask for help, to talk through all those things that I was experiencing, and then actually have some tools to deal with them. Even just talking about them was like removing 50% or 60% of the burden that I carried for quite some time.

“Since that point in my life, I have practised vulnerability.”

Tune into Grant’s discussion to hear:

- His journey towards Olympic glory, regrets and physical challenges along the way;
- The pain of his public divorce and separation from his children;
- How he reconciled with his athlete persona when starting his corporate career; 
- His work and successes as CEO of Generation Life today.

You can also learn more about Generation Life via this link: http://www.genlife.com.au/

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E16: Grant Hackett, OAM, CEO @ Generation Life

Livewire Markets Co-Founder James Marlay’s path into the world of investing is an unconventional one, as he shares with host Douglas Isles on the Investing for Life podcast. 

While many go from school to university into corporate life, James chose a path less travelled – working in a remote hotel in a small fishing village in Mexico. “I wasn’t a great student... I’ve never had a really strong vocational drive.” But what he did know was that he was a “doer” and big on “experiencing things”. 

James eventually found his spark, pursuing a business venture with his fellow Co-Founder, Tom McKay, interviewing listed companies. “We rolled the dice, and it worked out really well. And it was really motivating and rewarding.”

It was from these humble origins that Livewire Markets was born. Their mission was simple: to help investors make more informed investment decisions.

Despite the financial burden of starting a business and numerous knock backs, James stuck at it and took a long-term view. And his persistence in a crowded market paid off. 

James, Tom and their team have grown Livewire Markets into Australia's number one website for expert investment analysis. With the announcement that Livewire has acquired Market Index, the business is now the largest independent provider of financial market information in the country. 

In the episode, James reflects on his unlikely journey from a fresh-faced, young man in Mexico to the successful business leader he is today.

“I have great days where I feel like I'm living close to my best self, and then I have bad habits that I fall back into. But I think the intent is there, moving in the right direction. 

“You can anticipate problems or challenges ahead of time – I think that's one of the things that comes with experience.”

Tune into this discussion to hear more on James’ journey and Livewire Market’s success, including:

- James’ experience growing up;  
- The Livewire Markets journey from start-up to success; 
- The turning point for the business; 
- Hosting key conversations, like Andrew Clifford with Hamish Douglass’ in 2019; and
- More details around the Market Index acquisition. 

You can also learn more about Livewire Markets via this link: https://www.livewiremarkets.com 

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.

Investing for Life, S2 | E2: Kerr Neilson, Co-Founder @ Platinum Asset Management

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