Q&A with S&A

Shane and Andrea and the team from Aintree Group share their key takeaways, advice and insights from the 2025 Slipstream Connect conference. Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with an Aintree Group Shareholder (and longtime family friend) Trung Le, who has come full circle in his career - starting out alongside Shane, then venturing across the globe, before returning to work with them again. Trung shares the experiences and lessons learned while working across several different continents, and how his travels led to not just professional growth but also building a family along the way.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

In this special episode, we bring you a thought-provoking discussion from our 2025 International Women's Day event. Featuring an incredible panel of female leaders - Lynda Slavinskis (All The Doo Dah Day), Alex Baldock (Club Bend), and Andrea McKenna (Aintree Group) - this conversation delves into the challenges, progress, and opportunities for women in the workplace and beyond.Our panelists sparked important conversations about gender equality, workplace flexibility, and the power of collective support. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:

Aintree Group Senior Manager Joseph Colaciello might be quiet around the office, but in this episode, he opens up about his career trajectory - from travelling the world pursuing a professional sporting career in his teens to chasing his Chartered Accounting credentials and becoming a Shareholder in his 20s.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea sit down with Matthew Whyatt, Founder & Chief Sales Strategist at Tech Torque, to break down the stigma around sales. They explore why many business owners see “sales” as a dirty word and how this mindset holds them back from fully showcasing the value of their services. Matthew shares practical strategies to reframe sales, build confidence, and communicate value more effectively. Whether you're hesitant about selling or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you shift your perspective and grow your business.Tech Torque is all about helping B2B software and technology companies generate new leads and close sales. Find out more about Tech Torque here: https://techtorque.com.au/ | Follow Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwhyatt/ Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

In this heartfelt episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with Daniel Piciocco, a dedicated team member of Aintree Group who is embarking on a new adventure after an impressive 9-year journey with the firm. From starting as an Administration Assistant to becoming a respected Manager and Chartered Accountant, Daniel shares his climb up the ranks and opens up about his decision to leave his current role to pursue his passion in more creative industries. Join us as we explore Daniel's remarkable story of growth, change, and the exciting plans that lie ahead.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

We're taking a short break for the summer holidays.New episodes of Q&A with S&A will return in February 2025!In the meantime, you can catch up on all our existing episodes at https://aintreegroup.com.au/podcasts/.See you in the New Year!

What's it like to compete at your first Olympics? In this episode, Australian Canoe Slalom athlete Tristan Carter reflects on his debut at Paris 2024, where he competed in C1 and Kayak Cross events. Tristan shares the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments of the Games, offering a unique perspective on life as a first-time Olympian. Plus, he reveals what's next for his career after Paris.Follow Tristan on Instagram at: @tristanjcarter | https://www.instagram.com/tristanjcarter/ Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

In this very special episode of Q&A with S&A, we're thrilled to host Eat Up for another impactful workshop, where our team comes together to make over 1,200 sandwiches for hungry school kids across Melbourne. Andrea sits down with Nathan from Eat Up to discuss how he joined the organisation, the vital work they do, and the incredible difference it makes. Then, she takes us behind the scenes as the team dives into sandwich-making, reflecting on the importance of giving back and making a tangible impact in the community.Find out more about Eat Up on their website: https://www.eatup.org.au/.If you would like to contact Aintree Group about joining in for our next volunteering day, email admin@aintreegroup.com.au.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea talk to Paul Martin discuss the parallels between their family-run business journeys and the benefits of getting hands-on practical experience as much as possible in your career. Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

This week we're rewinding to one of our very early episodes with personal trainer and business owner Gene Alessi. Original air date: 5 February 2024. Gene Alessi from Core Principles talks about the lessons learned and mistakes made when transitioning from a high-stress corporate life to running his own personal training business.Content warning: This episode contains some explicit language and references to weight and weight loss.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea chat with Doug Gibson of Invictus Partners about their shared passion for empowering business owners with the tools and information they need to succeed. Doug discusses reclaiming power from business vendors and big tech bullies, and what he's done in his business and personal life to overthrow imbalance.Find out more about Invictus Partners: invictuspartners.ioFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

In this second special edition episode of Q&A with S&A we chat to Shane and Andrea about how they intentionally kept culture in mind when designing the new office space.We'll be back with regular "Q&A with S&A" Episodes in a fortnight!Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

In this special edition episode of Q&A with S&A we chat to Shane, Andrea and Aintree Group team members about their big office move!We'll be back with regular "Q&A with S&A" Episodes as soon as we're settled in our new space!Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

This time Shane and Andrea direct the questions at each other! After 25 years of marriage and 20 years of business partnership, they provide a bit of insight into the process of building a business together, trying to keep work and home life separate, and why Aintree Group feels like their third child.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Lynda Slavinskis, founder of All The Doo Dah Day, shares her transformation from a high-level lawyer trapped on the treadmill of achievement to a joy-focused educator. Lynda reveals how she came to embrace her true sparkly self and choose a life filled with colour, energy, and music, where her mission is to amplify others' voices and encourage them to live authentically and confidently. Find out more about Lynda's work at: allthedoodahday.com.au | IG: @allthedoodahday_officialFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea chat to Director of Aintree Group Wealth, James Stephen, about building the life and career you want by seeking out new opportunities and just "having a go". James shares his experiences writing a book, balancing his career and family, lecturing at university, and finding his place and purpose in the financial planning industry.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea sit down with Aintree Group's marketing team, Chelsea Scarlett and Laura Piciocco, to talk all things marketing - from going viral, to embracing old-school strategies, and how to reach the right audience.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea sit down with Shalini Mendis, Principal Family Lawyer at Fairbank Lawyers, who found her calling in Family Law early in her legal studies and has embraced the intense, challenging, varied and rewarding career ever since.Find out more about Shalini Mendis and Fairbank Lawyers: https://www.fairbanklawyers.com.au/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalini-mendis/Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea's long-time friend and business collaborator Julie Pidgeon shares the lessons from her experience working in business development and coaching for professional advisors and her passion for wellness, work-life-balance and Las Vegas.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Melbourne theatre performer Kristie Nguy shares the life of a performer behind the scenes with Shane and Andrea, from parental support and post-audition self-care, to learning lines and juggling jobs.See more from Kristie: Kristie Nguy | Linktree | IG: @kristie.nguyFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea sit down with Tony Hamann, Aintree Group's Finance & Lending Manager, who talks about the career path that led him to mortgage broking, including his previous life as an audio engineer for live bands, and why he loves his job in lending so much. Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Olivia Clark-Moffatt from the Australian Communities Foundation shares her passion for helping generous Australians make a bigger impact with their charitable donations, and explains how families, businesses and individuals can benefit from structured giving and setting up their own foundation.Australian Communities Foundation: communityfoundation.org.au | @auscommunitiesFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

David Hickford from Pot Plant Productions shares how passion, curiosity, and jumping at opportunities has led to a varied career in music, event planning, production management and podcasting - including starting his own business during the pandemic.Pot Plant Productions: potplantproductions.com.au | @potplantproductionsFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea sit down with Tristan Carter, a Melbourne-born canoe slalom athlete, who talks about the long road preparing and qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and what keeps him motivated and inspired. Follow Tristan's Olympic journey on Instagram: @tristanjcarter and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TristanCarter.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Ashley Tickell, owner and co-founder of Salty Theatre, gives us a glimpse behind the curtain in the chaotic and magical world of musical theatre - from developing and workshopping brand new shows, to mentoring up and coming artists, to the changes she is spearheading in the Melbourne creative industry. Check out Ash and Salty Theatre: @saltytheatre | saltytheatre.com.auSee The Grinning Man in April 2024: @thegrinningmanau | alextheatre.au/the-grinning-manFind out about the Alex Theatre St Kilda: @alextheatrestk | alextheatre.auFind out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Nadia Cole from Platylobium Landscape Designs shares what it's like prepping for her second Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, following a Silver Gilt Award win in 2023, and talks about her passion for creating native-focused, sustainable landscapes.See all the details for Platylobium's entry at the 2024 Melbourne Flower & Garden show on their Instagram page: @platylobium.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Join Ryan Jeffery from 'Passionate about OSS' as he discusses finding a passion for a niche sector in the telecommunications industry and how he has adapted his role to suit his current lifestyle.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea chat to experienced lawyer and Director of Aintree Group Legal, Peter Gandolfo, about some of the key turning points in his storied career. Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Gene Alessi from Core Principles talks about the lessons learned and mistakes made when transitioning from a high-stress corporate life to running his own personal training business.Content warning: This episode contains some explicit language and references to weight and weight loss.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Shane and Andrea sit down with business owner and financial advisor Joe Stephan from Stephan Independent Advisory, to talk about the ways you can achieve balance and success when running a family business.You can hear more from Joe Stephan on his own podcast: It's Never About Money.Find out more about what we do at Aintree Group on our website: https://aintreegroup.com.au, or follow us on social media @aintreegroup to stay connected.

Welcome to Q&A with S&A! Sit down with husband and wife business partners, Shane and Andrea McKenna, as they delve into the success stories, strategies and setbacks that come with entrepreneurship. First official episode coming in January 2024, but here's a snapshot of what's to come...