Podcasts about finance broker

Interest rates are dropping, and Perth’s market is picking up. Today, I’m joined by Nick Aves from Purely Finance to break down how finance is driving our market and how to make the most of it. We talk borrowing power, rate cuts, first-home buyer schemes, and how Perth’s lifestyle meets smart investing. Nick shares tips on income planning, using equity, and getting finance-ready—even if you’re not buying yet. It’s packed with value to help you make confident moves. Let’s go inside. Resource Links: Visit their website: https://www.purelyfinance.com.au/ Get your Strategic Portfolio Plan and our help with Buying Your Next Perth Property (https://www.investorsedge.com.au/invest-in-perth-property/) Get email updates about suburb intelligence reports and exclusive invites to our webinars, events, and workshops. Join (investorsedge.com.au/join) Join the Perth Property Investment Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/perthpropertyinvestors) Join Jarrad Mahon’s Property Investor Update (https://www.investorsedge.com.au/join) For more info on our award-winning and highly rated Property Management services that give you guaranteed peace of mind (https://www.investorsedge.com.au/perth-property-management-specialists/) For more info on how our Property Sales services can ensure you get the best selling price while handling all the stress for you (https://www.investorsedge.com.au/selling-your-perth-property/) Episode Highlights: Intro [00:00] Impact of Interest Rate Reductions [01:56] Strategic Planning for Property Investors [05:21] Election Impact on Property Market [08:35] First Home Buyer Incentives [10:52] Affordability and Lifestyle in Perth [15:49] Rental Market and Investment Opportunities [19:07] Finance Readiness for Property Buyers [24:52] Strategic Planning for Property Investors [29:33] Thank you for tuning in! If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast. About the Guest: Nick Aves is the Director and a seasoned Finance Broker at Purely Finance, bringing over 30 years of experience in the finance industry. He began his career as a trainee and quickly advanced to managing complex business lending portfolios exceeding $65 million. In 1998, Nick applied his business acumen by purchasing and successfully operating the award-winning Dear Friends Restaurant in Swan Valley before returning to finance as a broker. Known for his dedication and expertise, he has consistently earned PLAN Australia’s Sales Master Award since 2005 and was recognized among the MPA top 100 brokers in Australia in 2007. With a Diploma in Financial Services and extensive knowledge in banking, business finance, and development, Nick provides tailored advice on investments, loans, and insurance to help clients achieve financial success. Outside of work, he enjoys sailing on the Indian Ocean. Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickaves/ Website: https://www.purelyfinance.com.au/team/nick-aves/ Connect with Perth Property Insider: Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InvestorsedgeAu Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investorsedge See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul is the Director, Wealth and Tax (Financial) Adviser, and Finance Broker at SA Wealth Group. He shares his journey from a part-time bank teller to building SA Wealth, a multi-disciplinary financial services firm that expanded from financial planning to broking, accounting, and property services by continuously solving client problems and seeking innovative ways to add value. Paul Katranis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkatranis/ SA Wealth Group Website: https://sawealthgroup.com.au/ To learn more about LivePreso, view our Solutions Showcase within the AdviceTech space of Ensombl: https://ensombl.com/go/20250424 Recognise real-world learning as CPD: https://ensombl.com/cpd/ General Disclaimer – https://www.ensombl.com/disclaimer/

Finance broker Gus Gilkeson is well known for helping SMEs go from seed to scale with his brokerage Grow Capital. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the Sydney-based broker to find out how he's cultivating capital for his business clients and ensuring they're well-rooted for growth. Tune in to find out: Why he moved from commercial banking to broking. How he's structured his five-person brokerage. Why he's written a book on how businesses can fund growth. And much more!

In this latest episode of Insurance Bites, partners Greig Anderson and Antonia Pegden and associate Meena Mariadassou explore the insurance implications of the motor finance broker commission cases (Johnson v FirstRand Bank; Wrench v FirstRand Bank; Hopcraft v Close Brothers). The Supreme Court hearing of this case begins this morning, and could have significant consequences for financial services policyholders in the UK - this episode gives an overview of the case, and practical steps to take from a coverage perspective. You can find links to our blogs and podcasts on the cases covered in this podcast below: • Court of Appeal finds lenders liable in motor finance broker commission cases https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/insurance/2024-posts/Court-of-Appeal-finds-lender-liable-in-motor-finance-broker-commission-cases- • Secret commissions and indemnity policies: Insurance implications of Court of Appeal broker commissions decision in Johnson v FirstRand https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/insurance/2024-posts/secret-commissions-and-indemnity-policies-insurance-implications-of-court-of-appeal-broker-commissions-decision-in-johnson-v-firstrand • High Court confirms 5,800 motor finance claimants can use omnibus claim forms and do not need to issue separate claim forms https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-03/high-court-confirms-motor-finance-claimants-can-use-omnibus-claim-forms-and-do-not-need-to-issue-separate-claim-forms • Motor Finance: Where are we and where next? https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/fsrandcorpcrime/2025-posts/motor-finance--where-are-we-and-where-next

An interest rate seems imminent, but what does it mean for us all and an election outcome

Visibility is the name of the game.Getting out there, talking to people, networking, being strategically active across offline and online… selling yourself and your business.Consistently.That's the #1 game you need to play.Mortgage broking is the task you do once you sell yourself and win the client.Therefore mortgage broking… is the #2 game.Yet, most mortgage brokers spend 80-90% of their time doing mortgage broking, and only 10-20% of the time getting out there.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I expose why many brokers are hiding behind the laptop (instead of getting out there) and the psychology of why visibility wins over experience or expertise. I share why digital is actually much harder than old-school, and the overreliance on technology, automations and software is damaging your lead flow and client experience.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

Most brokers are what I call “variety store brokers”.A bit like a $2 shop or department store.You can walk inside and get pretty much anything.Everything is ok, but nothing is special.Access to resi, commercial, asset finance, SMSF, insurance and more.Helping first home buyers, investors, PAYG, self-employed, and more.Now to most brokers this sounds great, to be able to help everyone.But there's a problem (actually multiple problems and challenges with this).In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I outline these problems, how they affect every area of a mortgage business, and what brokers should do instead.For those who are more advanced and/or want to become the one-stop-shop and do it properly, I share the 4 main points you need to be successful.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

If you don't have 3-4 key referral partners each sending you at least one qualified referral every week, that results in at least $5m per month in settled loans… then you are doing referral partners wrong.I've been helping brokers for over 16 years, and it's a fact that most brokers don't have true key referral partners… they just have a bunch of people in their network who they know.Who they catch up with, go for coffee and lunch, and spend time in meetings with good intentions and promises… but no real action.That real estate agent, accountant or financial planner who says they'd love to work together and send referrals… but hasn't… and probably never will.The bad news is that it's not their fault… it's yours.You failed to win them over properly and drive the relationship forward.The good news is you can fix it with existing partners, get them referring, or you can start fresh from scratch if your current referral partners don't make the grade (they are not all created equal and you can 100% fire them).In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I tell you exactly what's going on with your referral partners, why it's happening, and how to think about fixing it. Instead of wasting time on coffee meetings, I'll give you the 6 things you should do instead to build serious referral partnerships.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

At every mortgage industry event, you'll hear discussions about building a team.You'll hear everyone talking about hiring a loan processor, outsourcing and offshoring, hiring a credit analyst (or parabroker), client services manager, perhaps a marketing person… and of course hiring loan writers or brokers.That's fine, but the problem is it's one-dimensional… and results in slow growth and bottlenecks in a mortgage business.I've been a solo operator as a broker and in business. I've also had a team of two dozen staff (in Australia and overseas), with a full stack that allowed me to step away from the business for 6-months with very little input.I've worked with solo brokers, and brokers with teams of brokers / credit / admin / ops, etc. Most of them scratching their heads wondering why they are working so hard and not growing as quickly as they want, despite the team in place.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I make you aware of the Supported Broker Trap and how to avoid or escape it. I reveal the 5 biggest Team Flaws I see in mortgage businesses, plus the “If This Then” secrets to improve your thinking on Team Design.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

We all want to get our clients amazing results.The problem is, the biggest challenge in all of that, is often the clients themselves!As a broker, you know that a client who takes action and follows through will get a better deal and save more money, buy that new home sooner, acquire an investment property, and so on.i.e. they'll get the result they want!But… many clients still drag their heels, delay things, don't get the docs back, forget things, don't follow through… and ultimately fail to get the result they want.Frustrating… and borderline ridiculous… right!!!No, it's just human nature.Enter the solution… Client Hypnosis.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I share what Client Hypnosis is and how it will help you and your clients get better and faster outcomes (with less stress and overwhelm, and without having to follow-up and hound your client a thousand times)… by doing the exact opposite to what most brokers are doing. Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

If your mortgage business relies on the trail income to pay all expenses and be profitable… this is lazy and poor business practice.In fact, you might have a cash haemorrhaging business and not be aware of it.Unfortunately the financial literacy of many brokers is not up to scratch.I've seen it.The percentage of brokers who don't know their numbers, key drivers, KPI's, profit… is scary.The percentage of brokers who run their business by taking revenue in, paying bills, and the rest is left for them… with no finger on the pulse of projections, cash, profit… essentially relying on their accountant and looking at a P&L once a quarter or year… is scary.The amount of brokers, with teams, writing $5-15m per month, that don't realise they aren't really making any money (i.e. their business isn't viable, or would be better off closing the doors and just collecting trail)... is scary.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I talk about money maths. Covering the concept of a Trail Book Management business vs a New Loan Writing business, and why each must be standalone profitable. I share why volume and number of deals is an irrelevant method of keeping score and success (and the only two metrics that really matter). Finally, the 5 things you need to do to take control of your money and future.UPDATE: Starting this month you may have already noticed something different about the podcast.After over 200 episodes alongside the man, the myth, the legend… Mr Ash Playsted… after loads of insights, discussions and laughs… we've decided to go our separate ways in business and part ways as great friends.I'm excited to continue the podcast solo… bringing you a new flavour… with the latest insights and strategies from my work with ambitious brokers and high performing mortgage businesses. I think you'll enjoy it… and I know your business will thank you for it.So, keep listening… and let's get into it.Enjoy.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

Every broker reading this, is losing deals, money and profit… guaranteed.Why?Because leads and clients are dropping off. They get stuck, stalled or ‘go cold' during the process. Brokers often don't even realise this is happening.Poor conversions… think it's normal.Loads of AIP's that don't go anywhere or have to be reworked… think it's normal.Losing deals at the 11th hour to lender retention teams… think it's normal.Making matters worse, I see brokers actively trying to improve their process and system… thinking it's improving and making a difference… but it's actually making things worse!The result is a lot of work being done and not getting paid.Not cool.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I talk through our Flow Maximisation tool, including the 12 Workflow Sins you need to avoid… to stop losing deals, doing work and not getting the reward for it.UPDATE: Starting this month you may have noticed something different about the podcast.After over 200 episodes alongside the man, the myth, the legend… Mr Ash Playsted… after loads of insights, discussions and laughs… we've decided to go our separate ways in business and part ways as great friends.I'm excited to continue the podcast solo… bringing you a new flavour… with the latest insights and strategies from my work with ambitious brokers and high performing mortgage businesses. I think you'll enjoy it… and I know your business will thank you for it.So, keep listening… and let's get into it.Enjoy.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

Marketing is the one thing I get asked about the most… unfortunately.I say unfortunately because it's the #1 thing most brokers think will solve their problems, but it's usually the last thing that actually will.It's the single biggest waste of time and money I see in the industry.Time and money spent on websites, digital marketing, social media, content, newsletters, and the list goes on and on.Marketing itself isn't a waste of time and money. Far from it. It's the way brokers (and mortgage business owners) approach it that's wasteful and wrong.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I share why all marketing is not created equal; there's what makes you feel good, and there's what works. If you'd prefer to stop wasting your time and money, I suggest you listen in.UPDATE: Starting this month you'll notice something different about the podcast.After over 200 episodes alongside the man, the myth, the legend… Mr Ash Playsted… after loads of insights, discussions and laughs… we've decided to go our separate ways in business and part ways as great friends.I'm excited to continue the podcast solo… bringing you a new flavour… with the latest insights and strategies from my work with ambitious brokers and high performing mortgage businesses. I think you'll enjoy it… and I know your business will thank you for it.So, keep listening… and let's get into it.Enjoy.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

If I only had 7 minutes to share the most important secrets to success as a mortgage broker and business owner… what would I say?Well I gave myself the challenge.Look back over my 20 years in this industry and the 200+ episodes of this podcast (over 70 hours of content!) and start the clock.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, I go through 7 key insights from reviewing everything and running it through my filter of working with ambitious and successful brokers right now.UPDATE: Starting this month you'll notice something different about the podcast.After over 200 episodes alongside the man, the myth, the legend… Mr Ash Playsted… after loads of insights, discussions and laughs… we've decided to go our separate ways in business and part ways as great friends.I'm excited to continue the podcast solo… bringing you a new flavour… with the latest insights and strategies from my work with ambitious brokers and high performing mortgage businesses. I think you'll enjoy it… and I know your business will thank you for it.So, keep listening… and let's get into it.Enjoy.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

Olympian's don't spend their lives training and preparing to win a Silver or Bronze.They go for the maximum result.They go for Gold.Most mortgage business owners, on the other hand, spend their lives building and operating their businesses… without a specific result in mind.They just want to help people and earn a living.Very few actually think about the End Game… let alone maximising it (and bringing it forward).Contrary to popular misguided opinions these days…The whole point of business is to make money.And that money drives the life you want.Now you can certainly have a purpose driven business that delivers amazing outcomes for clients and makes a difference in the community, and you can have fun with your team along the way… but…Your #1 priority should be driving towards a goal, an End Game, that “gold medal” result (which in business is passive income and asset value creation).In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss this concept of defining your End Game and introduce key strategies in The Earnings Matrix and The Multiplier Matrix. Whether your ideal End Game is 1-year or 10-years away, you need to understand this now.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

A lot of our clients are using acquisitions as a strategy in their mortgage businesses.We help them think clearly, make the right decisions, and maximise the opportunities.Many mergers and acquisitions are ill thought out, and leave a lot of money on the table due to incomplete strategies and under-resourced businesses.There are two different types to consider:Trail book acquisition - simply buying a client list and trail income.Mortgage business acquisition - more complex involving purchase of a client list and trail income, but also systems, key staff, referral partnerships, branding, offices and so on.Both can be used effectively, depending on the desired outcome.Both require the right strategy and tactics to make them worthwhile.If you don't have a sound strategy (and reason) to acquire loan books and/or businesses, you can quickly have your head under water… physically stretched for time and also financially.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the key factors to consider in this space. Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

Do you want to get off the tools?Work more ‘on' your business rather than ‘in' it?I hear this like a broken record.A throw away statement.Often from brokers who have no intention or desire to do it.Being a mortgage broker, helping clients and writing loans… is easy.And most brokers love it.Building and operating a mortgage business… is hard.And most brokers hate it (or aren't good at it).I find it bizarre that most are trying to run away from the very thing they are good at and enjoy… and towards something that is tough, a completely different skill set, and something they will not enjoy.So, instead of following the masses, the first question to ask is:Why get off the tools? (a seemingly simple, but deep and complex question)And then second, if the decision and goal is to remove yourself from writing loans, the question becomes:How to get off the tools? (a simple solution, but deep and complex tactics)In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the concept and desire for getting off the tools properly, so you can ask yourself the right questions, make the right decisions, and then act with clarity and intent (and not do something you'll regret!).Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

Bigger is not always better; it's what you do with it that counts.So they say.This could be the most crass or cliche way to start an email ever.But, there's an appropriate analogy here for a mortgage business.I assure you.Because in business…Bigger is not always better; it's the profit and value creation that counts.But unfortunately… most brokers focus on the wrong things:Growing a bigger business and team.Writing more and more loans.Winning awards and following passion projects.Adding technology, complexity and moving parts.Digital marketing and social media.Often to the detriment of making a profit and/or creating value.In fact.A lot of brokers, even the “successful” ones (I put successful in quote marks because the industry rewards the wrong things, measuring success incorrectly):Don't know what a profitable mortgage business looks like.Don't even know if their business is profitable or not.Don't understand their end-game or purpose (income vs value).Don't have the right model to suit their goals.Don't look at their numbers or focus on making money.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the concept of having a profitable mortgage business model, and the dangers of being caught (or stuck) in the middle.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

This week's episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration is special.I have a ninja business-building guest with me, taking the seat of Ash for the week.This episode is for the serious mortgage business builders.A behind the scenes look at how our business grew by 500% in the space of a couple of years, and simultaneously went from almost full reliance on me to virtually zero reliance on me.This is not a one-off case study either.We've helped a number of mortgage brokers achieve similar levels of success through our 10X advice and coaching program.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, meet the business system genius behind the growth of BIG, and learn smarter and easier ways to develop your business, build systems and lead a high-performance team.Want to accelerate faster?Visit Broker Ideas Group to access special resources and events designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Go straight to the source and Let's Talk about working together to grow your mortgage business easier and faster.

I am giving you permission to work less and earn more.Now let's take a step back… because it's not that simple.I've worked with hundreds of brokers over the last 15 years.Some who are just making ends meet, to those making seven-figures a year (in personal income, not settlement commissions / revenue).You want to know the common thread, that is consistent among brokers, regardless of how much they earn?They all keep working hard, full-time hours, Monday to Friday, 9-5… and more.Many sit at the desk all day, even when there is no work to do, or they are completely unproductive.And then there's some, too many in fact, that think it's ok (or expected) to work nights, weekends and holidays.Let me tell you that both of these situations are B.S. Don't settle for it.This episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration runs deep on our society and mindset. Don't skip it. We discuss the unconscious “need for 9-5”, linking being busy to being valuable, and how most brokers have an outdated belief system that is stopping them from working less and earning more.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

There are levels of how hands-off you can go in business.From zero, i.e. you are responsible for everything!To completely, i.e. you are responsible for nothing.Most brokers want to end up somewhere in between.They love what they do.But they want flexibility to have a life, travel and follow passion projects.I've personally been at both ends of the spectrum. Having a business that was essentially “all me” and also a business that ran independently of me. Both have pros and cons for sure.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the different levels of systemisation (we call it Go Hands-Off), how to think about them and progress through the ranks. Note this month is all about systems, but it runs deeper than that, which you'll find out when you listen in. Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Building systems, processes, workflows, automations and so on is a MUST in business.I know that.You know that.Even the guy down the street… who is not in business… knows that.Because without systems you have a mess… fly by the seat of your pants... business.The problem I see working with brokers, is the definition of systems, and the extent and depth of their installation… is vague and half-baked.Take an easy example.Brokers with little-to-no systems, they know this and know they need to do something about it… which is a good thing. Because if they stop working, everything stops.Here's where it gets tricky and dangerous.Brokers who do have a lot of systems in their business, think their systems are really good and are kicking goals, but in reality it's primary school level at best. If they stop working, some things keep working because of a support team in place, but many things stop and break without them.A lot of brokers have a basic system for the loan process, but have virtually no systems for lead generation, referrals, partnership nurture, marketing, admin, HR, team performance, client care, reporting, and so on.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the purpose of systems and the various levels of ‘system achievement' needed to go from solo broker to true business owner that is not required in any way.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

As a mortgage broker and business owner, you can focus on two types of value.Now Value and Future Value.You also have the choice of how to invest your time (a finite resource) each day.Most invest all their time on Now Value tasks; such as generating new business, writing loans, nurturing referral partners, client care, working with support team, and so on.A focus on Now Value means you have a job, not a business. If you stop working, your business and income stops (or is greatly reduced). Now Value is about creating an income from your effort now and forever.The fundamental purpose of business is to build Future Value, and I'm not talking about building your trail book, that's very limited in thinking and one-dimensional.Future Value is doing something today that will make tomorrow easier, or even better, something you no longer have to do. Future Value is about creating an income (and asset) that doesn't require your effort in the future to generate it.If you prioritise business building, and Future Value, you will result in income generation and asset creation that is independent of you and your time.If you fail to prioritise business building, and keep chasing Now Value, you will be locked in having to trade your time and energy for money indefinitely.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss this in more detail and share why you should switch your focus to business building and Future Value, but doing it smart so you continue to generate a solid income (Now Value).Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

There are many common mistakes brokers make when building a team.And it makes business hard, annoying, and frustrating.In fact a lot of brokers end up thinking it'd be easier to just go solo and do everything themselves! But we all know that's not a real business of course… that's just a job.So we need a team.And if we do it right, it can be easy, fun and lucrative.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the key mistakes to avoid when it comes to team building and team management. These are hidden mistakes brokers don't even know about, so this is a guaranteed eye-opener.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

What's the one person all brokers should hire… but virtually none do?Is it a loan processor? No.Is it a parabroker? No.Is it another broker? No.Is it a CSM? No.Is it a virtual assistant, or a marketing person, or an office manager?No. No. No.It's actually not what you think, which is why almost nobody does this.I'd argue that it's impossible to have an efficient, high-performing team without ‘this person'.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the trap most brokers fall into when hiring people, and share the smarter hiring strategy that will accelerate results.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Grow your mortgage business.Build your mortgage business.Scale your mortgage business.You've gotta build a business!…says who???Forget what everyone else is saying, doing, or telling you to do.The fact is…You don't have to do anything.The forgotten (and crucial) question is…Should you build a business or not?And the answer isn't always yes.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss the situations where brokers should build a business and where they should take a different approach to reach their financial and life goals. Building a business isn't for everyone, and it's not always the smartest and fastest path to success.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Building a team is easy.Any broker can hire people.But keeping a team long-term, high-performing, happy and sustainable… and have them treat your business like their own… is a completely different story.There are a number of strategies required to achieve this. To create stars (or A players) in a mortgage business.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, we discuss our Team Advancement strategy that keeps A-players happy and performing for years and years. This same strategy also creates the highest level of efficiency and profit.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Being seen as a micro-celebrity is a good thing for business.A customer choosing a mortgage broker will… all other things being equal... gravitate to the person who has a higher level of (real or perceived) celebrity.The definition of ‘celebrity' here is complex and there's psychology behind it, a good reason to listen to this episode in full where we unpack it.In short… building celebrity status is definitely something you should consider (for you and your business).And there are two main ways to achieve it.Earn and Manufacture.One takes years (or decades), the other takes a simple decision and only days… if you know how.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn the secrets of manufacturing celebrity and the huge benefits to your business, your clients and you personally.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Should you invest the time and resources to enter awards?You might think the answer is a straightforward Yes or No.But it's not.Because it takes a fair chunk of time to submit entries in all the industry (and non industry) awards, you want to make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.And personal recognition, a trophy and a night out at an awards ceremony… isn't one of them.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn how to consider awards from a strategic business perspective. Why you should consider entering (or not), how to maximise your chances of winning, and what to do if you are a finalist or winner.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

I currently live in Melbourne, Australia.It's winter.And everyone wears black.It's kinda dull, boring and depressing.But… I'm not here to critique the fashion choices of an entire city.Afterall, I do wear my fair share of black clothing.Now… I notice a similar trend in the mortgage industry.Everyone looks and sounds the same.Following and copying one another.Also kinda dull and boring.To succeed in business and as a mortgage broker, you want to go out and see what everyone else is doing… and then do something different… often the opposite.Wear white when everyone is wearing black.In business… standing out and being unique is the name of the game.Boring, beige and plain vanilla is not.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn why most people don't do this and why they prefer to blend in. Discover how to get comfortable with standing out and why the marketplace rewards those who do.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Public speaking is one of the most valuable things you can do in business.Why?1:MANYThe fact you can connect with, educate, inspire and motivate a group of people… all at the same time… is a scale gamechanger (think efficiency, conversions, profit and more).What's even better is it can actually be fun, once you flip your approach and mindset.I used to be the shyest kid in school and the last person you would think to put their hand up to speak in front of a room… let alone become good at it.While I still don't consider myself a good (i.e. professional level) public speaker, it hasn't stopped me from learning how to have fun and make millions of dollars doing it.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn why you should consider public speaking opportunities (linked to generating business of course), how to change your mindset and enjoy it, and of course the big one… learn what you should talk about and say.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Today marks the first day of the new financial year, at least in Australia.So what should you do to start strong?First, you should have started at least 3-months ago, but we'll skip that since we don't have a time machine handy.What you'll want to consider are three things.Your clients: how are you pre-empting and supporting them around this time?Your partners: what are they working on and what's important to them and their clients, and how can you support all that?Your business: what results did your business achieve the previous 6-12 months, what would you like to achieve in the coming year… and how will you reward your team for their performance and incentivise them into the next year?The EOFY can feel like an arbitrary line in the sand, but there's actually a number of things smart operators are doing at this time.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn how to prepare, plan and maximise this time of year… it's not too late.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

The world is obsessed with technology.The mortgage industry is obsessed too.Conversations centre around using technology, the latest and greatest CRM, chatbots and AI, video meetings, systems, process flows, automations, social media, digital marketing and more.The fintech sector is buzzing with 1001 things to make business and life easier.All valid and valuable topics by the way. Lots of useful products and solutions. Noargument there.But there is a problem with this.In fact there are two problems.First, the use of technology to avoid actually doing the work. For example, wanting ton use digital marketing and have hot, qualified leads magically appear… rather than going out, talking to people, building partnerships and selling yourself.Second, the use of technology as a replacement for what works. For example, building a successful mortgage business off the back of networking, partnerships and business development… then replacing that in favour of building a digital marketing strategy.We see both of these happening all the time, even with experienced and successful operators.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn why technology is great and cannot be overlooked… but also why traditional tactics are just as great, cannot be overlooked, and often work better than the new shiny objects being chased.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Direct Messaging is actually not new.SMS has been around for 25 years.Messenger and WhatsApp have been around for 15 years.What is new… is how people are using these communication channels.The game has changed.And the problem is… most brokers have been left behind.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn how and when to use different communication channels with your prospects, clients and partners… to meet them where they are at… play the game effectively… and maximise your results.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Hyper-engaged clients are more secure and refer more.This means they make brokers a lot more money and make a mortgage business a lot more valuable.Problem is… most don't put the effort and resources into creating a hyper-engaged community.They do the basics, at best.A monthly newsletter, social media activity, interest rate updates and annual reviews.. which doesn't cut it.Not even close.The solution is a content and connection ecosystem. Delivered online and offline. That is unique and meaningful. Designed to take a specific audience on a specific journey towards a specific outcome.There are around 17,000 brokers in Australia right now, and I can count on one hand the businesses I've seen do this well.The ones that do are absolutely crushing it.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn how any mortgage business can create hyper-engaged clients, resulting in less churn, more referrals, more profit and more value for the business and clients. Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Mortgages are boring.And mortgage brokers are being boring.Because they talk about mortgages.Let that sink in for a minute.Now I'm not trying to be pointlessly rude or knock people down just to cause a stir. I'm simply stating a fact because I see it over and over everywhere I look.Generic. Corporate. Boring.And I want to help.If brokers want to engage people (online, offline, anywhere!) they need to have the right message and they need to be the right messenger.And all brokers should want engagement.Because without it, they have no customers and no business.So it's kind of important.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, learn how to take a boring topic (mortgages) and turn it into an engaging message that is real, relatable and consistent. Discover how to show up as a clear and confident messenger, leading and motivating people to take action.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

For a real life case study in personal productivity, tactics and hacks, mindset and performance… we look no further than the man and co-host himself, Ash Playsted.Over the last few episodes we've covered specifics like The Energy Map, the Magic Minute and Mental Fartlek strategies, and Elements of Peak Performance. Go back to those episodes if you missed them.But where did all this come from? Where did it start? A personal endeavour (or obsession, at least a very positive and productive one!) that started many moons and hundreds of books, courses and experiments ago… that has resulted in a high level of self-awareness and success in business and life.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn what started this journey for Ash, why it's been so important, the key learnings along the way… and what he'd do if he started all over again. Don't miss it.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Do you know what Peak Performance actually means?If you're guessing things like:Being super productive.Writing loads of loans.Running fast or lifting max weights.Being the best you can be.Then you're not wrong.Performing at your peak = winning, achieving, maximising.But… that's only half the story.When we talk about Peak Performance, we are actually talking about Resilience. Being able to withstand the ups and downs of business and life. Being able to mentally bounce back fast. Being able to stay calm, focused, and make smart decisions. Being in strong physical and financial shape.Being at your peak is the ability to actively manage yourself and your business in the moment… not just about the outcome of winning, achieving and maximising.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn the 3 elements of peak performance and how you can start training (in each of the 3 areas) to be at your peak, to be resilient, to weather the ups and downs.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Here are two fast, easy and powerful productivity hacks you can use right now.Magic Minute… you can learn and start doing instantly, today. It'll help you break free from the noise and busy-ness of your day and help you switch gears and focus… instantly… in just one minute… anytime you need.Use this for your next client or partner meeting and notice the difference.Mental Fartlek… you can also learn and start doing instantly, today. It'll help you harness the power of interval training, working with the limitations of your brain, to challenge yourself and get more done in a shorter amount of time.Yes, this has a funny name (show your kids!) and is counterintuitive… but it actually works. Try it.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn how to use Magic Minute and Mental Fartlek in your daily business and life for maximum productivity and fun. Try them both.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Energy is like time, you only have a fixed amount of it.So use it wisely.Most don't.They follow the normal (and outdated) model followed by schools, workplaces, corporates and other businesses. Show up during set times (usually Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) and try to pack in and get as much done as possible (maybe with some breaks thrown in throughout the day).Productivity and getting stuff done is not about how many hours you glue yourself to the chair. It's about understanding when you should allocate time for various tasks and breaks.And for most people, sitting there all day, every day, between 9am and 5pm… Monday to Friday… is not the best solution. Not by far.Instead you need to understand The Energy Map, customise it for you, and build your schedule around that. It's relatively simple when you know how.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn what The Energy Map is and why it's the smartest time management and productivity strategy you can use. When you get this right, you'll be in flow, getting things done, with less fluff (i.e. getting more done with less time).Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Do you want to know how to win the client every single time?(and have them actually convert into a settled deal and not fall off the radar)Before you do any work. Before you invest time and effort. Before you give them the solution or answer.There's a way to win clients…Without talking about loans, rates or deals.The answer is NOT:Selling the dream (or the sizzle).Selling the promise of fast and easy.Selling the cheapest rate or best deal.There's a framework we follow (and teach our mortgage broker members) during the first part of our Trusted Advisor process called the Triage. What you do during Triage will either win or lose the client. In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn exactly what you should be selling during your first conversation… to win the business before you've done any work… and make the loan, the rate and the deal irrelevant.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

There are two methods you can use to build rapport and trust.One is being a friend, which is how most brokers do it. Be friendly, pat the dog, have coffee, help them, be available anytime… write their loan… send a hamper on settlement and ask for a Google review.Good right?No, not really.Brokers default to this “friend-zone” approach because they think (or have been taught) that “being nice” is what the client wants. But often it will actually lose you business, make your workflow inefficient, and cost you time and money.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn the other approach using our Trusted Advisor framework, that will instantly put you in the “pro-zone” and win you the business over any “friend-zone” brokers or bankers any day of the week.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

McDonald's made the “Do you want fries with that?” upsell famous.Business owners and mortgage brokers have copied and continued in this vein for years… decades… trying to offer additional products and services after the sale of their core product or service.Mortgage brokers help with home loans… and then try to ask “Do you want fries with that?” Adding on insurance, financial planning, accounting, car loans and the like. Most don't do very well with it… because it's not natural and stinks of sales.Good thing there's a better way. It's what McDonald's are doing now too. In fact they've been doing it for years. It's what we teach our members as part of our Trusted Advisor framework.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn a more powerful way to sell additional products and services without having to sell at all. This is 100% designed to help your clients, not just your bottom line.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

All client meetings (we call them Strategy Sessions) should follow this simple 3-step format:Now → Goal → BridgeMost brokers don't use this format. They just follow their nose based on what the client says and wants. Which is wrong.We help our members install this as part of our Trusted Advisor framework.When you get this right… conversions skyrocket… referrals multiply… loan time cycle reduces (i.e you get paid faster) and more.Great brokers naturally do this, but they don't understand how to systemise, document and train others to do it as good as them. So they are perpetually locked-in to being the key broker running rinse-and-repeat meetings all day.Pays well. But it's boring and not sustainable or saleable.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn how we approach Strategy Sessions and use the 3-step format for maximum impact.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Do you know what your customers really want from a mortgage broker?The best deal (rate, fees, etc)... expert knowledge or advice… help selecting and applying for a loan… friendly and convenient service… fast turnaround times?No.That's not it.Sure… your customers do want all those things… but there's one bigger thing they are looking for (and despite what the title says, it's not “the truth”).And if you don't give it to them… they will 100% go find another broker who can.What is it?You'll have to listen to this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, to learn the missing piece.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

This month has been all about key partnerships.Every broker knows they are the backbone of a successful mortgage business, but unfortunately, most aren't doing it very well… and not getting the results (referral flow) they want.The past few weeks on the Mortgage Broker Acceleration podcast, we've shared some key insights and strategies to help in this space. This week, we have a case study episode with our strategic advisor, Ash Playsted, and it's split into two parts.Part 1How Ash personally wrote over 1,000 loans, without sharing any commission, from just a small key group of referral partners.Part 2How Ash built referral partnerships on a national scale, from the ground up, including the pros and cons of chasing the “big fish”.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Should you share commissions with your referral partners?The short answer is… it depends.More importantly, and the thing most brokers get wrong, is that the default starting position… should always be a hard and fast “No”.Unfortunately, most brokers default to offering a share of commission in order to win partnerships, which is a big mistake, and leads to an array of future problems.In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn the important things to consider when it comes to sharing commissions; when to do it, when not to do it, how to do it, and how to deal with partners who ask.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

Almost all mortgage brokers approach referral partners wrong.Meeting for coffees and lunches… promising the world, the best rates, the best service, to help with even the trickiest deals… offering a share of commissions to win them over… to be “given a chance” to prove themselves.Like a needy kid sucking up to their parents, begging for an ice cream. It's not a good interaction. It's annoying and cringe-worthy. No wonder most parents say “No” to the ice cream.Most referral partners say “No” to brokers. You probably don't even realise it's a “No” because they won't directly say it. Instead they will meet up, play along, string you along, make excuses and not follow through, sending no referrals. Sound familiar?In this episode of Mortgage Broker Acceleration, you'll learn why this is a mindset and positioning problem, including the wrong and right mindset to approach (and win) referral partners. Essentially you have to do the exact opposite of what you're currently doing.Accelerate FasterYou can visit Broker Ideas Group to learn more about us, access special events and download useful resources designed exclusively for mortgage brokers.Want to work with James, Ash and the BIG team to grow your mortgage business faster? Our Growth Coach team can help you. Let's talk!

In this episode of Higher Density Living, we join our special guest, Tom Cronin, and Jason Rigby as they explore the secret of inner peace. In an era marked by the frenetic pace of urban life and the growing trend, finding inner peace amidst this bustling environment has become a sought-after refuge. Tom Cronin, once a finance broker turned meditation master, has emerged as a beacon of hope for many seeking solace amid the chaos of contemporary living. His journey from the high-stress world of finance to becoming a proponent of inner peace through meditation has captivated audiences worldwide.    Tom Cronin shared his remarkable transformational journey. His narrative sheds light on how the power of meditation can profoundly impact lives, even in bustling urban settings where higher density living often leads to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection.   Cronin's transition from a fast-paced corporate lifestyle to a meditation teacher is a testament to the transformative potential of inner peace. Through his experiences, he emphasizes the significance of incorporating mindfulness practices, even amidst the hustle and bustle of densely populated urban areas. His teachings offer a pathway to reconnect with oneself, fostering resilience and calmness amid the chaos.   In this episode, Cronin delves into the tangible benefits of meditation, discussing its ability to alleviate stress, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. He elaborates on how embracing a practice of mindfulness can empower individuals to navigate the challenges with grace and tranquility.   Cronin talks about the importance of recalibrating the body and mind, through this we can discover the power of inner peace. He talks about his interest in meditation, yoga, coaching, nutrition, and physical therapy has boomed recently.   People are keen to make a positive impact on others' lives, seeking specialized learning in areas like breathwork, meditation, and yoga. Unlike in the past, where work and relaxation were the main focuses, today's trend is all about knowledge-seeking, retreats, and self-improvement. With this demand, there's an influx of qualified teachers. However, many lack the necessary business skills to effectively manage their practices. Even after investing in mentors and advisors, including Tom Cronin himself, they struggle with structuring and operating their businesses efficiently, often seeing their work as a passion without a solid business framework.   It's easy to get lost in the ideals, but practicalities need consideration too. There's light and darkness, complexities, and layers to consider. Tom teaches people to recognize that while it's idealistic to hope for everything to be harmonious, there are practical aspects to address practically. He quotes Ram Dass, saying, "Seek enlightenment and also pay your electricity bill." Life involves practicalities alongside spiritual pursuits. The world is far from simple, with ongoing conflicts, religious and geopolitical issues adding layers of complexity.   Tom Cronin's journey is inspiring for those seeking balance in the chaos of city life. Going from a finance broker to a meditation expert highlights how embracing inner peace can transform life. It shows that despite external pressures, pursuing mindfulness can lead to a centered and fulfilling life.   Reflecting on his past, Tom Cronin recalls his experience in the finance industry, akin to the chaotic scene depicted in the "Wolf of Wall Street." It wasn't a planned career move but rather a temporary stint filled with excitement.   Tom Cronin reminisced about his upbringing, rooted in a devout Catholic family on a farm. Every week, they attended Mass, fostering a strong faith and belief in God within him. As a child, he prayed fervently, sensing a higher intelligence guiding events. Initially envisioning this force as a bearded God, he later understood it as a form of consciousness, engaging in a reciprocal relationship—prayer preceding remarkable occurrences that strengthened his faith in something beyond the tangible world.   However, during his teens and twenties before stepping onto the trading room floor, Tom Cronin experienced a phase marked by angst, frustration, and a touch of darkness. He found solace in exploring existentialist philosophies championed by the likes of the Smiths and Albert Camus. This period resonated with a sense of internal turmoil, common among many teenagers navigating their identities.   Furthermore, Cronin's insights into finding inner peace resonate deeply in a world where the pace of life continues to accelerate in material progression, completely detached from true value. He emphasizes that irrespective of the external environment, cultivating a peaceful mind through meditation enables individuals to thrive, fostering a sense of balance and contentment. Subsequently, entering the finance industry intensified these emotions. The culture, engulfed in drugs, alcohol, hedonism, and narcissism, added fuel to the internal struggles he has faced. This environment acted as a catalyst, propelling him into a deeper, darker state of being. He likened this period to the saying, "it's darkest before dawn," indicating a pivotal turning point that occurred in his late twenties and early thirties.   Reflecting on this time, Tom Cronin recognized that his personal awakening, occurring during his late twenties and early thirties, was preceded by a challenging phase characterized by the bleakness amplified within the finance industry.   The human body communicates through symptoms, a clever design that guides us. Ignoring these signals can amplify issues. In my twenties, I faced a full-blown nervous breakdown. This pivotal moment is a bifurcation point: a choice between breakdown or breakthrough. Tom was in a dire state, seeking help from doctors and psychiatrists, battling agoraphobia, and watching his life collapse. Tom experienced an epiphany—he discovered meditation. He began his journey, discovering the power of meditation through mantra repetition, a soothing practice akin to calming a baby. The mind resists stillness, making mantra meditation invaluable. Different environments call for different practices; monastery life demands focused concentration.    Our reality comprises four layers: the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The physical layer involves tangible sensations. Emotions reside within this layer, influencing feelings. Thoughts constitute the mental layer, quantifiable and measurable. Yet, the unexplored spiritual dimension transcends the physical, mental, and emotional realms. Most neglect this dimension, but incorporating it through transcendent practices like meditation, fasting, or yoga unveils profound experiences.   The concept of oneness suggests that everything is interconnected. Through meditation, we can achieve fearlessness by realizing our true nature, which lacks fear. Early meditation stages often release the grip of fear, addressing issues like anxiety, sleep problems, and addiction triggered by increased cortisol due to fear.   Our analytical mind tends to label things as good or bad, right or wrong, often in similar measures. The aim is to shift focus from the mind to the heart and gut. Meditation quietens the mind, allowing more accurate guidance from these areas. However, our society's emphasis on cerebral thinking leads to conflicts and anxiety, as we overlook this intuitive guidance.   By practicing focus, the internal guidance emerges from the heart and gut. The goal is to learn to trust our gut feelings and the wisdom of the heart, moving away from over-relying on the dominating voice of the mind.   In conclusion, Tom Cronin's message resonates profoundly in the modern world. Through his insights shared on this exclusive episode of Higher Density Living, he illuminates the path to inner tranquility, offering a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of modern urban life. His journey stands as a testament to the transformative potential of embracing mindfulness, proving that amidst the chaos, inner peace is not just attainable but profoundly empowering.   As always, Higher Density Living reserves no dogma because only the truth prevails in the universe. History is judged by enlightened communities, and the Higher Density Living podcast is committed to the same cause. You are the center of the universe. Thank you for joining us on this cosmic journey, and we look forward to sharing more fascinating topics with you in the future. Stay tuned for more episodes where we delve into the profound principles that shape our existence.   Please support our sponsors TARTLE.CO. It is the only marketplace in the world that provides profit to you. Your personal data will serve for helpful causes. Unlocking human understanding through sharing of data and information, and Quality Mazda where you can avail affordable rides at a reasonable price. 

Welcome back to Teach Me, Pls! This week I'm joined by Evelyn Clark, a Director, Mortgage & Finance Broker at EverLend. We talk all things property, finance & how to buy your first home! Evelyn explains some common misconceptions around loans, deposits, grants - plus provides some handy tips for first-home buyers. Everlend: www.everlend.com.au/about-us/ @everlend_finance 'You Have My Interest' Podcast TEACH ME, PLS is brought to you by Open Universities Australia For more information head to www.open.edu.au Contact Email - hello@producey.com Instagram - @dylbuckley @dylandfriends Youtube - @clubbysports Facebook - dylandfriends Tiktok - @dylandfriends Dyl & Friends is produced by Darcy Parkinson Video and audio production by Producey. ILY XXXX