What if the biggest opportunities in your career aren't the ones you discover — they're the ones you create?

In this episode, Clayton Daniel — entrepreneur, former financial planner, technology founder, CEO of CPDCheck and Co-Founder of Ensombl — joins Ben and Fraser to unpack the books, mentors, and mindset shifts that transformed him from aspiring musician into one of advice's most forward-thinking technology leaders.

Clayton reflects on the entrepreneurial philosophy that has shaped his career: don't wait for permission, don't wait for perfect conditions, and don't rely on someone else to open the door.

Make your own rain.

Along the way: why reading Rich Dad Poor Dad and Richard Branson's autobiography changed the trajectory of his life, the mentor who taught him that leadership is about reducing stress in others, why governance and discipline become more important as businesses mature, and the surprising networking lesson that began with a lost wallet in an airport lounge.

Plus, why AI is redefining what it means to be valuable at work, why tomorrow's businesses will all be technology businesses, how founders should think about automation before hiring, and the client acquisition lesson every business owner needs to hear: don't wait for referrals—build a system that creates its own opportunities.

A masterclass in creating your own momentum, embracing technology without losing your humanity, and building the future instead of waiting for it.

Connect and reach out to Clayton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytondaniel1/

What if the most valuable lesson you can learn is that nobody is coming to rescue you?

In this episode, Mark "Stubbo" Stubbings — financial services leader, long-time industry advocate, former executive, and one of the profession's most respected relationship-builders — joins Ben and Fraser to reflect on a career shaped by self-reliance, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on people.

From being sent home alone through a blizzard as a child, to rebuilding his professional network from scratch after moving countries, Mark shares the lessons that taught him to back himself, embrace change, and keep moving forward when the path isn't obvious.

Along the way: the surprising sales lessons learned door-knocking for life insurance in the 1980s, why rapport beats expertise in the first conversation, how observing what's important to someone can instantly defuse tension, and the networking mistake almost everyone makes when starting over in a new career or country.

Plus, what decades of building teams taught him about character, why "nobleness of purpose" matters more than technical skill, the danger of fighting inevitable change, and the professional lesson that helped him navigate everything from compliance reform to industry transformation: adapt, learn, and keep evolving.

A masterclass in self-reliance, relationship-building, and putting the client at the centre of every decision.

Connect and reach out to Mark - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stubbings-77161bb/

What if the fastest way to get what you want is to stop worrying about whether you're right?

In this episode, David Hunt — founder of Hunt & Hook, governance and strategy specialist, former paraplanner, licensee executive, and long-time financial services leader — joins Ben and Fraser to explore the deceptively simple question that has shaped both his career and personal life:

Do you want to be right, or do you want an outcome?

David unpacks why the need to be right can derail relationships, stall progress, and turn small problems into big ones. From client complaints and workplace conflict to friendships and family dynamics, he explains why stepping back, focusing on the outcome, and letting go of ego often leads to better decisions.

Along the way: the mentor who taught him that listening is often more valuable than speaking, why the most important email is sometimes the one you don't send, how business owners consistently undervalue their own expertise, and the lesson every founder learns after losing a pitch they thought they had won.

Plus, growing up as the middle child between two sisters, the harsh business failure that reshaped his career, why learning, unlearning, and relearning may be the defining skill of the AI era, and the simple networking truth that most experienced professionals genuinely want to help — if you're willing to ask.

A masterclass in replacing ego with progress, and certainty with curiosity.

Connect and reach out to David - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hunt-gaicd/

What if the biggest risk in your career isn't making the wrong decision — it's leaving an opportunity unexplored?

In this episode, Alisdair Barr — founder of Striver, former banking executive, startup builder, and one of the profession's most passionate advocates for growing the next generation of advisers — joins Ben and Fraser to unpack the ideas that have guided every major fork in his career.

Ali shares the throwaway piece of advice that became a lifelong decision-making framework: opportunities not taken are lost forever.

From leaving a successful corporate career to building a business around a purpose bigger than himself, he explains why he refuses to die wondering, how he evaluates risk through the lens of future regret, and why the best decisions often sit just beyond your comfort zone.

Along the way: why most career decisions aren't tattoos, the question venture capitalists ask that instantly removes self-imposed limitations ("if money wasn't an issue, what would you do?"), how purpose became the filter for every business decision, and why playing the semi-final and the grand final requires complete focus on the game in front of you.

Plus, the surprising lesson Kokoda taught him about mental health, why walking became his daily reset button, and how family ultimately became the compass that keeps everything else in perspective.

A masterclass in building a life with fewer regrets and more deliberate footprints.

Connect with Alisdair here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisdairbarr/

What if your default response to every setback was "anything can be fixed... except death"?

In this episode, Pedro Marin — Venezuelan-born CFP, Brisbane-based founder of his own advice licence, and one of only a handful of fully bilingual Spanish-speaking advisers in Australia — joins Ben and Fraser to unpack the advice that's carried him from Caracas to bartender to own-licensee in under two decades.

Pedro shares the survival framing that anchors his perspective ("at least you're alive"), why he flipped the industry's "what would this look like in court?" defensive crouch into a question about genuine human service, and the formula he runs his business by:

• opportunity plus preparation equals luck.

Along the way: why being first looks ridiculous until it's the norm (his divorce-niche practice, years before the rest of the profession caught on), what migrating with a backpack teaches you about pivoting, and why fires expire — and you'd better find the next one.

A masterclass in optimism as a discipline, not a temperament.

Connect and reach out to Pedro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedromarincfp/

What's the best advice you've ever gotten? Fraser Jack and Ben Marshan discuss the concept of this podcast and talk to each other about some of the best advice we've ever received. Reach out if you'd like to share the best advice you ever got!