In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Melbourne-based HR specialist Nick Gearan to explore what really goes on behind the scenes in the world of human resources.

Nick shares his journey into HR, unpacking the realities of the profession and how it differs from common perceptions. From managing workplace challenges to building strong team cultures, he offers practical insights into the role HR plays in shaping successful businesses.

The conversation also dives into career development, navigating difficult conversations, fostering positive workplace environments, and why strong people management is at the core of every thriving organisation.

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgearen/

Check out SHIFT HR: https://www.shifthr.com.au

TV vs Reality: Keeping Lawyers in Line for a Living with Katie McRae

In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Shane and Andrea sit down with Aintree Group Legal’s Business Manager, Katie McRae, to unpack what life in law really looks like.

Inspired by Suits to pursue a career in law, Katie shares how the reality of the industry compares to what we see on screen, and why she chose to go straight into the workforce instead of heading to university.

The conversation also dives into favourite travel destinations, personal growth, finding balance, and why the unsung heroes in professional services are often behind the scenes in Operations and Admin.

Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mcrae/

More from Aintree Group Legal: https://aintreelegal.com.au/

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with former Collingwood Football Club captain and Eclat CEO, Nick Maxwell, to explore his transition from professional football into the business world.

Nick shares what led him to pivot into a new chapter of his career, why he finds the lives of business owners so interesting, and the importance of building connections and community.

They dive into the differences, and more importantly the similarities, between elite sport and business; including the importance of seeking and giving feedback, striving for consistency, showing respect at all levels, and how creating the right environment helps individuals and teams perform at their best.

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-maxwell-060a2922/

Explore Eclat: https://eclat.com/

More from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

Fresh off 876 shows touring Australia with Beauty & The Beast, performer Amy Hopwood joins Q&A with S&A to share what life is really like behind the curtain.

From juggling competitive dance training throughout school to booking Disney’s Frozen before even graduating with her Performing Arts qualification, Amy opens up about breaking into the industry during COVID, surviving 8–9 show weeks, navigating imposter syndrome, and the loneliness of touring life.

They talk everything from career plans and education, to sacrifice and burnout, and the brave decision to step away and rediscover identity beyond the stage. Amy also shares her advice for young performers on how to stay grounded, supported, and keep the spark alive.

An honest look at the highs, the hustle, and the realities of life as a professional performer.

Connect with Amy on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/amyhopwood_/

Shane and Andrea chat with Aintree Group–sponsored athlete Kaylen Bassett for an inspiring and insightful conversation about family, resilience, and elite performance in canoe slalom.

Kaylen shares his unconventional journey into the sport, the strong family foundations that underpin his career, and the mental skills required to compete at the highest level. The conversation centres on a career-defining achievement — winning a bronze medal at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith, marking Australia’s first men’s C1 World Championship medal in over a decade.

From life on the World Cup circuit and the realities of constant international travel, to finding balance, entering flow state under pressure, celebrating success, and juggling work alongside elite sport, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to perform on the world stage — and what lies ahead on the road to Oklahoma and the 2028 LA Olympic cycle.

Follow Kaylen's journey: https://kaylenbassett.com/ | IG: @kaylenbassett

Visit Paddle Australia website to see details of upcoming races and how you can support the Australian Paddling team: https://paddle.org.au/

When the right solution doesn’t exist, sometimes the only option is to create it yourself!

In this episode, Andrea chats with Melissa Voss, Co-Founder of FuseWork, to discuss how identifying gaps and developing the right tools to fill them can transform not only your own business but an entire industry.

They explore what it means to take initiative when no one else will, how problem-solving can be a powerful catalyst for business growth, and why collaboration between accountants and technology is more important than ever.

Melissa shares the story of how FuseWork was born from a desire to make accountants’ lives easier, and how that drive to solve everyday challenges evolved into a software company that has redefined efficiency and innovation within the accounting profession.

Find out more about FuseWork: https://www.fuse.work/

Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissajvoss/

In this episode, Shane and Andrea sit down with mother–daughter powerhouse Jane Willox and Maddie Devereux, the team behind Kitchen Queens Catering.

The pair share how their shared passion for food grew into a thriving business, and how working together as family has strengthened both their bond and their brand. From the joy of cooking to the fulfilment of feeding others, Jane and Maddie talk about the heart behind their hospitality and the simple pleasure of bringing people together over a great meal.

They also open up about their experience on My Kitchen Rules - the lessons learned, the realities of competing on national television, and the challenges of being in the public eye. Despite it all, they reflect on the meaningful takeaways from the experience and the heartwarming reason they chose to participate in the first place.

More from Jane & Maddie:

IG: @kitchenqueens_ | @janeywillox | @maddiedevereux

https://kitchenqueens.com.au/

In this episode of Q&A with S&A, Andrea sits down with Mary-Anne Brasacchio and Geena Di Stefano, founders of the Social Soirée Collective, to talk about the importance of connection, especially for mothers who are rediscovering their identity later in life.

Born out of the lull in the events space following the COVID pandemic, the Social Soirée Collective was created to give women a place to connect, unwind, and belong - a space just for them. No corporate networking expectations. No kids’ schedules. Just genuine connection and community.

Mary-Anne and Geena share how they’ve combined their backgrounds in business ownership, branding, travel, and event hosting with their personal experiences of motherhood and reinvention to build something truly special: a movement that reminds women it’s never too late to find your people, or yourself, again.

Find out more about Social Soiree Collective:

https://www.socialsoireecollective.com.au/

@socialsoireecollective