Catching Up With CUB

In Episode #306 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with longtime CUB member Daniel Pym, Director of Loan Market Double Bay, to explore how the wealthy borrow, how to get the best rate on your mortgage and how property investment has changed since the latest Federal Budget.
A broker for 25 years and a winner or finalist in more than 30 industry awards, Dan and his team write around half a billion dollars in loans a year, working at the top end of the market in Double Bay, where he says hundreds of brokers compete for business.
Daniel and Dan unpack why many wealthy buyers still choose to carry debt on their homes, why investment lending all but stopped after the budget, and why more buyers are now putting their money into the biggest home they can afford rather than another investment property.
They also discuss the First Home Guarantee, why Dan's team reviews clients' interest rates twice a year, how Australia's building approval process is slowing new housing, and why the next generation needs more than one viable path to building wealth.
A timely conversation on property, borrowing and getting ahead in Australia.

In the second half of our special 300th episode, Daniel continues his conversation with Australian business icon Mark Bouris to explore Australia's economic outlook and how business owners can turn challenging conditions into long-term opportunity.
Drawing on decades of experience navigating economic cycles, Mark shares his perspective on the pressures facing Australian businesses, from inflation, interest rates and rising operating costs to government spending, taxation and housing affordability.
Daniel and Mark unpack why economic downturns are an inevitable part of business, how to protect cash flow and manage costs, and why difficult periods can be the best time to strengthen operations, invest in efficiency and prepare for future growth.
They also discuss leadership, recruitment, customer relationships, and the importance of anticipating market changes rather than reacting when it's too late.
A candid and practical conversation about navigating uncertainty, building a more resilient business, and positioning yourself to come out stronger when the economy recovers.

In Episode #304 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Ann-Mary Rajanayagam, Founder & CEO of Alderon, to cut through the AI hype and explore how businesses can turn rapidly evolving technology into real business value.
With almost 30 years of experience across technology, data and transformation, Ann-Mary has held senior leadership roles at organisations including the New York Stock Exchange, JP Morgan and JANA Investment Advisers. Today, she advises business leaders and boards on AI strategy, governance, data and the future of work. 
Daniel and Ann-Mary unpack where business owners should actually start with AI, why identifying the right business problem matters more than simply adopting the latest technology, and how SMEs can use AI to improve processes, efficiency, customer outcomes and revenue.
They also discuss vibe coding versus working with experienced developers, why human expertise becomes even more valuable as technology gets easier to access, and how AI is lowering the barriers to starting and building a business.
Beyond implementation, Daniel and Ann-Mary explore the bigger questions surrounding AI, from data security, privacy and Big Tech to education, the future of work and how leaders can adapt as the pace of technological change accelerates.
A practical conversation for business owners looking to move beyond the AI hype and understand where the technology can actually create value.

In this episode of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with David Werdiger, family enterprise advisor, entrepreneur and Managing Director of the Power of Pause Institute, to explore one of the biggest challenges successful business owners eventually face: what happens to the business, wealth and family after them.
Drawing on his own experience growing up around a family business and advising family enterprises, David unpacks succession, choosing the right person to lead the next generation, navigating siblings and spouses, and why ownership and leadership don't always need to sit with the same person.
Daniel and David also discuss how families can preserve wealth without destroying ambition, why purpose becomes increasingly important for younger generations, and the difference between simply inheriting a business and becoming a steward responsible for its future.
The conversation also explores David's Power of Pause philosophy, why he believes time is our most valuable asset, and what ancient traditions can teach us about disconnecting from technology and being more present.
A fascinating conversation about family, business, succession and building a legacy that can survive generations.

In Episode #302 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Simon Cohen, Founder & CEO of Cohen Handler, to unpack what's really happening in the Australian property market, and where he sees opportunity right now.
Since launching Cohen Handler in 2009, Simon has built it into a 100+ person national powerhouse, helping clients secure more than $13 billion in property and becoming one of Australia's most recognisable names in luxury real estate.
After 20 years navigating the GFC, COVID and countless market cycles, Simon explains why he believes today's slowdown is creating some of the most compelling buying conditions he's seen in years.
Daniel and Simon unpack the impact of the Federal Budget, negative gearing and potential capital gains changes, what's happening at the top end of Sydney's market, and why waiting to perfectly time the bottom can cost you.
They also explore where Simon is seeing value across residential and commercial property, how younger Australians can get into the market, and why he still sees property as one of the strongest long-term wealth-building assets.
Beyond property, Simon shares how he has used the strength of the Cohen Handler brand to launch multiple ventures with specialist partners, what he looks for in the people he goes into business with, and why reputation, experience and trust still matter.
A timely conversation on property, business, opportunity and where the smart money may be moving next.