Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future

• Golden Ages and Grim Times: The Best and Worst Times to Be Born

  Have you ever stopped to wonder if there’s been a better time to be alive than right now? Or maybe you’ve thought about the unimaginable challenges of living in past centuries.  Every era has its golden moments and dark chapters, but when you weigh up the pros and cons, it’s hard to argue that any other time in history compares to the opportunities and advancements we enjoy today. So in this episode of the Demographics Decoded podcast Simon Kuestenmacher and I take a look at when life may have been at its peak—and when it was undeniably tough. Takeaways Every era has its golden moments and dark chapters. Expectations play a crucial role in perceived happiness and satisfaction. The Baby Boomers grew up at a great time experiencing significant economic growth and social change. In the last few decades, technological advancements have transformed our lives in unprecedented ways. Medical breakthroughs have significantly improved our quality of life. Understanding historical context helps us appreciate our current situation. Living in a stable economy provides unique opportunities for wealth creation. Despite challenges, there are more opportunities today than ever before. The importance of community and support systems in navigating challenges. It's our responsibility to give back to the community as we succeed. Chapters 02:12 Reflecting on the Past: The Baby Boomer Era 08:41 The Digital Revolution and Its Impact 13:39 Medical Advances and Their Significance 20:49 The Horrors of War and Historical Context 23:58 The Best Time in History to Be Alive 24:34 Conclusion: The Ovarian Lottery and Future Opportunities 29:58 Introduction to Demographics Decoded 31:19 The Importance of Demographic Awareness Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here.    About Simon Kuestenmacher    Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group    Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.       He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.    Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.      About Michael Yardney    Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders.    While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.    Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.    Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram  Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.     

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  31:48
• Bias Busters: Overcoming the Hidden Barriers to Investing and Business Success

  Have you ever wondered what’s standing between you and business, investing or professional success? It may be you!  Maybe you’re too biased to be a successful property investor, business owner or entrepreneur. In this episode of the Demographics Decoded podcast, Simon Kuestenmacher and I explain how cognitive biases can impact decision-making in business and investment. We explore various biases such as confirmation bias, anchoring bias, awareness bias, positivity bias, and more, discussing how these mental shortcuts can lead to poor choices and missed opportunities. Our explain the importance of recognising these biases, seeking outside opinions, and being aware of the psychological influences that affect our judgments. Our aim is to equip you with insights to improve your decision-making processes and ultimately achieve greater success in your endeavors. Takeaways There is no shortage of cognitive biases out there that can trip up our brains. Cognitive biases are patterns of thinking that don’t rely on logic. Cognitive biases may convince us to spend more, save less, and feel more confident in our decisions than perhaps we should. Confirmation bias leads us to ignore opposing information. Awareness bias can prevent us from recognising poor performance. Positivity bias may cloud judgment about investments. The status quo bias keeps us from making necessary changes. Survivorship bias can skew our perception of success. Bandwagon bias encourages conformity over independent thought. Restraint bias affects our ability to control impulses. Bias blind spot makes us think we are immune to biases. Seeking outside opinions and working with mentros can provide valuable perspectives. Chapters 01:14 Understanding Cognitive Biases 06:08 Exploring Confirmation Bias 10:26 The Impact of Anchoring Bias 14:55 Awareness and Positivity Bias 20:15 Status Quo and Risk Taking 24:03 Survivorship and Bandwagon Bias 27:19 Restraint and Bias Bias 33:14 Introduction to Demographics Decoded 34:35 The Importance of Demographic Awareness Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here.      About Simon Kuestenmacher    Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group    Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.       He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.    Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.      About Michael Yardney    Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders.    While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.    Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.    Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram  Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.   

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  35:05
• Why Governments Keep Failing Us: The Truth About Reactive Politics

  It seems that politics is stuck in a reactive mode—always putting out fires instead of preventing them in the first place. It feels like we’re watching the same movie over and over again, so in this episode of the Demographics Decoded podcast, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the challenges and opportunities of preventive governance. We explain how the cycle is frustrating because we know prevention is not only more cost-effective but also better for society in the long run. Yet, time and time again, governments wait until things hit crisis point before stepping in. It’s like they’re addicted to the drama of a crisis. We explore the reasons why political systems often react to crises rather than prevent them, emphasising the importance of long-term thinking and public support for effective policy-making. Our conversation highlights successful preventive measures in various sectors and the potential for change as younger, more socially conscious generations take leadership roles. Ultimately, the discussion is optimistic about the future of preventive governance in Australia. Takeaways Politicians often prioritise short-term gains over long-term solutions. Preventive policies are often overlooked in favor of reactive measures. Long-term thinking is essential for effective governance. Public support is crucial for implementing preventive measures. Successful preventive policies can be hard to justify politically. Statistics and data are important for convincing policymakers. The younger generations are more community-minded and socially conscious. There are successful examples of preventive policies in Australia. Change in governance tends to happen gradually. Optimism for the future of preventive governance is warranted. Chapters 02:46 The Challenges of Preventative Governance 05:47 Understanding Preventative Models 08:33 The Political Landscape and Short-Term Thinking 10:00 The Self-Undermining Nature of Prevention 12:43 Learning from Successful Preventative Policies 15:29 The Role of Community Support in Policy 18:20 The Future of Preventative Policies in Australia 28:50 The Importance of Demographic Awareness Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here.    About Simon Kuestenmacher    Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group    Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.       He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.    Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.    About Michael Yardney    Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders.    While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.    Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.    Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram  Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.   

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  29:21
• Why the Suburbs You Know Today Will Look Completely Different in 20 Years

  In today’s conversation, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss why the suburbs you know today will look completely different in 20 years. First, we’ll explore how the urban fringes of today are poised to become the middle suburbs of tomorrow.   Then, we’ll turn our attention to the challenge of NIMBYism—the Not In My Backyard syndrome and discuss the implications of migration and the challenges population growth. Not surprisingly Simon Kuestenmacher emphasises the significance of demographic insights in planning for a sustainable future. Takeaways Today’s urban fringes will become our middle suburbs as the population grows. Migration is essential for Australia's economy and urban growth. Medium density housing is crucial for accommodating future residents. NIMBYism hinders necessary urban development and densification. Infrastructure must keep pace with population growth to avoid crises, but it’s not. State governments are beginning to take control of urban planning from local councils. Demographic trends can guide effective urban planning strategies. The cost of construction is rising, impacting housing affordability. Future urban planning must consider sustainable growth and infrastructure needs. Chapters 06:33 Urban Planning for a Growing Population 10:57 Challenges of Medium Density Housing 15:04 NIMBYism: The Barrier to Development 19:24 Centralizing Urban Planning Authority 25:11 Introduction to Wealth Retreat 26:38 The Value of Community in Wealth Building   Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here.    About Simon Kuestenmacher    Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group    Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.       He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.    Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.      About Michael Yardney    Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders.    While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.    Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.    Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram  Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results. 

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  28:47
• Some Things That Will Never Change—No Matter How Crazy the World Gets

  In today’s podcast we discuss a few things that never change in a world that never stops changing. And that’s because the things that never change are the most important things to pay attention to. However, change gets the most attention because it’s exciting, it’s surprising, it’s something that the media can comment on. I have found that to be a successful investor and a successful businessperson, I’ve had to be prepared for change, but I’ve also to understand those things that stay the same. Now don’t be confused by all this – it’s not a play on words. You’ll understand what I’m on about by the time you finish listening to this podcast So, let’s look at some things that never change in a world that never stops changing. Takeaways Life is cyclical; both good and bad times will pass. Understanding change is crucial for success in business. Optimism influences our actions and results. History teaches us lessons, but it doesn't repeat exactly. Humans inherently strive for improvement and good. Human connection remains vital despite technological advances. Demographic trends significantly shape our future. The principle of compounding applies to wealth and relationships. Chapters 02:24 The Optimistic Human Spirit 07:53 Resilience in the Face of Change 13:24 The Cyclical Nature of Life 15:53 The Unchanging Human Condition 20:02 The Power of Compounding 21:51 Demographic Trends: Aging Population 23:56 Population Growth Through Immigration 25:24 Urbanization Trends in Australia 27:00 The Growing Asian Middle Class 29:28 Generational Wealth Transfer 31:31 The Rise of Single-Person Households 33:58 The Value of Community in Wealth Building   Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here.      About Simon Kuestenmacher  Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group    Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.       He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.    Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.    About Michael Yardney  Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders.    While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.    Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.    Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram  Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results. 

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