Exchanges with Evan Lucas

This week, Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, joins Exchanges to make the case for why regional Australia is central to the nation’s future.

We explore the urgent need for strategic planning across housing, jobs, and infrastructure as Australia’s population grows, and unpack the pressures building in regional housing and rental markets. Liz explains why connectivity, livability, and productivity are critical to attracting and retaining people outside the major cities.

The conversation also tackles the need for regulatory reform, greater local decision-making power, and how regional communities must be at the centre of renewable energy development.

To follow Liz click here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-ritchie-a3b7a012/
Website: https://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/

To follow Evan click here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/
Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Chapters
00:00 The Future of Regional Australia
03:15 Housing Challenges in the Regions
09:01 Rental Market Dynamics
11:22 Infrastructure Needs for Growth
14:55 Livability and Connectivity
19:35 Retention of Residents in Regional Areas
22:53 Regulatory Changes for Productivity
26:10 Embracing Renewable Energy in Regions
31:47 A Vision for National Policy
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This week, Madeline Miller Gen Z Leadership Architect joins Exchanges to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping the meaning of work and identity. Madeline explains why this generation is increasingly skeptical of traditional career paths and promotions, and how they’re redefining success on their own terms.

We explore Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance, their push for authenticity in the workplace, and their willingness to change jobs to find alignment with their values. Madeline also highlights how the failures of previous work models have shaped this generation’s expectations, from their demand for better culture to their insistence on flexibility and meaningful work.

Follow Madeline Here
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millermadeline/
Website: https://coachingwithmadeline.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemillercoaching/

Follow Evan Here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/
Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Exchanges ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant joined us to unpack why Australia’s financial markets are at a crossroads, and why innovation has never been more important.

We dive into the challenges facing public markets, the rapid growth of private markets and private credit, and what this shift means for businesses, investors, and the broader economy. Simone highlights the need for stronger market integrity, access, and participation, while also addressing emerging systemic risks and the importance of smart regulatory oversight.

At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: building a healthy, inclusive financial ecosystem will require real collaboration across the industry.

To follow Simone click here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-constant-b1a86678/
ASIC: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/australian-securities-and-investment-commission

To follow Evan click here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/
website: https://evanlucas.com.au/

Chapters
00:00 Innovation vs. Stagnation in Australian Markets
02:58 Public Market Challenges and Opportunities
06:07 The Rise of Private Markets
08:55 Concerns in Private Credit
11:56 Market Dynamics and Systemic Risks
15:10 Access and Participation in Financial Markets
17:48 The Future of Private and Public Markets
21:01 Regulatory Insights and Industry Practices
23:56 Final Thoughts and Vision for the Future
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On This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Andy Fithall on Coffee, Connection, and Creating Social Good

Andy Fithall, social entrepreneur and founder of The Good Machine, joins Exchanges to explore how purpose and profit can coexist.

Andy shares the story of how he launched In Other Good News during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew it into a thriving social enterprise focused on creating positive impact with every cup.

We dive into the essence of social entrepreneurialism, the idea of coffee as a currency for connection, and how businesses can balance commercial success with community contribution. Andy also reveals his future vision for The Good Machine and the importance of sustainability and purpose in building meaningful change.

A conversation that proves small actions like a cup of coffee can fuel something much bigger.

To follow Andy click here:
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/andyfithall
Website: https://thegoodmachine.com.au/
Dadstock '25: https://events.humanitix.com/dadstock-25

To follow Evan click here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/
Website: www.evanlucas.com.au

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Social Entrepreneurialism
02:58 The Role of Coffee in Social Impact
05:50 Balancing Profit and Purpose
09:01 The Birth of 'In Other Good News'
12:01 Transforming a Good News Show into a Social Enterprise
14:53 The Evolution of The Good Machine
17:56 Future Vision for Social Entrepreneurship
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This week on Exchanges, Merriden Varrall Special Advisor Geopolitics at KPMG South ASPAC and Head of geopolitical insights outfit Vantage Geopol joins us to explore the rise of populism and its far-reaching implications for markets, trade, and institutional trust.

We unpack how populism’s anti-establishment sentiment and ‘us versus them’ mentality are driving a new wave of protectionism, reshaping global politics and economic policy. Merriden shares insights into the growing challenges faced by international institutions, and the critical role businesses must play in rebuilding public trust.

The exchange also dives into Australia’s position in global trade, what rising populism means for economic diplomacy, and how politics, policy, and perception are converging to define the next era of global cooperation.

Follow Merriden here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriden-varrall-phd-maicd-ab96024/
Website: http://www.vantagegeoopl.com/

Follow Evan here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/
Website: www.evanlucas.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Populism and Its Impact
05:20 The Rise of Protectionism in Global Trade
12:02 Challenges for International Institutions
17:53 The Role of Business in a Populist Era
20:00 Tariffs and Economic Coercion
24:42 Strategic Economic Interventions
28:06 Future of Politics in a Populist Landscape
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