Exchanges with Merriden Varrall: Anti-Establishment Attraction
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.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Chapters00:00 Understanding Populism and Its Impact05:20 The Rise of Protectionism in Global Trade12:02 Challenges for International Institutions17:53 The Role of Business in a Populist Era20:00 Tariffs and Economic Coercion24:42 Strategic Economic Interventions28:06 Future of Politics in a Populist Landscape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-------- Â
34:37
--------
34:37
Exchanges with Sarah Hunter: The inner thinking of the RBA
Welcome to Season 3 of ExchangesThis Week’s Episode: Sarah Hunter on Inflation, Productivity, and Australia’s Economic Outlook from the inner thinking of the RABSarah Hunter, Assistant Governor (Economic) and Chief Economist at the RBA, joins Exchanges to unpack the current state of inflation in Australia and what it means for households, businesses, and policymakers.We discuss the RBA’s transition to monthly economic data, how AI is reshaping economic analysis, and the key productivity and growth challenges facing the nation. Sarah also shares insights into consumer confidence, monetary policy decisions, and why keeping a close eye on multiple indicators is crucial to balancing inflation control with sustainable growth.To follow Sarah click here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hunter-42526541/Website: https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/people/ag-economic.htmlTo follow Evan click here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Website: www.evanlucas.com.auChapters00:00 Inflation Transition and Economic Outlook06:13 Housing Market and Rental Inflation Concerns12:49 AI's Role in Economic Analysis15:11 Understanding Productivity in Australia20:22 Growth Projections for the Australian Economy27:03 Consumer Confidence and Economic Perceptions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-------- Â
38:00
--------
38:00
Exchanges with Betsy Westcott: A good money life
This week, Betsy Westcott, financial coach and former banker, joins us to share her journey from the world of banking to financial coaching and what she’s learned about the psychology of money along the way.We dive into the disconnect between wealth and personal happiness, the dynamics of Australia’s housing market, and our cultural addiction to debt. Betsy explains why financial education is critical to breaking unhealthy money cycles and empowering individuals to make better choices.We also explore the growing role of finfluencers in shaping financial behaviour, and Betsy shares her vision for a more financially confident and empowered society.To follow Betsy click here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsywestcott/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsywestcott/Website: https://www.betsywestcott.com/To follow Evan click here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/Website: www.evanlucas.com.auChapters00:00 From Banking to Financial Coaching03:02 Understanding Money Psychology05:49 The Value Trap and Self-Worth08:49 Housing Market Dynamics and Debt Addiction12:04 Cultural Attitudes Towards Wealth14:54 The Role of Influencers in Financial Education17:51 Navigating Investment Strategies20:56 The Risks of Negative Gearing24:02 The Need for Financial Literacy26:59 A Vision for Financial Education29:57 Betsy’s Ideal Financial Revolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-------- Â
37:01
--------
37:01
Exchanges with Lawrence Lam: The Founder
This week, Lawrence Lam joins us to explore the powerful role that founders play in shaping company success. We dive into the unique traits and decision-making styles that set founders apart, and how their intrinsic motivation drives long-term vision and resilience.Lawrence unpacks the psychological side of corporate leadership, the risks that come with founder control, and why long-term incentives are essential in corporate governance.Follow Lawrence here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-lam-354b84bb/Website: https://lumenaryinvest.com/Book: https://lawrencelam.org/the-founder-effect/#buythefoundereffectFollow Evan Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/website: www.evanlucas.com.auChapters00:00 The Fascination with Founders02:52 The Traits of Successful Founders05:48 The Lego Case Study: A Masterclass in Alignment09:36 The Risks of Founder Control12:49 Identifying Founder Narcissism15:50 Motivation: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic19:51 Long-Term Thinking in Corporate Leadership23:33 Incentives for Change in Corporate Australia26:45 A Vision for the Future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-------- Â
31:14
--------
31:14
Exchanges with John Addis: Fundamentally
This week, John Addis joins us to examine the state of fundamental investing in today’s markets and the growing influence of AI in analysis and research.The rise of passive investing, the opportunities (and risks) AI presents, and the historical parallels to the dot-com bubble. John also shares why learning from mistakes is central to building resilience as an investor.At its core, John emphasises the need for a balanced, disciplined approach to investing—and the importance of not letting worry or fear dictate financial decisions.To follow John click here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnaddis/Book: https://majorstreet.com.au/products/how-not-to-lose-1-million-br-i-small-by-john-addis-i-smallTo follow Evan click here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/Website: evanlucas.com.auChapters00:00 The State of Fundamental Investing02:59 The Impact of Passive Investing05:54 AI's Role in Market Analysis08:56 The Dot Com Bubble and AI Hype11:46 Australia's Economic Landscape14:43 The Future of Australian Companies17:43 Regulatory Challenges in Capital Markets20:33 The Role of Superannuation in Investment23:45 Learning from Investment Mistakes29:38 A Day in Charge: John Addis' Vision Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Australia