Shared Lunch

Luxury is slowing down globally — with major brands seeing sales dip as consumers pull back on discretionary spending. But Michael Hill’s CEO says the picture isn’t that simple.
We unpack what’s really driving the downturn, from shifting global demand to rising gold prices — and why “accessible luxury” could still be a winning strategy.
This bite is from our episode ‘Pressure makes diamonds: Michael Hill’.
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Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website.
Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does an iconic Kiwi brand recover from store closures, falling earnings, and the deaths of its founder and CEO? Jonathan Waecker, new CEO of Michael Hill, talks about stepping in to honour the jeweller’s legacy while creating urgent change.
Jonathan talks through the high-stakes call to drop newer sub-brands, moving to a fully private-label model, and cornering the “mass premium” market. Learn how Canada has become the company's primary growth engine, with 85% of sales now outside NZ, and whether customers still want affordable luxury during an economic downturn.
How is a jeweller impacted by the rising prices of gold and silver? What’s the role of the velvet-rope retail store in an era where you can Doordash a diamond ring? What’s got institutional investors like the ACC doubling their stake?
Plus, the story of how Michael Hill was born out of a house fire in 1977.
For more places to follow Shared Lunch—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch

Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website.
Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus clip, Vanguard’s Kathy Kellert breaks down how markets have historically responded to geopolitical shocks—and how staying invested can play out. Drawing on decades of data, she explains why investors who zoom out, stay diversified, and stick to a long-term strategy are often rewarded, even after major sell-offs.
We also explore impact of holding cash during volatile periods.
This bite is from our previous episode with Vanguard.
For more places to follow Shared Lunch—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch

Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could diversification across 10,000 global companies can help protect your wealth against volatility? Kathy Kellert, Vanguard’s Head of Equity Index Product, talks to us about Vanguard Total World Fund (VT), and responding to supply shocks and inflation without compromising long-term strategy.
Hear why Kathy believes timing the market is "paralyzing," and the hidden costs of holding cash during a recession. We explore the classic "core-satellite" strategy, which pairs steady index funds with high-growth bets like AI, and why VT’s global portfolio remains 60% US investments, while keeping an eye on markets like India and Brazil.
Plus, Kathy traces how geopolitical events, from 1960s shocks to modern conflicts, typically result in positive returns within twelve months.
For more places to follow Shared Lunch—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch

Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website.
Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus clip, economist Brad Olsen unpacks the risk of stagflation, where inflation rises but economic growth stalls and why it’s back on the radar. With oil shocks, global uncertainty, and pressure building across the economy, we explore what could trigger it and how today’s environment compares to the past.
This bite is from our latest episode of Shared Lunch.
For more places to follow Shared Lunch—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch

Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website.
Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.