The Find Your Influence Podcast with Anton Guinea

The Real Secret to Financial Independence | Troy Collins Interview

Troy describes his 30+ years as a strategic financial planner and founder of Collins Financial Group, emphasizing that true financial planning is strategic, not transactional, built around his core pillars of direction, control, and choice. He links financial strategy with triathlon coaching: starting with the end in mind, creating a clear long‑term goal, then working backward with structure, discipline, and systems that run consistently over time. Troy highlights the importance of trust, respect, and likability in client relationships, often turning clients into long‑term friends, and notes how money and financial stress can make or break marriages, which is why he sees his work as partly “financial and marriage rescue.” He gives practical markers for retirement planning (e.g., ~$60k–$100k per year in today’s dollars, and roughly $500k of capital for every $30k of income, assuming ~6% returns) and stresses conservative assumptions, long-term thinking, and starting as early as possible. Throughout, both men reinforce the value of being coachable, humble, and open, investing in mentors and coaches, and using disciplined consistency, whether in business, money, or sport, to create genuine financial independence and life choices over decades.   Takeaways:    1. Strategic, not transactional, financial planning Troy argues that real financial planning is about long‑term strategy—starting with the end in mind, setting clear goals, and then building structure, systems, and processes—rather than chasing short‑term products or “deals.” 2. Direction, control, and choice create calm and confidence His framework is: * Direction (clear goals and plan) → calm and clarity * Control (systems, cash flow, debt strategy, investments) → confidence * Choice (financial independence) → freedom to design your lifestyle, work less, or retire. 3. Be coachable, humble, and open—for money, business, and life Troy links triathlon, business, and money: success comes from discipline and being coachable. He continually invests in coaches and mentors, and encourages others to do the same, because outside perspective and experience accelerate both financial independence and personal growth. Quotes: 1. On what influence really looks like in financial planning "My belief in regards to financial planning should be strategic, not transactional… my three key words are direction, control, and choice… that direction creates calm… the control… creates confidence… and then lastly, the choice is the end outcome, in regards to the freedom that they get." — Troy Collins [0:04:13] 2. On money, relationships, and why his work matters "I actually say to a lot of clients, I think I’ve saved more marriages… because that is what creates a lot of… destroyed relationships… personally as well. They don’t talk about money, they’re fearful of talking about money, and so having that third party that can influence decision‑making… is absolutely critical." — Troy Collins [0:19:53–0:21:05] 3. On being a leader and a learner at the same time "We’ve got to be coachable… be humble and learn from other people… go and find the people who’ve done it… I invested in traveling interstate… I went to Tony Robbins seminars… I traveled every quarter to basically have a one‑day coaching session… I’m still doing it… always be open to new learnings and new opportunities." — Troy Collins [0:37:23–0:41:17]   Timestamps:   0:00:00 – Troy explains his long-term relationships with clients and how trust, likeability, and respect have grown over decades. 0:01:00 – Anton formally opens the Find Your Influence podcast and introduces Troy’s professional background. 0:04:13 – Troy defines influence in his work and introduces his framework of direction, control, and choice. 0:06:57 – Troy talks about “starting with the end in mind” in financial planning and setting time-and-dollar goals. 0:09:29 – Troy describes his education, professional qualifications, and the evolution of financial planning from transactional to strategic. 0:13:20 – Troy reflects on early influences: parents, coaches, and how he joined his father’s business after trying to be a pro triathlete. 0:19:52 – Troy and Anton discuss how money and finances strain relationships, and Troy describes his role in “saving marriages.” 0:23:14 – Troy explains how clients become long-term friends and how his triathlon life and client base overlap. 0:30:19 – They explore strategy vs. tools in investing, stressing planning first and only then choosing assets. 0:37:23 – Troy talks about leadership, being coachable, and continually investing in coaches and mentors throughout his career.   In conclusion, this conversation with Troy Collins is a masterclass in how long-term thinking, disciplined strategy, and coachability shape both money and life. Troy shows that true financial planning is not about quick wins or products, but about clarity of direction, control through systems, and the freedom of real choice over decades. By tying his work as a financial strategist to his journey as a triathlete, husband, and business owner, he models how consistency and humility—being willing to seek coaches, stay teachable, and invest in yourself—create enduring results. Listeners are left with a clear message: if you start with the end in mind, get honest about your goals, and commit to structured action with the right guidance, you can build not just financial independence, but a life of meaningful relationships, health, and impact.   Visit https://collinsfinancialgroup.com.au/ [https://collinsfinancialgroup.com.au/]

Chad Hymas: The Accident That Left Him Paralyzed & Changed His Life Forever

In this powerful conversation, leadership and safety expert Chad Hymas shares how a catastrophic workplace accident at 27, when a 2,000‑pound bale of hay shattered his neck and left him a quadriplegic, completely transformed his life, work, and view of leadership. He describes the harsh realities of living without the use of his legs, core, or hands, the strain and tenderness in his marriage and caregiving relationship with his wife Shondell, and the crucial support role his children and strangers play in his daily independence. Chad opens up about men’s mental health, depression, and suicidal thoughts, arguing that while physical challenges can be managed, the mental game is the same for all of us. He explains how his purpose evolved from farming land to “farming people” through his ranch (Royal Creek Ranches), global keynotes, and leadership retreats, emphasizing proactive kindness and service—reaching out before being asked—as the true heart of influence and leadership. Grounded in his faith in God and hard‑won perspective, Chad challenges listeners to stop “robbing themselves” of purpose, to actively serve others, and to recognize that even small, sincere acts of encouragement can change lives.   Takeaways:   1. The real battle is mental, not physical. Physical limitations can be adapted to; the “hard part” is the mental game, which is the same for everyone, regardless of their specific challenge. 2. One plus one doesn’t equal two—it can equal three or infinity. Chad’s idea that 1 + 1 = 3 (or infinity) reflects how collaboration, support, and shared struggle multiply impact far beyond what individuals can do alone. 3. Independence is built on dependence. Chad insists he is not truly independent—his independence is created by being willing to depend on and ask for help from others, often complete strangers. 4. Caregiving deeply impacts relationships. Having his wife, Shondell, help with intimate, daily care creates emotional and relational tension, challenging traditional views of a man’s role as “protector and provider.” Quotes:   1. On the real challenge being mental, not physical, “The mental game is where it's really hard. I mean, the physical part, we deal with that, we figure it out, but the mental game, it's the same for all of us…” – Chad Hymas 2. On proactive kindness and leadership “Proactive kindness and proactive service, that's a whole different way to live a life… People will help when they're asked. Will you do it when you're not asked?” – Chad Hymas  3. On honoring loss by how you live, “If you focus on what you lost, you end up staying stuck. But if you focus on the little bit you still have, more comes to you in the process… You honor the loss by the way you change and live your life moving forward.” – Chad Hymas   Timestamps:   1. [00:00:00] – The Mental Game & 1+1=3 Chad opens by arguing that the mental game is harder than the physical, and introduces his “1 + 1 = 3 / infinity” view of leadership and support. 2. [00:03:25] – The Accident Story Chad recounts the workplace accident with the 2,000‑pound bale of hay that shattered his neck and changed his life at 27. 3. [00:08:28] – Independence Through Dependence He explains his physical limitations, using a manual wheelchair, traveling alone, and why he says he’s not independent—he’s dependent on strangers. 4. [00:10:35] – Marriage, Caregiving & Masculinity Candid discussion about Shondell’s caregiving, how it affects intimacy, pride, and his sense of being a husband and man. 5. [00:13:28] – Men’s Mental Health & Suicidal Thoughts Chad opens up about depression, suicidal ideation, and skyrocketing male suicide rates, and why he advocates for men’s mental health. 6. [00:26:22] – The Mental Game is the Same for All of Us He revisits Anton’s knee injury, asserts that no one’s pain is “less than”, and expands on the shared mental struggle we all face. 7. [00:29:20] – Proactive vs Reactive Kindness Core leadership lesson: the difference between helping when asked and seeking people to serve without being asked, plus the simple “send a text today” challenge. 8. [00:33:20] – Raising the Bar with Recognition Practical examples of lifting kids and spouses by recognizing effort (even a C grade), flipping criticism into positive expectations. 9. [00:39:14] – First Speaking Gig from One Church Visit The story of stopping at church after the accident, going back once to say thank you, and how that directly led to his first paid speaking engagement. 10. [00:48:55] – Honoring Loss by How You Live Forward Closing message: don’t focus on what you lost; honor loss (death, divorce, bankruptcy) by how you change and live your life going forward.   Conclusion:   Chad Hymas is a masterclass in perspective, purpose, and proactive leadership. Chad doesn’t just tell a story about surviving a catastrophic accident; he shows what it means to win the mental game day after day while living with profound physical limitations. From redefining independence as dependence on others to challenging us to practice proactive kindness and to honor loss in how we move forward, Chad turns tragedy into a deeply practical roadmap for influence, resilience, and service. Listeners walk away not just inspired, but invited to act: to send that text, recognize the people closest to them, and stop “robbing themselves” of the chance to serve, grow, and live with a renewed sense of faith and purpose.

Brad Eisenhuth on Motivation, Safety, and Team Performance

Brad Eisenhuth explores what real influence and leadership look like in practice. Brad defines influence as creating movement in others and emphasizes generating a disproportionate return on time and effort by choosing the right environment, method, and intent. He explains that true change requires motivation, ownership of problems, and a shift in both thinking and behavior. Using concepts like the red zone/green zone of human needs (safety, control, status vs. learning, teamwork, purpose), Brad shows why people resist change and how leaders can create safety and clarity so that teams lean into growth rather than avoid it. The conversation dives into leadership as the blend of inspiration (leadership) and structure (management), and finishes with a key insight: stop starting with your “gold nugget” and instead deeply understand what the other person needs first. Takeaways: 1. Influence = creating movement: Real influence is about generating movement in others with a disproportionate return on your time and effort by aligning intent, method, and environment. 2. Change starts with motivation and safety: People only embrace change when they see why it matters to them and feel safe in their core needs—security, control, and status (red zone)—so they can move into learning, teamwork, and purpose (green zone). 3. Lead from their needs, not your agenda: Effective leaders don’t start with “their” gold nugget; they reverse-engineer influence by understanding what the other person values, how they see the problem, and tailoring questions, structure, and support to that.   Quotes: 1. "Influence... it's about creating movement in others... How do I get people to move towards the behavior or the change that I want to see happen in the most efficient way, in the most effective way, with the least amount of effort?"  2. "The real skill is being able to pick the communication method and design the environment with clear intent." 3. "You don't need to influence, you just need to find out what the other person needs."   Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening on change, motivation & stepping into the unknown 01:10 – Podcast intro & Anton introduces Brad Eisenhowth 02:14 – What is influence? “Creating movement” & disproportionate return 05:56 – The key skill of influence: environment, method, intent 11:42 – Who influenced Brad? Mentors, Tony Robbins, sport & observation 16:12 – Pride, ownership of problems & personal growth 19:46 – Change, motivation, and tension between present and future 23:09 – Human needs: red zone vs green zone (safety, control, status) 28:20 – Real‑life resistance to change: personal stress & leadership response 33:00 – Hard leadership moments when the chips are down 35:03 – Leadership vs management: inspiration vs structure 39:32 – Anton’s recap of influence & leadership themes 40:53 – Brad’s final “gold nugget”: stop thinking about you, start with their needs 42:21 – Closing thanks & call to like/subscribe Conclusion: This conversation between Anton Guinea and Brad Eisenhuth shows that real influence and leadership aren’t about clever tactics, but about creating meaningful movement in others by understanding their needs, context, and motivations. Influence works best when leaders align intent, method, and environment; support core human needs such as safety, control, and status; and invite people into the green zone of learning, teamwork, and purpose. Leadership, as Brad frames it, is the blend of inspiration (emotion, story, destination) and management (logic, structure, clarity)—and the most powerful shift any leader can make is to stop centering their own “gold nugget” and instead start with a deep curiosity about what the other person truly needs to change and grow.

Leading Beyond the Hierarchy: How to Drive True Impact with Dominique Lamb

Dominique Lamb is a premier Australian governance, policy, and advocacy leader currently serving as the Director of Community Affairs to the President of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Dominique explains how the 2032 Games are shifting away from traditional, isolated sporting events toward a distributed, 14-host-city model designed to act as a catalyst for "public value", ensuring long-term infrastructure, economic development, and generational change impact regional communities that have historically been left behind. She describes how she defines influence as a collaborative, place-based journey rooted in storytelling rather than rigid corporate hierarchies, allowing her to advocate effectively across government bodies, industry associations, and regional stakeholders. Drawing from her diverse career as a lawyer, CEO, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique shares profound insights into leadership as an act of psychological safety, navigating isolation at the executive level, and why leaders must consciously define their own value compass to stay grounded when making hard decisions. Takeaways: Shifting from Profit to Public Value: Dominique highlights how leading in community and government spaces requires a mindset shift from standard corporate profitability to maximizing positive, lasting impact for the greatest number of people. Leadership is Psychological Safety: She defines the core of organizational leadership as creating a secure bond where employees can show up as authentic human beings, voice their struggles on hard days, and build mutual loyalty. Owning Your Value Compass: Reflecting on her time in a high-performance bodybuilding team, Dominique emphasizes that personal and professional values must be a conscious, daily choice that dictates your behavior, serving as a critical anchor during times of executive pressure. Quotes: "Influence is about taking people on a journey. Storytelling predominantly. Because I don't think that you can influence in a hierarchical sense. I don't think you can do it through aggression. I don't think that you can create true or long-term influence unless you bring people on a journey." — Dominique Lamb "When you work with the government, the government's focus is around where can I achieve the public value... impacting the most people in the most positive way." — Dominique Lamb "People spend their whole lives trying to get to the top and they think that you get to the top and then you're good... But in actual fact it gets harder... The single thing that gets anyone through are the people around them. You're the sum of the five people around you." — Dominique Lamb Conclusion: This episode demonstrates that true leadership isn't about imposing decisions on a community, but navigating the journey with them. Dominique’s insights are a powerful reminder for any leader to deliberately choose their values, protect their team's safety, and focus on leaving a legacy of public worth.

Bridging the Gap Between Engineers and Frontline Workers with Paul Harazim

Paul Harazim is an Australian business leader focused on industrial safety and efficiency in the water, wastewater, and transport sectors. Paul explains how his company, Mass Products, bridges the gap between engineers and frontline operators by designing operator-led, practical access and safety solutions that reduce bureaucracy and paperwork while improving real-world safety. He describes a new standalone access program and a major contract in Brisbane that oversees planning, engineering, and design to ensure that new infrastructure is safe, maintainable, and efficient over the next 30 years, particularly amid aging assets. Paul also shares how he uses influence—which he defines as awareness plus guiding others on a journey—to connect operator feedback with senior executives, identify pain points, and implement change across multiple levels of an organization. Finally, he reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, early influences from his father, the importance of backing yourself, and his parallel work on Road Pod, an innovative containerized transport system that improves safety and efficiency in freight operations.   Takeaways: 1. Bridge between design and operations: Paul’s work focuses on closing the gap between engineers and frontline operators, ensuring infrastructure is practical, maintainable, and safe rather than just “compliant on paper.” 2. Influence as awareness and guided change: He defines influence as raising awareness, helping people understand and accept new information, and then guiding them on a journey of change across all organizational levels. 3. Back yourself and solve real problems: Paul’s entrepreneurial journey shows the value of backing yourself early, focusing on solving real operational pain points, and adding value first—whether through safer water infrastructure or innovations like the Road Pod freight system.   Quotes: * "When you can add that kind of efficiency and safety in the same sentence, that's when that kind of excites me, because the world went crazy with safety... and we're kind of really enjoying disrupting the industry and pioneering the change, where we're taking away all of this bureaucracy, red tape, paperwork."  * "We're bridging the gap between people actually doing the work and people who are designing and building some of the work, so we've become this kind of communication company where we're almost a counseling company in both." * "I would call it… I'd almost call it awareness and an ability to accept, understand, and navigate other people through that journey. That's what influencing is."   Conclusion: This episode shows that real influence is about turning frontline pain points into safer, smarter systems that serve workers for decades. Paul’s journey is a reminder to back yourself, challenge the status quo, and design solutions where safety and efficiency go hand in hand.    🔥 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 This episode is proudly sponsored by Les Moir, Business Mentor, Coach, and creator of the No Limits to Success program. For more than 18 years, Les has helped trades professionals and small business owners break free from the constant grind, stabilize their income, and reclaim their time so they can build businesses that support both success and lifestyle. If you’re ready to work smarter, grow sustainably, and create more freedom in your business and life, this resource is worth checking out. https://nolimitstosuccess.com/ [https://nolimitstosuccess.com/]  IG: https://www.instagram.com/les.moir/ [https://www.instagram.com/les.moir/]  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesdmoir/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesdmoir/] YT: https://www.youtube.com/@NoLimitsToSuccess [https://www.youtube.com/@NoLimitsToSuccess]