Campbell Smyth – Building a Billion-Dollar Lending Balance Sheet

Campbell Smyth – Building a Billion-Dollar Lending Balance Sheet

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Campbell Smyth, a financial services veteran with more than 25 years of experience across credit, capital markets, and portfolio management. Campbell shares his career journey - from a brief stint in a science degree to completing his CFA and managing an excess of $2.5 billion in securities assets at Challenger. He discusses his transition to a standalone non-bank lending business, where he has driven rapid growth to achieve a $1.3 billion balance sheet in just 18 months. Campbell reflects on the importance of embracing new technology like AI, the true meaning of entrepreneurial drive, and the core lessons around hard work passed down from his father. He also opens up about his approach to work-life balance on the Northern Beaches, his past passion for racing cars, and his ultimate goal of raising a supportive, respectful family. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in non-bank lending, corporate growth levers, or building a resilient career in financial markets. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Campbell Smyth and His 25-Year Career in Financial Services [00:02:00] – Current Focus: Life on the Northern Beaches and Growing a $1.3B Non-Bank Lending Balance Sheet [00:03:33] – The Bluestone Grounding: Moving from the Buy-Side to Re-Activating Lending Businesses [00:07:05] – Early Career and Education: Leaving Science, Finding Commerce, and the Value of the CFA Designation [00:10:36] – Influences and Family: Instilling a Hard Work Ethic in the Family Confectionery Factory [00:14:34] – Redefining Entrepreneurship: Leveraging Existing Ideas, Minimising Probabilities, and Planning for Success [00:17:36] – Handling Bumps in the Road: Financial Impacts, Communicating with Chairpersons, and Moving On [00:19:10] – What Drives Success: Seeing People Progress, Budgeting Levers, and Chasing Quantitative Outcomes [00:22:08] – Advice to a Younger Self: Having 100% Belief in Yourself and Your Capabilities [00:23:10] – Philosophical Legacy: Creating a Supportive Environment and Raising a Respectful Human [00:26:04] – Beyond Work: Transitioning from Racing Cars to Enjoying Footy Trips and Family Time [00:27:05] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Campbell Smyth on LinkedIn Grow Your Wealth Podcast Website: https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au [https://www.ipartnerspodcast.com.au] iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au [https://www.ipartners.com.au] Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ [https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/] iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd]

Ian Saines – Decoding Wealth: Macquarie Bank, Market Cycles, and Long-Term Strategies

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Ian Saines, a highly experienced non-executive director and former senior banking executive. Ian reflects on a distinguished career that has spanned the Reserve Bank of Australia, Challenger, CBA, and Zurich, offering a unique perspective developed through decades of leadership in global financial services. He shares his journey from growing up in Wagga Wagga to leading a major institutional bank through the global financial crisis - a period he describes as a defining executive test. Ian dives deep into the mechanics of leadership, discussing the importance of "letting go" of technical specialities to become an effective leader and the value of fostering internal entrepreneurship within an accountable framework. He also offers candid advice on building long-term wealth, the common pitfalls of residential real estate investing, and why simply "being invested" is often the most powerful strategy. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned investor, Ian’s insights on adaptability, risk appetite, and intellectual stimulation provide a masterclass in professional and personal growth. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Leading through the Global Financial Crisis and the essence of leadership [00:02:12] – Meet Ian Saines: A career spanning the RBA, CBA, and Macquarie Bank [00:03:34] – Early Days: Starting at the Reserve Bank, night school, and the grounding of an economics background [00:06:59] – Serendipity and Networking: How a campus introduction led to a 17-year career at BT [00:13:03] – Staying Relevant: Why Ian chooses the boardroom over retirement and the drive for intellectual stimulation [00:16:42] – Innovation and Risk: Testing, learning, and fostering entrepreneurship in large organisations [00:19:16] – Corporate Culture: The "Macquarie Way" and managing the distractions of "organisational hobbies" [00:24:33] – Career Advice: The importance of personal development and letting go of your speciality [00:28:50] – Defining Success: Transitioning from survival mode to having choices in life [00:31:36] – Investment Wisdom: The dangers of market timing and the case against residential real estate [00:36:17] – Life Outside Work: Farming in the Hunter Valley and the balance of physical labour [00:38:03] – Final Thoughts and Connecting with Ian Saines on LinkedIn iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au [https://www.ipartners.com.au] Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ [https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/] iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd]

Saying Yes to Opportunity: Career Lessons from Challenger’s Former Chief Commercial Officer

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Stuart Kingham, an experienced Chief Commercial Officer and veteran of the Australian financial services landscape. Stu reflects on his foundational years growing up on a farm near Orange, NSW, and how that rural upbringing instilled the resilience and planning skills that have defined his 30-year career. From a chance six-week auditing role that transformed into a five-year forensic accounting practice in London to leading Investor Relations and Commercial Strategy at Challenger, Stu shares his unique perspective on how to create and maintain shareholder value. This conversation explores the "people and purpose" phase of Stu's current career, detailing his transition into non-executive roles and consultancy. Stu offers invaluable advice for the next generation of professionals, from the importance of "saying yes" to new opportunities to how the role of junior employees is being reshaped by AI. Whether discussing the scientific evolution of the family farm or his practical tips for driving sustainable long-term wealth, Stu’s insights are grounded in authenticity and a high level of professional curiosity. [00:00:00] – Introduction: Travis Miller welcomes Stuart King, former Chief Commercial Officer at Challenger, to discuss capital markets and shareholder value. [00:04:10] – Career Philosophy: Entering the "People and Purpose" phase of his career and pursuing selective non-executive roles. [00:06:45] – The Role of a CCO: Stuart explains the day-to-day responsibilities of a Chief Commercial Officer, from M&A to government relations. [00:08:13] – Education & Foundations: The value of a commerce degree and why professional services firms provide the best base for young professionals. [00:11:23] – The London Forensic Story: How an audit of a copper derivatives rogue trader case led to building a forensic accounting practice. [00:15:34] – Pivotal Moments: Moving from a subject matter expert to a business leader and the benefits of low-risk internal transfers. [00:20:52] – The "Black Hat" Approach: Using different thinking and "black hat" sessions to identify risks and knowing when the best decision is to not proceed. [00:24:04] – Advice for Grads & the AI Shift: Why the next generation needs to "say yes" and how AI is moving junior roles toward higher-value tasks. [00:27:58] – Defining Success: Shifting the focus from wealth and career development to impact and giving back to the next generation. [00:31:31] – Long-Term Wealth Tips: Stuart’s three pillars for sustainability: patience, meticulous record-keeping, and seeking financial advice. [00:34:25] – The Scientific Farm: How technology and drones have transformed modern farming since Stuart's childhood. [00:35:54] – Closing Remarks: Connecting with Stuart on LinkedIn and the importance of reviews for community education. iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au [https://www.ipartners.com.au] Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ [https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/] iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd]

Travis Miller – Six Years of the iPartners Credit Investment Fund: Evolution, Lessons, and Private Credit Strategy

In this special "spun around" episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, the tables are turned as Mark Sherwood interviews the show’s regular host and iPartners co-founder, Travis Miller. The conversation marks the six-year anniversary of the iPartners Credit Investment Fund, a flagship strategy designed to offer wealth creation with lower volatility than public equity markets. Travis reflects on the fund’s origins, which grew out of investor demand for managed, diversified access to alternative assets rather than individual deal-picking. He discusses how the strategy has navigated major macro hurdles - including COVID-19 disruptions and the shift from record-low interest rates to a higher-rate environment - while maintaining a consistent track record. Travis also dives into the broader iPartners fund suite, explaining the differences between private credit, bond income, and emerging equities, while sharing his "hustle" philosophy on competing with traditional banks. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting with alternatives, this episode provides a transparent look at the DNA of a private credit fund and the importance of sizing bets for long-term success. 00:00:00] – Introduction: Mark Sherwood Takes the Mic to Interview Travis Miller [00:01:37] – The Six-Year Milestone: Reflecting on the Anniversary of the iPartners Credit Fund [00:03:45] – Navigating Macro Cycles: Managing Credit Through COVID, Inflation, and Rate Hikes [00:06:02] – The Reality of Risk: Learning from "Bumps in the Road" and Managing Maturities [00:09:32] – Performance Breakdown: Delivering Consistent Returns and Building Investor Trust [00:11:01] – The Product Suite: Comparing the Core Income, Bond Income, and Property Credit Funds [00:13:46] – Portfolio Diversification: Target Loan Counts and the Evolving iPartners Investor Base [00:15:45] – Emerging Equities: Moving Down the Capital Structure for Growth-Focused Returns [00:17:41] – Banks vs. Private Lenders: Competing on Speed and Complexity in Today’s Market [00:22:15] – Final Lessons: The Critical Role of Education and Proper Asset Allocation iPartners Website: https:/www.ipartners.com.au [https:/www.ipartners.com.au] Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ [https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/] iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd]

From Truck Driver to Board Director: Lessons in Risk and Opportunity

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with David Wiadrowski, an experienced board director with a career spanning public, private and not-for-profit organisations. David reflects on a journey shaped by people, relationships and pivotal decisions — from starting out driving trucks to senior leadership roles at PwC, international experience in San Francisco and Jakarta, and building a diverse board portfolio across media, technology and professional services. He shares candid lessons on taking calculated risks, missed investment opportunities, CEO succession, and why gut feel still matters in business. David also explores the practical impact of AI in boardrooms today, the importance of staying mentally and physically sharp, and what long-term success really looks like beyond money. This is a grounded, honest conversation on leadership, investing time in your own wealth, and building a meaningful career over decades. Grow Your Wealth [00:00:00] - Introduction: David Wiadrowski - Boards and Leadership Journey [00:03:00] - Board Portfolios, CEO Transitions and Staying Active Beyond Executive Life [00:07:30] - The Importance of Relationships and Culture in Business, Especially in Asia [00:12:00] - Education, Early Career Choices and Why People Skills Matter More Than Marks [00:17:00] - Pivotal Overseas Experiences: San Francisco, Work Ethic and Career Risk [00:22:45] - Mentorship, Gut Feel and What Really Drives Success in Business [00:27:15] - Hard Conversations, Leadership Bumps and Lessons from Crisis Moments [00:30:00] - Missed Opportunities: Property, Apple Shares and Risk in Investing [00:33:00] - Defining Success: Family, Health and Meaningful Contribution [00:36:00] - AI in the Boardroom: Practical Use Cases, Limits and Future Potential [00:39:30] - Building a Board Career: Networks, Timing and Taking Opportunities [00:43:30] - Advice to Younger Investors: Risk, Time and Long-Term Wealth [00:47:00] - Final Reflections: People, Growth and What Matters Most iPartners Website: https://www.ipartners.com.au [https://www.ipartners.com.au] Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ [https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/] iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd]