Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners on Turning Australia into a Global Startup Node

Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners on Turning Australia into a Global Startup Node

In this episode of PM,ID: Pinch Me I'm Dreaming, our Head of Growth Joe McCord sits down with Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners and one of Australia's most respected voices in payments, startups, and innovation. From helping launch Braintree in Australia and scaling GoCardless, to now leading Scalare Partners and the Founders Union, Carolyn has spent her career at the intersection of technology, payments, and entrepreneurship. Together, Joe and Carolyn explore how technology can democratise opportunity, why Australia's startup ecosystem continues to face structural challenges, and what the future of AI, payments, and innovation could look like. The conversation also dives into venture capital, founder psychology, Australia's innovation policies, and the growing role AI will play in everything from commerce and payments to wealth creation and decision-making. 💡 In this episode you'll learn: • Why Carolyn believes the best technology should be accessible to businesses of every size • Why AI could fundamentally change how consumers make purchasing decisions • The hidden challenges facing Australia's startup ecosystem • Why Australia struggles to retain startup talent and investment capital • Carolyn's perspective on venture capital, founders, and scaling companies • How founders can build successful businesses without raising funding • The impact of proposed capital gains tax changes on innovation • The secret reason the RBA may be trying to outlaw surcharges • The traits Carolyn believes separate successful founders from those who fail If you're a founder, startup operator, technology leader, investor, or simply curious about where business and innovation are heading, this episode offers a fascinating look at the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's future. 👤 Featured Guest Carolyn Breeze CEO – Scalare Partners 🔗 Website https://scalarepartners.com.au 🔗 LinkedIn / carolynbreeze 🎙 About the Podcast PM,ID: Pinch Me I'm Dreaming explores the realities of modern business, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Hosted by Joe McCord, each episode features conversations with founders, industry leaders, operators, and innovators about what actually drives growth, success, and meaningful change in business.

Kelly Berger: Why ‘Cert IV Isn’t Enough’ — What Bookkeepers Really Need to Succeed

In this episode of Pinch Me, I’m Dreaming, Joe McCord sits down with Kelly Berger to unpack a hard truth: 👉 A Cert IV isn’t enough to succeed as a bookkeeper. With 15+ years in the industry and a community of 8,000+ bookkeepers, Kelly shares what’s really missing from traditional training and why so many struggle in real-world practice. From systems and compliance to burnout, client relationships, and working with accountants, this episode breaks down what it actually takes to run clean books and build a sustainable bookkeeping business. 💡 You’ll learn: • Why most bookkeepers struggle early on • The importance of systems and processes • How to work better with accountants • Where AI fits into bookkeeping • What small businesses should expect from a bookkeeper

Trent McLaren, Founder of Vinyl on Unlocking Hidden Revenue in Your Firm Using AI

Joe sits down with Trent McLaren to unpack how AI is transforming accounting, bookkeeping, and modern business workflows. From uncovering missed revenue in client conversations to analysing hours of meetings in seconds, Trent shares how AI is moving beyond automation into real decision-making support. This episode explores the future of accounting tech, smarter workflows, and how advisors can stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

The Accounting Industry Has a Problem (And No One’s Fixing It)

What does it really take to leave a stable corporate career and build something of your own? In this episode, Shaye Thyer shares her journey from traditional accounting firms to leading transformation at BDO, working inside global tech at Intuit, and ultimately starting her own business. Along the way, she opens up about risk, confidence, motherhood, and the realities of building a business. This isn’t just a career story it’s a conversation about impact. Shaye Thyer dives into the disconnect between what the accounting industry says and what it actually does, why smaller firms are often overlooked, and the massive opportunity sitting within women-led businesses in Australia. You’ll also hear how technology (including AI) is reshaping how modern advisors operate, and why the future belongs to those willing to rethink “the way things have always been done.” If you’re an accountant, advisor, or business owner looking to challenge the status quo, this one’s for you.

Build a Business That Fits Your Life (Not the Other Way Around)

Build a business that works for your life not one you have to escape from. In this episode of PM, ID, Jacob Aldridge shares what it really takes to design a business around freedom, family, and fulfilment, without sacrificing growth. From running a fully remote advisory business across the world, to redefining success, leadership, and the role of AI, the conversation also dives into the powerful role of masculine and feminine energy in the workplace and how balancing both can transform culture and performance. Because the goal isn’t just to build a successful business… it’s to build a life you actually want to live.