Lost & Founders

This week on Lost and Founders, host Julian Fayad sits down with Matthew Nicholas, founder of retail asset management company Greyfield and Snap Fitness franchisee, for a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to build multiple businesses from scratch. Matthew started his first business at 18, scaled it to 25 staff, merged with his biggest competitor and sold it all by 24. What came next was anything but slowing down. He unpacks the lessons, the mistakes and the mindset behind building two very different businesses, why knowing your strengths is the most underrated skill in business, and what great leadership actually looks like in practice. If you are a young entrepreneur or someone building something from nothing, Episode 22 is for you.

On this episode of Lost and Founders, host Julian Fayad is joined by Rory McGrath of Aurelius Capital for an unfiltered discussion on the ethical state of the lending and mortgage broker industry. Rory, known for his outspoken stance, pulls no punches on controversial marketing tactics—including why a 'Black Friday' sale on a 30-year credit commitment is morally questionable and invites regulatory scrutiny. We discuss the cost of non-compliance, the inevitable disruption coming to the sector, and the crucial need for finance professionals to adapt or face ruin.

In this heartfelt and gritty episode of Lost & Founders, we sit down with Founder and CEO, Emmanuel Al-Jinavo, of Feed4Ward, who is spending his own money and time to build a solution aimed squarely at supporting the small business community.    Driven by the mission to stop SMEs from collapsing due to issues like delayed payments and backlogs, he explains the intense emotional and financial sacrifices required. He contrasts the clear monetisation of traditional businesses with the "different game altogether" of tech, where investment must happen long before revenue. Hear his journey from moments of self-doubt to finding the powerful motivation—the community's feedback—that keeps his fuel gauge full.

This week on Lost and Founders, host Julian Fayad sits down with Shayben Moussa, co-founder of the successful wedding photography and video business, Siempre (Siampre), which has been running strong for over a decade. Shayben unpacks his dual dedication to business and an unshakeable personal challenge: completing over 1000 consecutive days of "pulsary exercise" by the time the episode airs. He discusses the catalyst behind this commitment, and the radical, no-excuses mindset required to maintain it—even finding a secret container gym during 36 hours of airport travel. Beyond fitness, Shayben shares his unfiltered views on building a career in the creative industry, arguing that raw files and a portfolio are the only things that matter when hiring, not a university degree. He reveals the shocking story of walking away from his Graphic Design course just one subject shy of finishing, demonstrating the ultimate confidence in his vision over a piece of paper.

This week on the Lost and Founders Podcast, our host Julian Fayad welcomes finance expert Bora Tuncoglu to the studio! After much persistence, Julian sits down with the Founder and Director of BMoney Finance to dive into one of the most pressing and controversial topics in business today: job cuts and corporate transparency. The conversation immediately tackles the elephant in the room: Are recent layoffs truly due to "restructuring," or is it a hidden PR disaster? Julian and Bora discuss why many large companies are hesitant to admit that job losses are actually the result of automation, AI, and outsourcing. The reality, they argue, is that technology is rapidly changing the workforce, and companies are choosing to obscure the truth to protect their public image. Tune in as they peel back the layers on corporate excuses, the real impact of automation, and what this means for the future of employment in the finance industry and beyond.

This week on Lost & Founders, our host, Julian Fayad, welcomes Ben Callaghan and Joel Wyld, the dynamic co-founders of AI MortgageTech firm, Accurateli.    The guys delve into Accurateli and how it automates the analysis of complex financial documents, rebelling against outdated loan processes and their thoughtful subscription model, which uses a credit system to make the technology accessible and affordable for users. We also get to look into LoanOptions.ai’s newest product, Hailo, and Julian’s strategic decision to pursue a cautious, pilot-group-first launch. We also get an exclusive look at the future of Hailo, including a powerful online portal designed to foster strong referral partnerships between brokers and accountants.    Don’t miss out! This episode is a glimpse into what the future looks like for finance

Gear up for this week’s episode as we dive into the world of motorcycles with LoanOptions.ai’s very own, Josh Campbell! Listen in as Josh shares his journey from building a huge following to exploring ways to monetise his passion. We discuss the pros and cons of turning a beloved hobby into a job and get an inside look at how he balances life as a broker by day and a biker by night. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who loves motorcycles, whether you're a seasoned rider or an enthusiast looking to buy a new bike.

What do political disillusionment and the pressures on female entrepreneurs have in common? They both stem from a belief that your voice doesn't matter. In this episode, Loan Options' Julian Fayad and Enterpreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA)'s Amanda Rose share personal stories and unfiltered truths about the double standards in business, the gaslighting in politics, and the importance of saying "no."   Join them as they explore how to find your voice, value your work, and spark real change.

Ever wonder what it takes to truly thrive? In this candid conversation, Timothy Caruana, Founder and Owner of Christian Paul Watches, shares his remarkable journey, revealing how a belief that "anything is solvable" transformed his career in roofing. He opens up about the power of accountability, the importance of integrity, and why owning your mistakes is a sign of true strength. Get ready to shift your perspective on happiness as we explore why being "happy with the pursuit" — the ongoing process of becoming better — is the ultimate key to a fulfilling life.

Why do some businesses thrive while others struggle? Our host, Julian Fayad, and Samuel Falanga, Founder of Falanga & Co., dive into the complexities of modern business.    Tune in for strategic financial advice, insights on asset protection, and a deep dive into AI's impact on industries like accounting. You'll discover crucial tips for managing overheads, spotting new opportunities, and understanding the vital role of a forward-thinking accountant. Plus, they cover exit strategies, the power of SOPs, and why delegating control might be your smartest business move yet.   This is a must-listen for any entrepreneur!

Join Julian Fayad, CEO of LoanOptions.ai, as he chats with finance legend Dino Pacella. Dino, Head of Partnerships at MKP.Finance and founder of National Finance Brokers Day, shares his unexpected journey from aspiring soccer player to finance industry leader. Discover how Dino pioneered personal branding, championing authenticity and transparency on LinkedIn by sharing even vulnerable personal stories. Julian and Dino discuss the vital shift from corporate to personal branding, highlighting the power of sharing both triumphs and challenges. They also delve into LoanOptions.ai's vibrant culture, the iconic purple Air Jordans, and unique marketing. Plus, hear about National Finance Brokers Day and the crucial role of AI for brokers. Dino emphasizes the importance of providing value beyond banks and the power of strong partnerships. Don't miss this insightful episode on building lasting client relationships and staying relevant in finance!  

This week, Julian chats with Ravi Sharma about his journey from university student to the founder of Search Property. Ravi opens up about how his parents’ investment in regional properties sparked his own passion for real estate, leading him to purchase his first property at just 21. They dive into key moments that shaped Ravi’s career, including a life-changing conference on "10 properties in 10 years" and the creation of Search Property, which is revolutionizing the property-buying process. The conversation also covers the importance of starting early, how to spot red flags when hiring a buyer's agent, and the role of company culture and social media in building a personal brand. Ravi shares his thoughts on social media habits, the value of reading physical books, and the challenges of publishing his book Retire Filthy Rich. Tune in for valuable insights on property investment, entrepreneurship, and continuous growth.

Join us as Matt from FunTap shares his unique journey from microbiology PhD to finance innovator. Discover how FunTap tackles small business cash flow with tech-driven invoice finance in Australia and New Zealand. Learn about perseverance, the power of collaboration, and why action beats analysis every time. Essential listening for business owners seeking "sleep at night money"!

Join seasoned financial advisor, Arkadiusz Bryl, as he shares early business lessons and his evolution through the ever-changing landscape of financial advice. Discover insights into property, lending, and navigating the complexities of buyer's agents to gain a genuine property advantage.  

Renee Roumanos shares her incredible journey from leading a legal team at Qantas to founding her own firm, Renee Roumanos Legal, after unexpectedly losing her job due to COVID-19. Tune in for insights on switching between professional and personal roles, the power of networking, and why having a strong team is essential for business success.

We sit down with Eric Dill, Co-Founder of Quickli, a software company revolutionising the mortgage broking industry. Eric’s journey is anything but typical—he started in naval architecture, moved to Sydney in 2010, and built a mortgage broking business from scratch in 2014. Without a network, he faced major challenges, which ultimately led to the creation of Quickly in 2020. We unpack Quickli’s rapid growth to nearly 12,000 users, their latest venture Promptly, and how they’re expanding into lender-focused services. Eric shares insights into industry challenges, aggregator tech integration, and the power of product-led growth. Plus, we go beyond business—talking work-life balance, golf, and what’s next for Quickly.

We sit down with Tim Cullen, CEO of Tradespec, about his journey from corporate insurance to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing fleet rental businesses for tradies. Tim shares how he scaled Tradespec from a single vehicle to a fleet of 700 across Brisbane and Melbourne. The conversation covers hiring challenges, company culture, and the role of social media in attracting top talent. Tim also opens up about the financial hurdles of rapid growth, from cash flow struggles to capital investment. With a Fastest Growing Business award under his belt, Tim’s insights are a must-listen for anyone looking to scale in a competitive market.

From rugby to business, Sandor Earl shares his journey from Woolloomooloo to Melbourne Storm, tackling setbacks like a 4-year suspension and ACL injury. Now leading Air Locker Training, he’s using altitude fitness to boost mental health. Sports grit meets business smarts—don’t miss it!

We sit down with Chris Christofi, CEO of Reventon, to discuss his journey through the challenges and triumphs of business and real estate. From early setbacks to building a multi-billion dollar business, Chris shares valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of taking action.

Join Courtney Joyce, founder of Virtual Spotter, as he shares his journey from a challenging childhood to entrepreneurial success. Courtney discusses moving 19 times before 18, working in coal mining for 12 years, and building a successful cleaning business. He reveals the vision behind Virtual Spotter and its software platforms, Cloud Tasker and FitForms, and his mission to create 5,000 jobs for Filipino workers and support 10,000 health and wellness businesses. This episode will inspire entrepreneurs, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to achieve their goals.

Join us as we sit down with the brilliant minds behind digital marketing agency, AiiMS Group—Kynan, Janty, and Fahd. Hear their unfiltered stories of success, struggles, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.