The property market is shifting, the budget has dropped, and women in the industry are still working against a confidence gap that has nothing to do with their capability.

This week we're joined by Melissa Gielnik — Owner, Managing Director and Senior Mortgage Broker of Smart Lending in Melbourne, and a female thought leader with over two decades of experience in the mortgage broking industry.

The two Melissas get into the confidence gap that women in the industry so often face despite their expertise, the real impact of the recent federal budget on first home buyers and property investors, what it's actually like to build and run your own brokerage, and why the Melbourne market is still navigating its own set of post-COVID pressures.

Honest, relatable and packed with insight — this one is well worth a listen.

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Asset finance is one of the most practical funding tools available to SMEs — but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked when businesses are planning their next move.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa Ashcroft is joined by James Ross from Jayar Finance, an asset finance specialist with more than 20 years’ experience across the industry. James breaks down where asset finance fits in the real world, why structure matters just as much as pricing, and how businesses can fund vehicles, equipment, technology and other operational assets while protecting cashflow and keeping flexibility where it counts.

They also talk about the lessons James has learned over two decades in business — what holds up through cycles, what strong lending relationships look like, and how to keep decisions grounded when conditions change.

The conversation also touches on Compass Finance Australia and Compass Aggregation — a broker business built to support specialist asset finance brokers operating in the SME market, with a unique lender panel across bank, non-bank and specialist cashflow lenders. The focus is on helping broker members grow while keeping the end customer’s business growth front and centre.

A valuable listen for business owners, operators and brokers who want a clearer view of how asset finance can support business momentum without unnecessary pressure on cashflow.

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Motus Transport founder Andy Harris joins P.O.W.E.R. for an honest conversation about building and scaling a modern transport and distribution business - from the early days when the entire team consisted of himself and his wife, to leading a growing operation delivery from Huskisson on the NSW South Coast to Hervey Bay in QLD.

Andy and Melissa talk about what it takes to stay nimble in a challenging climate (including rising costs and fuel pressures), how to keep service standards high as you grow, and why strong culture is more than a buzzword. They also explore the parallels between a high-performing sporting team and a high-performing workplace - leadership, accountability, and showing up for the group when it counts.

A great listen for business owners, operators, and anyone interested in how sustainable growth is built in the real world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.