P.O.W.E.R Property Ownership Wealth and Everything Related

John Macalyk — Four Decades in FinanceAAA’s founder (est. 1988) and MFAA Life Member John Macalyk joins Melissa to reflect on 40+ years in lending: the cycles he’s navigated, why he moved into commercial deals, and the lessons that endure. It's a fascinating conversation on building a business, staying customer-first, and finding balance along the way from someone that has done it, and done it consistently well. It's ideal listening for brokers, lenders, founders and anyone curious about how the industry really works.

Carly Chant is a CFO in a male-dominated role and industry. But the CFO seat is changing - less backward-looking, more about strategy, culture and decision-making - and she’s here for it.Melissa speaks with Carly about building confident, high-trust teams, partnering on strategy, practical ways to adopt AI without losing human judgement, and why she left audit to drive real change. They also talk (very candidly!) how becoming a working mum reshaped her view of genuine flexibility, and the importance of visible female leadership - and why she chooses to be uncomfortable in order to be part of the solution.If you're a woman carving a path into traditionally male-dominated roles this is a must listen.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa sits down with Blake Buchanan from Specialist Finance Group (SFG), AAA’s aggregator, to unpack how aggregation works, what SFG does differently, and why the right partner can lift service, scale, and client outcomes.They explore:* What an aggregator is, how it supports brokers day-to-day, and the systems behind the scenes* What SFG provides specifically (platforms, service, compliance, lender access, and advocacy)* How to do due diligence on an aggregator: questions to ask, red flags, and what “the right fit” really means* Why Melissa chose SFG, and how the partnership supports AAA’s approach to clients and growth* Broker market share: brokers now write roughly 8 in 10 home loans in Australia, what is SFG doing or what they think it’ll take to move that to 9 or even 10* Advocacy*for brokers: where policy and industry representation matter* The future of AI and technology in broking - but here's a hint, it can't ever replace the human element of dealing with the right brokerWhether you’re a broker weighing your options, a lender keen to understand the broker ecosystem, or a client curious about how great brokerages run, this conversation offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look at the machinery that helps deliver better lending outcomes.New episodes of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast drop regularly - subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

In this fascinating episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast Melissa talks with Angela Priestley, co-founder of Women’s Agenda, about how news is made, why representation in media matters, and what leaders and families can do to create fairer access to information. They cover the impact on work, policy and everyday decision, plus practical ways to build better media habits and amplify women’s voices.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa sits down with financial planner Ben Wise to talk about what a great planner really does - and why it matters. Ben shares how objective advice, a clear decision-making framework, and tailored investment strategies can help you build long-term financial security that actually aligns with your goals, life stage, and dream retirement.We also explore where financial planning and lending intersect - how a smart plan, strong cash-flow habits, and the right loan structures can work together to create better outcomes. If you’ve wondered whether you need a planner, what they cover, or how to get started with confidence, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, we sit down with newly accredited broker Dale Walsh from AAA Mortgages to talk about his journey into the world of lending, and why he's passionate about finding smart, strategic solutions for clients with complex situations or specific goals.Dale shares insights into his area of specialty - Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) - and explains what borrowers need to know about this unique lending structure. He also weighs in on where the mortgage and lending landscape is headed, the increasing competition between major banks, and how that fight to retain customers might actually benefit borrowers.From policy shifts to pricing wars, and the power of strong broker-client relationships, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why brokers like Dale and the AAA Mortgages team are more valuable than ever.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa Ashcroft sits down with Kirsten Steedman from Shelter NSW, a passionate advocate for housing affordability, equity, and long-term solutions to break the cycle of insecure housing.With a background in corporate retail and shopping centre development, Kirsten brings a unique lens to the housing conversation, shaped by years of observing how built environments impact community, inclusion, and access. She shares what those shopping centres taught her about belonging, the shift to purpose-driven work, and why she believes women in leadership need to stop apologising and start backing themselves.An honest, inspiring chat about systems change, career evolution, and the human side of housing.To find out more about or get in contact with Kirsten, head to her LinkedIn profile.To find out more about Shelter NSW, head to their website.

In this episode of the P.O.W.E.R. Podcast, Melissa sits down with Kevin Parker - a former civil engineer turned buyers agent - to talk about what really matters when buying property.Specialising in helping owner occupiers find their ideal home within a 10km radius of the CBD, Kevin brings a unique perspective to the process. With a background in structural engineering and development, he knows how to look beyond the surface, but it’s his people-first approach that really sets him apart.Kevin shares why taking the time to understand how clients live, not just what they say they want, is the key to long-term satisfaction. It’s a thoughtful and insightful conversation about buying with intention, and why the right home is about so much more than location and price.