How did you get interested in Accounting?
I’ve always been fascinated by financial services and investments. A few years back, I stumbled into the world of crypto. It all began with late-night research, listening to podcasts, and diving into conversations on social media about investments and the emerging crypto landscape.
Accountants often popped up in these discussions, especially around the tricky tax implications of capital gains. Back then, the laws around crypto were murky at best, and figuring out the best compliance strategies was like navigating uncharted waters.
This journey wasn’t just about satisfying my curiosity; it also involved helping friends make sense of the same challenges. It was in those moments that I realised I could merge my passions for these areas with my profession.
Why did you join Inspire?
I was looking for a new job because my last position just wasn’t cutting it. Sometimes, you hit a point where there’s no room for growth, and you feel like you’re stuck on a treadmill. I needed something more, a place where I could challenge myself and find opportunities for career development and mentorship.
While researching, I found Inspire’s website and read through the team bios. It was clear that people here genuinely enjoyed their work, and the positive reviews spoke volumes about the company culture. I also listened to a few of Ben’s podcasts and learned he was writing books. Seeing a business owner balance building a company with pursuing other passions showed a deep love for what he does.
In a place like that, you can grow in ways that aren’t possible in a company where people just clock in and out. Being around someone who truly loves their work can be incredibly motivating.
That’s why I applied here. I got lucky because the position wasn’t even advertised. I had to send Ben a few messages before he got back to me—he was busy—but eventually, we scheduled an interview, and now, here I am.
What have you learned so far working at Inspire?
The way Inspire organises everything is quite impressive. Using Karbon to centralise everything and streamline the workflow is a new experience for me. I’m learning something new every day and getting more familiar with the system.
Fun fact about you that we don’t know
When I was still young, free, and without too many responsibilities, I had the incredible opportunity to travel the entire Western Australian coast by car, from Perth to Darwin, over the course of nearly a month. It was an unforgettable journey where I saw places I’d never seen before and experienced the unique wilderness that is hard to find elsewhere.
One of the most memorable days of the trip was when I stopped in a small coastal town. It happened to be during the humpback whale migration period. While having lunch in a local café, I discovered that you could book a tour to swim with the whales. Without hesitation, I booked the tour and soon found myself in the water with these magnificent creatures. Having those huge whales swimming just a few meters away from us was both scary and exciting at the same time. Even though years have passed, I still have a vivid memory of that incredible experience.
What are some books/Podcast/movie TV shows you recommend?
The book I’m reading now is quite interesting and relevant to the work we do and the industry we’re in. It’s called Die With Zero, written by Bill Perkins. He’s a trader, businessman, and poker player. I used to play a lot of poker myself, just as a hobby.
The book makes you think about money differently. It challenges you to consider how to use your wealth and how you want to spend your money to optimise your life. Perkins recommends spending money on experiences at the right time in your life rather than saving everything for retirement. His perspective is that by the time you’re 65, you might not be able to do the things you could enjoy earlier in life.
Another book is The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer. It holds a special place for me because it was the first book I read in Australia. I have good memories associated with it because I was feeling particularly good when I finished it. It was a period in my life when things were going well.
The book is more spiritual, focusing on inner growth and awareness. I have fond memories of reading it, partly because of the book itself, and partly because I was going through a new and enriching experience at the time. It’s a good memory, and there’s a lot of valuable insights in it that I think are beneficial for everyone.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I’d say Good health and Well-being is the first one. Everything starts from there. If you’re not healthy, nothing else really matters. So I believe that being healthy should be a priority for everyone.
The second is Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Innovation is really important. It’s closely tied to our quality of life. Without innovation in medicine or any other field, we wouldn’t be able to improve our lives.
Accountants often popped up in these discussions, especially around the tricky tax implications of capital gains. Back then, the laws around crypto were murky at best, and figuring out the best compliance strategies was like navigating uncharted waters.
This journey wasn’t just about satisfying my curiosity; it also involved helping friends make sense of the same challenges. It was in those moments that I realised I could merge my passions for these areas with my profession.
