Meet Kash
I started at Inspire in 2024 as a Client Service Coordinator, and after just three months, I was promoted to Executive Assistant to Ben Walker, the founder of Inspire. Being an EA is an all-rounder role – no two days are ever the same, which I love! I get to bridge the gap between Ben and the team, keeping everything running smoothly. It’s been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so grateful for all the growth and opportunities it’s brought my way.
Outside of Inspire
I love visiting my family because it’s just me and my husband at home. Although my family lives an hour and a half away, we make time to see them. We enjoy having sleepovers, going on food trips, and singing karaoke since music is a big part of our lives. We’ve been part of a choir from elementary school through high school. Singing runs in our blood—well, except for my elder sister.
How did you get interested in client services?
The previous company I worked with took me in despite my lack of knowledge, as I came from the BPO industry. I’m grateful to them for allowing me to learn the ins and outs of the accounting world. I’m not a numbers person, but with the right support system and tools, you can learn anything. What got me hooked was helping out the accountants and bookkeepers and finding new ways to do things efficiently. As they say, “work smart, not hard.”
Fun fact about you that we don’t know
I still have my 15-year-old teddy bear, which serves as my comfort blanket. I find comfort in its familiar scent, despite its worn appearance and the need for repairs. I get upset when it’s washed because the scent fades away. When I travelled to Australia, I brought it with me because I couldn’t sleep without it.
What is your favorite thing about working at inspire?
What I love most about Inspire is that everyone is like a family. You can just tap anyone and ask for assistance and help without inhibitions or hesitations. Second are its values. Ben’s journey in founding Inspire adds a personal touch, treating both employees and clients like family.
Lastly, they value feedback. I’ve noticed that Ben is the one who often responds when there’s negative feedback. He doesn’t throw anyone under the bus. If there’s negative feedback, Ben takes ownership and addresses whatever issues he finds.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
When you’re educated, I don’t think you will fall into poverty and hunger because you’ll think of ways to thrive and survive in this crazy world. It may not be easy, and opportunities may not come easily, but if you’re knowledgeable enough, you can work through it and figure things out.
In the Philippines, it’s hard to get sick because healthcare is too expensive. Many people are afraid to get checked because they fear what they might find. It’s not easy to be diagnosed with an illness. However, they don’t realise that prevention is better than cure. Addressing health issues early on is crucial, as it becomes much harder to deal with them if it’s too late.
Meet Karen
Karen is a dedicated Client Service Coordinator at Inspire, where she plays a vital role in supporting the accounting team. Her daily tasks include organising emails, responding to client requests for essential documents like tax forms and bank statements, managing client files by saving them in the appropriate Google Drive folders, and onboarding new clients by welcoming them and adding them to various portals. Karen’s behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that the accountants can focus on their core responsibilities, helping the entire team run smoothly.
Outside of Inspire
When she’s not at work, Karen loves spending time in nature, enjoying the mountains and beaches to relax and recharge. She is also a long-time member of a musical group in her hometown, showcasing her talent in playing several instruments, including the double bass, guitar, and a unique 14-stringed Filipino instrument called the banduria. Music has been a passion of hers since elementary school.
How did you get interested in client services?
Karen is drawn to client services and the administrative side of the business because she finds great fulfillment in helping others, particularly the accountants on her team. She takes pride in organising emails, directing them to the right people, and generally making the accountants’ jobs easier. While some may view these tasks as simple, Karen understands the value they bring in allowing the accountants to concentrate on their core client work. She sees this role as an opportunity for personal growth and development.
Three Things You Love About Inspire
- Incredible Support: Karen appreciates the warmth and kindness of her colleagues. She especially enjoys the weekly team meetings and the “thank you circle,” where everyone expresses appreciation for one another.
- Positive Environment: Karen loves being surrounded by cheerful and outgoing colleagues, like Tay, who contribute to a positive and uplifting workplace.
- Continuous Learning: Karen feels that the team’s patience, kindness, and willingness to help create an environment where she can continuously learn and develop her skills.
What Karen Has Learned At Inspire
Despite coming from a business administration background without specific accounting knowledge, Karen has gained valuable insights into the accounting and tax processes in Australia through her work at Inspire. This experience has provided her with a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into tax preparation and filing.
Fun Fact About Karen
Unlike many who rely on coffee for an energy boost, Karen finds that coffee has the opposite effect on her—it makes her feel more sleepy rather than alert.
Book/Podcast Recommendations
The Lolo and the Child
Karen also recommends the Filipino film “The Lola and the Kid” on Netflix. This story explores the relationship between a grandfather figure and an adopted child, highlighting meaningful lessons about family, sacrifice, and overcoming challenges.
Which Sustainable Development Goals Do You Choose and Why?
Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Reducing Inequalities resonate strongly with Karen. She chose these interconnected goals because they closely align with the challenges she observed, particularly as a recent university graduate.
Karen believes that quality education is foundational for personal and professional growth. However, she has witnessed the barriers that gender inequality can create within the education system. Passionate about fostering acceptance and inclusion, she advocates for the LGBTQ community, who often face discrimination.
Beyond education, Karen feels that addressing broader societal inequalities is crucial. She envisions a more respectful, open, and communicative society where everyone, regardless of gender identity or orientation, has equal access to opportunities and can participate fully.
Meet Avie
Avie joined Inspire in September 2024 as our Client Service Coordinator (CSC) here at Inspire, and she’s been making a difference since day one. In this role, Avie supports both clients and internal teams, taking care of ad-hoc tasks, managing backlogs, and assisting with client communications and onboarding/offboarding.
Outside of Inspire
When she’s not at work, Avie’s world revolves around her 4-year-old son. Most evenings, she’s at home looking after him, cooking dinner, and getting through the usual household chores. Weekends and holidays are spent visiting family back in her hometown of Bataan, where beach trips with her parents are a favourite family activity.
How did you get interested in client services?
Avie’s journey began at university, she was offered a 50% scholarship in the accounting program. After graduating, she found herself working in client service roles, which eventually led her to the virtual assistant/CSC position she now enjoys at Inspire.
What do you love about Inspire?
Avie really appreciates the culture and environment at Inspire. She loves that there’s no micromanagement and that she can talk to anyone on the team—leaders included. The openness and lack of hierarchy make the place feel collaborative and genuinely supportive. She’s also drawn to Inspire’s values around work-life balance and family, as they align closely with her own priorities.
Why did you join Inspire?
Joining Inspire was a leap of faith for Avie, as it’s her first Australian client after previously working with a New Zealand-based accounting firm. She’s grateful Inspire took a chance on her and has been pleasantly surprised by the positive team dynamic and culture.
What have you learned so far working at Inspire?
Avie’s has been quick to pick up new terms and insights related to accounting and tax. This learning experience has expanded her skill set, adding value to her client-facing role.
Fun fact about you that we don’t know
Avie grew up in the beautiful island of Palawan, Philippines, surrounded by the ocean and rice fields. In her childhood, she learned practical skills like fishing and planting rice, which she looks back on fondly.
What are some books/podcasts you recommend?
Book Recommendation: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
She calls it “life-changing,” especially for its impact on her approach to personal finance and money management.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Quality Education
Avie chose Quality Education as a Sustainable Development Goal that truly resonates with her. Growing up, her grandmother always stressed that education was the key to overcoming poverty. Avie is a big believer in quality education as the foundation for responsible money management and financial stability. She’s encouraged by the growing number of scholarships and free tuition options in the Philippines, which create more opportunities for people. Avie wants her 4-year-old son to have access to quality education too, as she sees it as a pathway to a brighter future. She’s confident that by focusing on education, we can create lasting change in reducing poverty.
No Poverty
Avie sees a close link between quality education and breaking the poverty cycle. Having come from a less financially stable background, she understands the challenges firsthand. She believes that with the right education, people can acquire the skills to manage finances effectively and unlock new opportunities. To Avie, education is a tool that empowers people to break out of poverty and improve their economic circumstances for good.
Meet Liane
Liane joined the Inspire team in 2024 as a Client Services Coordinator with Team Riz, and she’s already made a great impact. She’s been managing a range of tasks—everything from onboarding and PAYG processing to document management and even a few calls with the ATO. Her experience here so far has been incredibly positive, and she’s expressed how much she values the structure and support within our team. What’s been most fulfilling for Liane is the chance to learn and contribute meaningfully, even as a newer member. As she gets more comfortable with our processes, she’s looking forward to taking on even more responsibilities.
Outside of Inspire
When Liane’s not at work, she’s all about spending quality time with her family. On the weekends, you can find her visiting her in-laws or heading over to her parents’ place, which is just a short distance from her own home. Liane loves being able to be so close to her extended family – it’s a real blessing, she says, to have that support system nearby. She especially enjoys taking her 3-year-old daughter to the park or the mall, watching her little one run around and play. Family is everything to Liane.
Outside of family time, Liane has a few other passions. She’s been an active member of her church choir since she was a kid, and she still loves singing with the group. Liane’s also quite the cook, drawing on her Pampanga roots to whip up all sorts of delicious Filipino dishes. It’s clear that when Liane’s not busy at Inspire, she’s cherishing quality time with her loved ones and indulging in her creative hobbies.
How did you get interested in Client Services?
Lianne began her career with a degree in accounting, working as an accountant for a global fast-food chain. Yet, her heart was truly in teaching. During college, she spent her summers volunteering as a kindergarten teacher, and this led her to a fulfilling seven-year journey as a university professor, teaching management and accounting.
Although she loved teaching, the financial rewards didn’t quite match her needs. When a friend suggested a virtual assistant role, Liane saw it as a new opportunity to blend her skills in admin work with her accounting background. She took on the role, discovering a knack for the process-oriented nature of client services, and quickly moved into her position as Client Services Coordinator at Inspire.
What do you love about Inspire?
Why did you join inspire?
Liane was drawn to this role at Inspire for a few key reasons. First, her interview with Ben left a lasting positive impression. The connection she felt with the team was immediate and energising. Liane’s background with another Australian accounting firm gave her the perfect foundation for the virtual setup here, so the transition felt natural. Most importantly, the tasks and responsibilities of the Client Services Coordinator role matched her skillset perfectly—she felt ready to hit the ground running. When the offer came through quickly, it was a no-brainer. She was thrilled to join the Inspire team and put her diverse experience to work.
Fun fact
Liane has been an active member of her church choir since childhood and still loves performing with the group to this day. Music has always been a passion of hers, and she finds great fulfilment in using her vocal abilities to uplift her community through song.
Her singing skills aren’t limited to the church, either. She also enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen, drawing on her Pampanga roots to create all sorts of delicious Filipino dishes. Liane takes great pride in her culinary skills and loves sharing her creations with family and friends. Whether it’s belting out hymns or whipping up a mean sisig, Liane’s hidden talents showcase her diverse interests and abilities beyond her professional life.
Favourite Show
Liane is a big fan of the long-running Law & Order franchise, as well as medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor. She finds these types of shows captivating, as they delve into the complexities of the legal system and human nature.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
When discussing the Sustainable Development Goals, Liane was particularly drawn to the goal of “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” This resonates deeply with her, as she has witnessed firsthand the issues of inequality and lack of justice in the Philippines. Liane shared her concern for underprivileged individuals in her country who often face unfair treatment, even in critical areas like healthcare. She feels that those with wealth and power can exploit the system, while the less fortunate are left without support.
Liane believes that building strong, trustworthy institutions and ensuring equal access to justice are crucial steps toward creating a more just and peaceful society. She sees this as an area in need of significant improvement in the Philippines, where the privileged sometimes evade accountability. Liane hopes that by focusing on this Sustainable Development Goal, real progress can be made to empower marginalised individuals and provide them with the same rights and protections as those with resources.
Meet Quennie
I have been working at Inspire since August 2022. As a Client Service Coordinator, I am responsible for assisting both Team Sakshi and Team Karan at Inspire.
My daily tasks involve organising and tagging emails for the assigned accountants, responding to clients’ emails regarding document requests, managing files by ensuring they are saved in the appropriate folders, and signing documents electronically for both the accountants and clients. Additionally, I am responsible for preparing bank kits and bound packs for company constitutions and trust deeds, onboarding clients into our portal, updating company details, sending out email reminders and payslips, and facilitating payment plans as necessary.
My experience at Inspire is truly remarkable. Each day has been a thrilling roller coaster ride, filled with challenges and rewards. Working here has taught me a great deal about accounting processes and concepts, and I have grown immensely as a professional. The supportive and amicable work environment at Inspire has made my journey all the more enriching and enjoyable.
What I find most satisfying about my job is being able to assist our clients with their needs, no matter how big or small. I also appreciate how user-friendly the tools we use are, and that my colleagues and the accountants are always willing to lend a hand when needed. It’s rewarding to know that we have a supportive team that helps each other out at the end of the day.
Outside of Inspire
In my free time outside of Inspire, I enjoy taking road trips with my friends to the mountains and taking a break with a cup of coffee. Additionally, I cherish cooking with my family every weekend to connect and catch up, playing online games, and ending my weekends by having a drink to prepare for a fresh week at work.
How did you get interested in client services?
Since I was young, I have always had a desire to help others. My upbringing, as well as my education, instilled in me a sense of hospitality and service to others. This calling to serve has only grown stronger since I started working at Inspire. My time here has allowed me to improve my skills and serve as a liaison between clients and accountants, which has deepened my interest in helping others.
What is your favorite thing about working at inspire?
One thing I love most about working at Inspire is the amazing colleagues I work with. Communication is always clear and instructions are given with proper expectations, which makes it easier to learn and improve my skills. The Inspire family is incredibly welcoming, and the work environment is approachable and friendly.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
One of the major contributions I’ve made to Inspire so far is by reducing the workload of our accountants, particularly those on Teams Sakshi and Karan. As a Client Service Coordinator, I can provide proactive support to help foster client loyalty and satisfaction.
What are some books you recommend?
As a fan of adventure stories, I highly recommend the Hunger Games Series. The plot is intense and full of thrilling moments that challenge the characters’ survival instincts. Moreover, it sheds light on their way of life, making it a thought-provoking read.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Disciplining ourselves, nurturing our relationships with others, and striving for justice and peace are crucial in eliminating discrimination, gender inequality, and creating a better society. Equally important is empowering young minds to become resilient advocates for their rights and to preserve and expand educational opportunities for all.
Meet Tina
Since starting at Inspire in May of 2022, I’ve been challenged in new ways and feel like I’ve been making the right moves. The team is enthusiastic about my work and actively supports my growth, which is a huge motivator for me.
My primary responsibilities at Inspire include organising client files, preparing documents for DocuSign, and assisting with client requests. While I’m currently focused on gaining more experience, I’m excited to continue growing with the company and see where this journey takes me.
Finding myself in a new work environment has been a challenging but rewarding experience. Fortunately, Inspire offers a diverse and supportive workplace culture with excellent benefits. I feel lucky to have found a healthy working environment where everyone supports one another.
Whether I’m contributing to the company or working on my personal growth, my efforts are always recognized and appreciated. Seeing my contributions alleviate some of the workload for Gulshan and Tabbie is particularly fulfilling, as it means my work is making a tangible difference.
Outside of Inspire
I spend a lot of time outside of Inspire exploring Asian foods that interest me and comfort me after a long day at work. You can usually find me having a peaceful moment in a local park near my workplace. There’s nothing more fulfilling than good food and fresh air during weekdays. You can find me in my comfy bed watching Netflix or listening to Spotify on weekends.
How did you get interested in Client Service?
My professional background is primarily in Human Resource Management, which involves handling paperwork for the company much like client services. As a result, transitioning to my role at Inspire was relatively seamless. However, my true passion lies in assisting the team, and I find that to be the most fulfilling aspect of my work.
What is your favourite thing about working at inspire?
What I love most about working at Inspire is the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing employees here. The entire team gets together once a week to acknowledge and appreciate everyone’s contributions to our projects. During these meetings, we have the chance to catch up with one another and discuss our varied jobs, interests, and goals. Seeing the positive results of our collective efforts is incredibly gratifying. I also enjoy interacting with my colleagues and learning more about them personally.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
Currently, my most significant contribution has been assisting Team Gulshan with tasks that I am capable of managing, allowing them to concentrate on more significant projects. My experience here has been a valuable learning opportunity, providing me with fresh perspectives on various topics. It has also given me insight into the dynamics of the team, allowing me to determine if I am a good fit.
What are some books/movies/podcasts you recommend?
The Twilight books I’ve read have been a source of inspiration for me. Reading them has provided me with a deeper understanding of how people can have vastly different perspectives and opinions on various topics. I find it fascinating to explore these differences through the lens of the Twilight series and believe that it is an excellent way to connect with other readers in the area who share similar interests. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed both the books and the movie adaptations.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I have chosen to support two causes: Zero Hunger and Peace and Justice. Hunger has been a prevalent issue in society for years, and I believe that providing food is one of the best ways to prevent suffering and promote healthy living for families. This is especially critical for abandoned children who have no means of feeding themselves. I also believe that conserving food is crucial in addressing the problem of hunger.
In addition, I am passionate about promoting Peace and Justice Strong Institutions as a means of advancing equality. We need strong leaders who can bring stability and fairness to society, and just laws to protect people and reduce oppression and inequality. A safe and just world will enable individuals to thrive and contribute to society.
Get Cashed Up
