Meet Ben
In 2013, all I had was a dream. Having worked for one of the ‘Big 4’ accounting firms as well as a small firm for several years, I just knew there was a better way to help small business owners with their tax. Something didn’t sit right so I decided to start Inspire against the traditional way of accounting.
After being a major part of our clients’ journeys through business success and life, I was hooked. I was captivated having witnessed their abundant success as a byproduct of our services. I’ve also had the privilege of seeing our team members grow in their own respective journeys through life and the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Outside of Inspire
I am a proud father of 2 beautiful children, Rose and Ezra, and husband to my gorgeous partner, Stevie. Something as simple as watching a good movie with my littles ones is everything to me.
On the occasion that I get a retreat from work, I cherish time with my family and friends. I enjoy going out west to hunt and the spontaneous fishing trip
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
Knowing that we have a direct, positive impact on our clients and team’s life is the most fulfilling aspect of work; seeing the tangible ‘fruits of labour’, our clients’ growth, our expanding team is so rewarding. At Inspire, we put our heart and soul into our work and the results don’t lie.
How did you get interested in accounting and business?
In school, accounting came quite easily. Good grades came quite naturally as I had an aptitude for numbers. My Granddad and dad ran small businesses and I got to see both the reward and sacrifice of running a business, so I was perpetually intrigued, yet eager. A decade later and it remains the best decision of my life.
What is the biggest impact of your business?
We’ve come to the realisation that accountants don’t just do tax. Working with a client for a number of years, you can really see that what we do is life changing. Even the non-financial impact of taking away stress or depression is huge beyond measure. Having an instrumental role in helping our clients make more money than they can dream of, tripling their wealth… It’s breathtaking.
What are some shows or books you’d recommend?
I recommend the show ‘Black List’ apart from the final episode… As for books, I hold in high esteem ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Zero Hunger. Having traveled to Kenya on a relief tour, witnessing widespread hunger and to just comprehend what people do for a meal, completely changed my perspective.
Meet Riz
I’ve been in the accounting industry close to 10 years, and I’ve been at Inspire for 7 of those years. I started as a junior accountant in a small team where I’ve been able to quickly progress to leading a team as an Associate Partner. I have the privilege of mentoring our talented accountants to deliver exceptional service all whilst having a bit of fun along the way.
What I’m truly passionate about is bringing new perspective and possibilities for clients by presenting new opportunities of what they can do in their business. Unpacking and solving complex problems that make my clients ‘bury their head in the sand’ is my specialty. I love to get things organised and provide clear, concise strategies to achieve my clients financial goals.
Outside of Inspire
I am a husband to my wife Fiona and a dad to our firstborn son August.
I enjoy some good stand up comedy, from Trevor Noah to the controversial Jimmy Carr – humour is healthy. On the occasional weekend getaway, you can count on finding me with a fishing rod and beer in hand. I am most at peace when on the water.
How did you get interested in accounting?
Funnily enough, in school I was quite average in accounting class but found that I had a knack for problem solving. I’ve found my talents in navigating problems unconventionally and approaching problems from outside the box has become second nature to me. Solving problems is the most integral part of being a world-class accountant, naturally it felt like a perfect fit to me.
What is your favourite thing about working at inspire?
I can wholeheartedly say that the culture at Inspire is my favourite thing about working here. We have such a tight-knit team and we support each other both personally and professionally. I know everyones got my back and that we can always count on one another. It’s amazing.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
The biggest impact I’ve made in my career is revolutionising Inspire’s processes and employee development. Resultantly, I’ve been able to garner the untapped potential of people’s abilities and talents which ultimately allowed the firm to flourish.The influence and impact I’ve put forth transcends any accolade or sales milestone of mine.
What are some podcasts you recommend?
Hamish and Andy (comedy) and casefile (true crime)
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
My sustainable development goals of choice are 4 and 5. I personally feel that quality education and gender equality are the cornerstones for sustained quality of life.
Tax Agent ID & Badge
Meet Sakshi
I have worked at Inspire for 3 years and it has been the best years of my career thus far. This company has such compassionate roots and Inspire’s mission to give back to the less fortunate is truly alluring. I can’t help but be compelled to be a part of the bigger picture and know that my contributions to this business will directly lead to life changing moments.
I find the most fulfilment in being able to provide genuine advice and support to young families with growing businesses. The impact I have has been life changing for my clients and there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to provide value to others lives.
Outside of Inspire
I treasure the time I spend with my family & friends and take every opportunity I get to spend with them.
On any given weekend, you can often find me relaxing and recuperating, indulging in Netflix at home. One of my pastime passions is exploring different foods & restaurants of all kinds. Some may say I’m a ‘Foodie’ – rest assured, that is an understatement.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
Definitely the close-knit team culture that we have as well as how we’ve managed to protect and progress that culture, it’s been truly extraordinary. Everyone here has congruent visions and goals; that is helping our clients grow and thrive. We are all travelling along the same wavelength, driven with motivation. The atmosphere is electric and the smiles are contagious, how can you not fall in love with the culture?
How did you get interested in accounting and business?
Accounting actually runs in the family. Both of my parents have a background in Accounting and as I was unsure of what I wanted to pursue, I gave it a go and 10 years later I’m still loving it.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
Creating a legacy of generational wealth for our clients is what we believe in. Many of our clients have so much profit but don’t know how to grow. I’ve had the privilege of working with one of our clients that was able to tax-efficiently pull money out of the business and gain 2 investment properties; for our client, it feels almost as if it came out of thin air.
What are some books you recommend?
I was recommended ‘The Leveraged business’ by Fabienne Frederikson by a client and I’ve found it to be really insightful in understanding business quality of life.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I’d have to choose quality education and gender equality. I feel strongly about these two goals as there are young girls in many nations that don’t get the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Tax Agent ID & Badge
Meet Gulshan
My journey with Inspire has truly been incredible! I started as a Bookkeeping intern – fast forward 3 years and I’m now a Manager, part of the sales team as well as a mentor to our wider team. After I had obtained my degree, I was looking for anything and everything, but once I came across Inspire, I was captivated. I was desperate to be a part of Inspire as I felt so entwined with their values and you can see that they actually care about other people.
At the time, Inspire didn’t have any available positions but I was determined to be a part of this company. I went all in – stopped applying for all other roles and continually persisted by taking part in their workshops and events till they had no choice but to take me in.
The reason why I have an obligation to be better and constantly improve is just to help the clients at the end of the day and to provide more value. If not given the right advice, I’ve seen how wrong things can go in a business and I don’t want anyone to go through that.
Introduction to Gulshan Gupta, Young Family Small Business Podcast
Outside of Inspire
I’m a dad to our baby boy, Reyansh. My wife Sazel and I are really excited with this next chapter of our lives! The majority of my time is spent trying to be a father and if I am given the time, I cherish time with friends, having a few beers as I love catching up and socialising.
One of my favourite pastimes is playing tennis, but I’m getting out a lot less as Reyansh occupies most of my time now. Otherwise, you can find me attending inspirational events around mental health and sustainability as that is one of my passions.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
What gives me the most joy is being someone that business owners can trust. I feel that I’m a great listener, and just listening to my clients and being present is my devotion. I’m privileged to be in this position and crave the process of being better. I’ve seen from Ben that some of his best friends are clients and those types of relationships are what I love and aspire to nurture here.
How did you get interested in accounting and business?
My dad has always been in business. As I have constantly been exposed to business and accounting since I was young, I’d start to understand the jargon and internal workings of a business. I also wouldn’t say I have a knack for numbers, but I’ve never been intimidated and so accounting felt like a suitable fit for me.
What is the biggest impact of your business?
In terms of impact, when I started here, it was from the ground up. I’ve taken a very long journey of trials and tribulations. My own story of going through every step and obstacle along the way to becoming a Senior Account Manager is something that people have learnt from and gained motivation from. I feel like I act as an example and have paved the way for other accountants and to show that there is no ceiling here and the world is undoubtedly your oyster.
What are some books you recommend?
For new fathers, I’d highly recommend ‘Sleeping Like A Baby’ by Pinky Mckay. I also really like ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama. Just the journey of where she’s come from and what she’s achieved with what little she had is inspirational.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I would have to choose sustainable cities and communities, and climate action. I’ve always felt like sustainability should be the default way of life and it should be a given. We’re going to see so much beauty in our lifetime, and we need to preserve that for future generations and it shouldn’t take that much to care about the earth.
Tax Agent ID & Badge
Meet Ali
This is my fourth year with Inspire and it has been an unbelievable growth experience for me. I had joined with minimal experience as an Accountant and within a short period of 6 months, having been thrown in the ‘deep end’, I was able to exceed my own expectations with my portfolio growing faster than I could keep up. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Everyday is unique here at Inspire and there is so much to get excited about. In my role, I have the pleasure of building a unique relationship with each client; getting to know their family, their kids, their lives, it’s a very intimate relationship. I’m so invested in my clients’ lives, I’m border-lining as a Psychologist. Jokes aside, every situation and family circumstance is unique.
My role encompasses thinking about where they’re at now, where they were before and where they want to be in the future.
Outside of Inspire
I am married to my gorgeous wife, Beck, and we have both undeniably caught the travel bug. We especially crave experiences and destinations that are beyond our comfort zones. Being open to new horizons, experiencing new cultures and cuisines is what I find most captivating about travel.
If you don’t find me travelling, my favourite recreational activity is football. My favourite team is FC Barcelona and my favourite player (though he’s retired) would still be Ronaldinho de Assis Moreira.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
The supportive environment – there is so much independence and integrity at Inspire which forms the foundation of our culture here. If something needs to be done, whether it’s within the scope of your role or not, if you have the capacity to do it, you do it. Everyone here has adopted that mindset and it’s so comforting knowing that you can always rely on each other to take initiative.
How did you get interested in accounting?
Initially, I had wanted to be an IT engineer. However, after the world had experienced the GFC, my natural thoughts were that accountants would be in demand. As I was just 17 at the time, taking on accounting wasn’t a concrete plan and had many exit strategies in mind had I not enjoyed it. Gratefully, I had found accounting came very naturally, 8 years later I’m still in this industry and loving it.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
I feel that my biggest impact is having had a direct impact in helping the team at Inspire as well as our clients grow. Everyone is at different stages in life, both personally and professionally. I’ve been very fortunate to contribute to the growth of the people around me as well as our clients with my experience and expertise.
What are some books you recommend?
I’d say the Harry Potter series has always been one of my all time favourites. If I was to give a single book, I personally think ‘1984 by George Orwell’ is written impeccably.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I’d have to choose climate action and gender inequality. Having come from Bahrain, right before our eyes, we can see the negligence of the environment unfold in real time.
Bahrain having a male dominant country has also seen that gender equality has created an abundance of societal problems. Everyone deserves equal opportunity.
Tax Agent ID & Badge
Meet Roze
I joined Inspire in 2019 and can confidently say that the past 2 years have been the most significant growth in my career and personal development.
I am fortunate to have been given a platform to make a sizeable difference in others lives and their businesses, and for that I am so thankful. I find it incredibly fulfilling at the end of our workshops when business owners share that they are blown away by the value and abundant actionable advice.
My primary focus is not just the figures of a business, it’s legacy, it’s creating generational wealth and always prioritising family which for people that know me is my utmost highest value in life.
Outside of Inspire
I’m an energetic person that loves going on hikes and being in nature with my loved ones. My partner Ronnie and I have raised a gorgeous Pomeranian, Evee, who’s 10 years old but still a baby at heart. Our little ‘floof’ loves to join us on our spontaneous adventures.
Every morning, I attend the ‘5:30 Club’, a group of like-minded individuals with exuberant personalities and a multitude of backgrounds. We collaborate creatively and inspire one another to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
Undoubtedly, it is the culture. We have such a closely woven team that see each other more than work colleagues, we’re a family.
There’s just so much trust and integrity here that allows the company to thrive and facilitate exponential growth. You get to be you, you get to have creative control and aren’t micromanaged here, it’s so blissful.
How did you get interested in marketing?
Marketing kind of spontaneously fell on me. At Inspire, I’ve discovered my creativity and my ability to connect with people through copy, content and workshops.
I’ve been blessed with world-class mentors within the business to train me and it’s been such a joy and privilege to learn from experts I respect so highly, which is perhaps why I’ve come to love marketing.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
Amidst the start of Covid, there was a lot of uncertainty for all business owners. As we entered lockdown in 2020, Ben and I were compelled to construct a free webinar for ‘Business Continuity’, a covid plan. We received an astronomical 568 registrations which was unprecedented. We felt a responsibility to help – now ‘value webinars’ have become an integral part of our brand, our culture of giving.
What is an audiobook you’d recommend?
The 5 second rule by Mel Robbins taught me the quintessential benefits of waking up early
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
For me, Quality education. On a systemic level, a community or a nation cannot change their ways without being educated.
Meet Karan
I’ve been at Inspire for 1 year and so far I’ve experienced explosive growth, both personally and professionally. It’s been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life and I’ve had the liberty to freely build a professional network with the clients. I am grateful to have found a workplace with Accountants that are proactive, rather than reactive, and that are always ahead of the game.
I am passionate about helping small businesses grow, helping them realise their financial goals, navigating the twists and turns of the economy, deep diving through tax law which can help a client make their business tax efficient, or piece the tax puzzle together for our clients; these types of moments are what I find truly fulfilling.
Outside of Inspire
Currently, I am living with my family. I’ve enjoyed every part of the experience so far and can confidently say that my sister-in-law’s cooking is Gordon Ramsay material. Everyone at Inspire can vouch for how delicious her food is, I love it. For my past times, you can find me binging web series – my favourites being Billions, and Suits.
I also thoroughly enjoy hiking with loved ones for some physical activity. An unorthodox interest of mine is staying on top of global financial news as I have a passion for financial markets, cryptocurrency and block chain technology.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
I can see an ocean of opportunity in everything that we do. In my brief time here, I have witnessed our team constantly expand and we’ve also recently taken on our talented virtual assistant Althea from the Philippines. You could say that our mindset here is to start local, think global; which I feel very passionate about.
How did you get interested in accounting?
I’ve always taken interest in maths and I’d say that numbers drove me to accounting. Coming from a family with deep generational roots in business, their exposure to me further fuelled my passion towards accounting as accounting is the language of business.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
The biggest impact I’ve made at Inspire I’d say is when I helped a client that was struggling financially. I had put forth a case in front of the ATO and was met with objections for about a year before we were able to acquire a cashflow boost. The client was then pulled out of debt and they’d say that the lifeboat I threw to them was life changing.
What are some book you recommend?
I’d highly recommend Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Forrest Gump’ as well as ‘ The Pursuit of Happyness’ by Gabriele Muccino. Both movies of which I heavily relate to and see a little bit of myself in the protagonists.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I’d have to choose Quality education. I feel that education will solve all the 16 other sustainable development goals.
Meet Glaze
My role at Inspire is to support Ben and the wider team.
I love being an Executive Assistant at Inspire because I enjoy the diversity of the tasks that the day brings – and no two days are the same. One of my highest values is to help people make progress, so for me, being an EA was a no brainer! I joined Inspire in October 2020 as the first Executive Assistant, and it’s been an incredible journey filled with learning and growth as I really got to make the role my own!
Outside of Inspire
I moved to Brisbane from the Central Coast, NSW on my own 3 years ago for a change of scenery, so naturally I try to spend my weekends exploring all that Brisbane has to offer. My Parents still reside in NSW, so I try to fly down every chance I get.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
My favourite thing about working at Inspire is the fact that there are so many opportunities to up-skill and grow – not just professionally, but also personally. Ben really believes in every single one of us which has been a huge contributing factor to the reason why I wanted to join Inspire.
How did you get interested in becoming an EA?
It happened by chance! I originally started in a reception role in 2016, and then worked my way up to Executive Assistant!
I have been intrigued by the EA role ever since I watched The Devil Wears Prada in 2006 – Can confirm Ben is 1000% easier to work with than Miranda Priestly! LOL
(Baby me with my Aunt in our hometown in the Philippines)
What are some books, audio books, podcasts you recommend?
My favourite podcast is definitely Casefile! I’m a true crime junkie and have been fascinated by true crime since I was a child. I have vivid memories of watching Forensic Files from the age of 5 years old.
(My beautiful Parents!)
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
The Sustainable Development Goal that I am most passionate about is Goal 5, Gender Equality. Un.org highlights that while yes, there has been incredible progress over the last few decades (more girls are going to school, and there are more women in positions of leadership), there are still so many challenges that we face. Regardless of where you live, gender equality is a fundamental human right.
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