Home: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Age: Old enough to have decades of experience. Profession: Chartered Accountant, CFO. Organization: FWTI. Title: Managing Director. Significant other: My wife, the love of my life and international children’s author, Shelly Unwin. Alma mater: University Technology Sydney.
Current project: Supporting businesses to double their capital growth over a three-year period. Latest accomplishment: Completed an investment thesis for the establishment of an equity fund in the UAE. Latest contribution to others: Pro bono advisory support for a large Sydney community sports-based association. Hobbies: Touch football, tennis, F1, running, reading. Recent travel or adventure: Hamilton Island in Queensland, a small island in the Whitsundays close to the Great Barrier Reef. Last book read: Never, by Ken Follett. Recently viewed and recommended: Ted Lasso.
Personality profile: Strategic, driven, detail-orientated, collegiate, analytical. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Does it align with the greater good and is it merit based? How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual trust, unconditional support, deep respect, open communication, and shared values. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Respectful, honest, communicative, supportive, progressive. What is your greatest joy? Being with my family, enjoying conversations from the trivial to the deep and meaningful. What natural talent have you neglected? Tennis. I don’t get to play as often as I like. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Being with my family.
What was your first paying job? A Cadet at Deloitte. What book have you repeatedly read? Jim Collins’ Good to Great. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Big Wednesday. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Approach life following the five “-tions” - dedication, motivation, application, contribution and determination. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Start with the basics and stay focused to build the right foundations. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Artificial intelligence. What is your go-to source of news and information? News.com.au.
What is your big idea?
Holographic collaboration with others across time zones.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Real reporting automation, allowing a strong shift towards value-add business partnering. What mega-trend most excites you? Build-to-rent (multifamily) momentum in the Australian property market.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An architect. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My glasses. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? At the beach with my family. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My college years.
Personal mission: Helping accountants become great leaders. Personal motto: Keep moving forward. Favorite quote: “Leadership is the art of getting someone to want to do something which must be done” (Dwight D. Eisenhower).
