Beyond the Signboard with Amy Bennett

Two extraordinary leaders, one powerful conversation about turning personal tragedy into community transformation. This episode brings together Julie Penlington, President of 4 Paws Animal Rescue, and Mervat Quirke, General Manager of Bloomhill Cancer Care—two women whose personal journeys led them to pioneer life-changing community organisations on the Sunshine Coast.

Mervat's story begins with her husband's dev...

Ever wondered what it takes to run a successful short-term rental property on the Sunshine Coast? This fascinating deep dive with Chris Doherty-Fisher, General Manager of Sunny B&B, unveils the mechanics behind managing 80 holiday properties spread across 50 kilometres of coastline.

Chris reveals eye-opening statistics about the extraordinary returns possible in this market, with Coolum, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore all...

What exactly does a buyer's agent do, and why might you need one for your next property purchase? This candid conversation with three of the Sunshine Coast's leading buyer's agents—Murray McCarthy, Aaron Thompson, and Keeta Gibson—lifts the curtain on one of real estate's most valuable yet misunderstood professions.

From diverse backgrounds spanning corporate property development, IT, and sales, these p...

What if you could transform your financial future with expert insights from a seasoned strategist? Join me, Amy Bennett, as I engage in a captivating conversation with Di Scott from Nestworth Financial Strategists. Discover the nuances of financial planning and real estate through Di's transformation from a legal secretary to a financial strategist, driven by her passion for helping people achieve their financial goals. Dive i...

This episode dives into the emotional intricacies of downsizing from a loved one's home with Belinda Massey of Move On Consciously. We explore the balance between practical and emotional aspects of moving, along with the importance of preserving memories while letting go of belongings for a sustainable future.

• Understanding the emotional impact of downsizing
• The journey from accounting to compassionate moving ...

Hilary Sharp shares her transformative journey from Ireland to Australia and the evolution of her career in interior design and home staging. The episode highlights the importance of emotional connections in design and staging and offers insights into the misconceptions and deeper significance behind creating functional and appealing spaces. 

• Hilary's early love for design influenced by her mother 
• Decision to...

When the road ahead seems shrouded in the complexities of aged care, fear not, for Maree Polsen, the visionary behind Aged Care Choices Australia, joins me, Amy Bennett, to shed light on navigating this challenging landscape. Together, we unravel the emotional and fiscal threads of transitioning loved ones into care, from the significance of early planning to the comfort offered by compassionate workers. Prepare to be enlightened b...

Navigating the high seas of entrepreneurship and family life, Brad Filiponi, boxbrownie.com's co-founder, joins me on a voyage where we chart the course from snapping photos to revolutionizing real estate. In this heart-to-heart, Brad opens the treasure map to striking work-life harmony, revealing how he juggles the waves of a demanding career with the anchor of family, and even shares a slice of paradise with tales of rejuven...

When life throws curveballs, some stand out as exemplars of resilience and positivity—Anne Barnett of Coast Smoke Alarms is one such figure, a beacon of dedication and can-do spirit. Her story unfolds in our latest episode, revealing how she rose from a 13-year-old working to support her family during her father's illness, to a revered Sales and Account Director. Anne's journey is not just about career growth; it's a...

Have you ever considered what it takes to not only change careers but to also inspire and empower a whole community? Demi Patterson, the trailblazing founder of Confident Happy Women, joins us to share her remarkable transformation from leading a fashion business in Athens to igniting a revolution in beauty education in Australia. Through her mentorship and the pursuit of lifelong learning, Demi has become a pivotal figure in guidi...

As movers and shakers in the world of relocation, Kym Phillips and I stepped onto the airwaves to share an intimate look into the emotional rollercoaster of the moving industry. Buckle up and join us on a heartfelt journey from past to present, where we peel back the curtain on the transformative power of empathy and exceptional customer service. Kym, CEO of Moving Made Easy and a trailblazer in her field, delves into her rise from...

Embark on a transformative odyssey with me, Amy Bennett, as I sit down with Kieran Courtney, the visionary co-founder of Blink+. From his early days navigating the challenges of traditional schooling to his impressive stride across the realms of plumbing and the high-pressure oil and gas sector, Kieran's tale is one of grit and ingenuity. Revelations unfold about the transferable prowess of systems and processes from the gas i...

The vibrant sands of the Sunshine Coast are not just for sunbathing; they're the backdrop of a real estate narrative that's as enriching as it is enlightening. I'm Amy Bennett, and in our latest episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Marcus Muir, the McGrath Network's ace auctioneer, to share the secrets behind his ascent from a trainee to a real estate virtuoso. We traverse memories of our beloved coastal reg...

When you think of real estate, do you picture a cutthroat world of relentless competition? Grant Smith from Century 21, Grant Smith Property, joins me, Amy Bennett, to shatter that illusion with tales of camaraderie and the underlying humanity powering the industry. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the unexpected by highlighting how emotional intelligence and expectation management are the true drivers behind successful prop...

Join me, Amy Bennett, on Beyond the Signboard, where we unravel the intricate tapestry of real estate valuation with none other than Craig Smith, director at Australian Valuers. Imagine navigating through the complexities of property valuations and tax depreciation with a seasoned expert who divulges secrets from his personal journey, transforming from a young apprentice to a master of valuation. Craig doesn't just provide an ...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from the high-stakes world of fashion marketing to topping the charts in real estate? Join me, Amy Bennett, as I share an invigorating conversation with the formidable Jodie Hedley-Ward. From her eclectic career that spans business conferences to fashion marketing, and her eventual rise in the real estate sector, Jodie has a tale that will both educate and inspire. We delve into he...

They say life's a journey, but Colin Mason's voyage from boiler maker to finance aficionado is one that could inspire even the staunchest of landlubbers. Anchoring our latest episode, Colin charts the waters of mortgage broking, navigating us through the myriad of choices with the expertise only 20 years at the helm can offer. With a trove of over 4,000 mortgage products, he's the lighthouse guiding clients to the sh...

Finding that sweet spot between passion and profession isn't always a walk in the park, but for Darren Colquist of Jim's Building Inspections, it's a reality woven with diversity and dedication. On Beyond the Signboard, we're thrilled to welcome Darren to discuss his astounding journey through a myriad of careers, landing him in the niche yet vital world of building inspections. As a former military man who tran...