Rob Neely is an award-winning Sunshine Coast entrepreneur with over 50 years in business and a story that proves true innovation is born from risk, resilience, and relentless curiosity. From flipping surfboards at 15 to founding Securely Group, a fintech startup now working with global banks. Rob shares the mindset that built empires, cost millions, and taught him the real price of growth.
Through captivating stories, he reveals how risk is relative, why failure is the best mentor, and what it takes to transform a simple idea into a billion-dollar opportunity.
Whether you’re a founder, dreamer, or doer, this episode will redefine your understanding of risk, reward, and what it means to truly secure success.
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Rob’s Quick Fire Answers
What does success mean to you?
“The betterment of mankind.”
What does happiness mean to you?
“Family.”
What’s your normal morning routine these days?
“4:00 a.m. starts, working until midday, then in the garden.”
What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see?
“Buy property.”
Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show?
“Craig Josic, he’s behind the Silicon Coast movement and the Forward Fest tech festival. A true visionary.”
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Listen To The Podcast
https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity
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Find Us On Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod
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Chapters
(00:00:00) – Chapter 1 | The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Rob Neely recounts his first entrepreneurial venture, flipping surfboards in 1970s Melbourne with a $35 “seed round” from his parents. He explores how his family’s small café business shaped his instincts, the role of environment versus DNA in entrepreneurship, and why true entrepreneurship can’t be taught, it’s innate, driven by curiosity and risk.
(00:18:54) – Chapter 2 | Building Securely Group
Rob reveals how his transition from animal health manufacturing to fintech birthed Securely Group. What began as a simple idea to protect tradespeople and customers, evolved into a groundbreaking payment technology now catching the attention of global banks. He explains how sliding doors, persistence, and surrounding himself with smart people turned a Sunshine Coast idea into a world-first innovation.
(00:42:52) – Chapter 3 | The Sunshine Coast x Innovation
Rob shares why the Sunshine Coast is fast becoming Australia’s “Silicon Coast.” He reflects on Securely’s growth, future NASDAQ ambitions, and his hopes to leave a legacy of innovation in his own backyard. From international awards to billion-dollar valuations, Rob’s story is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and the power of taking risks, then giving back.
(00:53:49) - Quick Fire Questions
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#podcast #entrepreneur #fintech
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