Thursday, March 17, 2022

Russell Pillemer talking opportunities in this post Covid - tumultuous time




Russel Pillemer was recently interviewed by James Thomson at The Australian Financial Review where he highlights how economic turmoil will throw up good opportunities for private equity investors, providing they can move quickly.

Russel notes that the confluence of events roiling markets right now – inflation, COVID-19, rising interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and now a commodity shock – have given him and his team pause. The heady days of last year, when markets kept making record highs, seem long gone.

“You do see in times of crisis that there’s nowhere to hide,” he says. “It’s the flip side of the market where everything is going well and everything looks expensive.”

But for fundamental investors, times like this can also mean big opportunities for those willing to block out market noise and back their convictions. It’s part of the reason the ASX-listed Pengana Private Equity Trust this week announced a one-for-five entitlement offer that aims to raise $75 million.

https://hubs.li/Q0168mYC0

Monday, January 3, 2022

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Benefits of Networking!


 By Roger Amir - www.Mitronics.com.au




Currently most of us are networking remotely through zoom or team meetings.
With the announcement of opening businesses up again in NSW, it is expected that from December 1st networking face to face will be back on track, compliant to regulations.
So here are 5 benefits to help to grow our networks to help grow our net worth.
 
1) Raises your business profile and builds on your business brand. 

2) Keeps you front of mind which creates recognition and awareness.

3) Exchange of leads and being a source to help others.

4) Develops long lasting relationships with key people across various industries.

5) Creates introductions to other networks which become referral sources.
 
We are all looking forward to meeting new people, along with catching up with some familiar faces in the near future. 

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Leadership in Public Life - Gladys Berejiklian




Gladys resigned as Premier of NSW last week as a result of an ICAC inquiry into her dealings a few years back . Whether she is guilty or innocent (nobody is perfect) -  she has bee an outstanding example of leadership in  Public Life - and In my view, NSW is richer  for having such an outstanding leader.

I, for one, believe that Gladys would make an outstanding Prime Minister one day! 

Below is a LinkedIn Post from the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy to the Premier of NSW, Armine Albandian 

Over the past few days, there has been an outpouring of support following the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian. The love for her has come from people of all backgrounds and from all corners of the country and has been truly unprecedented.

Politicians can be hard to like, and I understand why.  

Politics is obscured by process and tradition, translated through someone else’s opinion, and executed with pragmatism that seems to forever trump ideals. It is the part of politics I like the least.

But Gladys was not your typical politician.

Throughout the pandemic, she entered our lives and our living rooms, and spoke directly to us. She never stood on ceremony. Gladys told it straight and she did so while leading us through some of our darkest hours as a nation.

She was a politician we could like.

We will remember her time in public life as a high watermark for dedication, resilience and courage. That she was the first female elected Premier in NSW is thankfully, now an afterthought.

Many people have been inspired by Gladys and have asked what it has been like to work for her for more than 6 years. This is what she taught me about public service:

1.    Work harder and smarter than everyone else, be persistent and always come prepared. If you do, you will find a way through any seemingly intractable challenge.

2.    Govern for everyone. It’s your job to understand what it means to represent the views of the citizens you serve. Never take the people you serve for granted, you govern at their behest and that is the ultimate privilege.

3.    Leadership isn’t about popularity and it’s not about perfection. It’s about making the best decisions based on the available facts and then holding your nerve. It’s also about apologising when you get it wrong.

I am proud 

I am proud of the Government’s work throughout the pandemic and bushfires. I am proud of the innumerable reforms that will impact lives for generations. And I am proud of the infrastructure that has transformed the city and state I first encountered when I arrived in Australia ten years ago.

Most of all, I am proud of my dear friend, this remarkable woman, for her spectacular leadership.


Credit to Teny Aghamalian for the black and white photo!

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Refundid - startup raises $3m - 6 months after being founded




It’s all about customer experience says Paul Greenberg - E-retail Veteran  - who has recently backed Refundid through AP Ventures.

Brad, Judd, Joel and Ilan have formed Refundid - whose leading product is  a fintech tool designed to cut, or essentially eliminate, waiting times for refunds for products bought online.

Refundid takes responsibility of the refund and repays the client immediately. Refundid gets paid by the retailer once approved.
It effectively provides a short term loan to the retailer!

The founders get that  trust and positive relationships, encouraging repeat custom is a key ingredient of a succesful retailer.

The plan is to have 100 top-tier retailers on board within the next 12 months, says Brad Karney…..

And then go global!!