Lost & Founders

The Price of Unethical Behavior in the Lending Industry

On this episode of Lost and Founders, host Julian Fayad is joined by Rory McGrath of Aurelius Capital for an unfiltered discussion on the ethical state of the lending and mortgage broker industry.
Rory, known for his outspoken stance, pulls no punches on controversial marketing tactics—including why a 'Black Friday' sale on a 30-year credit commitment is morally questionable and invites regulatory scrutiny. We discuss the cost of non-compliance, the inevitable disruption coming to the sector, and the crucial need for finance professionals to adapt or face ruin.

The Gritty Reality of Building an Un-Monetised Solution

In this heartfelt and gritty episode of Lost & Founders, we sit down with Founder and CEO, Emmanuel Al-Jinavo, of Feed4Ward, who is spending his own money and time to build a solution aimed squarely at supporting the small business community. 
 
Driven by the mission to stop SMEs from collapsing due to issues like delayed payments and backlogs, he explains the intense emotional and financial sacrifices required. He contrasts the clear monetisation of traditional businesses with the "different game altogether" of tech, where investment must happen long before revenue. Hear his journey from moments of self-doubt to finding the powerful motivation—the community's feedback—that keeps his fuel gauge full.

Raw Files, Real Success

This week on Lost and Founders, host Julian Fayad sits down with Shayben Moussa, co-founder of the successful wedding photography and video business, Siempre (Siampre), which has been running strong for over a decade.
Shayben unpacks his dual dedication to business and an unshakeable personal challenge: completing over 1000 consecutive days of "pulsary exercise" by the time the episode airs. He discusses the catalyst behind this commitment, and the radical, no-excuses mindset required to maintain it—even finding a secret container gym during 36 hours of airport travel.
Beyond fitness, Shayben shares his unfiltered views on building a career in the creative industry, arguing that raw files and a portfolio are the only things that matter when hiring, not a university degree. He reveals the shocking story of walking away from his Graphic Design course just one subject shy of finishing, demonstrating the ultimate confidence in his vision over a piece of paper.

Are Job Cuts Actually Due to Outsourcing and Tech?

This week on the Lost and Founders Podcast, our host Julian Fayad welcomes finance expert Bora Tuncoglu to the studio! After much persistence, Julian sits down with the Founder and Director of BMoney Finance to dive into one of the most pressing and controversial topics in business today: job cuts and corporate transparency.
The conversation immediately tackles the elephant in the room: Are recent layoffs truly due to "restructuring," or is it a hidden PR disaster? Julian and Bora discuss why many large companies are hesitant to admit that job losses are actually the result of automation, AI, and outsourcing. The reality, they argue, is that technology is rapidly changing the workforce, and companies are choosing to obscure the truth to protect their public image.
Tune in as they peel back the layers on corporate excuses, the real impact of automation, and what this means for the future of employment in the finance industry and beyond.

The Rebellion Against Outdated Processes

This week on Lost & Founders, our host, Julian Fayad, welcomes Ben Callaghan and Joel Wyld, the dynamic co-founders of AI MortgageTech firm, Accurateli. 
 
The guys delve into Accurateli and how it automates the analysis of complex financial documents, rebelling against outdated loan processes and their thoughtful subscription model, which uses a credit system to make the technology accessible and affordable for users.We also get to look into LoanOptions.ai’s newest product, Hailo, and Julian’s strategic decision to pursue a cautious, pilot-group-first launch. We also get an exclusive look at the future of Hailo, including a powerful online portal designed to foster strong referral partnerships between brokers and accountants. 
 
Don’t miss out! This episode is a glimpse into what the future looks like for finance

Broker by Day, Biker by Night

Gear up for this week’s episode as we dive into the world of motorcycles with LoanOptions.ai’s very own, Josh Campbell!Listen in as Josh shares his journey from building a huge following to exploring ways to monetise his passion. We discuss the pros and cons of turning a beloved hobby into a job and get an inside look at how he balances life as a broker by day and a biker by night.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who loves motorcycles, whether you're a seasoned rider or an enthusiast looking to buy a new bike.

Is Ambition Misunderstood?

What do political disillusionment and the pressures on female entrepreneurs have in common? They both stem from a belief that your voice doesn't matter. In this episode, Loan Options' Julian Fayad and Enterpreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA)'s Amanda Rose share personal stories and unfiltered truths about the double standards in business, the gaslighting in politics, and the importance of saying "no."
 
Join them as they explore how to find your voice, value your work, and spark real change.

Being Happy with the Pursuit

Ever wonder what it takes to truly thrive? In this candid conversation, Timothy Caruana, Founder and Owner of Christian Paul Watches, shares his remarkable journey, revealing how a belief that "anything is solvable" transformed his career in roofing. He opens up about the power of accountability, the importance of integrity, and why owning your mistakes is a sign of true strength.
Get ready to shift your perspective on happiness as we explore why being "happy with the pursuit" — the ongoing process of becoming better — is the ultimate key to a fulfilling life.

Future-Proofing Your Business

Why do some businesses thrive while others struggle? Our host, Julian Fayad, and Samuel Falanga, Founder of Falanga & Co., dive into the complexities of modern business. 
 
Tune in for strategic financial advice, insights on asset protection, and a deep dive into AI's impact on industries like accounting. You'll discover crucial tips for managing overheads, spotting new opportunities, and understanding the vital role of a forward-thinking accountant. Plus, they cover exit strategies, the power of SOPs, and why delegating control might be your smartest business move yet.
 
This is a must-listen for any entrepreneur!

Purple Jordans & Personal Brands

Join Julian Fayad, CEO of LoanOptions.ai, as he chats with finance legend Dino Pacella. Dino, Head of Partnerships at MKP.Finance and founder of National Finance Brokers Day, shares his unexpected journey from aspiring soccer player to finance industry leader.
Discover how Dino pioneered personal branding, championing authenticity and transparency on LinkedIn by sharing even vulnerable personal stories. Julian and Dino discuss the vital shift from corporate to personal branding, highlighting the power of sharing both triumphs and challenges.
They also delve into LoanOptions.ai's vibrant culture, the iconic purple Air Jordans, and unique marketing. Plus, hear about National Finance Brokers Day and the crucial role of AI for brokers. Dino emphasizes the importance of providing value beyond banks and the power of strong partnerships. Don't miss this insightful episode on building lasting client relationships and staying relevant in finance!