Stress Tested

Australia is standing on the precipice of a $150 billion tech investment boom that could rival the Pilbara iron ore rush. But do we have the workers, the water, and the energy grid to pull it off? Tim Buckley, a 40-year finance analyst and Director of Climate Energy Finance, joins Stress Tested to outline the staggering scale of the AI data centre rollout. Tim explains why American tech giants are desperate to build in Australia, how the massive energy demands of data centres are pushing up electricity prices, and why the government's move to mandate "bring your own clean energy" is essential to avoid a complete collapse of the energy grid. He also sounds the alarm on a brewing crisis: if every tradie is building data centres, who is going to build houses for Australians? With the Albanese government threatening to ban data centres near homes and schools, Tim breaks down the situation in West Footscray (dubbed "Mordor" by angry locals). He warns that without proper community engagement and fast-tracked planning, Australia could lose out on $150 billion in tech investment to countries like India and Malaysia. He also dives into the geopolitical threat of American tech monopolies, the reality of the Albanese government's new planning rules, and whether the AI boom is actually a net positive for humanity. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Stress Tested for weekly founder stories, CEO interviews, and financial strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you disrupt a trillion-dollar financial services industry? Betashares CEO Alex Vynokur saw a massive gap in the wealth management market and built a fairer, transparent ETF model that now manages over $90 billion for Australian investors. In this episode, Alex shares his ultimate founder playbook. From escaping Soviet Ukraine's breadlines to remortgaging his house to launch a fintech startup during the Global Financial Crisis, Alex reveals what it actually takes to scale a business. Learn actionable business strategies on taking calculated risks, earning consumer trust, and the leadership lessons he learned working early in his career for Malcolm Turnbull. Alex also discusses the massive implications of the recent tax changes on everyday savers, investors, and the broader economy - and why it’s crucial that Aussies don’t become too reliant on government handouts. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Stress Tested for weekly founder stories, CEO interviews, and financial strategies: https://www.youtube.com/@StressTestedPodcast 📲 FOLLOW NEWS.COM.AU: Website: www.news.com.au Instagram: www.instagram.com/news.com.au.finance/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@news.com.aufinance Facebook: www.facebook.com/news.com.aufinanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did Finder co-founder Fred Schebesta risk three years in jail to fight the Australian government in a grueling four-year federal court battle? In this latest episode of Stress Tested, Senior Reporter Harrison Christian sits down with Australia's "Crypto King" to dissect high-stakes regulatory warfare, the death of local innovation, and the macroeconomic forces driving digital gold. Fred reveals why he’s advising young entrepreneurs to pack up and leave Australia, reveals how he beat ASIC in federal court, and explains how a viral "sand party" in a North Sydney rental helped spark a global fintech empire. Plus, why he believes the AI revolution won't democratise wealth, but concentrate it into the hands of a select few.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruslan Kogan willed e-commerce empire Kogan.com into existence from his parents' garage using maxed-out credit cards and a fierce refusal to settle for a corporate 9-to-5. In this first episode of Stress Tested, the outspoken CEO reveals why he's swapping his $800,000 salary for minimum wage in a high-stakes bet, sounds off on the long-term dangers of "w*nking from home," and explains how he copes mentally when his company's share price falls. See what Kogan has to say about extreme resilience, the ultimate entrepreneurial edge, and why the AI revolution makes him feel like his 20-year-old business is back at a thrilling "day zero".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the true cost of success? news.com.au Finance Editor Ben Graham and Senior Reporter Harrison Christian sit down with Australia’s most influential leaders, industry giants, and innovators to dissect their massive wins, and their critical failures. Get the ultimate insider's look at the minds shaping Australia’s future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.