Our Team.

Our team.

Financial Team.

Tony.

Director
How did you come into financial planning?

Since 2004, Tony has been providing unsurpassed financial planning advice to a select portfolio of clients. Since founding Odyssey Financial Management in Sydney, along with two business partners (which he sold 2010), Tony has gone on to establish the Odyssey Specialist Group in Brisbane. With a focus on providing specialist advice and strategic planning to high income earning/high net worth medical clients, The Odyssey Specialist Group has established as a respected and accomplished provider of specialist advice throughout Australia to surgeons, anaesthetists, medical specialists, dentists and other professionals. Tony prides himself on providing tailored and specialised advice to suit the needs of sophisticated clients.

What fascinates you?

“I have a fascination with money markets and what makes the world go round. I also enjoy helping people make decisions in their lives that I know are going to really make a difference. For me, financial planning is an art, in that, each person is different and we want different things out of life. That makes creating a financial strategy and planning to meet those goals a creative endeavour – you are tailoring it to suit each person. However, it’s a fusion of art and science, because so much of what we do relies on statistics, financial data, legislation etc. So, I’m inspired by the juxtaposition of creativity with rationality.”

What are you passionate about?

“Art, my pugs, dining out and being social. I’m passionate about not wasting a single day and truly enjoy our life where you are at now.“

Gerrie.

Financial Planner
How did you come into financial planning?

From playing and educating friends about monopoly as a 7 year old to starting businesses as a teenager, I’ve always had a keen interest in finance and especially educating people in finance.

I laid my foundations through qualifying as an accountant and after finishing my CPA, I moved over to financial planning to use my finance and tax knowledge to work with clients and get them into better financial positions.

I offer a very unique skillset as a financial planner, as I’m also a small-business specialist, accountant and love investments of all kinds myself (from property developments to emerging industries and businesses)

What are you passionate about?

Relationships! Relationships with my family, friends and clients (who all end up becoming friends!). Building these relationships and spending time with the people I love.

My work and life without these relationships amount to nothing.

What inspires you?

People who want to change their circumstances, habits and build a better future. Inspired individuals are the most inspiring force you can hope to find in life.

I get inspired by various individuals and their willingness inspires me to work harder with them to get a better result for them.

What is your strongest characteristic?

My level of empathy and compassion. 2 Words you won’t see too often in financial planning and I believe this is what makes me different and stand out in our industry.

George

George.

Compliance
How did you come into financial planning?

My family has experienced what good financial advice means, giving me an appreciation of the importance of quality advice. I have since set out to provide a similar positive influence to others.

What are you passionate about?

Equal opportunities. Specifically, understanding that good Financial Advice should not only be available to those in privileged positions; but more so for everyday battlers.

What inspires you?

Nothing inspires me more than to see my family happy.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Knowing that I can never truly know everything keeps me grounded and open-minded to new learning opportunities.

What’s your favourite quote?

“The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it” – Neil deGrasse Tyson

Jaz.

Practice Manager
What inspires you?

“I’m inspired by people who have passion. The passion to go after what they want and take the chance to allow themselves to prosper and grow.”

What are you passionate about?

“I have been fortunate to have lived in a few different countries over the last 25 years, including 17 years in the United States and 1.5 years in Ireland. Having worked for over a decade in the hospitality industry has given me a clear insight about providing excellent customer service. I like to think that living abroad has given me a stronger perspective on what is important to people.”

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

“Perseverance would have to be my strongest trait. I don’t give up easily no matter how tough the challenge might seem. First and foremost, I am a people person. The biggest satisfaction I get is knowing I have, in some way, helped make someone’s dream become a reality. I pride myself on being a mentor.”

What's your favourite quote?

“The best way to predict the future is to create it” Peter Drucker.
“I think this quote says it all. We shape our own destiny and we can’t succeed in something we don’t start. Taking the first step is always the most difficult.”

Keith

Keith.

Adviser
How did you come into financial planning?

I graduated from QUT in 2018 and was lucky to be offered a position with Odyssey right out of university. Which was the best thing that could have happened, I had the chance to see the whole advice process and how it each piece of the puzzle fits with other pieces. I was able to learn so much from all the people around who helped to shape me into the young adviser I am today.

What inspires you?

Everyday people who are truly passionate about what they do. You can see the clear drive they have not only in their careers but also in their personal lives to achieve something better for themselves and their family.

What are you passionate about?

Meeting new people and understanding what they want to achieve in life, whether it is getting that perfect job they have dreamed about or striving to have great family life. I think it’s these relationships we build through our personal and professional life that truly show what we are passionate about.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Not sure if it is characteristic but trying to enjoy each day, whether its waking up early to go to the gym, meeting new people or just having with the people around me each and every day.

What is your favourite quote?

What is the point of being on this Earth if you are going to be like everyone else? – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Michael

Michael.

Financial Planning/ Accounting Intern
How did you come into financial planning/accounting?

A few years ago, I began working the basic books for my family’s business and ever since then I have never looked back. I love working in the financial world! I am now currently a third and final year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning with a Tax Minor.

What are you passionate about?

Education! continuous learning and gaining knowledge in new and innovative ways to further me and others. Not only financially, but with anything, myself or others are passionate about. I am also passionate about meeting new people; I believe you can learn something from everyone and anyone!

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

The three r’s… reliable, responsible, respectful. Showing up no matter what. I want to be counted on. When someone can come to me with a task or favour and have full confidence in me to give it 110%!

What is your favourite quote?

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Accounting Team.

Will.

Senior Accountant
How did you come into accounting?

I started my Accounting and Tax career at the University of Johannesburg, where I completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting, an Honours degree in Chartered Accountancy and a Masters degree in International Tax. After completing my studies, I practiced as an external auditor with one of the big four auditing firms and lectured in the field of Accounting, Tax and Auditing before moving back into public practice to focus on my keen interest in tax law application.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about details and strive towards precision in all I do. I believe a granular understanding of complex problems is key in foreseeing the solutions within the bigger picture. Challenges drive me and I find inspiration in knowing that smooths sea never made skilled sailors.

What is your strongest characteristic?

My strongest characteristic is my determination and commitment to excellence and perfection.

Favourite Quote?

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle” – Napoleon Hill

Derik

Derik.

Senior Accountant
How did you come into accounting?

I always enjoyed working with numbers and therefore the natural career choice was to become a Chartered Accountant.  To get an even better understanding of financial and risk management, I also qualified as a Chartered Financial Analyst.  What I enjoy most about my career choices is the ability it’s given me to use my skill set to help clients manage their business risks.

What are you passionate about?

The search for continuous improvement.  Whether it requires small tweaks to an already defined process or kicking off a large change project with a focus on creating efficiencies, enhanced reporting or more effective management of risks.

What inspires you?

People that have no fear of failing combined with a massive drive to succeed.  I have a high regard for people who can falter, learn from it, make the required adjustments and try again.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

A high sense of urgency to get things done in the right way.

What’s your favourite quote?

“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing” – Warren Buffet

Alta.

Tax Accountant

How did you come into accounting?

My career started in 2006 when I enrolled for both a Bachelor of Commerce in Law and a LLB degree at the University of Johannesburg. After my studies, I spent some time in commerce, focusing on supply chain, warehouse and stock management before I ventured back into tax law.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about solving problems. Finding the solution to a complex problem drives me to the next challenge.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

My strongest characteristic is being prepared through detailed planning and preparation. “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.’” – Thomas Edison

Favourite Quote?

Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits!” – Jerry Dunn. This inspires me to grow in my personal life and in my profession.

Jenny

Jenny.

Senior Accountant
How did you come into accounting?

I completed a 4 year Bachelor Degree in Accounting and then went on to complete a traineeship at KPMG before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa). I have been in the accounting industry since 2004 as well as a university lecturer in both Auditing and Accounting modules since 2012.

What inspires you?

People who are true to themselves and follow their passions in life. People who support a cause that is close to their heart, without being swayed by external factors, have my highest respect.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about family and animals. I strive to create a supportive home environment in which to raise my son and make meaningful memories that we can look back on in the years to come.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

I like to get things right and I follow through on a task until it is accomplished. I also connect well with people. Each person is unique to me and I enjoy finding out about them as a whole and then combining our strengths to work together in the most efficient manner.

Lianka.

Tax agent

How did you come into accounting?

From a young age numbers have just made sense to me. 1 + 1 always equals 2. Unlike many other things numbers are always consistent, which I find very comforting. Therefore it was an easy decision to study a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. After completing a 3 year traineeship in South Africa, I started my Australian career with Deloitte where I completed my CPA qualification, also registering as a tax agent and founding an accounting firm with my husband.

What inspires you?

People who never give up no matter what their circumstances, who seem to have 72-hours in their day, being able to do everything they put their mind to. The examples set by them, inspire me to constantly better myself and challenge myself to be better than I was the day before.

What are you passionate about?

Creating a balanced and happy home life, as it gives me purpose which in turn fuel my other pursuits. It also gives me the confidence to take on the challenges that life throws my way.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Honesty and my drive to strive for fairness is something I take great pride in. With me, what you see is what you get. Treating people equally and fairly is a non-negionable for me and I can’t imagine living any other way.

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Edward.

Accountant
How did you come into accounting?

I’ve always had a strong interest in Business, Economics, and Accounting. However, when I started my own company in 2012, it made me understand just how important Accounting is to running a successful business. This inspired me to complete a Bachelors in Accounting and Computer Information Systems while continuing to grow a successful business. I sold my business in early 2020 and am now pursuing a career in Accounting.

What inspires you?

People who have the drive and motivation to constantly better themselves. Whatever the goal may be, I respect and admire people who dream big and do whatever they can to make their dreams a reality.

What are you passionate about?

In a professional sense, I’m passionate about small businesses and supporting them through the many challenges that they face in day-to-day operations. I know from experience that it’s not easy, so I’m always looking for anything I can do to help businesses become more profitable, successful or efficient. The use of technology to achieve these outcomes is a real passion of mine.

Personally, spending time with family and friends, keeping fit and active, and learning new things are all very important to me. I enjoy snowboarding, scuba diving, hiking, climbing, and flying light aircraft in my free time.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Having a positive, can-do attitude and realising that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, and work hard enough at it.

LS Photo B&W

Laurika.

Chartered Accountant
How did you come into financial planning/accounting?

When I was growing up, my accountant grandfather used to entertain me with his adding machine while he worked.  The main purpose was to get me to calm down and sit still for a bit, but the habit stuck harder than he or I expected it to.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about nearly everything – I tend to get a new idea every five minutes which turns into an hour-long rabbit hole every so often.  Constant favourites include problem solving, teaching, learning, family, music, and literature (in all forms).

What inspires you and why?

I get inspired by things that I experience as being wonderful:  Explaining something and seeing a face light up in understanding; making a connection between things that weren’t previously connected in your mind; hearing a familiar chord progression as if for the first time, seeing a flower closing at night and opening in the morning.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

I’m adaptable.

Favourite Quote?

The serious, risk-averse part of my personality gravitates towards Søren Kierkegaard’s “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily; not to dare is to lose oneself.”

The accountant in me likes my grandfather’s “An accountant cannot write with a medium pen; he needs a fine pen.” better.

Anneke Backer

Anneke.

Accountant
How did you come into financial planning/accounting?

With an unexpected bang! After nearly 6 years in the Procurement/ Supply Chain field, a career move was welcome. Whilst still very new, the Odyssey team, their passion towards customer-client services and how they work as a team to best benefit each client, I developed a passion and drive to work towards becoming an expert in the detail.

What are you passionate about?

Firstly, Ice Cream…

Thereafter my family, the little things like morning fresh air, the first cup of coffee, being a great Mom and Wife and of course my work, not only to get work fulfilment, but to be an irreplaceable piece of the puzzle in my team.

What inspires you and why?

This is a rather difficult one, as inspiration comes from different sources for different aspects in our lives, I would say the unknown.

Not knowing how something will happen in the future, and that the things I do today can influence tomorrow; inspires me to do the best in everything I do today, to get the best possible tomorrow.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Complete and utter honesty

Favourite Quote?

“The expert at anything was once a beginner”

–  Helen Hayes

AMYB

Amy.

Office Administrator
How did you come into financial planning/accounting?

In 2020 I graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Business (Majoring in International Business). I sought a career that would allow me to apply both subjects while being able to assist other people. Here at Odyssey, I have found such a place.

What are you passionate about?

My family, reading, cats and outer space. The vast expanse of space is fantastic and a little scary. There is a planet that rains glass sideways at great speed. Fantastic!

What inspires you and why?

My family. I am inspired by the strength they show. I aim to be as dedicated to my career as they were to theirs.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Care and thoughtfulness for what I do in business and life. Whether you are a client or friend I believe if we put care into what we do the outcome is best for all.

Favourite Quote?

My quote comes from one of my favourite childhood movies: “See a Need – Fill A Need” from Robots 2005. It is the tag line of the main company that the movie centred on and represents how the company was founded to make life better for everyone.

General Insurance.

Ryan

Ryan.

General Insurance Broker
How did you come into insurance broking?

I had just finished High School and was unsure if I wanted to commence University or work for a year before going to study. I decided to work so that I could travel, a role was available with Suncorp looking for account managers in their inbound call center managing enquiries for new and existing customers. I failed miserably at the recruitment phase but the manager said she saw something that not many people possess, genuine care for others needs. It was on her insight that they hired me, I am forever grateful for this as it was the beginning of a fantastic career in the exciting and challenging world of insurance. Having started with such humble beginnings I have worked in all areas; broking, claims & underwriting. Having insight into all these elements makes me a better broker for my clients.

What are you passionate about?

Helping others in both business and personal life. I like to think if someone needs help they can call on me without hesitation.

What inspires you and why?

People who wish to better their life, improve their skills and innovate & invent gadgets that improve life for everybody. Why? Necessity is the mother of invention and to create something from an idea is an incredible feat of determination and commitment.

What would you say is your strongest characteristic?

Care and thoughtfulness for what I do in business and life. Whether you are a client or friend I believe if we put care into what we do the outcome is best for all.

Favourite Quote?

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. Walt Disney.