Your Wellness Experts
Darren Smith
CEO
What’s your background?
Through all the experiences, lessons and stories I have collected over 30 plus years in financial services, nothing brings me greater pleasure than helping others grow in confidence around their own financial wellness. Managing money better has the potential to help so many get ahead, decrease stress and focus on what is important to them. The pleasure comes from being able to pass on knowledge and tips that others can apply and experience these positive differences for themselves.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my extended family, going fishing and am a passionate follower of Aussie rules, in particular, Hawthorn football team who I have supported since primary school.
Why Financial Wellness?
Financial Wellness is about confidence with direction and aligning actions to what is important to each of us. Managing money better doesn’t come naturally. Like most things, to do it well it takes focus, effort and action on a regular basis. Just getting on top of the basics can make the world of difference.
Our programs are there to do the heavy lifting for organisations in an area that they don’t normally have the skills to implement for themselves. For team members, it is about empowering them and building their confidence to make more informed decisions and ask better questions.
Francis Rigby,
Financial Wellness Coach
What’s your background?
I have worked in the finance profession for 20+ years as a Financial Adviser, Corporate Secretary for an ASX listed company and more recently coaching other finance professionals.
In my spare time you will find me spending time with my wife Portia and son Christopher, out in the hills following one of my many passions, cycling (yes I’m one of the polite ones), or on my finger lime farm tinkering away. Wherever I may be, not far behind is my passion and drive to succeed in what ever I set out to achieve.
Why Financial Wellness?
Over the years I have seen firsthand what financial stress can do to individuals and those around them. Fortunately, during my time as a Financial Adviser and Wellness Coach, I have been able to help many deal with the financial stress life throws at you, achieve better financial outcomes and put people in a better position to achieve their life goals.
My recent work with leading organisations to increase the awareness and confidence of their employees around finance has been a highlight.. My passion fuels my enthusiasm when delivering Financial Wellness Programs and you may even see a little extra flare picked up from my previous life representing Australia for Ice dancing with my wife Portia.
Luke Baker
Financial Wellness Coach
What’s your background?
Throughout my experience in the financial services industry, educating people on taking back control of their finances and providing a deeper understanding of their own financial situation has been my focus. Being able to empower people to have confidence in how they manage their finances and seeing them progress toward the things that matter to them is the reward.
For me, being financially well means having a clear understanding of my finances and in turn reducing stress. This helps in my endeavour to have flexibility, enjoy new experiences and create more time with my family. In my spare time you will find me with my family which includes my wife Natalie, daughter Miley and son Coen. Other things that bring me joy are spending time with my family and friends, playing basketball, watching AFL and focusing on my health and wellbeing (it’s all about balance right!).
Why Financial Wellness?
Most people only see wellness as linked to their mental and physical state however, it goes beyond this. Our financial wellness is the core of creating wellness in other areas. I find, if my finances are in control my overall wellbeing inclusive of mental and physical is also in a great space.
As a financial wellness coach, I love seeing the moment when someone realises the relief that comes with empowerment and taking control of their financial situation. I feel our sessions ignite belief and our team provide the bite size steps so that every person we work with can take something away with them to improve their situation.
Melissa Kaponay,
Financial Wellness Coach
What is your background?
Throughout my experience in the financial services industry, education has always been a passion of mine. Being able to empower people to have confidence in how they manage their finances and seeing them progress is nothing short of magical.
For me, being financially well means having flexibility to do the things I love such a travel and adventures, new experiences and enjoying some of the finer things in life. In my spare time you will find me indulging in good food and wine with my family and friends, entertaining my crazy French Bulldog Vinny Chase and focusing on my health and wellbeing (it’s all about balance right!).
Why Financial Wellness?
Most people only see wellness as linked to their mental and physical state however, it goes beyond this. Our financial wellness allows us to support all elements of our lives, making it a critical component.
As a financial wellness coach, I see the lightbulb moments during our sessions and believe that every person we work with takes something away they can immediately implement to improve their individual situation.
