The Kofkin Bond's Podcast

247. Financial Literacy and Life Lessons: A Conversation with Dimi Rokkos

Tony introduces Dimi, a new member of the Kofkin Bond team. In this episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast, Dimi dives into the vital topic of financial literacy, sharing personal insights and experiences that highlight its importance, especially for single parents juggling careers and motherhood.

The episode  touches on Dimi's commitment to volunteering and charity work, including coaching youth basketball and supporting organizations like Helping Hoops and Hoops for Health, which mentor underprivileged children.

This episode is packed with valuable advice on how financial literacy can empower individuals to take control of their finances while fostering personal growth and community involvement.

246. Relentless Pursuit: Chris Christofi's Journey from Sales to Philanthropy

In this episode of the Kofkin Bond podcast, Tony Kofkin sits down with Chris Christofi, CEO and founder of Reventon, to explore his remarkable journey from a young sales enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist. Chris shares personal anecdotes about his Greek Cypriot heritage, early work experiences, and the invaluable lessons learned from his father. The conversation delves into the importance of communication skills, resilience in the face of challenges, and the relentless pursuit of success. Chris also discusses his extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly with Vinnies and the CEO Sleepout, highlighting his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on society. Tune in to hear Chris's inspiring story and his insights on personal growth, empathy, and the power of giving.

245. Navigating the Corporate World: Tamara Barr on Leadership and ESG

This weeks episode Tony chats with Tamara Barr, founder of CSB Corporate Services. Tamara shares her journey from Melbourne to London, offering insights into corporate governance, the importance of strong leadership, and the evolving landscape of shareholder interests. Discover the role of ESG reporting and the differences between ASX-listed companies, public companies, and not-for-profits. Tune in for an inspiring conversation blending professional expertise with personal stories.

244. Charly's Journey and Cure EB's Mission

In this episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast, host Tony Kofkin interviews Charly Stone, the CEO of Cure EB. They discuss Charly's journey from the UK to Australia and her transition into the not-for-profit sector. The conversation delves into the challenges of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare skin disease affecting children, and the efforts Cure EB is making to find a cure. Charly shares insights into the organization's innovative approach to fundraising and the significant progress made in a short time. The episode highlights the resilience of children with EB and the ongoing need for support in the fight against this devastating disease.

243. Maha Sukkar from Victoria Police

Maha joined Victoria Police in 2004 and was the first Muslim Policewoman in Australia to wear a hijab, challenging stereotypes and setting an example for police organisations around the world. 

She is the founder and past president of the Victoria Police Muslim Association (VPMA), the first police association of its kind in Australia and the Asia Pacific Region. She also co-founded and was vice chair of the Victoria Police Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network, which sits over all religious and cultural networks in Victoria Police. She is also one of the co-founders of the Victoria Police Women of Colour Network (VP WoCN) which is the first of its kind in a policing service. These networks support and advocate for police and advise Victoria Police on community-related matters.

Maha is active on several other committees focussed on the prevention of gendered violence holds a position on the Australasian Council for Women and Policing (ACWAP) Committee and is a board member of SisterWorks which is a grass-roots social enterprise working closely with migrant women to support economic empowerment.

She is currently a Senior Sergeant at the Victoria Police Academy.

Maha is the recipient of numerous awards and is recognised for her positive impact on community safety and policing. 

2007 - Celebrating excellence in the field of contributions to Australian Muslims award

2008 - Lebanese Community Achievers’ Award

2009 - Australian Muslim Woman of The Year

2009 – Excellence in the field of Police and Community Advisory Committee Award

2010 - Australasian Council for Women and Policing Bravery Award

2018 - Inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for Women for her work in the family violence and forced marriages space across the state and nationwide.

2019 - Awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM) (which sits above the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australian Honours schedule)

2019 - Named in The Australian Financial Review 2019 100 Women of Influence

2022 - Awarded the inaugural Australian Professionals of Colour, Corporate Legend of the Year Award.

242. A Journey Through Law and Life with Louis Shivarev (Part 2)

Part 2 of Tony speaking with Louis Shivarev.

241. A Journey Through Law and Life with Louis Shivarev (Part 1)

In this episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast, Tony Kofkin sits down with Louis, a dynamic lawyer who shares his inspiring journey of starting his law firm at a young age. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful legal practice, the importance of mentorship, and the value of hard work and discipline. Louis opens up about his multicultural background, growing up in Australia with Russian and Chinese heritage, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and business. The conversation touches on the significance of integrating into different communities and the impact of cultural diversity on personal growth. Listeners will gain insights into the legal profession, including the intricacies of commercial litigation, property law, and the importance of collaboration between financial advisors, accountants, and lawyers to provide the best outcomes for clients. Louis also shares his thoughts on the importance of financial education, the role of discipline in achieving success, and his aspirations for future involvement in politics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in law, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Tune in to hear Louis's story and learn valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of life and business.

240. From Real Estate to Recruitment Kylie's Journey to Industry Success - Kylie Jasinski

In this episode, Tony chats with Kylie about her journey from a hardworking upbringing to leading success in the recruitment industry. Kylie shares how her parents' adaptability and work ethic shaped her values and career choices, from starting in real estate to excelling in property and construction recruitment. With impressive achievements, including generating $1,000,000 in fees for two consecutive years, Kylie discusses the importance of relationship-building, specialization, and a quality-driven approach. She also reflects on the impact of COVID-19, the value of networking, and her advice for professionals aiming to thrive in competitive industries.

239. Leading with Vision: Dr. Michael Davies on Education, Leadership, and Innovation

In this week's episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast, we are thrilled to have a conversation with Dr. Michael Davies

Dr. Davies brings a wealth of experience from his extensive academic background and leadership roles across both the UK and Australia. With a career spanning over three decades, he has contributed to high-performing schools and played a key role in leadership development for the Melbourne Archdiocese, impacting over 300 schools.

In this episode, Dr. Davies shares his insights on shaping the future of education, fostering leadership, and the key lessons learned throughout his distinguished career.

238. Navigating Wills and Estates - Ashleigh Pearse's Journey and Advice on Succession Planning

In this week’s episode of the Kofkin Bond Podcast, we sit down with Ashleigh Pearse, a Senior Associate at McPherson Kelly, to explore the essential yet often complex world of wills, estates, and succession planning. Ashleigh shares her journey into estate law and provides valuable insights into safeguarding wealth, navigating family dynamics, and securing long-term legacy.

Whether you're new to estate planning or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers actionable advice for ensuring financial security and peace of mind for future generations.