The Kofkin Bond’s Podcast

267. Harnessing Emotional Intelligence : Insights from Tenille

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co. Our guest today is Tenille Bentley, a global advocate for emotional intelligence, tech entrepreneur, and founder of Alma Education.

After building a multimillion-dollar tech company, Tenille shifted her focus to emotional intelligence, driven by a profound personal journey. Through her work, she empowers individuals to understand their emotions and foster compassion and empathy in a fast-paced world. Her story is a testament to the power of transformation and the impact of emotional intelligence on personal and professional growth.

This episode delves into leadership, resilience, and the courage to redefine success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages you to embrace change and lead with heart.

266. Easy to Do, Easy Not to Do: The Power of Choice

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

Our guest today is Peter Thurin. Global keynote speaker, author, and founder of “Easy to Do, Easy Not to Do – Your Choice.” After two decades as a successful pharmacist, Peter left the counter to pursue a dream that began when he was eight years old: earning his black belt and inspiring others to take action.

Through his philosophy of consistent small steps, Peter has empowered audiences worldwide to rise to challenges, stay accountable, and define their own version of “remarkable.” His story reminds us that good intentions never get the job done; action does.

This episode is about courage, focus, and choosing to do what matters most. Tune in for a conversation that will motivate you to get in the game and keep going, one step at a time.

265. The Entrepreneurial Edge: Insights from Nick Bell

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co. This week, Tony sits down with Nick Bell, a renowned entrepreneur and digital marketing expert with a track record of building successful businesses across the globe.

From his early days in Melbourne to becoming a self-made millionaire, Nick shares his journey through the challenges and triumphs of the business world, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the mental resilience required to thrive in a competitive industry. He discusses the importance of staying ahead of digital trends, the strategic decisions that propelled his ventures, and the personal sacrifices made along the way.

Nick recounts his experiences in the fast-paced world of digital marketing, the partnerships that fueled his growth, and the pivotal moments that defined his career. Along the way, he opens up about the lessons learned from failures, the value of mentorship, and the art of balancing ambition with personal well-being.

A compelling story of determination, creativity, and the drive to succeed. Tune in to hear the untold realities of a life defined by vision, hard work, and the pursuit of greatness.

264. Racing Through Life : From Jockey to Legend

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

This week, Tony sits down with John Didham, a former champion jockey with over 1,700 wins worldwide, three-time Macau Premiership winner, and part of a proud racing dynasty spanning three generations.

From his early days at St Bernard’s College to leaving school at 15 to become an apprentice jockey, John shares his journey through the highs and hardships of elite horse racing, the constant battle with weight, the mental strain of staying sharp while starving, and the physical toll of chasing perfection on the track.

He recounts life in Hong Kong and Macau, racing under immense pressure where millions were wagered on every ride, the friendships forged in the jockey’s room, and the near-misses that shaped his career. Along the way, John opens up about the lessons that carried him from international success to life beyond racing, family, balance, and the quiet art of enjoying the wins along the way.

A powerful story of resilience, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.
Tune in to hear the untold realities of a life defined by grit, passion, and purpose.

 

263. Get Real: How Lisa Turned Risk into Reinvention

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Teh, co-founder of Codi Agency – one of Australia’s most progressive digital and AI-driven creative firms.

Lisa began her career in tax law with KPMG and Ashurst before realising her true passion was creativity, innovation, and human connection. That spark led her to build Codi Agency, a powerhouse helping brands grow through strategy, storytelling, and emerging technology.

Lisa and her team are redefining how brands connect with audiences in a fast-changing digital world. She’s also the author of Get Real, a book that gives voice to 30 female founders and their raw journeys through business and leadership.

This conversation dives into courage, reinvention, and what it really takes to lead with creativity in the age of AI.

262. Beyond the Scalpel: Dr. Matthew Read’s Mission to Heal and Innovate

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

In this episode, Associate Professor Matthew Read joins host Tony Kofkin for an extraordinary conversation about medicine, innovation, and impact. A leading upper gastrointestinal surgeon, Chief Medical Information Officer at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, and Director of Research at the Daylight Foundation, Matthew is helping to reshape how we understand and prevent disease.

From developing AI-assisted surgical tools and augmented reality training systems to leading a national initiative to reduce healthcare-associated infections, Matthew’s work is at the forefront of medical innovation. He shares how technology and collaboration can save thousands of lives, reduce healthcare costs, and create a safer, more sustainable future for patients everywhere.

The episode also explores Matthew’s humanitarian projects in Kenya, where he has helped train local surgeons and build programs that transform communities from the inside out.

A story of curiosity, compassion, and purpose. This episode reveals how one surgeon’s drive to question, improve, and serve is transforming modern medicine.

 

https://daylightfoundation.org.au/

https://sentinelhealth.com.au/

Dr Keith Dindi Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUAv__uFKYY

 

 

261. From Corporate Turnarounds to Tech Innovations: Peter’s Journey

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

Today we sit down with Peter Worn, Co-founder and Joint Managing Director of Finura Group, a fast-growing financial services technology firm reshaping how advisors and clients experience wealth management.

Peter’s journey began in the high-pressure world of corporate turnarounds, where he faced failed software projects, volatile ASX-listed environments, and brutal boardroom battles. What could have driven him back to the safety of big corporates instead ignited his entrepreneurial spirit.

With his business partner, Aaron, Peter transformed hardship into opportunity, turning struggling businesses around and eventually founding Finura, built on a clean-sheet-of-paper tech vision. Today, he champions innovation for financial advisers, helping bridge the gap between rising client expectations, heavy compliance, and the power of modern technology.

Beyond the boardroom, Peter balances life as a husband, father, and grassroots AFL coach, showing that leadership extends beyond business into family and community.

This episode is a powerful story of resilience, vision, and transformation. Tune in to learn how adversity can spark innovation and why the future of advice lies at the intersection of people, technology, and purpose.

260. Turning Setbacks Into Success with Matt Carver

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

In this episode, Matt shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful golfer and later transitioning to real estate. He discusses the impact of resilience, his passion for golf, the life-altering accident that changed everything, and how he found new purpose in fitness and helping others.

Matt's story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the importance of connecting with people. In this engaging conversation, Matt and Tony explore the journey of overcoming fear in sales, the importance of rejection, and the personal challenges faced in building a successful real estate career.

They discuss cultural connections, the significance of networking, and the lessons learned from life experiences. The dialogue emphasizes resilience, health and fitness, leadership dynamics, and the necessity of taking action to achieve success.

Enjoy this weeks episode of Everyday Heroes.

 

259. Logic, Risk, and Reinvention: Jon's Entrepreneurial Story

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Wellman, co-founder and CEO of Vokke, one of Australia’s most trusted software development partners. Jon’s journey began far from the world of tech. As a young boy migrating from the UK, navigating schoolyard challenges, and later finding himself in financial planning, he was just as the GFC shook the world. Those early years taught him resilience, adaptability, and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities.

But Jon’s true calling emerged at university, where he met his future business partner. What started as an ambitious attempt to build a social network quickly transformed into a crash course in entrepreneurship. By 23, Jon had launched Vokke, driven not just by technical expertise, but by a vision to help businesses rethink the way they solve problems through software. Over the past decade, he has grown the firm to a 30-strong team, building bespoke solutions for industries where security and precision are paramount.

In this conversation with Tony Kofkin, Jon shares insights on the rise of AI, the future of software, and why adaptability and emotional resilience are the most important skills for the next generation. From the lessons of failure to the opportunities of innovation, Jon’s story is a powerful reminder that the real heroes are those who embrace change and lead others through it.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader navigating disruption, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode will leave you inspired to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity. Listen now.

258. From Loss to Legacy: Lucas’ Journey of Resilience and Purpose

Welcome to Everyday Heroes, presented by Kofkin Bond & Co.

In this episode, we sit down with Lucas Petrovich, whose story is a powerful blend of resilience, ambition, and purpose. From losing his father at a young age and facing bullying in school, to navigating financial hardship and an unexpected plunge into running a real estate business, Lucas shares the defining moments that shaped him.

He opens up about the turning point that transformed a struggling office into a record-breaking success, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and environment, and why he’s now driven to create a school that teaches life skills, financial literacy, health, and leadership to disadvantaged kids.

Lucas’s vision goes beyond education; it’s about breaking cycles, creating opportunity, and equipping the next generation to thrive. This conversation is a testament to the power of grit, the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and the belief that one person can make a lasting difference.

Change begins when we choose to act. Join us for this inspiring episode of Everyday Heroes.