As the year closes out and the summer holidays beckon, we asked some of our team from across the business to share any resources and activities that inspired them in 2025. We thought they might inspire you - and give you some Christmas stocking ideas, too.
📖 Francesca Scardamaglia, Practice Manager
I’m currently reading The Diary of a CEO by Steve Bartlett, which I have found to be very insightful. I regularly listen to the Podcast too, and enjoy the range of interesting guests, from health to business to general life.
https://stevenbartlett.com/the-book
📻 Neeraj Sareen, Director
During the year, I have gained inspiration from The Martell Method w/ Dan Martell Podcast and YouTube Channel. Mostly for Dan’s tips and strategies on Artificial Intelligence, but also for insights into mindset, health tactics, and business.
https://www.danmartell.com/category/podcasts/
🌄 Elizabeth Douglas, CFO
In November, I inspired and challenged myself by hiking the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a 3-day, 60km hike, walking 7-8 hours a day amongst breathtaking and beautiful scenery. This is one of NZ’s newest Great Walks, and I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list.
📻 Dianne Filipenko, Marketing Lead
Recently, I have enjoyed the new What’s Fear Got To Do With It? Podcast and Newsletter, which I found on Substack. The hosts, Jo Wiese and Anne Wicking, explore how fear and challenges shape our lives. Engaging conversations with guests from across Australia & New Zealand uncover how adversity drives growth and transformation. Also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.
https://whatsfear.substack.com/podcast
🏠 Tricia Masin, Finance Partner, Wangaratta
I am constantly inspired by the opportunity to support clients at different stages of their property journey. Having worked with many clients for over 18 years, I really enjoy witnessing their property growth, personal progress and life milestones along the way. Assisting first home buyers in achieving their dream of home ownership is always rewarding, but what’s truly motivating is helping those same clients expand into investment properties and build their portfolios. Being part of a client’s long-term journey reinforces my passion for helping people as a broker.
The MCP Property Guide is my favourite resource for clients. I find this is a useful and easy read for borrowers as it covers all aspects of lending for first home buyers, or those refinancing, through to investors.
📖 Kai Mehta, Finance Partner, Sydney
I recently read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, a novel where the main character is tested in moments of discomfort, not convenience. I found it to be a great book about loyalty, guilt, and redemption.
I’ve also started playing Vortex and have rediscovered the childhood joy (along with the adult humiliation) of watching it wobble five metres before crashing on the sand! Pop one on your Christmas list and let me know how you go.
🎤 Lauren Cullen, Finance Partner, Melbourne
I was inspired by Tom Boyd when he spoke at an event MCP hosted in September. Tom is a former AFL Bulldogs Premiership legend, now author and mental health ambassador. Tom’s honesty was a reminder that being a role model starts with how we show up in our own lives at home, at work, and for ourselves. Watching my kids grow up to be young adults has made me reflect on the example I’m setting. You can’t just tell your kids to be brave, take opportunities or back themselves and expect them to listen. You have to take calculated risks and invest in your own wellbeing and growth, too.
📖 Dave McCleery, Director
At the start of the year, a long-time friend gave me The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma. I don’t read many books, but I read this one in a couple of days. While somewhat 'controversial' in content, the overall message set my year up with a mindset of building a meaningful inner life and to value time and relationships too.
From all at MCP, we wish you a merry festive season and a prosperous 2026.