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Darren Smith joins the Brisbane-based boutique to help “foster growth” of accounting firms.
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Slipstream adds financial services exec to coaching roster
16 February 2024
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9 minute read
Slipstream Group has added an experienced financial services executive to boost its roster of business coaches that offer consulting programs to professional services firms.
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It said Darren Smith was an “accomplished thought leader” with over three decades of industry experience and would have an “invaluable” impact on the boutique.
CEO Sharon McClafferty said: “Darren's forward-thinking approach, passion and commitment to excellence will make him an invaluable member of our coaching team.”
“We look forward to harnessing his extensive experience and insights to further enrich our coaching program,” she said.
Mr Smith spent most of his career working as an analyst and manager for insurance giants like Aviva and MLC. He then worked as an executive at boutique firm Personal Financial Advice before founding his own firm in 2015.
The sale of his firm, Financial Advice Matters Group, in late 2023 earned him “consistent recognition as a finalist in the IFA Excellence Awards for contributions to financial literacy improvement”, Slipstream said.
Mr Smith said he joined Slipstream because the firm shared his dedication to “making a real difference to accounting and financial planning firms”.
“My career has always been about fostering growth, whether that's within a business or in the personal development of individuals,” he said.
“I look forward to contributing to our clients' journeys, helping them navigate the complexities of their businesses, and achieving their goals with strategic insights and practical advice. It's about creating a legacy of knowledge and success that benefits everyone involved."
Slipstream said he had expertise in areas such as corporatisation, business scaling, effective referral relationships, business succession, team building and orchestrating professional practice exits.
It would also seek to leverage Mr Smith’s “extensive expertise and network” to improve its partnerships within the financial services industry, it said.
The Brisbane-based firm was founded in 2015 and has eight coaches among its 17 staff members.
Mr Smith’s appointment would be Slipstream’s first addition since financial planner Nina Forbes joined in July last year.
It said its coaching roster included “highly credentialed” authors, business owners and mentors, selected based on their industry experience to help provide business-to-business consulting services.
Peloton, its “signature” coaching program, involved a “hybrid group and one-to-one coaching model”, combining a coach’s advisory services with a library of supporting content and templates to help with the “financial transformation” of businesses.
The boutique charged businesses up to $60,000 a year for its services, according to Slipstream’s website.
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