What happens if you pass away without a will? Who manages your assets? What exactly is probate, and why do families often end up in conflict after someone dies?

In this highly educational and practical episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno sits down with respected Western Australian estate lawyer Maria Fifield from Avon Legal to unpack the often misunderstood world of wills, estate planning, probate, and executors.

While many people avoid discussing these topics, Maria explains why having the right legal structures in place is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones.

Throughout the conversation, Maria breaks down the fundamentals of estate planning in clear and relatable language. She explains the role of executors and substitute executors, why blended families require special consideration, and how failing to prepare a valid will can create significant delays, legal costs, and family disputes. Real-world examples shared during the episode demonstrate how easily complications can arise when estates are not properly structured.

Peter and Maria also explore the legal process of probate — explaining how the courts verify wills, appoint executors, and authorise individuals to manage estates. The discussion highlights why estate administration can sometimes take months, particularly where there are large or complex assets involved, including overseas property holdings.

More importantly, this episode is not just about legal documents — it’s about protecting families, reducing stress during difficult times, and ensuring your wishes are carried out correctly. Whether you own a modest home or a multimillion-dollar property portfolio, this conversation is packed with valuable insights every Australian should hear.

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Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Maria Fifield

Maria Fifield is an experienced estate lawyer and director of Avon Legal in Western Australia. She specialises in wills, probate, estate administration, and succession planning, helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with clarity and compassion.

With extensive experience in estate law and a strong reputation across Western Australia, Maria regularly advises clients on probate applications, blended family estates, executor responsibilities, and protecting family assets. She is passionate about educating people on the importance of proper estate planning and ensuring clients’ wishes are carried out effectively.

Website: https://avonlegal.com.au/

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

What if the only thing standing between talent and success was opportunity?

In this inspiring and globally focused episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno speaks with an extraordinary group of leaders and changemakers from Nigeria and beyond, who are working together to empower the next generation through the Initiative for Bright Minds Knowledge Propagation (IBM KP Global).

At its core, IBM KP Global is built on a simple but powerful belief: Africa does not have a talent problem — it has an access problem. Across the continent, millions of young people wake up every day with ideas, ambition, creativity, and intelligence. Yet without access to education, digital tools, mentorship, and global opportunities, much of that potential remains untapped.

This episode explores how IBM KP is actively working to bridge that gap. Through STEM education, digital skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and strategic partnerships, the organisation is creating pathways for young people to step into the global economy. From solar energy training programs to digital skill development, the initiative is already impacting lives — and it’s only just getting started.

The conversation also highlights a powerful message for business owners and leaders worldwide: real change happens through collaboration. With the right support, funding, and partnerships, this initiative has the potential to scale globally, creating opportunities not just in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.

This is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action. A reminder that success is not just about building your own business, but about helping others rise along the way.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

What does it truly mean to build a successful life? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Peter Salerno sits down with Australian music legend Johnny Mac, a man whose journey proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

Born into poverty in Adelaide during the Great Depression, Johnny’s early life was filled with hardship, sacrifice, and resilience.

Growing up in a large family with very little, he learned the value of hard work from a young age — working multiple jobs as a teenager to support his family.

Yet even in those challenging times, there was always something stronger driving him forward: belief, determination, and a passion for music.

Taking a leap of faith, Johnny travelled overseas with no guarantees, no manager, and no clear roadmap — just belief in himself.

What followed was an extraordinary career that saw him perform alongside some of the biggest names in music history, including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and The Everly Brothers.

From forming his band in Canada to opening for international superstars, Johnny’s story is one of courage, opportunity, and taking action when it matters most.

But beyond the music, this episode is about something deeper.

It’s about resilience, kindness, discipline, and the power of giving back. Johnny reflects on life lessons learned through decades of experience, from staying grounded in the face of success to the importance of relationships, gratitude, and helping others.

His commitment to charity work and supporting communities highlights a life not just lived for success, but for purpose.

This conversation is a reminder that success is not defined by fame or fortune, but by the impact you have on others and the life you build along the way.

No matter your background, your circumstances, or your challenges, there is always a path forward.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Johnny Mac

Johnny Mac OAM is an Australian country music legend, performer, and Hall of Fame inductee with a career spanning decades. Born in Adelaide during the Great Depression, he rose from humble beginnings to perform alongside some of the world’s greatest music icons, including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and The Everly Brothers.

Johnny built his career independently, managing his own path and creating opportunities through persistence and determination. Beyond music, he is deeply respected for his charity work, including performances for troops during the Vietnam War. Today, he continues to inspire audiences with his story, his music, and his unwavering passion for life.

Facebook: johnnymacsturt

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

What does it truly take to build a successful business in an ever-changing world?

In this insightful episode, Peter Salerno welcomes Michael Santagata, a highly experienced building designer and draftsman, to unpack the realities of working in a complex and highly regulated industry.

With decades of experience behind him, Michael shares how the building landscape has evolved significantly over the years.

What was once a more straightforward process has now become increasingly driven by compliance, council regulations, and environmental considerations. These challenges have reshaped how businesses operate and forced many professionals to continuously adapt.

A key theme throughout the conversation is resilience and adaptability.

Michael explains how staying informed, evolving with industry changes, and maintaining a practical mindset are essential to long-term success.

Rather than resisting change, successful business owners learn to work with it—finding smarter, more efficient ways to deliver value to their clients.

Peter and Michael also explore broader business lessons that extend beyond construction.

From trusting your instincts and maintaining a positive mindset to investing in people and building strong relationships, this episode delivers powerful insights for anyone in business.

It reinforces the idea that success is not just about profit, but about building something sustainable, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Michael Santagata

Michael Santagata is an experienced building designer and draftsman with over two decades in the industry. As the owner of Grand Vision Design, he specialises in residential, commercial, and industrial building plans, guiding clients through design, approvals, and compliance processes.

With a builder’s licence and accreditation as a professional in building assessment, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world experience. He is passionate about helping clients navigate complex regulations while delivering innovative, efficient, and high-quality design solutions.

Office Phone: (08) 8364 4480

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In business, success rarely comes from a single breakthrough moment. More often, it is the result of consistent leadership, strong values, and a commitment to delivering genuine service.

In this episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno welcomes Paul Rowse from ServiceFM to discuss the realities of building and leading a growing organisation in the facilities management sector.

Paul shares the story behind ServiceFM and how the business has evolved into a major player in facilities management and property services. At its core, the company’s success has been driven by a simple but powerful principle — putting service first. By focusing on reliability, professionalism, and long-term relationships, ServiceFM has built trust with clients across industries.

Throughout the conversation, Paul reflects on the challenges that come with scaling a service-based business.

From recruiting and leading teams to maintaining operational consistency across multiple sites, he explains how leadership and culture play a crucial role in sustainable growth.

Building the right team, empowering people to perform at their best, and maintaining clear systems and processes are key ingredients for success.

Peter and Paul also explore the broader business lessons that come from working in industries where service quality directly impacts reputation.

The discussion highlights the importance of accountability, continuous improvement, and staying focused on delivering value to customers.

This episode is a powerful reminder that great businesses are built not only on strategy and systems, but on the people who bring those systems to life.

For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders, Paul’s insights offer practical wisdom about building organisations that grow steadily while maintaining strong values and a clear sense of purpose.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Paul Rowse from Service FM

Paul Rowse is a senior leader at ServiceFM, one of Australia’s leading facilities management and property services companies. With extensive experience in operations, leadership, and service delivery, Paul has played an important role in helping the organisation grow into a trusted partner for businesses across Australia. Known for his focus on people, systems, and service excellence, Paul brings practical leadership insights gained from years of building and managing high-performing teams.

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

What does success really mean if you’re not happy?

In this heartfelt episode of Happy Business Radio, Peter Salerno welcomes Evan Jackson — a respected insurance broker, leader, and mentor — for a raw, inspiring conversation about happiness, purpose, and showing up fully in business and life.

Evan shares the defining moment when he walked away from a high-powered corporate role, not because he failed, but because he wasn’t happy.

With nothing more than conviction, values, and belief in himself, he built what has become one of Australia’s most respected insurance brokerages — earning Large Broker of the Year and leading a team of more than 35 people.

Together, Peter and Evan explore what it truly means to lead: understanding risk, building teams around shared values, letting go of ego, and measuring success by effort rather than outcomes.

Evan’s stories — from coaching underdog soccer teams to mentoring staff — reveal a powerful truth: people thrive when they feel valued, purposeful, and aligned with what they do.

This episode is a reminder that business isn’t just about profit, policies, or performance — it’s about people, purpose, and creating a life you actually enjoy.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt stuck in a role that no longer fits, or wondered what success should really look like, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Evan Jackson, Guardian Insurance Brokers

Evan Jackson is an award-winning insurance broker and business leader with decades of experience helping businesses understand and manage risk.

After walking away from corporate life to build his own brokerage, Evan grew his business into one of Australia’s most respected firms, recently recognised as Large Broker of the Year.

Known for his honesty, leadership philosophy, and people-first approach, Evan believes success begins with happiness, effort, and integrity.

Website: https://guardian.com.au/team-evan-jackson/

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In a world that feels louder, faster, and more divided than ever, meaningful conversation has become both rare and essential.

This episode of Happy Business Radio invites listeners to slow down, lean in, and reconnect with the power of thoughtful communication — not just in business, but in life.

Peter Salerno is joined by Jeremy Cordeaux AM, one of Australia’s most trusted and recognisable voices, for a conversation shaped by decades of lived experience, curiosity, and human connection.

Jeremy’s journey through broadcasting, public life, and community engagement offers a powerful reminder that real influence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about listening, understanding, and responding with integrity.

Throughout the discussion, Jeremy reflects on the responsibility that comes with communication. He shares how trust is built slowly, how credibility is earned through consistency, and why authenticity has never been more important. In an age of instant opinion and digital noise, this episode highlights the value of calm, respectful dialogue and the impact it can have on relationships, leadership, and decision-making.

The conversation also explores change, not as something to fear, but as something to approach with curiosity and humility.

Jeremy speaks openly about staying relevant across decades, adapting without losing core values, and remaining open to learning at every stage of life.

His reflections resonate deeply with business owners, professionals, and community leaders navigating uncertainty while striving to remain grounded and purposeful.

This episode is ultimately a reminder that success is not measured solely by achievements or recognition, but by the quality of our conversations and the way we treat people along the way.

It encourages listeners to pause, reflect, and consider how they communicate — with colleagues, clients, communities, and themselves.

Warm, insightful, and deeply human, this discussion leaves listeners with a renewed appreciation for listening, leadership, and the quiet power of thoughtful conversation.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Jeremy Cordeaux AM

Jeremy Cordeaux AM is a highly respected Australian broadcaster, speaker, author, and communicator. With a career spanning several decades, Jeremy has become known for his thoughtful, engaging style and his ability to connect deeply with audiences.

Awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to broadcasting and the community, Jeremy’s work extends beyond radio into public speaking, mentoring, and advocacy.

His passion for meaningful conversation, curiosity, and integrity continues to inspire professionals, leaders, and listeners across Australia.

Website: https://jeremycordeaux.com/

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Peter Salerno welcomes a very special guest — his brother, Tony Salerno — for a wide-ranging conversation that blends business wisdom with life experience. With more than five decades in the building and construction industry, Tony reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a refusal to stay still.

Tony shares his journey through engineering, construction, renovations, steel framing, training, inspections, and specialist services, highlighting how diversification within an industry can create opportunity and longevity.

Rather than remaining in one role or trade, Tony explains how learning from others, seeking mentors, and stepping into unfamiliar territory allowed him to grow both professionally and personally.

The conversation explores the realities of failure, the value of practical experience over theory, and why “having a go” is often the difference between regret and fulfilment. Peter and Tony discuss mindset, motivation, partnerships, support networks, and why asking for help is a strength — not a weakness.

This episode is not just about business or building — it’s about life. It encourages listeners to stay curious, keep learning, surround themselves with the right people, and remember that happiness, purpose, and contribution matter just as much as financial success.

Host: Peter Salerno

Mobile: ‭0408 811 567‬

Email: petersalerno.austalk@gmail.com

Guest: Tony Salerno

Master Builder | Construction Specialist | Mentor

Tony Salerno is a highly experienced master builder with over 50 years in the building and construction industry.

Across his career, Tony has worked in multiple facets of construction, including engineering, general building, renovations, steel framing, project management, inspections, training, and specialist services.

Known for his practical wisdom, curiosity, and hands-on approach, Tony’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, adaptability, and having the courage to “have a go".

Producer: Ron Fiedler, Podcast City