Allan Manzi, the newest team member of B&T Advisory’s Sydney office, shares how working across three countries has shaped his career, why he enjoys the problem-solving side of insolvency and the book that has had the biggest impact on him.
Welcome to B&T Advisory! Tell us a little about your background.
I first started in insolvency at another advisory firm in 2023. That’s where I was introduced to insolvency at a graduate level and came to understand what insolvency is, what ASIC and the ATO do, and all the stakeholders involved. It was pretty interesting.
After more than a year in Sydney, I moved to Cairo, Egypt, where I worked for the African Export-Import Bank. The work was similar in that it involved debt restructuring, but on a much broader level. We were working with sovereigns rather than SMEs, helping African countries with trade finance solutions and debt restructuring.
It was quite exciting because I was able to apply the experience I’d gained in Australia to international matters. More recently, I came back to Sydney and joined B&T Advisory, doing the same type of work again.
What was it like living and working in Egypt?
I don’t speak Arabic because I was only there for a few months, but it was an opportunity that came my way, and I thought I’d give it a try.
I learned to read the Arabic alphabet, which was actually really helpful. Every time you grabbed a taxi, you had to read the number plate, which was written in Arabic; otherwise, you could easily end up in the wrong car.
It was quite interesting to be exposed to different cultures and countries.
What’s a professional achievement you’re most proud of?
One of the things I’m most proud of is the bachelor’s program I chose. It was a four-year program where I started in Singapore, went to Dubai and finished in Sydney.
That experience gave me the opportunity to study and work across three different cities, which taught me how to adapt to different cultures and different ways of working.
I think it’s also given me the confidence to recognise a good opportunity and be willing to move countries to pursue it. It’s something I’ve really taken with me.
What do you find most rewarding about working in insolvency?
On a professional level, it’s about understanding what’s happening on the ground for business owners and sole traders in Australia, and how we can help them.
Working in insolvency and pre-insolvency gives you an understanding of how stakeholders come together and the roles they play.
The most rewarding part is helping directors and employees who need assistance. Sometimes we work on appointments where there are many employee entitlements involved, and when you’re able to realise assets and distribute a dividend to creditors or employees, that’s really satisfying.
There are many emotions involved in these matters, so helping people through that process is something I find rewarding, both professionally and personally.
What’s something you’ve learned from your colleagues that has made you better at your job?
At B&T Advisory, we have an open environment where we can interact with one another and learn from the team.
I’ve learned a lot about diligence, meticulous report writing, and handling the tight deadlines that come with insolvency.
Beyond the technical side, we also share personal stories and experiences. It’s a really good team, and I think that contributes positively to who you are as a person and professionally.
I hope I’m able to help other people too. It can’t just be one way.
Is there a book or podcast you’ve enjoyed recently?
I recently finished reading The Alchemist.
I really liked the story of a young boy chasing his ambitions, only to realise that what’s most important in life is the relationships you have. I think that’s the most important thing in life, and everything else comes second.
I’ve also been listening to Diary of a CEO and, more recently, a podcast called Wealth Beyond Borders.
The host talks to people who have built careers and wealth beyond the countries where they were born. I really resonate with that because she grew up in Africa, moved to the United States and then to London.
The podcast explores remote work, AI, the future of work, and how people can create opportunities across different countries. I’ve really enjoyed it over the past few months.