Tag: Insolvency Expert

What inspired you to pursue a career in insolvency?

I actually wanted to get into insolvency! A lot of people are surprised and say, “Oh, really?” because everyone else just kind of falls into it.

When I was in high school, my dad worked for a company that went into voluntary administration. He gave me the reports to read. I just found the process so interesting.

I think it was probably around the time when I was making career choices and picking subjects, and I just thought, that’s what I want to do. So, after I finished my accounting degree, I looked for an insolvency graduate job, and my career went from there.

So you’ve only ever worked in insolvency?

Yes. I’ve worked for two firms previously. I was at the first firm for 11 years, then at the second for a few years before COVID, and then I took a career break to raise my children. In both firms, I worked on corporate and personal insolvency matters.

How did you come to be working at B&T?

I’ve got three young kids, and recently I decided I wanted to get back into part-time work. I told my husband my plan, and that exact same day, a recruiter messaged me on LinkedIn and said, “If you’re looking for anything, let me know.”

I rang him and said, “Excellent timing. Yes, I am.”

He told me about a great opportunity at B&T Advisory, and I’ve been here for just over a month.

How have you found the transition back to work?

It’s nice having a different challenge from home life.

I’m working remotely, so there’s the challenge of being my own company all day, but I’m enjoying it so far.

What does your role at B&T involve?

I’m working with Neil as part of his team.

At the moment, I’m working on a few existing files and supporting the team on matters as they come up.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

Professionally, I would probably say getting my qualifications as a chartered accountant.

Personally, it’s my kids… obviously!

What is the most rewarding aspect of the work you do?

Insolvency can be an emotional process for everyone involved, but I think it’s just being the person who can guide people in a professional and reassuring way.

What have you learned from colleagues that has made you better at your job?

I’ve worked with some great people, and I think you draw inspiration from each of them by watching how they operate and what you like or don’t like.

A couple of things have really stood out for me.

One of the first practitioners I worked for as a graduate said, “Have a go, because pretty much anything can be fixed if you make a mistake. So, don’t be afraid.”

Another practitioner always said to the team, “Never burn a bridge,” because you never know when you’ll see that person again or if you might need something.

I think they’re the two standouts.

Is there a book or podcast that has influenced you recently?

I wish I had time!

I don’t even remember the last book that I read. I’ve got books sitting on my bedside table now. One day. One day.

What would you like people to know about you as part of the B&T team?

I’m excited to work with the team at B&T Advisory. One of the things that was important to me when getting back into insolvency was working in small teams and working closely with people.

I’m a very shy person, so part of me feels like, “Don’t write anything about me,” but here we are!

They’ve been really welcoming, so I’m loving my time here.

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.

What inspired you to pursue a career in insolvency?

I was drawn to insolvency because it sits in between law, finance and business, with a bit of problem-solving as well. It really aligns with what I’m doing at uni because I’m studying a business and law double degree. It’s one of the most suitable accounting-type roles for tailoring to that combination.

Are you unusual in that you’re working in a graduate role while still studying, or are others doing something similar?

From what I’ve noticed, it’s actually quite unusual. Most people I’ve met at uni, or friends doing similar degrees, are still in casual jobs. Especially when I started, I was pretty much fresh out of high school at 18, and it was very unusual. It’s becoming a bit more common now as I’m about to turn 21, but it’s still not that typical.

You’re very early in your career, but what professional achievement are you most proud of so far?

Probably handling matters on files. Not managing files completely but being given most of the work on a file and being trusted to task-manage it. I’ve also been designated recovery actions, where I conduct investigations, prepare, and try to effect a recovery. It’s probably a toss-up between those two.

You’re clearly learning a lot on the job. How has that translated into benefits for your studies?

It helps a lot, especially with writing and understanding legislation for the law. The Corporations Act obviously plays a major part, and being able to comprehend it and write logically using it has been very beneficial.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of the work you do?

Trying to create a distribution to creditors. Recovery actions are a big part of that, and if you can find a strong one and get money back to creditors, that’s probably the most rewarding part of the job.

Is there anything you’ve learned from a colleague that’s made you better at your job?

Learning from more experienced people has been really beneficial. Understanding how they view things and how they apply legislation helps a lot. Neil, for example, has a really good understanding of the Corporations Act, and listening to him and applying that myself has been very helpful.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’ve got a couple of years left at uni, and I definitely want to stay around the insolvency space. Whether that’s on the accounting side or the legal side is still up in the air, but further along in insolvency, in some capacity, is the direction.

Is working in insolvency something that runs in the family?

Not at all! Mum’s a dentist and dad’s a concrete pumper, so it’s pretty out of line with that. Even at school, I was always business-oriented, but business is very broad. Insolvency is one of those smaller areas people don’t really talk about. It was Neil who got me into it, and now that I’m in the space, I really enjoy it and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, especially in accounting.

Is there a book, podcast, or film that has influenced you recently?

I struggled with this one a bit. I’m not a big reader, and the only podcast I really listen to every now and then is The Joe Rogan Experience.

What about outside of work and uni, what do you do in your downtime?

I’ve coached rugby for three years and I’m playing rugby this year. So I play a lot of sport. I go to the gym quite a lot as well. Health and fitness is a big thing for me.

When you first started studying, was insolvency an area you were interested in?

To be completely honest, I never even thought about insolvency. I was simply looking for an opportunity to start my career. That’s how I ended up taking an internship with an insolvency practitioner. Once I joined, I found the work interesting because it’s not like a typical nine-to-five job. Every day is different. Every matter is new, and each job requires learning something new. Then the next job is completely different from the last.

What professional achievement are you most proud of so far?

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is consistently taking ownership early in my career. Whether it’s managing specific tasks for a matter or meeting tight deadlines, it has shown me that I can adapt quickly, learn fast, and be relied upon. That’s especially important in insolvency, where accuracy and time really matter.

Is that something you feel you’ve improved over time?

Absolutely. The biggest improvement for me has been attention to detail. My attention to detail has improved a lot, although there is always room for improvement. When I reflect back on my career, I sometimes think, “Oh my Gosh, that was me?” which is a bit embarrassing. But I’m genuinely happy with the progress I’ve made. I’ve always requested that I be put “in the deep end”, and I think that’s helped me learn every single day.

What do you find most rewarding about the work you do?

The most rewarding part is knowing that the work has real consequences. Insolvency decisions actually affect livelihoods, businesses, and futures. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, to fair outcomes and practical solutions makes the work meaningful, not just theoretical. I’m also involved in decisions that can shape a company’s future, which I find really interesting.

Has your approach to the work changed as you’ve gained more experience?

Yes, definitely. My confidence level has increased a lot. In my first few weeks, even writing an email would make my hands shake. Over time, I’ve made mistakes; there’s no denying it, but those experiences have helped me grow. I’ve become more confident and started to take ownership of my work.

What have you learned from colleagues that has helped you improve?

I’ve learned the importance of attention to detail and asking the right questions early. My manager often emphasises taking more time upfront to fully understand the background of a matter. With a detailed background on a scenario, I can quickly identify issues that require resolution, resulting in timely outcomes. This mindset has required me to be thorough in my approach, making me more confident in my work.

Looking ahead, how do you see your future career developing?

Looking ahead, I see myself developing a long-term career in insolvency and progressing into a senior role within the firm. I’d like to build strong relationships, meet people, and contribute to the firm’s success.

I’m a very social person and enjoy engaging with others, which is an aspect of the role that really appeals to me. I understand this progression takes time and experience, but it’s a direction I’m motivated to work toward.

Is there a book, podcast, or film that has influenced you recently?

Lately, I’ve been really into podcasts, especially in the mornings while making breakfast. One podcast I’ve been listening to is The Diary of a CEO. What I find most valuable is the focus on real-world decision-making, leadership, and how people respond under pressure and uncertainty. Many of the conversations explore failure, accountability, and the consequences of financial and strategic decisions. That’s something I can relate to, and it’s helped me better understand how problems develop over time and how to manage them. Problems will always exist – how you manage them is what matters most.

Can you share a bit about your background outside of insolvency?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Bangladesh, earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in economics. I was also a tutor for seven years, assisting students with their academic pursuits. After that, I moved to Australia to complete my Masters degree in Accounting at Macquarie University.

While studying at Macquarie University, I worked at the Sydney International Airport with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines as a behaviour detection agent. My role involved speaking casually with passengers while assessing their behaviour to identify potential threats, particularly for flights to the United States of America.

Throughout my employment at the airport, I have received training in information extraction and in observing how individuals respond, which I consider useful in the insolvency field. My employment at the airport has given me exposure to a wide range of people and experiences, and I feel that this has really helped me in my current role at B&T Advisory.

I grew up in a family-run hospitality and takeaway business, and my parents encouraged me to explore opportunities outside of that world.

Over the years, I saw many small businesses in our community struggle, often without knowing where to turn for guidance. I saw how hard these people worked, more than 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

That really stayed with me. I became interested in how people in tough situations could access support and options, and that curiosity eventually led me to insolvency. I found that I really valued the chance to help people navigate challenging times.

I became a liquidator quite early, at the age of 30, and I was chuffed to achieve that qualification at such a young age. The biggest job I worked on in that early part of my career was when, as a Partner, I was appointed to Allied Brands Limited, a publicly listed company that was the head franchisor for every Baskin Robbins in Australia among numerous other businesses.

We came in as VA, traded it, and restructured it to refloat and sell the listed company. The DOCA succeeded, everyone kept their jobs, the ice-cream business stayed in Australia, the franchisees kept their franchises, and life went on. In fact, it’s still operating in Australia today. It was an amazing story and a big job for me in my early 30s.

Yes, thankfully I had really good mentors. The person I spent my first 10 years working with was a great coach and manager, and he went on to become one of the highest-profile liquidators in the country.

He trained me for 10 years, we became good friends, and I learned my trade under him. He’s been my main guiding influence, and I still catch up with him and bounce things off him today.

If a business is viable, I like being able to help people keep their jobs. If employees can’t keep their jobs, I want to get their entitlements paid as quickly as possible, so they’re not too negatively impacted by a situation that’s outside of their control.  

Another rewarding aspect is developing and mentoring young staff, teaching them the trade, the right way to do things, the wrong ways to avoid, and watching them come through the ranks to partner level. Many of the people I’ve mentored still keep in touch. They take me out for lunch, we play golf, and they see me as a bit of a mentor. Being able to provide others with the same invaluable mentorship I benefited from is something I find deeply rewarding.

One of my mentors taught me, “It’s not your fault. You didn’t cause this, so don’t take it personally.”

In many situations there will be heightened emotions. You’ll see tears and you can’t be the one crying too! You have to stand back and remember you didn’t cause it. You’re there to do a job. I’ve never taken the role personally because of that.

It can affect their mental health and their ability to perform, because they’re stressed, worried, and anxious. You have to keep in mind that you’re there to do a job. I’m not saying be emotionless, but taking it all on isn’t going to help anyone.

One book I keep coming back to, is something I’ve read often since I was young, it’s The Magic of Thinking Big.

I re-read it every six months when I need to focus again. It’s not really about having big ideas; it’s about how you get there, how you treat people along the way, how you treat yourself, and being true to who you are.

If people don’t connect with you for who you genuinely are, it’s okay, they can choose to work with someone else. That’s something I share with my junior staff as well. They recently asked me how I build my client base, and I told them that I focus on being authentic. If someone doesn’t feel I’m the right fit, that’s perfectly fine, there will always be others who do. There’s plenty of work out there, and the right clients will appreciate you for being yourself.

I’m a very proud grandfather, and spending time with my granddaughter is one of my greatest pleasures. She just turned three on Friday, so we celebrated her birthday over the weekend.

Every Sunday, the family comes over for a barbecue, and I treasure those afternoons. She loves sitting with me by the pool, sharing ice cream, it’s become our little tradition, and it’s something I look forward to each week.
I also have two daughters. My eldest is 26 and runs a charity she established to support children from violent homes and difficult backgrounds. I’m incredibly proud of the work she’s doing.

My younger daughter is 19 and currently studying law while working in an insolvency law firm, she’s really taken an interest in the field. She’s also studying accounting, but I think she’ll ultimately follow the legal path rather than the accounting side.

It’s wonderful to see both of them pursuing meaningful work in their own ways.