Your Dream Team
Get to know us better
Your Team
With the right motivation and great financial advice anyone can achieve their dreams.
And that is why our team of financial advisers are YOUR biggest allies in your journey to financial freedom.
WHAT MAKES US AWESOME
AWARD-WINNING TEAM
MOTIVATED & GENUINE
FUN & INSPIRING
PROFESSIONAL
SAM ROBINSON
Pursue Wealth Director & Financial Adviser
Describe your perfect day off?
I would definitely start my perfect day with an early morning walk to my favourite café in South Melbourne for breaky, then with a takeaway coffee in hand head to the markets to get some fresh fruit, veggies and a bunch of beautiful flowers. I would then go home and make a nice light lunch followed by a bike ride along the beach before some music and reading in the afternoon. All topped off with some drinks with friends in the arvo, listening to live music and watching the sun go down as we share some tapas- PERFECT!
What's your next adventure?
Whether a safari in Africa, cooking spaghetti in Italy, chasing waterfalls throughout Asia or learning to samba in Brazil I am in my absolute element when I get to try something new. For something closer to home I am excited to get to the Kimberley’s to check out the breathtaking adventures right here in Aus.
What dreams have you achieved?
I am a big goal setter. At all times I am working on a handful of big dreams and a scattering of smaller milestone goals to keep myself motivated and accountable. Some of the biggest would have to be creating Pursue Wealth with the love of my life, Josh, and designing it so we get to work with awesome people every day (definitely no accident); being able to travel through parts of Europe, Asia and the US; and next on my list is a large scale renovation on our beautiful Victorian Terrace in South Melbourne to make this our family home. Any tips are welcome!!
JOSH WINGROVE
Pursue Wealth Director & Financial Adviser
If you had $100 cash in your pocket, what would you do with it?
What’s your morning routine like?
What’s the number one thing on your bucket list you’d like to tick off this year?
What was your first job?
TESHA DAMRY
Member Services & Assistant to Directors
The trip you want to take, but haven’t yet?
I would love to go to Paris and take selfies next to the emblematic Eiffel tower, shop the famous fashion brands and explore the French gastronomy.
What latest TV shows have you enjoyed?
Recently I have really liked Emily in Paris, Bridgerton, Virgin River and New girl on Netflix.
Who is your favourite singer?
I’m a huge fan of Taylor Swift. Not only she’s an incredible businesswoman who inspires me but has sung so many hit pop songs.
Which book are you currently reading?
“Barack Obama The Autobiography” – It provides an interesting insight into the journey of the ex-US President against all odds.
STUART MATHESON
Financial Adviser
What is your favourite movie?
That is a hard one, but if I had to pick just one, I would say ‘The Other Guys’. I’m a big Will Ferrell fan and enjoy an easy laugh.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
All three. I love bike riding, whether it be road or downhill mountain bike (even though I don’t do it too much). I am also a huge racing car fan, which would explain why I’m tired on a Monday, as I have been up watching F1 (go Daniel Riccardo). Lastly, I grew up on a farm riding horses so I also must put that one down (although I have not ridden for many years and was certainly no John Wayne).
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Quite a lot. I am a big fan of buying books….but unfortunately just not at reading them. So, I have quite an extensive backlog I need to get through. Mainly self/business motivation and biographies. I get a lot of inspiration from other people’s stories.
What has been your greatest experience so far?
After university, I took a couple of years off to travel the world by myself. It was a fantastic all-round experience from having to plan and save for the trip and then facing different challenges along the way. I met a lot of new people (a lot who I still keep in contact with today) and my parents were working in Mongolia at the time, so I had the chance to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway across Russia which was an amazing journey.
TOM ELMER
Mortgage Advice Support
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My two dogs, Alphonse and Isabel (Literally…they are my alarm clock!). We like to start with a brisk morning walk before we get into anything else, rain hail or shine!
What’s one part of your weekly routine you can’t live without?
I love getting to the gym and try to fit in a workout or a run in 4-5 times a week. It’s a habit I have continued since joining the Army at 18 and I have always enjoyed staying active.
Where would we find you on a typical weekend?
Anywhere outdoors! You might find me on a hike or down at the beach with my dogs. I also love to cook so enjoy visiting any of the farmers’ markets in my area for inspiration.
If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?
I would love to visit Japan next! I have been a huge fan of the food and culture for as long as I can remember, so it’s definitely the next destination on my bucket list.
BRAD ATKINSON
Strategic Associate
Where would we find you on the weekend?
Friday night would be spent at the ‘G watching a game of Aussie Rules, hopefully cheering home the mighty Adelaide Crows! Saturday morning you’ll catch me out running with mates or sharing a coffee at any one of South Melbourne’s great cafes. The rest of the weekend will be occupied with family and friends exploring Victoria’s brilliant coastline, mountain ranges, or wine regions.
Top of your bucket list?
I enjoy keeping fit and active and the next item on my bucket list is to get a start and finish the New York marathon. I love the feeling you get when out for a long run, in your groove and it’s almost easier to keep running rather than stop. The “runners high” is real!
What's your favourite cuisine?
Melbourne’s food scene is so vast, and it’s easy to find a great Italian pasta dish all over the city. I appreciate a good ravioli and a glass of red in winter. There isn’t a cuisine that I don’t like to try. Molto bene!
VIVIAN SEPILLO
Strategic Analyst
If you were not a Strategic Analyst, what would have been your job?
What’s your all-time favourite town or city? Why?
El Nido, Palawan in the Phillippines- the beaches are superb!
What do you do for fun?
If you were given a change to make a wish come true, what would be your wish and why?
Okay, lets not talk about wishes, instead, if you had an $1m dollars what would you do with it?
CHRISTAL JOY DELA PENA
Financial Advice Support
What does happiness mean to me?
Happiness is spending time with my family or with a bunch of my crazy good friends. It could be on a trip to somewhere or just with catch up with a coffee.
If you're on a road trip, what would be on your playlist?
I can listen to The Beatles, Alicia keys, Dua Lipa & Norah Jones all day!
If you could be great at any sport, what sport would you choose?
Figure skating. I find beauty and thrill in this sport. I just love the grace, poise and precision of their movements and how the glide and spin in the air.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Say good morning to my dog. Her name is Princess and she is my happy pill.
What TV shows do you love to binge-watch?
In my free time I love to watch Suits, Will & Grace, Masterchef, The Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Khoo and E! News.
RAYMUND BATALLA
Implementation Guru
Any interesting stuff about yourself?
I’m the consummate ambivert. I’m normally a quiet and a loner-type of person, but I’ve kind of developed this “switch” in my head that if the need arises, I can easily become the loudest guy in the room. I only need to turn that switch on so I can do hosting events or sing to a friend’s wedding (yup, this is my mini-side gig off work). I also consider myself a “late bloomer” since I only learned to ride a bicycle at age 17! And, due to my passion for music, I was able to teach myself how to play the drums. Rock on!
Favourite "Life Moment"?
As a young kid, I have always dreamt of going to the Sydney Opera House. And, WOW. I have never imagined that I would be able to travel to Australia TWICE in a span of 3 years, back in 2017 and 2019. I was so thrilled and overjoyed during these trips that if you take a peek at my phone gallery, you’ll see thousands of selfies of myself (I travelled alone. Loner, right?) posing across all angles of this fan-favourite landmark Down Under. Talk about Achievement Unlocked! Sydney is also where I got my first ink and I’m just so glad that my mother spared my life upon arriving back home in Manila.
Top of your Bucket List?
I have always been fascinated by the Aurora Borealis, or the “Northern Lights.” And I promised myself that one day, I’d be able to travel to just one of those countries where this awesome phenomenon often occurs. Well, coming back to Sydney for a third time is also right up there in the list, far second!
WEYNN ROBLES
Financial Advice Support
If I could have any superpower, it would be…
Manipulating Wind, Earth, Fire and Water. Being able to control the wind element will also allow me to fly. I wouldn’t have to worry about the traffic and paying for transportation. I can fly over the city at night and enjoy the city lights. I can go to places I wouldn’t normally go. It would be a great way to see the other parts of the world for free! With the Earth element, I can grow trees to save the ozone layer and save the world. Fire to prevent bush fires that affect not only the people but also the animals and the environment. Water element manipulation will also be great for someone, like me, who doesn’t know how to swim. And so many other things you can’t imagine you can do if you play with all those elements…
I know it's crazy, but I love to watch and listen to...
Emotional TV Commercials and Korean Love Songs. I can be easily moved to tears even by a laundry detergent AD especially if the AD has something to do with family or pets. I can be teary-eyed while listening to Korean love songs even if I don’t know the meaning of the song. It might sound weird but it makes me feel more alive. I believe that feeling things, both good and bad, makes us more alive and creative.
Before I started my career as an Administrative Officer, would you believe I was a...
Registered Nurse. I volunteered in some hospitals around Metro Manila and nearby provinces. I hate it when I am assigned to the Operation Room because I can’t stand the smell of blood. I love it when I am assigned to the Delivery Room because witnessing the birth of a baby is one of life’s most wondrous and amazing moments.
Sandy Orino-Moncano
Implementation Guru
When was the more peaceful day you have had?
I get to have my “Me Time” every weekend which for me is my pamper day. I always try to get a good massage while listening to relaxing music which really makes me feel much, much better.
What makes you happy?
It makes my heart full whenever I cook dishes for my family, and we run out of rice in the pot because they so love the dishes that I cook for them. Happy that I was able to get their tummy happy as well.
What is the best advice you have been given?
Your life is your responsibility, when you know better, do better. You either keep going, or you go home with nothing.
If you could meet anyone on this Earth, who would it be?
Beyonce – I want to know if she is for real! I am a huge fan of hers.
If you could instantly change one aspect of your personality, what would it be?
I would like to be more of a risk-taker. I always do my work and complete it at an exceptional level, but sometimes taking a risk can make the work even better. I’m working on this by thinking the issue through and weighing the pros and cons.
VY NGUYEN
Innovation and Marketing Manager
Describe one life-defining moment
The third time I went overseas without my family changed my life. I travelled with a group of 29 other students and we all stayed in a hostel together for 3 weeks in Singapore to learn new skills, solve business cases, and have fun. It was a really challenging experience from both a learning aspect (first and last time pulling an all-nighter) and social aspect (living with 29 strangers/new friends)
What's your favourite money goal at the moment?
I have just begun saving for a 3-week trip to the US next year. It has been on the top of my travel destinations list for a long time but I could never commit to the huge expense or 14+-hour flight! Call me basic, but I am most looking forward to seeing San Francisco and New York!
What is a fear you have conquered, and a fear you want to conquer?
I used to be terrified of driving and procrastinated learning for a long time but my dad was a really patient teacher (who also taught my mum!) and four years later… I am a pretty solid driver if I do say so myself. In the future, I would like to conquer my fear of failure! My two favourite quotes are: “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no” and “If you don’t try, you’ll never know!”
JACKI SORIANO
Quality Assurance Officer
What type of music are you into?
I have always been into rock music growing up. I’d listen to different sub-genres depending on my mood:
Bubbly and happy – I’d tune in to punk/progressive rock (The Ramones, Coheed and Cambria), 90’s rock (Incubus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Silverchair) and even ska (Save Ferris);
Emotional – the lyrics would always get me! The Used, Coldplay, Silverstein, The Sundays;
When I’m feeling extra – you’d hear the powerful voice, scream and growl of bands like Poison the Well, Lacuna Coil, Nightwish and Deftones.
There are heaps of bands that I really adore but those are among the top.
Do you believe in having a "five-year plan"?
I do! Having a plan means having a goal and an objective. The plan does not take you to your goals unless you take action to achieve what you want to achieve. My plans keep me going. It’s one of the reasons why I wake up early every day and why I keep bouncing back after setbacks. It contributes to my sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
What's on your bucket list?
Oh, I could talk about it all day. I’m glad that some of the most important ones in my bucket list like owning an investment property, having insurance in place and saving funds have been ticked already. I would love to travel to Japan with my family and experience the culture and taste the gustatory delights of Japanese cuisine (yum!). Explore the beautiful places in the Philippines like Batanes, Palawan and Siargao. Trip down under NSW, VIC and QLD (wish I could hug those Koalas); Southeast Asian tour. Meet Neil Gaiman and have my books signed; Go to Canada and attend a live concert of The Birthday Massacre; Go to New York and California to meet some friends and the list goes on.
What's something I would never guess about you?
Three major things:
1. I’m a gamer! During my teens til mid-twenties, I did spend so much time playing PC games like Red Alert, Counter-Strike, Diablo II and Final Fantasy.
2. Anime Lover. I’d binge-watch most of Studio Ghibli’s films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Tales from Earthsea and some series which originated from manga, like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
3. I’m a huge fan of Tattoos: I’ve got seven of ’em.
RECOGNITION
2020
Women in Finance Awards – Director of the Year (Winner) – Sam Robinson
Women in Finance Awards – Thought Leader of the Year (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
Worldwide Finance Awards – Mortgage Broker of the Year (Winner) – Pursue Property
FSPower50 – The Most Influential Financial Adviser in Australia (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
FSPower50 – The Most Influential Financial Adviser in Australia (Finalist) – Josh Wingrove
2019
Telstra Women in Business Emerging Leader (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
Australian Small Business Champions Award Business Growth (Finalist) – Pursue Wealth
Australian Small Business Champions Award Financial Services (Finalist) – Pursue Wealth
APAC Australian Enterprise Awards Leading Specialists in Investment & Portfolio Planning – Victoria (Winner) – Pursue Property
2018
Young Leaders in Finance Awards- Thought leader of the Year (Winner)- Sam Robinson
Young Leaders in Finance Awards- Principal of the Year (Winner)- Sam Robinson
2017
Australian Small Business Champions Award (Finalist) – Pursue Wealth
AIM Leader Manager Award (Nominee)- Josh Wingrove
Consultum Rising Star (Finalist) – Josh Wingrove
FSPower50- The Most Influential Financial Adviser in Australia (Top 50 in Australia)- Sam Robinson
2016
Consultum Rising Star (Winner) – Sam Robinson
AIM Leadership Excellence (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
2015
Money Management Young Achiever of the Year (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
2014
AFA Rising Star (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
Money Management Rising Star (Finalist) – Sam Robinson
AFA Rising Star (Finalist) – Josh Wingrove
2013
AMP Adviser of the year (Winner) – Sam Robinson
AFA Female Excellence in Advice (Nominee) – Sam Robinson
AFA Rising Star (Finalist) – Josh Wingrove
2012
AFA Female Excellence in Advice (Nominee) – Sam Robinson








































