The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys

What if technology could help us become better voters?
Climate advocate, former elite long jumper and Build a Ballot co-founder Lizzie Hedding is trying to do exactly that. Her non-partisan voting platform attracted more than 600,000 users during the last federal election, helping Australians cut through political noise and make more informed decisions at the ballot box.
In this episode of The Pay Off, Lizzie joins Sylvia Jeffreys to unpack the unlikely journey that took her from elite athletics to climate advocacy and, eventually, tech entrepreneurship.
She reflects on how the Black Summer bushfires changed the course of her life, why she believes Australian democracy can work better, and what she learned building a political platform designed to remain fiercely neutral.
They also discuss:
Why younger Australians are engaging with politics differently
Housing, cost of living and the rise of minor parties
The challenge of remaining politically neutral in an increasingly polarised environment
How social media has transformed political messaging
Why Lizzie chose the not-for-profit path rather than trying to build the next tech unicorn
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What does it take to dedicate decades of your life to a dream that feels out of reach?
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first qualified astronaut, to explore what it really takes to pursue an extraordinary goal.
From stargazing in her Sydney backyard to completing one of the world’s most demanding astronaut training programs, Katherine shares the mindset, resilience and curiosity that have shaped her remarkable career. She reveals what astronaut training is actually like, why humanity’s return to the Moon matters, and how space research is already improving life here on Earth.
The conversation also explores Australia’s growing role in the global space industry, the country’s STEM skills challenge, and why Katherine believes inspiring the next generation—especially girls—to dream bigger has become one of her most important missions. She also shares an exclusive first look at Mission Sprouts, a new initiative bringing space-flown seeds into Australian classrooms.
Whether you’re fascinated by space, navigating your own ambitious career goals, or simply wondering what’s possible when you commit to a lifelong dream, this episode will challenge the way you think about achieving the seemingly impossible.
You’ll learn:
What astronaut training is really like—and what it takes to qualify.
Why the world is returning to the Moon, and Australia’s role in the next era of space exploration.
How space research is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and sustainability.
Why curiosity, resilience and long-term thinking matter more than natural talent.
How Katherine hopes to inspire more young Australians—especially girls—to pursue careers in science, technology and space.
The story behind Mission Sprouts, bringing space-flown seeds into classrooms across Australia.
Find out more about Mission Sprouts at www.space.gov.au. Applications close Sunday, August 23, 2026.
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Starting a business is exciting. Building one that lasts is something else entirely.
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys is joined by Edible Blooms Co-founder and Managing Director Kelly Jamieson and Westpac Managing Director of Business Lending Tamara Bryden to unpack what it really takes to launch and grow a successful business.
Kelly shares how she turned a kitchen-table idea into one of Australia’s best-known gifting businesses, while Tamara explains why women still receive just a fraction of startup funding—and what can be done to change it.
Together, they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship: testing an idea before investing heavily, managing cash flow, securing finance, scaling beyond the “messy middle” and why building a business often means working harder than you’ve ever worked before.
Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your corporate job, growing a side hustle or taking your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice from two women who’ve helped thousands of businesses get off the ground.
You’ll learn:
Why women still face bigger barriers when raising capital
How to test a business idea before investing thousands
What banks actually want to see in a business plan
The biggest cash flow mistakes new founders make
How to scale beyond the “messy middle” of business growth
Why your network can be as valuable as your funding
The mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from everyone else
Why “freedom” isn’t the best reason to start your own business
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Jun Bei Liu arrived in Australia from China at 16 with little English but big ambitions.
Today, she's the co-founder of Ten Cap, one of Australia's top-performing hedge funds, and one of the country's most respected stock pickers.
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with Jun Bei to unpack where she's finding opportunities in today's market, why she's avoiding some of the biggest names in AI, and what every investor should understand before buying into the latest hype.
From SpaceX's eye-watering valuation to the future of Australia's banks, Jun Bei shares the frameworks she uses to separate great businesses from great investments — and why the smartest money isn't always going where everyone else is.
You'll learn:
Why Jun Bei is backing the "picks and shovels" powering the AI boom, rather than trying to pick the winning platform.
What the SpaceX IPO can teach everyday investors about hype, valuation and timing.
Why volatility and uncertainty can create the best buying opportunities.
The investing philosophy Jun Bei learnt from her father — and how she's now teaching it to her own children.
Why understanding the business behind the brands you already use can make you a better investor.
Whether you're investing for the first time or looking to sharpen your thinking in a rapidly changing market, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will change the way you look at money, markets and opportunity.
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It started with a drawer overflowing with sticky $5 and $10 tips, tucked away after gruelling 3am bar shifts while trying to survive university. That mountain of cash eventually triggered an unexpected bank investigation, a furious confrontation with her father and a lifelong obsession with building financial freedom for herself and others.
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with financial planner, best-selling author, and founder of SugarMamma, Canna Campbell (@sugarmammatv).
From the ultimate $1,650 kitchen appliance hack that saves thousands a year, to surviving a massive relationship breakdown and using her professional expertise to grow a $374,000 portfolio from scratch, Canna shares her direct, no-nonsense playbook for creating long-term wealth.
Whether you are staring down a 30-year mortgage, trying to navigate changing tax laws, or just wanting to look glamorous on a budget, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you make your money work harder.
You’ll learn:
The mindset shifts that helped Canna rebuild after divorce and create lasting financial resilience
The step-by-step "$1,000 Project" framework for building investment momentum with amounts you can actually afford.
How to “pay your future self first” and use passive dividend income to build long-term financial security.
Why regularly negotiating your mortgage could save you thousands by avoiding the bank’s “loyalty tax.”
And much more.
Find more from Canna here: https://www.sugarmamma.tv/
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