GDG's Grant Hackett on purpose, pressure and leadership (podcast)
“You’re retired to something, not from something.”
From Olympic gold to the ASX 200, Generation Development Group's CEO Grant Hackett joins Steve Johnson for a special episode of Stocks Neat.
They discuss Grant’s journey from elite sport to business leadership, the importance of purpose beyond success, and how lessons from swimming translate into building a $3 billion company.
As Grant shares: “You’re retired to something, not from something.”
The conversation also dives into Generation Development Group’s core businesses, from investment bonds and annuities to Lonsec and the rise of managed accounts, and how the company is navigating growth, regulation, and leadership under pressure.
Make sure to stick around to the end of the podcast, for a candid talk between Steve and Grant.
[00:00:39] – From the Pool to the Boardroom
Steve Johnson welcomes Grant Hackett, discussing his journey from Olympic champion to CEO of Generation Development, and the company’s remarkable rise from 70 cents a share to the ASX 200.[00:03:46] – Purpose Beyond Sport
Grant reflects on finding purpose after swimming, the importance of staying driven beyond financial success, and how his father’s advice, “you retire to something, not from something”, shaped his career and leadership approach.
[00:09:21] – Inside Generation Development’s Growth
Grant and Steve dive into Generation Development’s three key businesses: investment bonds, Lonsec, and Evidentia. They break down the company’s unique structures, market positioning, and how demographic and regulatory shifts are driving opportunity.
[00:20:26] – The Rise of Managed Accounts
Grant explains how structural change in financial advice is transforming the industry. He discusses the efficiencies, transparency, and client benefits of managed accounts, and why they’ve become one of the fastest‑growing investment platforms in Australia.
[00:27:01] – Governance, Regulation, and Managing Risk
The discussion explores the regulatory landscape for financial advice and investment products. Grant explains why governance and integrity come before revenue, and how GDG’s investment in governance, cybersecurity, and process has become a long‑term advantage.
[00:35:37] – Focus on What You Can Control
In a candid close, Steve and Grant draw parallels between business, investing, and sport, discussing process, agility, and the importance of learning from mistakes. They finish with reflections on sustainability, recovery, and long‑term performance.
Explore previous episodes here. We’d love your feedback. If you like what you’re hearing (and what we’re drinking), be sure to follow and subscribe – we’re doing this every quarter.
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Steve began Forager Funds in 2009, and now manages approximately $470m across two funds. The Forager Australian Shares Fund and Forager International Shares Fund are both unlisted and are available to investors with daily applications and redemptions. Steve focuses on long-term investing in undervalued, underappreciated and sometimes unloved companies.
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This article has been prepared by Forager Funds Management Pty Ltd and is general information only and is not intended to be advice. You should therefore consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs before acting on it, seeking advice from a financial adviser or stockbroker as necessary. Past performance is not indicative of future performance
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Steve began Forager Funds in 2009, and now manages approximately $470m across two funds. The Forager Australian Shares Fund and Forager International Shares Fund are both unlisted and are available to investors with daily applications and...
Expertise
Steve began Forager Funds in 2009, and now manages approximately $470m across two funds. The Forager Australian Shares Fund and Forager International Shares Fund are both unlisted and are available to investors with daily applications and...
Expertise
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