Challenges and trust in the co-CEO model

Earl Evans is one of the most influential figures in Australian wealth management (CEO of Shaw and Partners), but the way he leads isn’t what you’d expect.

He doesn’t help people to look good. He helps them because he means it. Loyalty isn’t a strategy for Earl, it’s his default setting. And he’s built not just relationships, but an entire business this way: a company run by two CEOs, a model almost no one dares to try because it demands trust, humility, and respect.

With a growing footprint across Australia and New Zealand, and more than $49 billion in assets under advice, Shaw and Partners offers the intimacy of a boutique investment firm, backed by the resources and scale of a major global financial group, EFG International, managing over $310 billion of assets.

You'll hear:

• How a partnership built on shared values, trust, and clear boundaries created one of Australia’s most successful wealth firms
• The philosophy that drives his leadership — and how it shatters typical finance stereotypes of ego and power
• Stories from a decade-long friendship with his co-CEO and how they navigated agreement, disagreement, and decision-making
• Why building culture, loyalty, and connection can be more powerful than any strategy or title

If you’ve ever wondered what leadership looks like when it’s human, honest, and surprisingly effective, this episode shows you exactly how.

This is Performance Intelligence: the show that unlocks potential for everyday life.

 2:00 Co-CEO model with Allan Zion — how it began and the challenges.
 5:10 Reflections on Shaw and Partners’ success, Allan’s retirement, and whether Earl would share leadership again.
 10:35 Earl’s early years and discovering his path.
 14:30 The “loose and tight” leadership philosophy and leading by example.
 21:30 Why sport is core to Earl and the firm.
 25:45 How sport, the arts, and children’s programs shape the business culture.
 29:45 Ali Day’s thoughts and Earl’s response.
 33:15 Learning through mistakes and matching prize money when athletes earn it.
 36:30 Tom Trbojevic’s reflections and travelling with Earl during injury.
 40:30 Earl’s purpose, perspective on death, and enjoying life.
 45:45 His one-of-a-kind 60th and approach to philanthropy.
 52:45 Gus Worland’s take on Earl and their connection.
 57:10 Earl’s vision for the next decade — and living to 100.

Connect with Earl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-evans-2631b334/
Find out more about Shaw and Partners: https://shawandpartners.com.au/home

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