PM, ID
PM, ID – Pinch Me, I’m Dreaming is the podcast that brings you the real, raw, and remarkable stories behind the businesses shaping the Pinch Payments ecosystem and beyond.
Each episode, we sit down with founders, operators, partners, and the people behind the scenes—those building, running, and scaling SaaS platforms, accounting practices, fintech innovations, and small business services.
This isn’t just another business podcast. We go deeper—into the moments that shaped our guests, the challenges they’ve faced, the sparks that fuel them, and the insights they’ve earned the hard way. Whether you're leading a startup, growing a practice, solving payments problems,...
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The Future of Accounting & SaaS in the AI Era | Andrew Hirst, Xero
Season 2, Episode 2: Xero’s Andrew Hirst joins Joe McCord to discuss how AI is transforming accounting, the future of SaaS, Xero Ultra, and why trusted relationships remain critical as technology evolves. They explore AI automation, vibe coding, attracting talent, managing change, cash flow challenges, and practical ways businesses can adopt AI without losing the human touch. 💡 Topics covered: • AI and accounting automation • The future of SaaS and connected platforms • Xero Ultra and the Xero ecosystem • Talent, change management, and AI adoption • Cash flow and automated payments • Managing technology fatigue 👤 Guest: Andrew Hirst, Head of Sales - Partner Success & National Accounts, Xero 🎙 Host: Joe McCord, Head of Growth, Pinch Payments 🔗 Learn more: Pinch Payments
From a Pub Napkin to Acquisition: The Story Behind Pinch Payments
In this episode of PM, ID, I dive into the fascinating journey of Pinch Payments with co-founders Ben and Paul. We discuss their early struggles, the pivotal moments that shaped the company, and the insights they've gained from years of perseverance in the fintech landscape. They share their thoughts on the importance of seeking impartial feedback, the challenges of navigating financial regulations, and the excitement surrounding the future of payments technology. With engaging anecdotes about their partnership and the realities of startup life, this episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring founders and business leaders alike. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience and innovation driving Pinch Payments forward.Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners on Turning Australia into a Global Startup Node
In this episode of PM,ID: Pinch Me I'm Dreaming, our Head of Growth Joe McCord sits down with Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners and one of Australia's most respected voices in payments, startups, and innovation. From helping launch Braintree in Australia and scaling GoCardless, to now leading Scalare Partners and the Founders Union, Carolyn has spent her career at the intersection of technology, payments, and entrepreneurship. Together, Joe and Carolyn explore how technology can democratise opportunity, why Australia's startup ecosystem continues to face structural challenges, and what the future of AI, payments, and innovation could look like. The conversation also dives into venture capital, founder psychology, Australia's innovation policies, and the growing role AI will play in everything from commerce and payments to wealth creation and decision-making. 💡 In this episode you'll learn: • Why Carolyn believes the best technology should be accessible to businesses of every size • Why AI could fundamentally change how consumers make purchasing decisions • The hidden challenges facing Australia's startup ecosystem • Why Australia struggles to retain startup talent and investment capital • Carolyn's perspective on venture capital, founders, and scaling companies • How founders can build successful businesses without raising funding • The impact of proposed capital gains tax changes on innovation • The secret reason the RBA may be trying to outlaw surcharges • The traits Carolyn believes separate successful founders from those who fail If you're a founder, startup operator, technology leader, investor, or simply curious about where business and innovation are heading, this episode offers a fascinating look at the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's future. 👤 Featured Guest Carolyn Breeze CEO – Scalare Partners 🔗 Website https://scalarepartners.com.au 🔗 LinkedIn / carolynbreeze 🎙 About the Podcast PM,ID: Pinch Me I'm Dreaming explores the realities of modern business, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Hosted by Joe McCord, each episode features conversations with founders, industry leaders, operators, and innovators about what actually drives growth, success, and meaningful change in business..png)
Kelly Berger: Why ‘Cert IV Isn’t Enough’ — What Bookkeepers Really Need to Succeed
In this episode of Pinch Me, I’m Dreaming, Joe McCord sits down with Kelly Berger to unpack a hard truth: 👉 A Cert IV isn’t enough to succeed as a bookkeeper. With 15+ years in the industry and a community of 8,000+ bookkeepers, Kelly shares what’s really missing from traditional training and why so many struggle in real-world practice. From systems and compliance to burnout, client relationships, and working with accountants, this episode breaks down what it actually takes to run clean books and build a sustainable bookkeeping business. 💡 You’ll learn: • Why most bookkeepers struggle early on • The importance of systems and processes • How to work better with accountants • Where AI fits into bookkeeping • What small businesses should expect from a bookkeeper