We Built This Because Numbers Told Better Stories Than We Expected
Back in 2019, a couple of us were sitting in a cramped office in Auburn, staring at spreadsheets that should've made sense but didn't. We'd spent years working with Australian businesses—some thriving, others struggling—and kept seeing the same pattern. People had the data. They just didn't know what it was trying to tell them.
That frustration turned into zestivorno. Not the smoothest launch, honestly. But six years later, we're still here, still based in Auburn, and still convinced that financial statement analysis shouldn't feel like decoding hieroglyphics. We teach people to read their numbers the way they'd read a conversation—with context, nuance, and a bit of healthy skepticism.
What Actually Shaped How We Teach
These aren't glossy milestones. They're the moments that changed how we think about financial education and what businesses actually need when they're trying to make sense of their accounts.
The First Workshop That Failed
2020 taught us that technical accuracy means nothing if people glaze over halfway through
When Theory Met Reality
A Melbourne café owner showed us how textbook ratios miss operational context entirely
Rebuilding From Questions
2022 participant feedback convinced us to scrap half our curriculum and start again
What Works Now
Current programs focus on pattern recognition over formula memorization
Started by Two People Who Got Tired of Bad Explanations
Neither of us set out to teach. Rhiannon spent a decade in corporate finance, watching good analysts struggle to communicate what they found. Callum worked with SMEs across Sydney, translating accountant-speak into decisions people could actually use.
The idea for zestivorno came during a particularly frustrating client meeting. Someone asked what their debt-to-equity ratio meant for their expansion plans, and the room went silent. Not because nobody knew the number—it was right there on the report—but because nobody could connect it to the real question being asked.
By early 2025, we've worked with over 300 Australian business owners and finance professionals. Some take our programs to upskill. Others come because they're about to make a big decision and want to trust their own judgment. We're still learning what works—and what definitely doesn't.
Rhiannon Tulloch
Co-founder & Lead Instructor
Spent 12 years in corporate finance before deciding teaching was more interesting than consulting. Builds curriculum that doesn't assume you already know everything.
Callum Westergaard
Co-founder & Program Director
Former business advisor who realized most financial advice fails because the recipient can't verify it independently. Designs learning around practical skepticism.
Questions People Actually Ask at Different Stages
We organized these based on where you are in your learning journey—not by topic. Because the questions that matter when you're deciding whether to enroll are completely different from what you'll wonder three months in.
Before You Start
Do I need an accounting background?
Not at all. About half our participants come from non-finance roles. We start with fundamentals and assume nothing.
How much time does this actually take?
Our core program runs eight weeks with two evening sessions per week. Most people spend an additional 3-4 hours weekly on practical exercises.
When does the next program begin?
We run cohorts quarterly. Next intake starts late September 2025, with registration opening in early August.
What if I can't attend every session?
Sessions are recorded, but interactive components work best live. We recommend attending at least 75% in real-time.
During the Program
Can I bring my own business statements?
Yes, and we encourage it. Working with your actual data makes concepts stick faster than generic examples.
How technical does it get?
We focus on interpretation over calculation. You'll learn formulas, but emphasis stays on what patterns mean and how to spot red flags.
What if I fall behind?
Each cohort has a dedicated discussion forum and weekly office hours. Most questions get answered within a few hours.
Do you cover Australian-specific regulations?
We incorporate AASB standards and ATO reporting requirements where relevant, especially in tax impact analysis modules.
After Completion
What happens after the eight weeks?
You keep access to all materials and recordings indefinitely. Alumni network stays active with quarterly meetups in Auburn.
Can I get ongoing support?
Alumni can book one-on-one review sessions at discounted rates. We also run advanced workshops twice yearly.
Do you offer certification?
We provide completion certificates, though we're not an RTO. Most participants use new skills immediately in their roles rather than seeking formal credentials.
How do I stay updated on new methods?
Curriculum updates get shared with all past participants. We also send quarterly case studies analyzing recent Australian business failures and successes.