School setback, exams and getting lucky

He's got a rags to riches origin story, a hit Youtube channel and a bestselling memoir. Now Gary Stevenson is using his platform to fight the growing divide between rich and poor across the western world — including in Australia.

This conversation was recorded at the Melbourne Town Hall on 28 February 2026 with thanks to Thinkable events.

Speakers

Gary Stevenson Author, The Trading Game: A Confession host, Gary Economics Youtube Channel, former Citibank financial trader

Alison Pennington (host) Chief Economist, McKell Institute, author, Gen F'd? How Young Australians Can Reclaim Their Uncertain Futures