Philip Ryan | The power of collaboration

Philip Ryan has led a long and successful career in law, finance, and entrepreneurship. But he'll be the first to tell you that he didn't get there on his own. From the first time he dipped his toe into the share market in high school to co-founding Trilogy Funds, Philip's path has been defined by hard work, curiosity, and the guidance of generous mentors.

Now he's committed to paying it forward and helping the next generation find their place in the world.

In 1975, I wanted to be a lawyer. Gough Whitlam had just been sacked, the Vietnam War was still raging to its end, and I had just finished my Grade 10 maths exam. My teacher, Rob Jeffery, introduced us to the share market using basic financial analysis. I took my savings from working at the local service station and bought some shares in insurance companies—it was the aftermath of the Brisbane floods and Cyclone Tracy in 1974, so those shares looked particularly cheap! Those shares performed well, and that early success sparked a personal fascination with investment. I was already balancing two worlds: an aspiring social justice campaigner and a budding capitalist.

When I enrolled at QIT (as it then was), I was fortunate to be able to study a postgraduate diploma with the Securities Institute of Australia (now FINSIA), the pre-eminent finance and investment qualification in its day. While still working at the service station, I managed a couple of branches of a tutoring college and actively traded shares, exchange-traded options, and, later, commodity futures contracts.

Despite my drive, I faced a major hurdle: while my parents were supportive, they didn’t have any connections in either law or investment. That’s why collaboration and mentorship became so important to me. That is where law school lecturers like David Gardiner, John Newton, and Carmel MacDonald filled the gap. In my elective subjects, I was taught by people like Peter Coldrake. These educators didn’t just teach. They opened doors, helped shape my thinking, and connected me to broader networks.

After I graduated in Law, I enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, led by John de Groot. John was formerly a senior partner at a major law firm and had left to establish the course. I admired that decision to be a mentor and pass his insights on to aspiring lawyers like me.

During that period, I launched a business called Job Application Centre, helping people write and print resumes at a time when most were still handwritten. That business, born from a clear need, also reminded me that entrepreneurship doesn’t happen in isolation—it relies on understanding, supporting, and working with others.

I was admitted as a solicitor and began a career that combined law and investment. With trusted business partners, I launched several ventures in share trading, portfolio management, and legal education. One success was the Career Development Centre, which helped bring legal training into schools and firms through partnerships with universities and educators.

At 29, I became a partner in a Brisbane law firm (now McCarthy Durie Lawyers), specialising in commercial law. My partners were also my mentors, and many of those relationships continue to this day.

Later, I co-founded Trilogy Funds Group, where I served as Managing Director for over 25 years, and now as Executive Chairman. Trilogy is the kind of company I would’ve given my eye-teeth to have worked at as a graduate. Built with trusted co-founders and a talented national team, it now manages close to $2 billion in assets and represents thousands of investors across the country. These achievements weren’t built alone but together.

Outside of business, I have remained committed to giving back. As part of the Brisbane GOATS team for Vinnies, I participate in the CEO Sleepout to raise funds to fight homelessness. This year, we raised over $1 million. I also recently took part in QUT’s Future You Summit, where students from over 165 schools attended. It was inspiring, and something I wish had existed when I was starting out.

Entrepreneurship and education continue to drive me. Many of my former law school peers went on to launch businesses of their own, and we owe much of that to the culture of support and encouragement fostered by our lecturers at QUT.

Looking back, nothing meaningful I’ve ever achieved was done in isolation. Collaboration with teachers, mentors, business partners, and community has shaped every step. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Philip Ryan

QUT degrees - Bachelor of Laws (1983) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (1984)

Have a question for Phillip? Connect with him on LinkedIn.