Your Team.
Angelo Baronessa
Director & Private Wealth Adviser
ASIC Authorised Representative: 1270561
At Divergent Wealth, Angelo Baronessa challenges the status quo of financial advice.
As Director and Private Wealth Adviser, he puts people before products, helping clients decode complex financial questions with clarity and confidence.
Since 2013, Angelo has guided professionals, families, and business owners through superannuation, investments, insurance, and retirement planning with a transparent, values-first approach.
Angelo holds a Bachelor of Economics (La Trobe University), Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning (Mentor Education), and specialist SMSF.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he champions inclusivity in finance — notably improving life insurance access for anyone on PrEP or living with HIV. In 2023, Angelo took on the role of Small Business Director at GLOBE Victoria, supporting other professionals and entrepreneurs
When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him whipping up pasta, hosting friends and family, or searching the perfect coffee, or running...for the train.
Leah Vertudazo
Senior Advice Concierge
Leah helps keep the processes of financial planning process organised, accurate and moving forward. She works closely with the team to coordinate the detail behind each client’s advice and ensure work is progressed efficiently and carefully.
With several years of experience across financial planning, superannuation and client service, Leah has developed a reputation within our team for being exceptionally thorough, dependable and calm under pressure. Her ability to bring order to complex work makes her an invaluable part of Divergent Wealth and helps us deliver the high standard of service our clients expect.
Leah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Financial Management.
JC Manco
Client Concierge
John, or JC, is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and is dedicated to advancing inclusivity while championing equal opportunities across all professional fields. He is passionate about empowering individuals to pursue their aspirations and achieve meaningful success.
A graduate of an Associate in Computer Technology program, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, majoring in School Physical Education; John combines technical expertise with educational leadership. He also brings several years of professional experience in financial planning, specializing in superannuation and insurance, further broadening his multidisciplinary skill set.
Outside of his professional endeavors, John enjoys spending weekends exploring local cafés and relaxing by the ocean. A skilled swimmer and free diver, he values the discipline and focus the sport instills, as well as the balance it brings to his personal life.
Michael Gershkov
Practice Development Manager
ASIC Authorised Representative: 455199
Michael Gershkov brings more than three decades of financial services experience to Divergent Wealth, with deep knowledge across adviser support, practice development, business operations and strategic growth.
Michael has spent much of his career helping financial advice businesses operate more effectively, support their advisers and build stronger client-focused practices. His background includes senior practice management roles, including his work with Lifespan Financial Planning as National Practice Manager, where he has supported advice practices across Victoria and contributed to adviser development, peer learning and business growth.
Michael’s financial services career dates back to 1992, and his contribution to the profession has been recognised through industry awards, including receiving the Practice Management Consultant of the Year Award at the 2019 ifa Excellence Awards.
At Divergent Wealth, Michael assists with business development, operational improvement and the broader systems that support high-quality advice delivery. His experience, judgement and practical understanding of the profession make him an important part of the team behind the scenes.