How has your association FINSIA contributed to your development over your career?
FINSIA has helped developed my career in a number of ways. Firstly, completing the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment (under the Securities Institute) has helped progress my banking career within the financial markets area, initially via the knowledge uplift, but also through the continued recognition of the studies, which has assisted in meeting ongoing educational requirements.
Secondly, joining the FINSIA Regional Council in WA has not only increased my personal and professional networks but it’s also provided opportunities for me to assist with increasing the professionalism and ethical standards within the broader financial services, and related, industries.
Tell us about your career to date?
After starting on a business banking graduate banking program at one of the major banks, I was fortunate enough to secure a role within the financial markets division. The last 20 years have been spent within the financial markets field and for the past eight years, I’ve been leading the NAB markets team in WA.
We've read your title, now tell us how you would describe what you ACTUALLY do to a friend at a BBQ?
I lead the financial markets team at NAB in WA. We assist NAB clients, predominantly across the SME sector, manage their foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risks prevalent within their business. It’s a relationship based model where we partner with our clients to proactively manage these risks. We have industry accreditation that allows us to provide advice to all existing and potential customers.
What are your most pressing challenges in 2023?
The team has been successful over a number of years, so the most pressing challenge is to keep the team successful and engaged. Most of the team have been with me since I started in the leadership role with much of my time spent ensuring they are maintaining the enjoyment of their roles and enthusiasm for it.
What led you to pursue your career path in the first place and can you remember where and when the lightbulb came on?
After studying finance at university, I knew I wanted to work in the finance industry but it wasn’t until I joined a bank and spent time in the financial markets area as part of my graduate rotation that I knew that is where I wanted to work. Even on a quiet day there’s always something happening in global markets and something to talk about.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be open to feedback. You can ultimately choose what you do with that feedback but it’s important to always take it on.
In hindsight, what is the one thing you would have done differently in getting to where you are now?
When you first move into a leadership role, your confidence is not what it will eventually become so that can lead to overthinking situations and misreading the state of play, ultimately leading to poor decision making. Greater self-belief when stepping into the leadership role would have made me a more effective leader and given me back many sleepless nights!
Who is your most influential or inspirational professional influence and why?
No one person would be my most influential or inspirational, as I’ve been influenced by every leader I’ve worked with in some way. I’ve taken away something from all of them. Sometimes those takeaways can include traits that I don’t want to exhibit as a leader. The leaders I find the most influential and inspirational to me are those that put the team first and do the right thing.
What do enjoy doing outside of work?
Other than spending time with my family I enjoy cycling. After finishing up an average footballing career, I’ve found a new pursuit in cycling. It’slow-impact way of staying fit. I’ve met many, many fantastic people and had some unbelievably enjoyable experiences through cycling. Highlights include cycling along the north coast of Ireland and a week spent riding around Lake Como, Italy.
