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Bill Baker, co-founder and CEO of Lend, emphasizes the importance of prioritising relationships in finance, and shares how building small joys into one’s daily routine can help ward off burnout
Q: What’s one of your recent career highlights?
A: Getting the Lend platform to where it is today. It’s been a three-year journey of working hand in hand with brokers to get their feedback and make sure we understand how to best support them. It has been phenomenal and very satisfying to have made it to this point and see brokers actively embracing the new platform.
Q: What’s the greatest challenge for brokers at this time?
A: In the wake of the royal commission, brokers need to develop a deeper understanding of the products they offer. This has become even more challenging given that new lenders are entering the market and a wider range of products are available. The Lend platform is helping to resolve this issue by taking the guesswork out of choosing the right product.
Q: What are your top survival tips for working in finance?
A: Relationships are key. Developing trust with a client may take time, but establishing, maintaining and growing that bond is worth the investment. Plus, it’s necessary for understanding the needs of your customers, finding the right finance solution, and continuing to strengthen the ongoing relationship.
Q: What’s one thing, personal or professional, that you hope to achieve before 2020?
A: We are aiming to be the go-to SME marketplace for small business loans. It’s a big ambition, but one we feel we can achieve. Our platform connects SMEs in need of finance with the most suitable lenders for them. We have simplified the process of getting a loan by helping business owners navigate the options available to them – giving them everything they need in one platform.
Q: What’s your favourite way to relax after a stressful time at work?
A: To be honest, I really enjoy my job and working in the SME finance industry. It makes a big difference to enjoy what I do for a living and know I’m helping people. I also take steps to avoid getting mired down in the daily stresses – a cluttered inbox, for example – and to stay focused on what matters. I try to get in a daily walk outside while I take my calls to help clear my head and regain perspective.
