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The GM of sales and business development at Prospa reflects on the lender’s clean sweep of industry awards in 2018 and the clarity he gains from spending time with his son
Q: What’s one of your recent career highlights?
A: Prospa achieving a clean sweep of the MFAA Excellence Awards for Fintech Lender of the Year in 2018, winning the award in all five states. We also had three Prospa team members scoop best BDM in the State Awards and another win for the National BDM/Lender Excellence Award. It was great validation that we have built the best team in the market. We’re passionate about making a difference to both our partners and small business owners, which in so many cases are the same.
Q: What’s the greatest challenge for brokers at this time?
A: Future-proofing their business. It is vital brokers see the opportunity in changing legislation and regulation to build a more sustainable and robust business for the future, and this means supporting their customers across a range of financial needs.
Q: What’s your favourite way to relax after a stressful time at work?
A: Spending time with my son. Seeing the world through the eyes of a seven-year-old provides great clarity on what is important in life. The innocence of their thinking keeps me grounded and positive about what is possible.
Q: What do you wish you’d known when you started out in the finance industry?
A: That major change is possible. The industry may be mature and grounded in strong practices that are tried and tested, but a customer-focused mentality can revolutionise a market. We need to dream big and ask ‘why not?’ rather than accepting the status quo.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first role in financial services was working in the Avco branch network, which was a fantastic induction into finance. Branch management was like running a small business but with a large business mentality. I had the opportunity to learn all the disciplines, from credit and lending, sales and marketing and collections, to branch and staff management.
Q: What are your top survival tips for working in finance?
A: Tenacity. Working in the finance sector is challenging, but the rewards are massive if you challenge yourself to make a genuine difference each day. You need to be tenacious to create, launch and facilitate lending that puts customers at the heart of everything you do.
