The GM of banking for MyState talks about horse racing and the professional achievements he’s prioritising for 2019
Q: What’s the greatest challenge for brokers at this time?
A: The role brokers play in helping customers has been heightened to a level that we have never seen before. We should not miss the opportunity to continue the conversation around the value of brokers and use this as a platform to move forward. Brokers need to ensure that they stay focused and put the ongoing noise aside.
The focus right now is on delivering for customers and not getting distracted by noisy influences that are going on in the industry at the moment, and if they keep that focus I think they will thrive and grow, and that is absolutely key.
Q: What is your favourite way to relax after a stressful time at work?
A: It might actually add to the frustration, but it is a good way to get away from things – I have a number of racehorses, and I love watching them in the early morning at the track.
Adding zero value to the process, I may add. Or I like getting out and watching them at the races. I find that’s a great way to switch off, and you are dealing with all walks of life in that field. It’s great fun and you meet some real characters.
Q: What are your top survival tips for working in finance?
A: Diversity of thought is critical. Having a really strong support network is really important to this, and by that I mean having a group of people who are willing to, and do, challenge you.
And potentially they challenge you with thoughts you may not like, because there is an opportunity to learn from that experience. Those are all really important factors for a career in finance.
Q: What is one thing, personal or professional, that you would like to achieve before the end of 2019?
A: On the personal front, I’m a racehorse enthusiast, so I would like to get my star horse to a Saturday race at Sydney’s Randwick – and win.
On the professional front, there are three areas of key goals at MyState: to create deeper relationships, maintain a strong balance sheet, and do the right thing by all our customers and partners. If we can say we ticked those boxes and met those targets, we will be really pleased.
