With the launch of its Broker Academy, Westpac has created what it’s calling “the biggest broker learning pathways resource”. Academy head Kylie Lano tells Australian Broker what it means for the industry and why it offers something for everyone
As far as investments go, brokers in the current operating environment can arguably find the greatest returns by investing in education.
Enter the Westpac Broker Academy. Officially launched this month, the online portal is described as the industry’s “biggest broker learning pathways resource”. It features modules on compliance, sales, marketing and contract law negotiation, with CPD points throughout. Developed and delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic Management and GO1.com, the academy also offers access to CAFBA’s Certificate IV and the new Diploma in Financial Services.
Two years in the making, the initiative was spearheaded by Janelle Pearce, Westpac Group’s national head of commercial intermediaries, and Neville Anitelea, national manager of strategy, communications and marketing.
Heading the academy is Kylie Lano, an award-winning commercial broker and passionate advocate for education. In her more than 20 years in the industry, Lano has invested “thousands” in her own professional development, from a BA in teaching to qualifications in everything from executive leadership to yoga tuition.
“I discovered early on that I had a real passion for people by my nature, so I started to head in a leadership direction instead of sales,” Lano says.
“I’m constantly asked about leadership, mentoring and business skills, but what I am really excited about in this role is to direct people through those learning pathways and to be that shoulder-to-shoulder person as a resource for [brokers], specifically how I can help mentor them to get the most out of the academy.”
Lano’s initial priority is to engage with GO1.com and Westpac’s executive team to appoint a Broker Academy Council, the inaugural group of industry participants, C-suite stakeholders and Westpac leaders who will steer the academy’s future direction and content. Aiming for “quality, not quantity” in the appointments, Lano says the focus is on expertise.
“We are looking for those innovators, thought leaders, those who have a wonderful temperature check of the industry. We will be meeting with them every quarter to make sure that what we are doing is relevant and meaningful,” she says.
Lano notes that there is “a real issue” around talent retention in the industry, and as such, the academy’s courses are designed to be suitable for all brokers, regardless of age or experience. Established industry participants can develop their staff, while millennials can take advantage of clear career direction and enjoy the gamification of certain lessons. The bottom line, Lano says, is that after a year of turbulence and change, knowledge really is power.
“Even the most established and experienced brokers know that to have a sustainable business, times have changed, and online education is critical. If it reduces their time attending professional development days to get CPD points, it all helps.”
