It's a wonderful privilege to be chosen first of all to lead Newcastle Permanent. To be the first female, well I think that shows that there is an absolute embracement of diversity by the board and I am really pleased I will be able to bring my expertise to bear but also bring that gender diversity and female perspective.

Do you feel like a trailblazer?

Regardless of male or female ... I think to be trailblazer is continuing to lead the organisation from strength to strength. In terms of the leadership and being a female I think the trailblazing part of that is to really help and support women both in the Newcastle region and very specifically in Newcastle Permanent to reach their potential and enable then to take opportunities to suit their lifestyle and career aspirations. I help to do that for all the people at NP but because I am a woman my focus on other women will always be there.

What are your strengths?

First of all my extensive experience and expertise in financial services, built over a number of years in different organisations and brands. Secondly, I have a strong affinity with the customer base and customers in general and I enjoy working in financial services because it's an industry that is close to the customers and at Newcastle Permanent our sole purpose is to support and serve our customers. Customers, markets and technology is all changing and I bring a strong change agent capability.

Sixteen head office jobs were made redundant the week of your arrival. Are you expecting more jobs to be shed in the near future, based on your first assessment of operations?

Before I started in the CEO role, the leadership team implemented a minor restructure of some areas to better support how we do business with our customers, resulting in 16 redundancies. I support my leaders in their ability to configure their teams, and understand what a difficult decision it was for them to make those changes. Every employee is important to us, and wherever possible staff were redeployed, but there are not always suitable roles as the organisation has necessarily changed with the industry and customer needs. We continue to shape our services and organisation to align to changing customer needs. We will continue to provide vibrant career paths to people in the Hunter, as we maintain our role as a strong employer.

Six weeks into the job, have you identified priorities that will signal major changes for customers?

We are always looking at how we can improve services for customers so, we'll continue to develop digital services and provide our trademark friendly service in everything we do. Our customers are some of the most satisfied in financial services, and maintaining that is really important to us.

You have moved to Newcastle. First impressions?

I grew up beside the sea at Ulladulla. They are not comparable because Newcastle is so much bigger, but the lifestyle of being close to the ocean I really love, the closer community feel.

Until now you have worked largely for the Big Four banks. How will your new role differ?

The experience I have generated over a number of years is very pertinent to any organisation in this sector regardless of its size and so that customer focus is making sure our people are motivated and engaged and that we have a service ethos. The thing that is different and the thing I am looking forward to is there is no confusion as to why we are here. There are no competing things pulling in different directions, we are here for our customers.

How would you describe the banking climate now, post royal commission?

The environment is significantly changed and there are significant challenges. What is incredibly important is to have a strong vision and our vision is to provide Australia's favourite banking experience. So if you hold to that vision you develop digital capabilities and interactions customers want. If you hold to them and have a values based organisation, it stands us in stead in this changing environment.

Your leadership goals?

To ensure that I participate actively in our community and represent our brand and I want, with my leadership team and whole team, to continue to build on the wonderful foundation that has been built for more than 115 years.

What has been key to your success in banking?

I have always felt a passion for financial services and for customers and leading people and I've been given - and taken -the opportunity, which is really important too for different roles across financial services which has given me a very broad experience.

Career advice to other females?

I don't think I have the secret sauce. What I would say is to be very clear on what your strengths and build to them, take opportunities when you see them and make opportunities when you can. Be prepared to back yourself and work with and for great people so you will continually learn.

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