Where were you raised and what did you dream of being as a child?
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I was born in Western Suburbs Maternity Hospital and spent my formative years in Lambton. In 4th class I wrote a poem about what I wanted to be when I grew up. It started something like "I want to be a traveller and travel around the place and of course I'll carry a great big suitcase." It's funny what you remember from your childhood.
Why did you do a Bachelor of Commerce at UoN?
I was the first person in my extended family to complete the HSC and also the first to study at university. I chose commerce because I did quite well in economics at school and it seemed a logical choice. Also I am a very pragmatic person and I thought a commerce degree would open job opportunities for me... which it did.
And then a Diploma of Financial Services?
I qualified as a chartered accountant and whilst I enjoyed advising clients on business and tax affairs I was more interested in what they got out of their businesses and how it impacted their family's lifestyle. It was a natural progression to move into financial planning which was, and still is, an emerging profession. I could see a real need for high-quality professional financial advice. So, I added the Diploma to my qualifications. It is one qualification that I am particularly proud of as I achieved this whilst caring for a toddler and a baby whilst still working as an accountant. Not much sleep happened during that time!
You were a founding principal at Pitcher Partners Wealth Management for 14 years. What did that time teach you about the FP sector and yourself?
It taught me the absolute value of good professional financial advice. The financial planning sector often receives a bad rap and in many cases it is justified. What we don't hear as much of are the stories of the thousands of happy and secure families that have achieved a great lifestyle thanks to good financial advice. What I learned about myself is that a big deep breath before you go into a challenging meeting is very helpful.
Since 2005 you have been a director at committee and board level. Why did this interest you?
It began when I was asked to sit on the board of Mai Wel, a not for profit company. I enjoyed making a contribution at a governance level and wanted to learn more about the role of a director and boards. I tapped into Women on Boards which had recently formed.
How is your role as a director of Newcastle Permanent Building Society, and on two committees?
I feel enormously privileged to sit on the board of Newcastle Permanent. It is such an iconic organisation in the Hunter. I like that it is a customer owned financial institution where profits are directed back to provide value for customers. That our customers are at the heart of everything we do sits very well with my personal values.
You recently became the first female chair of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, two years after The Perm appointed its first female CEO. How significant is the appointment to you?
The significant thing here is that both the Charitable Foundation and Newcastle Permanent more broadly have a commitment to diversity and equality. This is not just gender but also includes (dis)ability, cultural background, experience and diverse thought. The Charitable Foundation has a majority of female directors so it is no surprise a female is now the Chair. The Foundation particularly values our community directors who come from diverse sectors such as health, media, sport and disability advocacy.
Your advice to women who aspire to reaching board positions?
Simply, go for it. With so many highly-qualified women across all sectors it is vital that they use their skills and insight to add value to organisations in which they are interested. A good place to start is the AICD Company Directors Course.
The hardest part of your career?
Most working mothers will say that balancing home, children, study and a career is very difficult. When I had my first child there was no paid maternity leave and part-time work upon return had to be fought for. However, just because something is hard doesn't mean that it is not worthwhile.
And most rewarding?
Being in a position now to give back in a practical, valuable way. I have amassed skills and experience which I can leverage for the benefit of our community through the Charitable Foundation.
The Charitable Foundation has a majority of female directors so it is no surprise a female is now the Chair.
- Jennifer Leslie
What workshops are you leading at Newcastle Business School?
I am delivering an Introduction to Finance workshop. I love connecting with the next generation of finance professionals. It's also a way I can give back to the university.
Your career goals in the next five years?
I am focused on leading the Charitable Foundation as Chair for the foreseeable future. With our communities suffering hardship due to the pandemic and charities struggling to raise funds, we will focus our efforts on providing the best support we can to rebuild. I would also like to add to my board roles and will be seeking other opportunities to contribute as a company director.
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