We ask IML Members a few tricky questions about themselves and their businesses.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’D LIKE OTHER IML MEMBERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS?
I have been involved in IT for over 20 years. The move to FIS (the world’s largest global provider dedicated to banking and payments technologies) has been an opportunity to be part of the constantly changing financial services landscape. FIS is the largest FINTECH in the world, but here in Australia we are a team of just 200, a little business with the heart of a lion. FIS Australasia’s culture is sign up, show up and make it happen. It is one of the reasons I joined the company. I want to make it happen and their culture makes it a great place to work.
Taking ownership of challenges and meeting commitments is a big part of who I am. I have been labelled as the “Can Do, Girl”, and I’m proud to carry that mantle. If I take it on, it gets done, and I will drive to meet our commitments.
“Have faith in your abilities, be bold in your ownership, embrace change.”
My roles with FIS have been challenging and invigorating. Recent roles have given me greater insight into how financial services operate – both the traditional financial institutions and the new players in the market. These new players are pushing the boundaries of the traditional models with their nimble, truly agile approaches.
As an integral partner for many of Australia’s financial institutions, we are continually charged with driving and adapting our operational processes to meet demanding timelines and requirements. It is a sensitive balance to protect our client and our business.
I have found it interesting to learn that the Australian markets are better at embracing new payment technologies and show a willingness to ‘give it a go’, compared to some other global marketplaces. There is nothing in the world like our “No guts, no glory” Aussie spirit.
IF YOU COULD OPEN A BRANCH OF YOUR BUSINESS IN ANY COUNTRY – WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Paris, France – for purely personal reasons. It’s a city I love to get lost in. FIS is a global corporation, and with technology these days allowing us to operate in almost any city in the world, locations aren’t restrictive. … BUT…. if they offered me Paris, I’d be racing home yelling “Pack your bags family, we’re moving!” Other places like Kenya and the Middle East where payments are taking off, do look exciting, but it would probably still have to be Paris for me.
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS ADVICE YOU MOST OFTEN SHARE WITH OTHERS?
People are important: the people you work with, your family, your friends and you.
While you may be in a leadership role, you are also a member of a team – at times, many teams. Get to know your team as ‘people’, give them insight into who you are. Find out what drives them and what’s important to them at work and at home. This will help you tailor how you manage each individual. Different people thrive with different styles of coaching, support and recognition. You need to adjust to bring out the best in everyone. This principal extends to those above you in the hierarchy. Get to know your leadership team. You’ll achieve more satisfying results when you are able to speak to the ‘whole’ person.
Family and friends are key to supporting you. At work you are replaceable, but you can’t be replaced at home. Try to find time each day to switch off, and give your family time, it’s good for both of you. If you make commitments to children and partners, keep them whenever possible. Family are the people who get you through the tough days. They patch your wounds, pull you back together and give you strength to get back into the ring. They are part of your success, celebrate your wins and achievements with them.
Be kind to yourself. A key piece of advice I got when feeling overwhelmed was “Pick your top 3 each day”. We all have growing lists of actions. Realistically – with demands of others, interruptions and reprioritisation during the day – we can only hope to cross off three things each day. With this approach I found I could end my day with a sense of achievement, not just the ever-growing list.
Finally, make time to do something for yourself each day or each week. Put it in your calendar if you need to.
KIMBERLEY HARVEY IS THE IT COMPLIANCE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER AT FIS AUSTRALASIA, A GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY COMPANY.
