This month’s Member Spotlight features Daniel Swart CPMgr AFIML, Head of Clinical Operations at QBiotics Group Limited Australia.
Daniel’s focus on team engagement and adaptability has been crucial for navigating organisational change, driving both individual and team success. In the article, he shares how the CPMgr accreditation has shaped his leadership approach, offering strategies for building resilience, enhancing team ownership, and aligning operational decisions with strategic goals.
1. Reflecting on your career, how have you enhanced team engagement and retained top talent within your organisation?
I am fortunate to work for an organisation that strongly supports team engagement and talent retention through a dedicated HR team, excellent work flexibility, and opportunities to contribute to unique projects with greater autonomy and influence than is typical in our industry. These factors naturally attract and retain highly skilled professionals. However, with this level of autonomy and a less prescriptive approach—coupled with the fast-paced and evolving nature of a small company—there can sometimes be periods of uncertainty or a perceived lack of direction, particularly if the rationale behind changes is not well communicated. Recognising this, my primary focus in fostering engagement and retention has been on addressing individual concerns during these transitions and guiding my team through shifts in mindset. I actively work to ensure that my team understands the broader context of changes, reinforcing the value of adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment.
2. How do you see the CPMgr accreditation influencing your professional growth?
Like many professionals who transition into management, my path was shaped by hands-on experience in operational roles. Over time, I found myself stepping beyond direct execution to fill gaps, support broader company objectives, and ultimately take on a leadership role. While this progression was driven by necessity and capability, committing to and completing the CPMgr accreditation marked a pivotal moment in my career. Earning this accreditation represents a deliberate shift in mindset—an acknowledgment that management itself is a skillset that requires continuous development. It reinforces my commitment to growing as a leader, refining my approach to team management, and ensuring I bring strategic, well-rounded leadership to my organisation. The CPMgr accreditation has given me a structured approach to reflecting on my recent experience, identifying my strengths and areas for development, and focusing on targeted improvements that will enhance my effectiveness. Additionally, IML’s ongoing support and resources provide valuable opportunities to continue developing my leadership capabilities in a meaningful and practical way.
3. Could you share an example of how you implemented innovative strategies to build resilience while actively maintaining or even enhancing team engagement during a period of significant change?
Periods of significant change can be challenging, often leading to uncertainty and a potential dip in engagement. To build resilience while maintaining team engagement, I have focused on fostering a culture of autonomy and promoted a sense of ownership of tasks and responsibilities. One key strategy I implement is ensuring as far as possible that, during times of transition, my team have both the clarity and the confidence to take ownership of their work. Rather than micromanaging or dictating solutions, I encourage them to proactively assess challenges, propose solutions, and make decisions within their areas of expertise. This approach not only empowers team members but also reinforces their sense of accountability, leading to a stronger commitment to outcomes.
4. Looking forward, which leadership competencies are you prioritising for development, and how is the CPMgr accreditation supporting your progress in these areas?
The two key leadership competencies I am currently prioritising for development are “Leading my team and area of responsibility” and “Developing and implementing my organisation’s strategic direction.” As a rapidly growing company, we have undergone significant changes over the past two years, with even more on the horizon. Unlike similar roles in larger global organisations, my position is often broader, requiring me to manage a small, specialised team while also working closely with the executive leadership, occasionally contributing to high-level strategic planning. This provides me with unique insights into both long-term company goals and the day-to-day operational challenges my team faces. Because of this, I aim to further strengthen my ability to bridge strategy and execution—ensuring that operational decisions are made with a clear understanding of the company’s broader objectives. The CPMgr accreditation has added value by supporting this growth through providing a structured approach to evaluating my leadership strengths and identifying areas for improvement, and IML’s ongoing resources and professional network continue to provide valuable insights and development opportunities.
5. What is one piece of professional advice or insight you’ve gained the past 12 months that has significantly impacted your approach to management?
One of the most valuable pieces of professional advice I heard early on in my career—and that has in recent years shape my approach to management—is to hire highly skilled and competent individuals and then get out of their way to let them do what they do best. This principle has been reinforced time and again, particularly as my organisation has continued to grow and evolve. Micromanagement stifles innovation and engagement, whereas empowering capable professionals to take ownership of their work fosters accountability, efficiency, and a stronger team dynamic.
Through the CPMgr accreditation, Daniel was able to transform his leadership approach to foster a more resilient, accountable and efficient team. Developing his own leadership skills and learning innovative strategies, allowed Daniel to better develop and implement his organisation’s strategic direction for lasting success. Every business and leader is unique, however, everyone can benefit from the continuous development and personal growth provided through the CPMgr accreditation.
