15 minute read
Queensland
Josh Mann (CreditorWatch), YCP Finalists: Cherese Aitken, Diana Endino, Jacob Maiore, Kara Cherry, Lachlan Poulus, Mitchell Steven, Zandalee McKenzie (Oakbridge Lawyers).
Madison Ryan (Dynamic Supplies), Carly Rae-Orth (Fisher & Paykel), Stacey Wooward (Covetrus), George Wolf and Josh Mann (CreditorWatch).
President’s Report
What a great couple of months we’ve had up here in Queensland.
In July we had our AGM and we welcomed two new councillors, Zandalee Mackenzie and Melissa Kirk and officially welcomed last year’s YCP Madi Ryan as a new council member. We now have the largest Queensland team in a long time.
Following our AGM we had our annual Young Credit Professional Awards, this year held at The Ovolo The Valley. Huge congratulations to this year’s recipient Lachlan Poulus from PRA Group, I know you’ll do a fantastic job at the conference this year and you have the full support of Queensland behind you. Also on the night, we were delighted to present Life Membership to two very deserving and long-time members, Warwick and Merv.
In August we had our ever-growing WINC event, Women in Credit. I enjoyed hearing from the captivating Tiffany Wan from Outstanding Women Leaders, she was a delight. Shoutout to the WINC committee, our sponsors, national office and Michelle Kirkby for organising such an amazing event. We’ve had some wonderful feedback from the day and we can’t wait to bring Queensland another amazing event in 2023.
Merv Mahony – Life Member (Megaport), Lachlan Poulus (YCP Winner) and Warwick Ballantine-Jones – Life Member (CMA).
National Conference – we see you Brisbane! I know that you will all be reading this issue of the magazine while attending conference, which is our first face to face in three years, to say we’re excited is an understatement! The sessions on offer this year are going to be engaging, relevant and inspiring. We will also find out who this year’s credit team of the year is and who will become the National Young Credit Professional for 2022 (Let’s go Lachlan!!)
After conference, we will then swing into our awards season for the credit industry. Keep an eye out for the event flyer for the last event on our calendar – The Pinnacle Awards. This is a great event to recognise and celebrate your colleagues in the credit industry and it’s also a great way to say thank you to your team, manager, supplier or customer.
Thank you,
– Stacey Woodward MICM QLD President
Queensland YCP Awards
Friday 29th July – Ovolo The Valley
What a night! The 2022 Young Credit Professional Award, sponsored by CreditorWatch and ARMA, was hosted in The Grand Hall at Ovolo The Valley. We were so delighted to be able to celebrate this event in person, after two years, with the CEO of the AICM Nick Pilavidis.
Our annual AGM was held prior to the event. Stacey Woodward – Covetrus was elected to serve as the Queensland president for another term. The meeting also saw two new AICM members elected into the council. We wish the QLD council all the best success in the year to come. Maria Schandl (Stramit).
We were fortunate enough to be able to present two life memberships to Merv Mahony – Megaport and Warwick Ballantine-Jones – CMA. What a wonderful achievement for you both. We are so grateful to have you in Queensland.
During the evening Maria Schandl from Stramit was interviewed by Nick about her previous experience as a YCP and national winner. We heard of her amazing professional growth and how she has assisted in shaping and growing the AICM through her dedication. It was a wonderful interview which gave wonderful insight to our six finalists on what the future could hold for them.
The judges had an extremely difficult task to select a 2022 winner from such a strong group of candidates. Never has QLD received so many applications and was a challenge selecting these top 6 finalists. A huge congratulations to our six finalists: l Cherese Aitken – Wyndham Destinations, l Diana Endino – Vincents, l Jacob Maiore – Axess Group, l Kara Cherry – Endeavour Group, l Lachlan Poulus – PRA Group l Mitchell Steven – MM Electrical
Josh Mann of CreditorWatch announced announced Lachlan Poulus as our state winner. The room was filled with happiness and erupted into cheers as Lachlan was announced as our winner. Lachlan’s family, friends and colleagues were ecstatic.
We are thrilled to be able to watch Lachlan excel at our first face to face conference in two years. Lachlan, the council and members wish you all the very best. Enjoy this time to celebrate!
– Madison Ryan MICM Qld Council
Tiffany Wann (Outstanding Woman Leaders – OWL). Fiona Doherty, Julie McNamara (Boom Logistics), Lynne Walton (Access Intel).
QLD Council: Madison Ryan, Michelle Kirkby, Julie McNamara, Emma Purcival, Fiona Doherty, Stacey Woodward, Steven Staatz and Zandalee McKenzie.
WINC Event
Friday 19 August 2022 at Cloudland
After 7 years of being the QLD WINC Chair Maria Schandl stepped down and left the event in the hands of the QLD Council to run with. The theme this year was walking together through 2022, so in the spirit of the theme Michelle Kirkby (WINC Chair and VP for the QLD Council) and Stacey Woodward (President QLD Council) rose to the occasion and agreed to MC the event together.
The charity for this years event was Dress for Success, the QLD AICM division were lucky to have Kylie McKinlay from Dress for Success come and speak to the crowd about the amazing work that this charity does across Australia. Kylie shared how they empower women to ready themselves for an interview, not just with clothes but with interview skills too. It was great to see many people donate their lipstick/welcome packs to the charity, Kylie was blown away with the generosity.
This year’s keynote speaker was Tiffany Wann from Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL). Tiff was engaging from start to finish and really motivated the crowd. Her story telling, knowledge and experience sharing really resonated with the crowd. Tiffs top tips talking about how development starts with connections and the importance of developing ourselves.
The feedback that followed was truly wonderful, here are a few quotes:
“Great work today an exceptional event.”
Debbie Leo (Equifax) and guests.
Anna Taylor (Results Legal) Team and guests.
Shari Harbottle and Narelle Nolan (Capral Ltd), Oliver Hayward (Reece Group), Nicolas Boyce (Results Legal), Natakue Denschel and Gerry Owens (Bradmans Windows), Wayne Clark (BICB), Charlotte Evans (Results legal), Kirsty Gray (Stoddarts).
Amongst our guests: Maria Tisdal (NCI), Maria Teodosio (Stoddart), Katie Daly (QBE), Eleisha Yassine (NCI) and Paola Kruger.
Tiffany Wann (OWL) Michelle Kirkby (Shell Energy) Kylie McKinlay (Dress for Success).
Stacey Woodward (Covertus) and Dale Hannan (NCS). Maria Schandl (Stramit Corporation), Anna Taylor (Results Legal) and Renee Dobson (NCI Brokers).
So much time and effort goes into these events, from head office staff (who were fantastic), to the council and the sponsors without whom these events could not go ahead.
A MASSIVE thanks and a shout out to those who donated such generous raffle prizes, from Chanel products to winery stays and a private chef experience, there was something for everyone. An amazing effort with $6.7k being raised for the charity.
After the main event many people went to the rooftop to continue networking and enjoy some downtime.
Yet another successful WINC event, the QLD council are already thinking about next years event and how to keep it going from strength to strength.
Levi Smouha, Mackenzie Gunn, Alia Hamid, Lisa Cotton, Melissa Kirk, Ellen Nowland, Dale Hannan and Doug Bartholomew.
YCP Finalists interviews
Kara Cherry
Your current work place and position
I currently work for Endeavor Group (top 50 ASX listed) as a technical business analyst -website https://www. endeavourgroup.com.au/
Why you applied for YCP?
I was discouraged from applying the year before by Kara Cherry a former manager, Michelle Kirkby reached out to me this year and encouraged me to apply, I’m grateful she took the time to phone me. As a young adult in the corporate world, you can sometimes be mistreated and overlooked, I feel opportunities like these allow us to stand outside of the crowd and acknowledge our achievements.
What being a finalist means to you?
Being a finalist proves young talent exists, I get to showcase to others my age does not set boundaries, landing your dream job is not impossible, and being young does not stop you from being a good leader, I hope that I can be a reflection on others to pursue their goals and ambitions.
What you enjoyed about the process.
Oddly enough I enjoyed the interview process, it’s unlike a ‘job interview’ and more like a talent showcase, allowing you to audition your knowledge.
Michelle Kirkby almost deserves an acknowledgment herself, she was wonderful to all the finalists, very supporting and encouraging, she did make the journey that extra bit enjoyable.
A little about you as a person outside of work.
Outside of work you will find me participating in many hobbies from designing and sewing garments, drawing and painting, to, exercising and restoring modern classic cars, I have many interests to keep me busy and a 14-year-old Dog who insists on coming everywhere with me.
Jacob Maiore
Current workplace and position
I currently have a number of roles, but my primary role is as CEO of Axess Group, a Debt Collection and Credit Management agency specialising in both contingent and purchased debt.
I started with Axess at the age of 18, taking the position on a whim (quite frankly needing the money at the time), and expecting to stick around for a few months while I sought something better. 11 years later I find myself happily in the CEO position, currently undertaking a full company restructure to re-evaluate how we can develop better ways to help our clients in to the future. Jacob Maiore
For more info on Axess, you can visit our website. For more info on my progression at Axess, you can visit my LinkedIn.
As well as this position, I am also a Director of a small Disability Support company (Supportr), which gives me enormous thrill, to be helping others in the community, as well as a Director of a fledgling solar energy company investigating new ways to bring solar and related technology to consumers (Tactical Energy Group).
I also sit on the Assessment Committee of the National Hardship Register, assisting to assess applications for addition to the register, and am an active Non-Executive board member of the Australian Collectors and Debt Buyers Association, working closely with the rest of the Board and CEO to bring value to members and better shape the collections industry.
I enjoy all of my positions immensely. Whilst they keep me very busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being able to talk with so many different people every day, and see so many new situations and problems to be tackled, gives me vast joy.
Why I applied for YCP?
I had seen the adverts and other material for the YCP for years now, and very keenly watched for the last few years, however never actually considered applying myself. To be honest, I think Joshua Mann from CreditorWatch hit the nail on the head in my interview when he asked a question about if I had come across “Imposter Syndrome”.
I think we all come across something like this when we are the younger ones in the workforce. We are never really quite sure when we stop “guessing” and start “knowing”; It wasn’t until I realised that being 29 this year it would be my last opportunity that I bit the bullet. I really wish I had have done it years ago. It was such a rewarding experience, and I cannot overstate how much more confidence I now have in myself having done it.
What being a finalist means to me?
I think the above answer probably says this best.
What I enjoyed about the process?
I think what I enjoyed most was the interview process. I confess I was so nervous I think I was shaking, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend to any future applicants to have an espresso right beforehand – that probably didn’t help the shakes either!
But once I got settled and started talking with Michelle, and got in to the room talking with the panel, I think what really struck me was how enjoyable it was to be able to discuss the industry I love, with a bunch of people who inherently know what I am talking about.
I wasn’t the odd one out in the room anymore, talking about why Credit Management is so important; instead, I was “preaching to the choir”, and came away with some interesting ideas on the basis of some of the questions I was asked, which I wouldn’t have considered beforehand. It really was a great experience meeting and chatting with everyone.
Outside of Work
I’m really not that interesting if I am honest. I love to read – oddly enough I read Court Judgments in my free time, I find the logic of the legal system to be incredibly calming – and probably enjoy my red wine a little too much – but don’t we all!
Otherwise, I am just a normal 29-year-old who probably spends a little too much time on the couch playing Breath of the Wild, or watching rubbish animated comedy. If you asked my 10-month-old dachshund (Humphrey) though, I am sure he would say I work too much, and don’t sit on the couch enough for his liking!
Mitchell Steven
Your current work place and position
I work in the credit office for MM Electrical, a company established in 1916 in Port Kembla to manufacture Copper products in Australia. Today it is Australia’s biggest electrical wholesaler.
Why you applied for YCP?
Mitchell Steven
I just competed a Diploma in Credit Management with the Australian Institute of Credit Management, and heard about the YCP through the institute’s newsletter. Additionally, my manager has been a member of the institute for many years and put me forward to participate.
What being a finalist means to you?
As I have only worked in the credit industry for a little over a year, being a finalist for YCP really solidified my passion for the industry and felt amazing to be recognised for what I have done so far.
What you enjoyed about the process.
I most enjoy the networking experiences and
opportunity to meet likeminded people throughout the process.
A little about you as a person outside of work.
I am recently engaged and in the midst of planning for my wedding next year.
Sponsor Interview
Steven Staatz
Vincents
How long have you been working with Vincents and what is your position in the company?
I have been with Vincents for just over 10 years, and I am the national head of the Insolvency and Reconstruction division.
Tell us a little about Vincents.
Steven Staatz
Vincents is a firm of highly specialised experts on a mission to work with our clients to deliver comprehensive insights into complex situations and enable them to take control of decisions and get the best possible results. Established for over 30 years, our 45 directors and 200+ staff operate nationally from 6 office locations and service our clients Australia-wide – in fact wherever their business interests take them.
We are intentionally and proudly a fully integrated professional services firm, boasting access to expertise that caters for every business need where numbers are involved. From start-up to wind up, our experience and reputation for quality, integrity and timeliness provides services our client can trust.
Why did you choose to be divisional partner in Qld for the AICM?
Our relationship with AICM is one we place a lot of importance on because it gives us a platform to, as experienced insolvency accounting experts, continually aim to help value add and educate members to be in the best position to help their clients navigate difficult times (especially now).
What do you enjoy about attending the social events?
It’s a great way to get involved in the credit community and to learn from and share ideas with likeminded professionals. Now more than ever it’s important that we stick together and use our collective skills to help as many as we can to manage, mitigate and move forward from these challenging times.
What are your interests beside work?
Family and travel.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
Not sure which is most interesting: I have climbed two active volcanoes in two separate countries, or I have a black belt in tae kwon do.
The Australian Institute of Credit Management welcomes our Partners for 2022
National Partners
Divisional Partners
Official Division Supporting Sponsors
Our National, Divisional and Professional Partners support and work with the AICM to promote the Institute’s activities, represent the Credit Industry and develop the careers of all Credit Professionals. As these organisations support your Institute and your Industry please consider them when you require assistance.
