Illuminate with KATE WOOD-FOYE
THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL E N T R E P R E N E U R S , I N N O V AT O R S , LEADERS AND GAME CHANGERS.
Les Bailey is a high performing, driven and above all humble leader who has traversed the world of finance etching an impactful career in an evolving banking industry. His dedication to his team and to creating a culture for enabling and encouraging others to shine, is a trademark for the Chief Operating Officer of Regional Australia Bank, who is usually more comfortable behind the lens than in the limelight. Not afraid of risk he helps others back themselves to be their absolute best.
L
es, can you share your journey into finance and to your current role as COO for Regional Australian Bank? Where did it all begin? My journey was an unconventional one, I first entered the finance industry by joining the Board of Holiday Coast Credit Union. At the time I was the CEO of a small chain of IGA supermarkets and the Board were looking for a younger perspective. After six years on the Board, I resigned to join the business as the Chief Risk Officer. I’ve now spent 16 years in many executive roles including Company Secretary, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Transformation Officer and now the Chief Operating Officer.
114 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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LES
BAILEY C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R , REGIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK.
Your journey in retail led to one of many banking? pinnacle moments as National IGA Store Like retail, banking is all about people. My Manager of the Year – you achieved this roles have been at a strategic level of the in your early twenties and it was a sign business and while that has required a certain of things to come. What have been some degree of technical ability, helping people has of the highlights on always been at the heart your professional of what I do. I believe journey? you can always build Leadership is Being recognised at the skills you need to do not about you, a national level was any task, however if you it’s about those humbling yet energising have a good attitude around you and how to help me see what and a person-centric you can contribute was possible in life. perspective you can to them being the What I’ve learnt over achieve anything you set best they can be. the years however is your mind towards. that how I contribute You have been a to the lives of others mentor for many was far more important to me than what I through your leadership roles with the achieve. I would have to say the most valuable bank and also with the incredible work highlights have undoubtedly been when one you do with youth at Luminosity each of my team or colleagues achieved something year, sharing your expertise to ensure they previously didn’t think was possible. their own journeys into their professional How did you traverse the jump from lives or starting their own business are retail into the world of finance and built on a strong financial foundation.
