LIZ FERRY Investor and Community Relations, GB Bank
What were your career ambitions growing up?
In my younger years I always wanted to go into teaching, however my time at senior school soon put me off that as a career as I saw first-hand how tough it could be. I was reminded again during lockdown when the schools closed that it wouldn’t have been for me as my own children quickly turned me right off it. Teachers are awesome.
Tell us about your current role?
I’ve been with GB Bank from the early days when I first joined as Executive Assistant and Office Manager, and I’ve had the privilege to be part of the project from vision to licence (received in late 2021), which has given me a lot of exposure in many different areas. My current role allows me to be much more focused in specific project delivery, but I still get to work with all the GB Bank team and not lose touch with my favourite stakeholders. Building communities is what we strive to do, and I try to do that with everyone I work with. It feels amazing to be part of a team that purposely goes all out to make a difference.
What is your proudest business achievement?
It sounds cheesy but it’s as simple as achieving what we set out to do. I’ve been super lucky to have done that many times and even the simple wins feel as special as the big ones.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
I’ve worked in different industries over the last decade, and I think they’ve all changed so much mainly with regards to technology/connectivity. The biggest change I have seen from the world of work (and I joined it at 15 years old) is that the professional stiffness has nearly gone – and that is such a good thing. The diversity of the workforce with gender/age and cultures is wonderfully refreshing. So much good comes from truly genuine conversations now and I love it.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a few things that feed into the future strategies for the bank alongside community and communication projects. Launching a bank keeps everyone busy in a really positive way. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Always write an email like it will be read out loud to an audience (or in court – yikes!).
What has been your biggest challenge?
It’s a mixture between regret and challenge. I regret not furthering my education at university and consequently my biggest challenge has always been to prove my value by feeling like I must work harder than everyone else. It can be a positive quality but also exhausting.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister for New Zealand, is a remarkable female leader. She’s incredibly natural and authentic.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I relax predominately through holidays or just being outside in fresh air (preferably in warm weather) – but I’ll take any kind of outside therapy that I can.
Favourite Book and Boxset?
I loved Grey’s Anatomy, Suits and Mad Men. I have lots of favourite books but The Color Purple and The Book Thief are up in the top 10.
