STRATEGIC BANKING Stefanie COLEMAN (2001

Stefanie COLEMAN (2001)

Catching the travel bug during her university years was more than a transient phase for Old Girl Stefanie COLEMAN (2001) – she knew that living and working abroad was her future. Here, Stefanie tells us why getting “comfortable being uncomfortable” is key to a successful career away from home.

Tell us what you have been up to since graduating from SCEGGS.

Since leaving SCEGGS, I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) following a brief stint studying law at the Australian National University. In those years, I would work during my summer holidays as a ski instructor in the US which is probably where I caught the travel bug to not just visit, but live and work abroad. I went to France in 2006 as an English language assistant for almost a year and then made my way to London where I started my management consulting career – not knowing back then that it would lead me to where I am today. My consulting career has taken me to several roles across the globe, including Dubai and the Middle Eastern region, back home to Sydney and finally to New York where my husband, Philip, was raised and where I am currently raising my two little girls (six and three years). It has been a fabulous 21 years since leaving SCEGGS, dotted with a lot of international adventure. I am lucky that we can make regular trips back to Australia and spend time with my family and oldest friends. Like so many others, I still call Australia home.

Was banking and finance something you always had an interest in?

I specialise in the banking and capital markets sector, giving advice to mostly large banks on workforce and human capital issues. Given the criticality of the banking system to our global economy and to the economic prosperity of countries and communities, I find it rewarding to help banks deliver on their strategies and social commitments. I am also motivated by the role of banks in advancing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda through capabilities and programs such as sustainable finance, climate risk management and financial inclusion. There is also a lot of innovation taking place across the sector via digital banking, crypto-currency and emerging fin-tech, which makes the sector an exciting place to be.

You have worked in various cities including London, Dubai and now New York. How has the experience of working in different countries impacted your career?

Being able to live and work abroad is such a gift and my global experiences have definitely

contributed to my professional life. In particular, my global career has helped me become very adaptable and culturally dexterous. For example, I’ve learned over the years that getting “comfortable” being “uncomfortable” is productive and that change, no matter how big or small, is beneficial. I’ve also found that operating in new cultures, which adhere to different practices and norms, is very helpful in being an inclusive and empathetic leader. support environmental and social outcomes. From a workforce perspective, several banks are projecting long term skill needs as well as modelling long term workforce requirements so that targeted talent strategies can be put in place. Finally, an emphasis on employee flexibility and wellness in the workforce (be it physical, financial or mental) has emerged – particularly given the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are some of the key trends emerging within the finance industry as it adapts to the changing nature of the workforce?

One trend in the financial services sector is focused on digital transformation – there is a lot of work underway to digitise the client experience and streamline operations. I’m also seeing momentum around ESG, like I mentioned before, where firms are focused on building capabilities that

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving your career goals?

As I say to my teams: 1) Don’t focus on what you don’t know, focus on what you do know. 2) You can drop the rubber balls, but don’t drop the crystal ball. 3) It takes a village – balancing life as a mum, wife and businesswoman is not a solo act! 4) Aim high!