"Resilient, Persistent and also Consistent": Q&A with REST's Matt Russell
Matt Russell learnt a thing of two about 'how to handle difficult situations' in his very first job during the petrol strikes of his youth. Since then he has worked with some of Australia's largest fund managers and, this month, joins REST Super as the super fund's new head of employer engagement. Matt speaks to Industry Moves about the lessons he has taken from his diverse career, shares his thoughts on the makings of a good leader and tells us how he keeps a clear head in both his personal and work life.
Matt Russell learnt a thing of two about 'how to handle difficult situations' in his very first job during the petrol strikes of his youth. Since then he has worked with some of Australia's largest fund managers and, this month, joins REST Super as the super fund's new head of employer engagement. Matt speaks to Industry Moves about the lessons he has taken from his diverse career, shares his thoughts on the makings of a good leader and tells us how he keeps a clear head in both his personal and work life.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role with REST?
The opportunity to be part of a team that's focussed and committed to building market-leading superannuation offerings that help improve the retirement outcomes of its members and helps position employers as genuine employers of choice.
What attracted you to the position?
What struck with me was the team's clear vision to grow its footprint with employers by helping to make superannuation an important employee value proposition. REST makes substantial investment into its people, technology, education and advice to support members engage with their superannuation fund and help them make informed decisions that will ultimately benefit them. This is the type of fund that I'm looking forward to being a part of.
What are your thoughts on creating project based teams that work together on a short-term basis as opposed to traditional organisational frameworks?
I believe there's a place for both in the modern workplace. Project teams are effective when there are certain initiatives that need to be addressed within set parameters such as time constraints, a strategic change or competitive challenge. Traditional organisational frameworks work well to ensure clear decision making, clarity in roles and responsibilities, certainty for customers. That is not to say these structures should be rigid - you have to allow for change within the environment and give people freedom to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences.
In your opinion, what makes for an effective leader?
Effective leaders set a clear vision and purpose. They encourage people to take on responsibility and make decisions but are available to coach, mentor and empathise - providing direction when needed. It's also important that a leader demonstrates emotional intelligence. People will generally respond well and deliver great outcomes if given opportunity to work in an environment which fosters these elements. A good leader will also have to be prepared to make some tough decisions with the long term interests of the business, its employees and customers in mind.
You've had a very interesting career so far, joining REST from Global Therapeutics and previously working for Mercer, Perpetual and Nikko AM, amongst others. What has been the greatest lesson that you've taken from your career so far?
I've learnt that no one can be the fountain of knowledge all the time. It's important to listen to people - you learn so much more that way and it shows that you're interested and care. You also have to be prepared to learn from the situations you find yourself in and the environment or marketplace that you operate in. A number of traits that have helped me along the way include being resilient, persistent and also consistent in what you do. And finally, don't take yourself too seriously!
What was your very first job?
I worked at a petrol station as a driveway attendant - petrol was 25c a litre and 'smokes' were $1 a pack back then. We also had regular petrol strikes in those days which really taught a young bloke a thing or two about how to handle difficult situations. I learnt a lot about customer service from those early experiences which I've carried through my career.
Who has had the greatest influence on your life/career so far?
I was lucky to spend a lot of time with my grandparents as a kid and young man. They lived through depressions, world wars and all sorts of other big challenges in life. They ensured that I valued family, friends and the types of opportunities that we have today. Mostly they taught me to respect others and treat others as I wanted to be treated.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I'm an avid mountain biker which helps clear my head and serves as a great workout too. I recently returned from a trip to Mt Buller where I did some great alpine tracks. My family and I are pretty active, living on the northern beaches of Sydney where we spend a lot of time in the surf as well. I believe it's really important for people to have a good balance in life, whether it's exercise, the arts, family time or whatever the interest might be - it also helps support work performance and helps to build a better-rounded individual.
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
I'm a supporter of the Clown Doctors / and CanTeen , two great causes that do some incredible work.
