CEO Q&A: Chris Corneil

What’s your top tip for managing a business?

I subscribe to ‘first who, then how’. Business is easier when you start with the right group of people working together.

How has your industry changed in the past five years?

The financial services industry has come under scrutiny over the past five years. This has come in the form of more media attention, regulatory attention and general dissatisfaction within the community. Out of this period I believe the industry will grow stronger and become more focused on developing financial solutions that are tailored to individual investors.

What has been the most challenging task of your professional career?

Moving into the chief executive role [during] the GFC has been a personal and professional challenge. I feel like I have lived ‘dog years’ over the past three-plus years however [it] has been rewarding. There was so much uncertainty yet it was an opportunity to ignite the change we needed in our business.

Where do your best ideas come from?

Most of the ideas I’ve conjured up have invariably started with an idea that has come from conversations or ideas generated outside of the work environment. In fact, some of my most creative ideas have come when I have been playing the guitar or painting.

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