Interview attire usually consists of a dress shirt and jacket. It’s less common to also don a baby carrier sporting a 2-month-old, yet this is how I walked into the Community Bank Samford boardroom over a year ago to discuss my eligibility for a content writer role.
As a certified social enterprise, Pine Rivers Community Finance owns and operates Community Bank Samford, which has given back over $2 million in grants and sponsorships to organisations supporting the local area. In addition to advocating for the greater community, the bank also walks the walk within its four walls, offering staff a flexible work environment that fosters outstanding staff results.
Meeting with Director, MaryAnne Morgan and Senior Branch Manager, Mandy Bell, I had hoped a sleeping newborn would allow me to discuss the relevance of my experience. Baby Isabelle didn’t read the memo though, resulting in much room pacing while I described my capabilities as a writer.
MaryAnne and Mandy remained unfazed at baby Isabelle’s needs, and continued to evaluate me on my content ideas rather than seeing someone who couldn’t do the job due to the added task of regular night feeds on my latest position description.
Employing the best people for the job no matter what stage of life they’re in is something Senior Branch Manager Mandy Bell is passionate about.
“I have a branch that is over half parents and as a parent myself I know how many school activities I have missed due to work hours. I want my parents to have the space to be able to watch their children grow up,” Mandy said.
Despite Isabelle’s late nights and early mornings, I never missed a deadline. As my little one grows into an active toddler, I remain grateful for the opportunity to work with the talented and supportive Community Bank Samford team which recently ranked top branch in Queensland for branch lending growth and top branch for overall performance in the latest financial year.
“I have only recently stated to the board that I have been a leader for over 16 years and my current team are the most engaged and passionate about what we do that I have ever had. The culture and morale of the team are incredible. We work really hard for our customers and our community, but we also love to have fun as a team,” Mandy said.
The branch offers three wellbeing days and opportunities to purchase extra leave, with Mandy also a big advocate for diversity and inclusion in celebrating the different cultures represented in the business, including Columbian Day and Scottish holidays.
“The staff always give their time to work in the community and having a morning or afternoon off work enables me to give back to them for their dedication to our community.”
By content writer, Tanya Hall.
