Human on the Inside with Fifo Capital’s Cameron Lovell
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Cameron, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight.
You’re currently Head of Customer and Sales Operations for Fifo Capital.
In 1 sentence, what does this role entail?
Cameron Lovell: My role is to enhance our business experience and enable growth.
M: Your impressive career boasts a deep pedigree in financial services. It all kicked off in 2011 with GE Capital in Brisbane as a Team Leader within the Credit Card Collections division. A year later you moved to a similar role within the Lending division, and after another 12 months or so, were promoted to Partnerships Manager based in Melbourne.
GE Capital transitioned to Latitude Financial Services in 2015, and you commenced an impressive six year tenure with Latitude Financial. Through this time you held several roles within the organisation including Partnerships Manager, Program & Operations Manager, Regional Growth Leader & finally, State Sales Leader (VIC).
In early 2021 you moved to Moula as Head of Partnerships, and just eight months later, were promoted to Head of Growth & Partnerships.
Your next similar role was with Leda (Aug 2022-Jul 23), but in 2024 you tried your hand in Employee Benefits for ASX Listed SmartGroup Corporation.
Prior to joining Fifo a few months ago, you enjoyed consulting in Sales & BD for several Aussie clients, including Maxme!
How does all this speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
CL: I was very fortunate to build my career at GE, a company renowned for fostering development in its staff. GE also put great stock in innovation and collaboration. I was able to progress my career through GE/Latitude and develop a very rounded view of business operations through many functions, working with great people. This was a perfect environment for me because I'm a very curious person with a love for learning and finding new ways of doing things.
I’ve harnessed that purpose and drive in my various career roles since, actively pursuing opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses to enhance experiences.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
CL: At university I obtained a Bachelor of Business, and through work I have been supported in completing Diplomas in Advanced Leadership, Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, in addition to qualifications in Simplean, Six Sigma, and facilitating group innovation and creativity.
I think all of these qualifications are very complimentary to my current career. Specifically though, I strongly believe that the qualifications I received during my career and the opportunities I’ve had to execute learnings on the job have helped me turn theories into valuable skills.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
CL: People may not always remember the words you say, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Take the time to truly get to know the people you work with and build meaningful connections. While hitting performance goals is important, remember that without fostering strong relationships and true collaboration, you're limiting your potential.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?
CL: If I can be so bold to make a broad brush statement that many businesses and people are currently feeling the effects of a contracted economy. This brings pressure, and stress.
In such times, human skills could not be more important. For example:
Staying balanced as a leader in the face of performance pressures; managing difficult conversations with a customer who may have fallen in arrears on their account; bouncing back from a setback when the sales opportunity fell through; working as a team to implement new processes in your business; recognising strengths in people and creating a platform for them to contribute in new ways.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal superpower?
CL: Honesty. I’m authentic - I keep my promises and don’t beat around the bush. People know where they stand with me. This means I thrive when I’m doing work that is aligned to my values and it allows me to “walk my talk”.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
CL: It would also be Honesty. I recognise that while this is a strength of mine, if I overdo it, it could become a weakness. I risk coming across as too blunt. Linking back to one of my previous comments, I’ve worked hard on the way I communicate for hearts and minds.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work in the field of sales &/or business development, what would it be?
CL: Be authentic and always approach a conversation with a client with the intent of understanding their challenges to find a solution.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your business, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
CL: I’m looking for the person who:
asks questions with the intent to understand;
can communicate with impact; and
talks about their interests outside of work.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
CL: There are so many things I want to learn. The two that are at the top of my list are: reteaching myself Backgammon. My Dad taught me when I was young, but I’ve not played in years. I also have a voucher to do a woodworking class which I’m very excited about starting.
Ready to develop the human skills within your organisation, team or self? Explore our menu of Maxme Products & Programs or simply download the Hodie app to get started today.
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