Name: David Coulter

Title: Chief Financial Officer

Organisation: Praemium

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope David's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Congruence and accountability. Do what you say you will do. Take responsibility when things don't work and learn from them. Share success with your team. They will have done the majority of the work and appreciate recognition and opportunity above all else.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

VISION is what you aspire to and MISSION is, very broadly, how you get there. The vision of financial advice for all Australians supported by the mission of providing technology which makes providing it substantially easier.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Trust them to do the right thing because you know you've picked well.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

Not without asking them

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Do the basics really well. Consult with your team daily. Never be afraid to ask questions.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

Build plans around Board meetings. They are the shareholders' representatives after all.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

Go on holiday for at least four weeks straight and watch your workplace NOT fall apart. Learn from that.