Giving back is confidence-boosting

Roslyn is a boomerang, who was drawn back to Westpac by the prospect of building on her branch experience to learn something new. Now, in her current role she’s a conduit between the business and the programs that help bankers create better futures for their customers.

 

Sounds exciting. And it is. Although that’s not the only passion that gets Roslyn out of bed and into work. Her passion is closer to home.

 

As a proud mother and banker she strongly believes in the importance of teaching children how to make smart money choices.

 

“Financial literacy is a bit of a maze to children. We can help to make the path clearer”.

 

Roslyn brought financial literacy to the table, quite literally, for her two adult children. She would regularly speak about how money management is a powerful tool to making big bucket-list moments happen. And they did. From buying their first homes to funding overseas adventures, Roslyn’s children have experienced the benefits of being more financially aware.

 

But why stop there. Roslyn knew she could make a difference to more than just two people. That’s why she took the initiative and contacted a local high school offering to give students a session about financial literacy. It was an easy yes, for them.

 

But it wouldn’t be so easy for Roslyn. How can a self-titled introvert gain the confidence to talk to some of life’s harshest critics, teenagers?

 

Roslyn found the perfect supportive platform: morning and afternoon branch huddles. Here, in these huddles she was able to practise speaking in front of people; learning to project her voice and speak with confidence. It was a safe space with a friendly audience.

 

And, when it came to the big day, she had a captive crowd who didn’t consider finances to be boring anymore. Far from it. Being financially aware became exciting, empowering and a means to create better futures for themselves.

 

“Understanding money can make the transition into adulthood that much more exciting”.

 

Roslyn’s passion is infectious. Other branch members have gone on to talk at more local high schools. And even, in her current role, she continues to speak in the classroom winning over more young adults about the importance of being financially aware.

 

As an avid learner, here’s what Roslyn has discovered; when you advocate for others, you get so much more back. Roslyn always had a voice, and with the backing of her team and leaders over the years, it’s become a powerful one.

 

#WeAreWestpac #WeAdvocate