The Searchers Guide to working with Debt
A podcast for Searchers and the EtA community to demystify being a CEO working with Australian debt requirements.
Through my experiences of a career so far in Banking, Consulting and Debt Advisory, I have found there to be a significant conceptual gap in the understanding of how banks and lenders work at different levels of the market and what to consider in being a CEO or board member for the first time.
Season 1: What's inside the Black Box?
In support of the ETA community and the ETA forum, I’ve asked some of my colleagues to help me explain some of the concepts that will help searchers and first-time CEO navigate the Australian SME lending market and what to consider in stepping into the CEO role.
Season 2: How to Navigate Business Turbulence; panel introductions
I will be hosting a panel discussion with a number of experienced finance professionals seeking their views on how debt providers Navigate Business Turbulence.
Ahead of the ETA forum, we will connect with each member of the panel and provide some background and context to who will be part of the group.
The Searchers Guide to working with Debt
Cindy Batchelor – Business start-ups working with SME banks – what should you think about in working with an SME banking partner?
In this episode, Cindy Batchelor discusses transitioning from leading Australia's most prominent business banking division to launching her small business start-up, Spiritum Scrubs. Cindy's executive background includes executive leadership roles in banking, being the Executive General Manager of Nab Business, Australia's prominent business banking business for over four years and international experience in an Asian private bank, building and transferring leadership capabilities in the Asian banking sector.
Cindy's recent professional engagements include serving as the Deputy CEO of the Australian Red Cross and currently as the Chair of Auto and General Insurance, overseeing well-known brands like Budget Direct, iSelect and Compare the Market.
The core focus of the podcast is on Spiritum Scrubs, Cindy's innovative start-up venture. Spiritum Scrubs aims to address the needs of healthcare professionals, particularly women, by creating specialised medical scrubs. These scrubs prioritise breathability, functionality, and style. The start-up also includes a well-being component, Spiritum Well-Being, which offers guidance and support to healthcare professionals beyond attire.
Cindy emphasises the importance of leveraging strengths, partnerships, and networks when embarking on an entrepreneurial journey. She underscores the significance of maintaining a realistic but optimistic mindset and highlights the learning curve of starting a business.
Furthermore, Cindy sheds light on the values driving Spiritum Scrubs, including courage, integrity, connection, and sparkle. These values underpin the business's commitment to positively impacting and fostering personal growth within the healthcare community.
The podcast also explores the process of selecting an SME banking partner. Cindy shares insights into considerations CEOs and boards should consider, such as building solid relationships with banks and understanding delegation of authority frameworks.
Cindy's unique insight, from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, is an inspiring example of pursuing passion and purpose. The discussion provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating the challenges and opportunities of working with banks in the business world.
