mercer site visit

The LIP visited Mercer this week for a tour of their impressive new facilities and a leadership discussion hosted by Client and Member Services Leader and LIP Alumni Matthew Bailey. The new workspaces, modelled on those in Mercer’s parent company Marsh McLellan’s overseas sites including New York and the United Kingdom contain up to the minute technology and meeting spaces. The hot-desk and locker system has enabled the adoption of an efficient hybrid work model and has been coupled with five-star hotel inspired interior decorating and amazing views of Wollongong in all directions.
 
Matthew shared the story of his leadership journey with the business, spanning over 15 years from previous roles at Coniston based Pillar Administration to Mercer who acquired the business in 2016.
 
Matt explained Mercer’s strategy and values and how the organisation fits with the parent company, US based Marsh McLellan and its other international businesses Marsh, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman.

Through a series of leadership questions and answers we learned more about Matthew’s leadership priorities and personal strategies including:

• The value he has gained from working in a multinational organisation with a substantial presence across the Pacific. It gives access to a wide range of highly competent leaders to learn from and he is continually growing from new challenges.
• The biggest outcome from completing the Leadership Illawarra Program was the network it offered, understanding of how the region works, meeting and having access to members of prominent organisations.
• He was attracted to leadership roles by the scope he could see to influence and develop others, in the same way this occurs in the sporting arena with coaches, team captains and mentors that he was already familiar with.
• Backing yourself is critical “Have Belief. Back Yourself. Back Your Abilities”. At first glance there were roles throughout his journey that he did not know if he would be suited to and have the skills for but upon taking the leap and moving into the roles he realised he was absolutely competent. Matthew encouraged the LIP to use this approach - if you are “not 100% sure, back yourself anyway”. A concept that many wrestle with.
• Matthew maintains a healthy work/life balance with daily exercise and staff at Mercer are encouraged to make use of the well appointed on-site facilities to support them to exercise before or after work.

 
Thank you to Sarah Ockenden, LIP participant and Mercer Customer Services Lead for arranging our visit and Lucy Timpano for delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the LIP. Lucy thanked Matthew for bringing in focus the ‘imposter syndrome’ many of us suffer from and providing extra encouragement to back ourselves as we go forward with our careers.

Sarah Ockenden and Matthew Bailey