Charmaine Grant is the Head of Relationship Management – Queensland and Northern Territory for the Institute of Managers and Leaders, Australia and New Zealand and she is one of the most proactive and supportive women that I have ever come across, so is no doubt in the perfect role. The IML is committed to assisting businesses in a number of leadership and management areas, with programs that are recognised globally and Charmaine is dedicated and focused to building the awareness of these programs and working with businesses to help them achieve their business and professional development goals. Charmaine also has a strong events background, is highly driven and motivated… the perfect person to have on your team!

Charmaine, tell us a little bit about you and what drives and motivates you…

An Affiliation I live by is Be Bold, Be Kind and Be Brave. I didn’t need to find my purpose as my purpose in life found me.

I have a high level of self-motivation and this is evident in my sporting and professional achievements. I have been honoured to represent NSW in a sport I love – Dragon Boat racing as a member of the NSW Premier team 2011/12, 2012/13 & 2013/14.

I have managed and organised many hospitality sporting events from Australian Open (2014), Super Rugby (2014 & 2015 across all states), Wallabies – French series (2014), Bledisloe Cup (2013, 2014 & 2015), South Africa and Argentina games (2013, 2014 & 2015), HSBC Sevens (Gold Coast 2013 & 2014) and (Sydney 2016) for the Retail Banking and Wealth Management (RBWM) business at HSBC Australia.

I’m growing year after year and possibilities are endless in what I can continue to achieve.

Tell us about your corporate background and what inspired you to work at IML?

I’m a people’s person and have always been passionate about working in the communications and events industry. What inspired me to work with IML was having the opportunity to work for a non-profit membership organisation who are the gold standard-setting professional body for management and leadership competence and excellence.
In the last 76 years, they have been supporting professionals on their leadership journey in keeping with their vision – “Creating better managers and leaders for a better society”. I am really aligned to this and proud to be leading the Relationship team across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

You must meet lots of interesting business people in your role – what do you think are the traits of a good leader?

• Communication – it’s the key to a good leader, clear and concise communication allows your team to be aligned to your strategy and overall outcomes to be achieved. Honesty and Integrity are the building blocks for building trust, thus creating a more productive relationship.
• Positivity – people are drawn to positivity; a positive attitude is contagious. Being surrounded and led in a happy healthy environment, creates more positive people and everyone will work harder as they are happier within themselves.
• Collaboration – leads to your team trusting you and believing and support the vision of the organisation. Collaboration is powerful as it creates transparency and connection.
• Commitment – leading by example, getting involved and working alongside your team shows your passion and this inspires your team to create, work hard and respect you as their leader, productivity increases.
• Innovation – encourages your team to share their ideas, being open to change and listening other people’s thoughts are ways for a leader to look at the benefits of implementing a new concept to an organisation.

Why is on-going professional and personal development so important?

On-going professional and personal development is important as individuals need to be engaged by being challenged and growing skills.  Highlighting strengths and weaknesses is a great way to find areas of improvement for your personal and professional development. By attending a workshop/conference or utilising a professional development tool will allow you to grow and nurture your career goals.

How do regional business managers do things differently to metropolitan/city based managers?

Regional managers need to be adaptable to the circumstances or situations happening on a local front with a region. They usually live and breathe the region whereas a metro manager might work in the city where opportunities and resources are readily available but may not live and breathe it as they live outside of their work environment.

It does depend on circumstances as a metro manager may be within an established city but they do still have to add value to it and for a regional manager they may need to nurture and grow the region by establishing their footprint.

And what’s next for Charmaine Grant?

2019 is the year for me to continue to shine my light on my team and the communities I work with by empowering and inspiring them to be better managers and leaders within society. I want to share my passion for aspiring women in leadership that anything and everything is possible by just embracing it.

What do you do in your ‘down time’?

As the founder of the Gypsy Moon Tribe, I nourish, support and guide our souls through this amazing wonderful journey of life via the art of mediation. Life is always about cherishing moments, remembering to breathe, smile and embrace. Loving your mind, body and soul.

Share with us your best business tip for success?

Take care of yourself – your physical and mental health is the most important thing in your life. By getting a good night’s sleep, spending time with family and friends, eating well and having a healthy work/life balance will see your business flourish and no chance of you burning out!

Favourite movie and why?

Under the Tuscan Sun – the scenery in this film can make even a cloudy day, see the sun shine.
It also signals to me that opportunities in life are endless and the only limitations that you have are the ones you place on yourself, to never ever give up as any struggles and challenges throw at you only make way for you to grow from strength to strength.

To find out more about about the Institute of Managers and Leaders head to:

https://managersandleaders.com.au/

Social Media
@ManagersandLeaders

and to check out more on the SHINE Business Women / IML ANZ partnership:

https://shinebusinesswomen.com/iml/