Stand out and succeed: Leadership tips for Risk & Compliance - Jan Manigque
As part of our ongoing commitment to our specialist communities, we interview accomplished leaders every month to bring you insights on their career progression and advice that will help you progress your career further.
Jan has 20 years of experience in audit and risk leadership roles within the financial services industry on a global and national scale. Jan functionally reports to the Chair of the Board Audit Committee and administratively to the CEO at Heritage and People’s Choice (HPC). Before HPC, she was with RACQ Group, Bupa Asia, QBE Asia Pacific, Suncorp Group, and Ernst & Young.
Jan’s career to date has allowed her to hone in on her governance and risk management skills, as well as her business acumen and knowledge of the regulations within the industry. Jan has a strong commitment to assisting and encouraging organisations to adopt sound governance practices. She also understands the positive impact that an efficient risk management and control system can have on an organisation's ability to succeed.
Jan takes pride in her contemporary and pragmatic approach and is well known for her ability to transform internal audit and risk management undertakings into ones that create value for the business and cultivate a sound risk culture. Jan operates well in organisations of varying sizes and complexities and is well-versed in communicating with key business stakeholders at all levels.
Jan’s leadership roles and experiences to date have allowed her to coach and mentor teams and individuals of different calibres and backgrounds. Jan has a strong commitment to her team members' continuous development and making sure they have access to the right tools and procedures, as well as coaching and learning opportunities. This, in her opinion, is essential to creating cohesive teams, producing high-performing teams, and succeeding as a team as a whole.
1. What factors do you think have been critical to the success you have achieved in your career?
There are many factors; I can sort them into three main areas. First off, it's really about how you approach things and your personal value system, and I would like to think that my focus, drive, and determination, along with my passion for what I do, are key contributors to what I have achieved today.
Secondly, the leaders and mentors I have had are those who have given me the chance, supported my career, development, and growth, believed in me, and allowed me to learn by doing and delivering. One of the many reasons I am where I am now as a leader is because of the people I have worked with; they trust me to lead them and let me learn from them.
Lastly, my family. They remind me of what’s important and are the reason why I do what I do. They are my checks and balances; they make me realise that it’s okay if things don’t go as planned and to leave that at the office.
2. What's the most valuable piece of advice you have received in your career, and how did it help you?
The most valuable piece of advice I have received is that it is those uncomfortable situations where you learn the most and grow as a person. I think it is essential to learn how to be comfortable approaching those situations and to periodically evaluate if you are putting yourself in those situations.
3. What's the most challenging situation you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Although there have been several challenging situations throughout my career, I would say that the most challenging was in 2016, when we moved overseas for my husband’s work. This was the most challenging because it involved all aspects of my life. I found myself in a new country with a new culture and a new work environment. I had to learn how to juggle taking care of two small children and adjusting to a new job whilst completing my MBA. I think the major factor in overcoming this challenge was the realisation that I needed to be kinder to myself, not aim to be a superwoman and to ask for help.
4. If you were starting your career now, what would you do differently?
If I were starting my career now, I would have started learning how to be kinder to myself earlier on. By kinder, I mean allowing myself to take time off and not always push on to the next challenge, to realise that I am not in competition with others and not feeling like I have to take on every task if my plate is already full. I think it is essential to take the time to learn from one’s experiences and not dwell on mistakes.
