DIANE Campbell is the acting manager at the Santa Cruz Branch for VM Group. She shares details on her journey to building a solid professional career while maintaining admirable leadership traits.

AW: As a leader, how would you describe your leadership strategy and style?

DC: I would describe my leadership style as a mix of transformational and participative. As a transformational leader, I encourage, inspire and motivate my team to innovate and create changes that help to shape success. I inspire my team members to offer creative solutions without micromanagement as I trust trained team members to resolve challenges in their assigned jobs. As a participative leader, I include my team in decision making which helps them to feel valued and appreciated. I’m guided by Matthew 23 vs 11 which reminds me of how to be great, by being a servant leader.

AW: How are you able to manoeuvre through such a demanding space and move up the ranks to now being where you are professionally?

DC: Growing professionally in a fast-paced environment like this requires laser sharp focus and consistency. I aim to set myself apart through understanding of self. The more I am able to master myself, the more I leverage my strengths and improve on my weaknesses.

It is equally important to have the right character traits and be able to communicate respectfully, irrespective of the status of the individual with whom I’m communicating. Every interaction counts for me, as these encounters will speak to the nature of the person I am and ultimately my character. I commit to my promises which helps to build trust among my clients, peers and leaders, while displaying confidence and creativity on the job. I have taken the time to build my professional credibility and have shown that I am reliable. That is why people trust me with business and other opportunities.

It would be remiss of me, if I did not share that my faith in God has carried me through many challenging periods. Not all battles are won, but with faith in God I can regroup and re-strategise to keep moving forward. You only fail when you give up.

AW: What does success mean for you, and has your idea of success changed in any stage of your career?

DC: Success to me is not defined by material gains or accolades, but more about being able to enjoy what I do while accomplishing my dreams. My idea of success has not changed at the different stages of my career, as I am l able to function in my God given destiny while pursuing my dreams.

AW: What is your long-term professional goal and how do you see yourself getting there?

DC: My long-term professional goal is to become an executive leader here at VM Building Society, where I will be in a position to influence policies and procedures that will improve our services to our external and internal members. I plan to accomplish this by engaging in various career development and training opportunities, as well as by alignment with industry leaders who can provide the necessary mentorship for corporate growth. I also plan to volunteer and serve on different committees in an effort to widen my expertise and knowledge of the industry.

AW: What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt in your pursuit of success?

DC: As a team player, sometimes you will be required to “take one for the team”. This requires putting aside my own agenda to focus on the greater good of the team.