ANZ’s top woman talks about work, gender and motherhood

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 20 June 2017, 12:00AM

The woman driving the success of the ANZ Bank in the Pacific region is pleased about the progress of women in the banking sector on these shores.

Tessa Price, who was in Samoa last week for an ANZ Bank conference, told the Samoa Observer that women have come a long way in the Pacific.

 “It’s a great responsibility as a female leader to try and champion diversity,” she said.

Price, the first female regional bank leader in the Pacific is very impressed with the number of Samoan women rising to the top level. 

“I would say coming to the Pacific, females in management roles and leadership roles particularly in Samoa is very, very strong.

 “However that does not take away the accountability in terms of improving and making sure we create quality for all people.” 

Price, a dynamic financial services executive with 18 years’ of experience, believes communication is a vital tool in her line of work. 

Price was a recipient of an award of Women in Business in Fiji recently. 

“I look back and reflect on why we won that award, yes we were champions we’re talking and we’re promoting however there are some simple things that made a real difference to a working mom. 

“Such as having a nursing room, where a working mom can breastfeed and we hadn’t had that 12 months prior, we simply created a room. 

“This is a result of observation of breastfeeding in the car park.” 

Despite her many roles, at work, Price is a mother of an 11-year-old girl and juggling the schedule between home and work is difficult. 

“It’s really tough, I’m not going to lie. My mother is looking after my 11-year- old daughter. 

“What you try and focus on are the things that are important, that can make a difference. I don’t try and be everywhere. I don’t believe that just being present is enough.” 

Price said for her family to work, teamwork is critical.

“I do leverage my family in terms of helping me as well. I don’t think anyone can do their roles without leaning on their families for help and support.” 

If there’s one thing Price doesn’t do is micromanage. 

“I delegate. You won’t hear from me everyday. Because I believe that you hire people for their capability and you allow them to play a role.” 

She said that method has made her job very easy. 

“A large part of my job is actually people, people and people. If you get the right people, you get the successful people around you then it makes your role and the organization a lot better as well. 

“Juggling is hard, it’s tough, you do miss out on things. And you make choices about what you attend and what you don’t attend. You won’t see me at all events, but you will see me at the important events that I think either I can make a difference and have a voice that will help the organization in the community’s perspective.” 

When Price does make time for her daughter, the 11-year-old is the focus, nothing more. 

“I absolutely, spend time with my daughter. There are certain things, you’ll never see me do such as talking to my daughter and clearing out my emails. 

“If I’m in a room with my daughter I won’t be looking at my phone, if I have to answer a call, I’ll excuse myself. She has my full attention when I’m with her.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 20 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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