New Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms, came into effect on 1 July, prompting agencies around the country to train staff and implement new systems and processes.
Barry Plant’s Directors spent that day in Queenstown, New Zealand, at the network’s annual Leadership Conference.
According to Barry Plant, every office in the network had already enrolled with AUSTRAC, been onboarded to the group’s compliance platform, implemented the required policies and procedures, completed training and updated privacy documentation three weeks before the deadline, under a hybrid compliance model the group says was built specifically for the network.
Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell said the preparation meant Directors could use the conference for leadership development, strategic planning and networking rather than fielding compliance questions.
“While much of the industry was focused on getting ready for 1 July, our Directors were able to spend that time investing in themselves, investing in each other and investing in the future of the business,” Lisa said.
“That only happens because we choose to prepare early. We don’t wait for change to happen to us. We do the work before it’s required so that when change arrives, we’re already looking ahead.”
Lisa said the conference felt different this year.
“Many directors said this was the most unified this group has felt in a very long time,” she said.
“There’s a genuine feeling that we’re all pulling in the same direction. People are curious, they’re collaborative, they’re excited by new ideas, and they’re committed to helping each other succeed.”
Barry Plant Emerald Director Justin Barrot, who has attended several Leadership Conferences, said this was the best one he’d been to.
“Everyone was really united and connected. People were openly sharing ideas, talking about what was working in their businesses and helping each other get better,” Justin said.
Justin said direct access to Barry Plant’s head office team was a highlight.
“I sat down with Lisa, Kyrstie, Akshay and Krissie to work through our business plan for the next 12 months. Those conversations alone made the trip worthwhile,” he said. “Being a sole Director can be a lonely place. Coming away knowing there’s someone I can call to help solve almost any challenge gives you a lot of confidence.”
Barry Plant Wantirna Director Brendan Murphy, who has attended seven Leadership Conferences since 2011, said the event brought Directors together to plan strategically.
“It brought Directors from right across the network together to explore how we can best shape the Barry Plant group over the next 12 months,” Brendan said. “Those strategic conversations are incredibly valuable because everyone is working towards the same goal.”
Brendan said the conference’s three keynote speakers returned to a common theme.
“All three keynote speakers came back to the same idea: putting your people first. Having a strong culture and putting people before profit is what creates long-term success, and it was great to see that message reinforced throughout the conference.”
Not everything went to plan – a hotel boiler failure midway through the conference left delegates rationing hot water in the Queenstown winter.
Lisa said the group’s reaction to the setback reflected its culture.
“It became a bit of a metaphor for who we are. Things don’t always go to plan. You can either complain about it, or you can make the most of it,” she said. “Nobody threw their toys out of the cot. Almost everyone just got on with it, looked after each other and enjoyed the experience.”
Justin said more than 60 offices used the conference to compare notes on shared challenges, and he came away with a clearer plan for his business.
“We came back with a new business plan, clearer roles for our team and a real focus on building a better business, not just a more transactional one,” he said. “I honestly got more out of the conference than I would have from a week back in the office.”
Lisa said the network’s focus remains on strengthening existing offices rather than expanding its footprint.
“Our priority isn’t putting more dots on the map. It’s helping every office perform at its absolute best. We’ve built something really connected, and that’s where the opportunity lies.”