BDM in the Spotlight: Sara Phuah

This week's ANZ BDM for NSW has been with the bank six and a half years.

ANZ BDM for NSW, Sara Phuah, has been with the bank six and a half years. 

BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same seven questions – giving you a weekly insight into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.

How often do you see brokers in a week? 
At least four out of five days I’ll try to see brokers, building relationships face to face with my brokers is really important and an aspect of this job I thoroughly enjoy, so the more time spent on the road the better.

What do broker want most from you? 
Responsivness and knowledge, brokers are a busy bunch of people so the quicker I can get back to them, the quicker they can response to their clients. Also transparency, it’s imperative I provide clear, concise information about processes, policies and scenarios.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Meeting new people, I’m very much a bubbly person and love to talk so getting out, seeing brokers and networking is definitely my favourite part of this job. Oddly enough, I also love the problem solving aspect of it. When something turns a little pear shaped being able to pick it up, run with it and solve it is a great feeling.

What distinguished the best brokers you deal with? 
The ability to clearly articulate a lending scenario by providing all the information upfront for a clean first touch approval process.

Describe your ideal weekend. 
Sunny skies and a hike, followed by dinner at a new restaurant with friends! I’m a bit of a foodie so I’m always sussing out new places to eat.

What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered? 
I think this is more funny than strange although I had a broker swear to me that the rural residential security he wanted to use wasn’t a farm although when I got hold of the valuation there were photos of sheep drinking from the dam!

How do you like your steak done? 
Yum, steak! Bloody with a side of gravy!

Every Wednesday we’ll feature a different BDM from across Australia. If you’d like to be included, please email the editor.