Tom Cadden is the National Sales Manager at Plenti, a fintech lender providing Australians with faster, fairer loans through smart technology.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I’ve been working in financial services for 14 years, with 11 of those in sales roles, both in the UK and Australia. My previous companies were a UK top 5 leasing company, second largest car loan lender and more recently, Plenti
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
10% looking back at what happened yesterday and 90% looking at today, the rest of the week, the rest of the month. As a people manager my role is to develop our staff and ensure they have the tools & knowledge to succeed in their given roles.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I can work from anywhere. It’s been a challenge mixing up the routine throughout the last 18 months, but one I’ve found interesting.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
I moved from the UK to Australia to improve my quality of life, and my current role certainly allows that. My manager has a strict 7am-7pm contact time, which means we don’t receive emails or calls outside of this time. This allows us to switch off
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
The last 12m has been disruptive, and routine has been hard to embed. But with WFH recently I am using the 7-8am time every day to be outside. Whether that be running, cycling, walking, swimming or surfing I am trying to make the most of the additional time in the morning.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and Atomic Habits by James Clear are my two go-to books. If you’re after more of a story, Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike is an epic read. I can also be a sucker for the Equity Mates podcast as a wannabe Warren Buffett.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
My Apple Watch. I was so reluctant to get one as I spent far too much time glued to my phone. But the watch has allowed me to leave the phone but still be able to pick up messages and respond using siri.
8) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Although I am in my early 30’s I spent my 20’s worrying far too much about my income and my title. These things come with time as long as you’re consistent and enjoy the journey. There is more to life than the 9-5.
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