Team Spirit profile: Flynn

We recently sat down and spoke with Flynn.

How long have you worked at Spirit Super?

I've been working here for nearly a year now. Before that, I spent two to three years in hospitality. I’m originally from Perth, but I moved to Tasmania five years ago. After spending two years in Burnie, I moved to Hobart to study at the University of Tasmania. I’ll finish my Bachelor of Justice Studies in a couple of months.

What drew you to a role in our contact centre?

While I enjoyed working in hospitality, it wasn't the right long-term fit for me. When this job opportunity came up, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and a take a chance, and I’m so grateful that I did. My managers here have been incredibly supportive, and I’m so happy with my decision.

Congratulations on being named the winner of this year’s Spirit Super Chair’s Award. Our Chair, Maria Wilton, expressed her pride in seeing the large number of nominations this year, noting a common theme of our people going above and beyond for both members and colleagues, often stepping out of their comfort zones to help others.

Your manager nominated you, highlighting one of the most glowing pieces of feedback she’d ever seen from a member. They praised your empathy and maturity, saying you made them feel like the centre of the universe during their half-hour conversation with you.

When I learnt that I’d won, it was a proud moment. It meant a lot to me that the member took the time to provide such positive feedback. What he said about me reflects exactly the person I want to be. It made me feel like I’m in the right job.

I never imaged I’d win the Chair’s Award just a year after starting here! I am incredibly proud of how much I’ve grown. When I began, I was very shy. Thanks to the support of my colleagues and managers, my confidence has soared. Without that, I don’t think I would have been able to help that member in the way that I did.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

I’m so happy working here, mainly because of the people. I love my co-workers. We work hard, but we have fun too. I’m always in a good mood at work because I’m genuinely happy here.

Every day is unique. I love not being stuck in the same routine.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Anything could happen in that time, but in the short-term, I’m looking forward to moving to Melbourne and transferring to work at our second contact centre. It’s exciting to be part of an expanding organisation where opportunities to transfer and grow are available.

What do you wish more members knew?

I wish more members had a basic understanding of super. When I was in high school, which wasn’t long ago, I wasn’t taught about super. I think if younger people knew the action they could take with things like their investment options, contributions, and insurance, it could make such a difference to their long-term outcomes. A lot of members are unaware that they even have insurance included in their super.

Why is it important that people don’t feel afraid to ask for help with their super?

I understand why members feel nervous and worry that their questions might seem silly – we all feel that way at times – but super really is complicated. I’ve learnt so much about super since I started working here that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.

It's important that members feel comfortable asking for clarification about anything they don't understand, and I encourage anyone with questions about their super to give us a call— we're here to help.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

That would have to be when I speak with members who are really struggling to afford to retire. If they’d learnt about super from a younger age, their financial situation could be completely different.

Any advice for younger members?

I’m 20 years old and I believe now is the perfect time to start getting engaged with your super.

It’s interesting to use a retirement planner calculator to see the difference early contributions can make. I’d encourage younger members to compare their projected balance at 60 if they start contributing now, versus not contributing at all. They’ll see a significant impact on their super balance.

I used to think the best approach with super was a set-and-forget approach, but a little effort now means you can set it up, check in regularly and adjust as your circumstances change, and let it grow. The difference can be substantial.

Do you have any advice for members approaching retirement?

A lot of members turn 60 and think they must withdraw all their money from their super account. But we also offer three different retirement income options that allow our members to receive a regular income while still earning investment returns.

Get in touch today

At Spirit Super, it’s our job to know everything there is to know about super. We understand that everyone’s situation is different and that what’s right for one person isn’t necessarily right for the next.

So, if you’d like to speak with someone like Flynn who can make you feel more confident about the decisions you’re making about your super, call us on 1800 005 166.