ANZ Bank
2000 – 2006
When John McFarlane took over as the CEO of ANZ Bank it was the worst of the four major Australian banks on most measures of performance including customer satisfaction and profitability.
The goal of the program was an “AND”… a radically lower cost structure AND greatly increased customer and staff satisfaction.
John and Sonia Stojanovic, who led the program were both open, courageous and innovative thinkers and together we really pushed to known boundaries of culture change (sometimes too far) but overall with great success. I personally learnt a huge amount! Unfortunately John’s successor Mike Smith did not believe in culture change and dismantled the program.
A defining aspect of the ANZ program was the culture change and leadership workshops. Over 30,000 people went through them. They were incredibly well received and galvanised the case for change. Here are typical comments from some “seen it all before” London based ANZ investment bankers.
Insight Workshops – Comments
June 20-22 London Investment Bank
I have never attended a more open and honest program put together by senior management in my 10 years in the Company.
This is an incredible experience and has opened my eyes. Self-realisation has now given me a chance to selfactualise.
I know my strengths to focus on and the weaknesses to eliminate for the good of both The Company and my family.
Extremely powerful experience specifically from a personal perspective which will flow through to my role as a leader for The Company.
Amazing – had a major impact for men personally and I will use what I learned to hopefully breakout for The Company. Everyone who has take the course needs to practice tools for a major culture in change.
This is the most influential course I have ever been to. This will change The Company forever.
An enlightening experience with a profound impact on the way I see myself and how others see me.
With the commitment which I already sense, the workshop will create a visible shift in The Company culture and values.
Extremely beneficial and about time for The Company. The program energised me to continue to work on my strengths and elevate my game by making a commitment to overcome my weaknesses.
A great initiative! An enlightening course of true benefit to me and the organisation. I intend to match the bank’s commitment to this process of transformation and I look forward to this being a real, tangible success.
Feedback
This was an amazing program that truly transformed the bank. The most profound experience of my working life.
Sonia Stojanovic
Head of Culture Change, ANZ