Emerging leader winner attends international finance conference

25 July 2023

Heritage and People’s Choice employee Sascha Jones is taking up the career opportunity of a lifetime to join finance industry heavyweights at the prestigious World Council of Credit Unions conference in Canada this week. 

Mrs Jones won the opportunity to attend by taking out the 2022 Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) Emerging Leader Award last year.

The national award is designed to recognise and promote exceptional talent within the customer-owned banking sector. The winner gets the chance to attend an industry-specific conference or professional development event, either domestically or overseas. 

Mrs Jones, a Senior Business Improvement Consultant at Heritage and People’s Choice, was recognised for her remarkable accomplishments and her potential to shape the future of the finance industry.

“I am so honoured to receive the COBA Emerging Leader award and represent Heritage and People’s Choice at World Council of Credit Unions conference,” Mrs Jones said. 

“When I received the call from our CEO Peter Lock, one of the first thoughts that came to mind was that I was so proud to have won on behalf of Heritage and People’s Choice.

“I feel like I am a product of a good culture, great leaders and a company who has invested in me for over 14 years and counting!  

“My COBA award application reflected everything I had achieved while I have been there, the awards I had won for some really great team projects and promotions I received after putting in the hard work to develop, step-up and stretch myself.”

After extensive research into training and develop opportunities in Australia and internationally, Mrs Jones opted to attend World Council of Credit Unions Conference. 

“During the COBA Award process, I realised how passionate I am about working for the customer-owned banking sector and making a real difference for our members. 

“I’m excited to connect my peers and see how I can apply my learnings at Heritage and People’s Choice.”

Mrs Jones will attend the conference alongside CEO Peter Lock who is presenting a session on the successful merger of Heritage and People's Choice and the journey to creating Australia’s leading mutual organisation. 

The World Council of Credit Unions Conference serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering strategic partnerships among credit unions and financial institutions from across the world. 

PHOTO:  Sascha Jones, Senior Business Improvement Consultant, Heritage and People’s Choice, and Paul Latemore, National Manager Strategic Alliances for Bridges - sponsor of the 2022 COBA Emerging Leader Award.