From supporting emergency services to developing arts programs, infrastructure projects, and sports facilities, Bendigo Bank is changing the face of banking.
Working for Australia’s most trusted bank feels good. It’s banking with a difference: more than A$366 million has been invested back into the local communities that Bendigo Bank serves, with upwards of A$40 million in 2024 alone.
Sam Miller, General Manager of Investor Relations at Bendigo, and their Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) lead, knew straight away it was something she wanted to be part of:
“Bendigo Bank’s values are more than just rhetoric; they define the company culture. From my first day, I sensed a deep connection to the community, a shared passion among employees, and a genuine commitment to serving customers that felt truly authentic.”
Sam shares more about just what makes Bendigo Bank so unique.
Committed to community
As the only listed community bank model globally, Bendigo Bank knows that delivering to their customers directly impacts their shareholders.
“57,000 retail shareholders rely on our dividends to provide income.”
This passion for improving the lives of the people and communities they work with across Australia inspires Sam and has shaped her definition of success:
“For me, success is deeply tied to fulfilment. Not only personal fulfilment, but also making a positive impact. I’m deeply inspired by the power of genuine connection and collective action. Witnessing that kind of collaboration firsthand – where we create positive change – is truly what fuels me.”
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Sam’s career began in advertising in Jakarta, but she soon discovered her love for finance while on a work placement in Australia. This led to an almost two-decade journey spent honing her experience and building her expertise in capital markets, investor relations, strategy, and digital execution.
“I transitioned into investor relations, where I found my storytelling and communication skills could excel. I embraced the digital transformation and developed into leadership roles before finding my ideal fit at Bendigo Bank – a company aligned with my values.”
Sam’s current role is two-fold: a position where she can combine her career strengths in investor relations with her personal passion for sustainability:
“I act as the company’s voice to shareholders, ensuring their perspectives are heard by the Board and team, and I lead our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, developing action plans to meet both public commitments and regulatory requirements.”
Finding balance and prioritising well-being
As a working parent, Sam knows that meeting the needs of everyone around her isn’t always easy. She says that the idea of ‘juggling’ is a misinformed concept, but she’s learned some valuable lessons about prioritising what matters along the way:
“Family is everything to me. Parenthood – especially in those early years – with a career presents unique hurdles. Instead of chasing an elusive ‘balance,’ I focus on intentional allocation. I consciously prioritise different areas depending on the season of life. While work demands attention sometimes, I’m committed to nurturing friendships through regular dinners, staying active with my running group, and creating space for holidays and adventures.”
Understanding our own needs so we can be the best versions of ourselves, in and outside of work, should always be a priority. It’s something Sam has given her attention to, and whatever else may be going on in her life, she makes sure to meet her own needs:
“I’m a vibrant and empathetic person who thrives on connecting with others. Laughter is essential to my well-being. If I’m not cheering on my loved ones at sporting events, I’m lacing up my own running shoes! I’ve been part of a running group for eleven years, supporting each other through thick and thin, and solving the world’s problems along the way! What started as a way to support our friend battling Motor Neuron Disease (MND) has blossomed into something truly special – raising awareness and funds for his incredible foundation dedicated to caring for and curing MND in Queensland.”
Focusing on the bigger (career) picture
Sam has applied the skills she uses daily to her career progression, strategically seeking new opportunities to develop new capabilities she wants to learn. She encourages everyone to consider the bigger picture when considering their next steps:
“When looking to build my digital knowledge, even though my skills didn’t perfectly align, I actively sought opportunities that would challenge me. My advice is to take a calculated risk. Create a list of three to five skills you want to master in the next year, then look for roles that will help you develop them. Remember: when you demonstrate a willingness to learn, people are incredibly supportive and eager to help.”
Sam acknowledges that although not every stage of her career has been an easy transition, the obstacles have been worth overcoming to pursue what she loves:
“My career path hasn’t been without its complexities and challenges, but each experience has been a valuable learning opportunity, shaping my resilience and determination.”
Aligning passion with purpose – and a great employer
Giving back to the community, building meaningful relationships, and representing those without a voice are core values of Sam’s – but they also lie at the heart of Bendigo Bank’s ideology.
At Bendigo Bank, Sam has found somewhere that she aligns with professionally and personally. She may have only been with the Bank for 18 months, but she knows she can make a difference and, always looking ahead, has already set herself her own ambitious targets:
“I want to be remembered for expanding our reach and helping people within the bank be the best they can be. I hope people know I’ll always remain deeply dedicated to our purpose, ensuring every decision prioritises the well-being and prosperity of our community and our shareholders.”
As someone with such a carefully considered career path, we asked what Sam’s high school self would have thought about her career today:
“She’d say, ‘This is a lot different to being a lifesaver!’ My response would be, ‘I think, deep down, you knew you’d be bored on the beach all day. You get to use numbers and speak to people about topics you love – how good is that?’”
Ready to find alignment between your values and your career?
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