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## How did I join Lendi?
In May 2016, I got a call from a past manager. Shortly after a warm greeting, they started telling me about a new opportunity. I could tell from their tone of voice that they were very excited about the greenfield product they were building. I wasn’t actively looking for a new role but I was keen to learn more.

I took part in an interview with one of the founders. The interview was focused on my previous experience and what I could bring to the team culture. A few days later I interviewed for a Junior Software Engineering role and was subsequently offered this position… I was one of the very first engineers to join the Lendi team!

This is now my fifth year in Lendi. In that time we have welcomed more than 80 engineers into the business and I have progressed into an Engineering Team Lead role. Over the years with Lendi, I have been very proud to tell my new colleagues:

When I started back in 2016, there was no Lendi.com.au. We built it from scratch.

## What has happened since?
Lendi has transitioned from a fresh start-up to a well-established fintech organisation. Today, we have a growing brand presence and are further developing our industry-leading online platform. Everyone has played a major part in this. There are no exceptions for participation, not even for our executive team.

Behind the scenes, people and culture are an ongoing and growing focus of the organisation. 

One of my favourite initiatives so far has been the psychological safety workshops that empower team members to do the right thing and to feel safe to provide feedback to their managers.

I feel extremely lucky and proud to be part of the Lendi Journey. There have been different challenges at different phases, but they have all resulted in incredible growth. As a software engineer, I’ve needed to find technical solutions for unique products and mentor junior developers. Now as a team leader, I am developing skills in delegation and growing a team. However, I was not born gifted with any of these skills; it is the open-minded and blame-free culture in Lendi that has enabled my growth.

## Five years later...
The last five years at Lendi have been incredible. I enjoy being employed by a company where people are trusted, respected and developed. I also value technical solutions that are product-driven instead of chasing fancy and shiny things.

## How to grow out of the box while staying in the same box?
Late last year, I was faced with a decision on furthering my development. On the one hand, I felt like I’d lost some of the opportunity to expand my business network, given COVID-19 restrictions, and the opportunity to tackle entirely new challenges, like business strategy. 

On the other hand, I’d found a company that was a perfect fit for me that continued to challenge me in other ways aside from strategy. I realised my solution was to enrol in a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), where I could meet leaders across different industries, whilst continuing to work at Lendi as an engineering Team Lead. I subsequently submitted my MBA application to UNSW school of Business.

It is not easy to study an MBA whilst having full-time work, but it is incredibly rewarding. It’s satisfying when my practical experience is connected to academic theory. Oftentimes, it will validate my approach as being recognised from the academic world.

## What is coming up next?
With the recent merger between Lendi and Aussie, two complementary businesses are going to produce much more opportunities. In the meantime, I will continue to prepare myself as much as possible to take on the next challenge.

## How about you?
What are the key characteristics you look for before joining a company?

## Lendi is hiring!
We're always on the lookout for passionate, motivated individuals who are excited about innovation and ongoing learning. If you're looking for a new opportunity, check out our [open roles and company page](https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/LendiGroup1) to find out more.