Life at Lendi: Le talks lifestyle management and encouraging healthy BA practices

Recently we sat down with our Business Analyst Manager, Le Cockinos, who shares her journey from navigating through a new role during lockdown, attempting to homeschool (again) and empowering the team.

You’ve achieved so much since you started here, can you start by telling us a bit of your background?

Sure, I joined Lendi Group less than 12 months ago as a Business Analyst Manager. When I started we had just gone back into lockdown due to COVID-19.

I quickly found myself trying to navigate my way through starting a new role in lockdown in a completely new industry, while attempting to homeschool (again). It was definitely challenging but everyone at Lendi Group was really supportive and made me feel like I had found my new home.

You definitely had your hands full as a working parent and the lockdown certainly would have added in additional pressures - it’s great you were able to fit into the fold so seamlessly and a credit to your skills and experience.

So, what do you enjoy most about working at Lendi Group?

Firstly, the team. Since joining Lendi Group, there were two things that I noticed straight away about the team; their commitment to get the job done, and their sincerity in which they support one another. It really feels authentic.

Another has to be Lendi Group’s “Flex First” approach. As a single parent to a child with medical and special needs, Flex First allows me to be the parent I want and need to be, while allowing me to have my own identity and continue with a career I’ve worked so hard to build.

I get to work flexibly and I feel everyone gets a better version of me because I’m happier, healthier, I’m 100% committed and focused when I’m working and I’m never late for school pick up. It’s definitely a game changer.

Absolutely, Lendi Group’s Flex First isn’t just about location, it comes down to many things including lifestyle management, it is amazing to hear how it continues to empower you in your role and life outside of work.

What are you particularly passionate about within your industry?

I’m definitely passionate about the role of the Business Analyst and encouraging a strong and healthy BA Practice. I’ve been a BA for most of my working career and can say with certainty that Business Analysis is often misunderstood and underestimated.

Business Analysis is not just a role, it’s also a discipline which is where the BA Practice stands its ground. It’s my job to ensure that the role of a BA is understood and endorsed, and that the team has the tools and support to perform at their best.

What skills are essential as a Business Analyst Manager at Lendi Group, and for what reasons?

There are certain competencies and fundamental skills required to be an accomplished and adaptable Business Analyst. Above all else, communication skills are paramount. In a cross-functional team environment, BA’s need to be adept in many methods of communication.

You have to be naturally inquisitive. Building your industry, organisational and product knowledge is crucial. There is also a need to be very tech aware, which is really important as BA’s use a variety of software applications to support their day to day activities.

Business Analysts must wear multiple hats. It must be hugely fulfilling to see everything fall into place and celebrate the wins.

What accomplishment or project are you most proud of since joining the team?

I'm incredibly proud of the foundations we’ve laid down in the BA practice here at Lendi Group. We are continually building on this platform and I am challenged daily to utilise my 15+ years’ experience to make valuable contributions.

Setting up the business for success is a huge accomplishment and the best is yet to come!

As a Leader you inspire people within your team daily, what has inspired you lately?

I would say reading the book ‘Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway: How to Turn Your Fear and Indecision into Confidence and Action’ by Susan J. Jeffers.

Jeffers really resonates with how I have immersed myself into my career. Working in a predominantly male dominated industry I watched too often women fall into the shadows of men with career progression and recognition. That didn’t sit well with me, so I became the best BA I could, facing the fear of failure and rejection, and here I am doing what I love in an industry I love.

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 to find out more.