It makes sense that a progressive company in a city of innovation would create an innovation team led by a head of strategy and innovation.
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That is exactly what Illawarra based national not-for-profit health fund Peoplecare has done with the appointment of former Thomas & Coffey Wollongong general manager Peter Buckley.
In a changing world where very few people can expect to enjoy a lifelong job or career Mr Buckley is not only showing just how versatile he can be but how fruitful embracing change can be both personally and professionally.
During his eight years in the engineering services industry Mr Buckley rose to a position where he was responsible for more than 250 employees.
But now he and his team are helping Peoplecare go from strength to strength with innovation.
He was offered a newly created executive role by the health fund’s chief executive of more than three decades Michael Bassingthwaighte.
The average tenure for a CEO in Australia is still a decade so Mr Bassingthwaighte has shown longevity is still possible.
But as a successful leader he has done that by being progressive and continually searching for new ways to develop a great team culture and strengthen the business.
Mr Buckley he was interested in Peoplecare because it had great leadership, was heavily involved in the community and was an enjoyable place to work.
“I knew a few employees they all had something positive to stay,” he said.
As the head of innovation and strategy Mr Buckley and his team focus on the overall growth strategy of the business and how it can deliver more to its members.
“We want them to feel engaged”.
One of the things the innovation team has been working on is a new app that helps Peoplecare and its members connect.
“We are looking at what new innovations can we bring into the organisation to enable the member experience to be better and more enhanced. We are always looking at the member and what technologies we can implement to make their lives easier,” Mr Buckley said.
“The strategy part of my job is looking at the overall organisation..and the path we are taking to grow here and nationally as a private health insurer. We are developing a new mobile app which will allow our members to claim and engage in the health and wellbeing of our members..which may include health information, motivation and rewards. We are really looking at that being a drawcard for our member experience. We are not just a transactional private health insurer. It is very exciting.”
Mr Buckley is really happy with his career sea-change decision.
“There is something completely unique to Peoplecare that I have never experienced before,” he said.
“It is such a welcoming environment. People are easy to deal with and they are focused on the members. They all genuinely love to come to work here each day”.
Peoplecare does it so well it is also in demand as a manager for other funds.
“We look after a contract with Allianz. So a multinational uses Peoplecare in Wollongong as their provider to execute their health delivery for overseas students and overseas visitors,” he said.
Mr Buckley is enthusiastic in all areas of his life. He is the father of four including a five year old son as well as three year old triplets so he understands just how important healthcare is from a personal level.
“What Peoplecare does in terms of our members is we have a relationship at every stage of their life. The most important thing is people feel they can connect with us on that level. When you are in that situation of unexpected events such as triplets..it is good to know that there is a health insurer that is there to support you. ”
Mr Buckley was named Young Business Leader of the Year at the 2012 Illawarra Business Awards,
He is also into a healthy lifestyle and regularly rides a bicycle, runs and plays Oztag. He involved with many fundraising activities such as a the Smiling for Smiddy bike from from Brisbane to Townsville for melanoma research. He is also involved in the iAccelerate mentoring program.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
