15 Minutes with the Boss Simon Banks: How to gain mindfulness from manual work and why leadership requires both the head and heart
Aug 18, 2025
Simon Banks, Managing Director of PayPal Australia, leads with a unique blend of intellect and empathy. He shares how manual work helps reset his mind and enhances mindfulness. Simon discusses the necessity of accountability in leadership, emphasizing transparency for team growth. Reflecting on the challenges of expanding a FinTech startup, he highlights the resilience needed in setbacks while maintaining personal passions. His insights on blending emotional engagement with professional responsibilities offer a refreshing perspective on effective leadership.
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Early Career Restructuring Lesson
- Early in his career Simon survived a recession and restructuring at Digital which taught him not to take work for granted.
- That experience instilled accountability and a focus on delivering outcomes throughout his career.
Connect Head And Heart
- Connect your head and your heart when choosing work and decisions.
- If you cannot get excited about the company's purpose, the qualifications alone won't sustain you.
Own Your Mistakes Publicly
- Own mistakes publicly and move on to set a cultural precedent.
- Leaders should be honest about wrong calls to create an open, accountable workplace.