Louise Birrell
Dealing With IOOF

Introducing…

Louise Birrell, Business Development Manager - Queensland

1 What do you and your team do at IOOF?

I work as a Business Development Manager in Queensland. I see my role and my team’s purpose as providing support and solutions to advisers and building relationships that are long-lasting.

2 When and why did you join IOOF?

I started with IOOF about eight weeks ago. I previously worked as a Business Development Manager for Australian Skandia Limited which was acquired by IOOF this year. I really like the offering IOOF provides and its strong position in the marketplace.

3 What was your first job?

As soon as I reached the ‘eligible age’ (to the day!) I started part-time work at Mathers while at school. I was so keen to start work and earn money then!

4 What is the strangest thing that’s happened to you at work?

Once upon a time I worked near a house for people with mental disabilities. They used to walk past often and I used to chat to them occasionally. One day, one of the guys stood outside the office, broke a branch off the tree and brought it in to me. It was very sweet!

5 Tell us one fact your colleagues might be surprised to learn

I live at the beach but I don’t like to swim in the ocean. I love to hear it, see it, smell it, but not go in it!

6 Craziest thing I've done…

I’m not a very crazy person really, I’m not very spontaneous. Does sky-diving count? How about buying a house without looking at it? How about buying a ticket to the AFL Grand Final to Melbourne the day before the event, flying down on the day, going to the Casino all night and straight back on the plane home at first flight out the next day… do any of these things count?!

7 Something I’d like to learn is…

Another language… Mandarin or Cantonese.

8 What is your favourite sports team?

Despite growing up with brothers and father (and now husband) who are fanatical sports fan, I can’t say I’m a massive sports fan. My favourite team would have to be the Brisbane Lions and I did a trip to Melbourne for their Grand Final (the one they lost!).

9 What is your favourite TV show?

TV is generally not on for us during the week. However, we do like to sneak it in on Tuesday night for “Lie to Me”. On the weekend I look forward to watching “Bones” on Sunday nights as I love the character interactions.

10 If I didn't live in Brisbane…

If I didn’t live in Brisbane…there’s not really anywhere else I’d rather be. I think Brisbane is one of the best cities in the world to be in! If I was to choose, I’d be in an Asian country, as everywhere else in the world is cheap to fly to and easily accessible from there.