UniSuper’s Terry McCredden says that leadership in the superannuation industry starts at the front line rather than from the top, and staff should be empowered to look for opportunities to innovate and improve in every day of their working lives.

McCredden took time out from the recent Fund Executives Association Limited (FEAL) national conference to share his experience of leadership gained from more than 30 years in the industry with Investment Magazine Online.

“We have been on a process of more empowerment, seeking others in the organisation to look for ways to innovate,” he told IMO.

“It is part of our organisation’s values, and it doesn’t mean coming up with major new software or something like that but innovation on everyday issues.”

McCredden joined UniSuper in 2008 after more than 17 years heading up Telstra Super.

The recipient of the 2011 Fund Executive of the Year Award, he detailed insights from his recent participation in London Business School’s acclaimed Proteus leadership program.

Attendees in the course participated in a range of activities including life drawing and attending an underprivileged inner-city school.

McCreddden told the conference that the experience had motivated him to seek opportunities to work with school children facing similar challenges when he eventually retires from the industry.

See more of the exclusive interview here: