Growth, Galileo and golf

Bass Masri is NGS’ Reporting & Transformation Manager. In his role, he interprets data to inform decision-making across the business. As NGS has grown, so have the reporting requirements, and Bass plays an important part in supporting that growth.

Using insights to improve systems

NGS works with large amounts of data daily. Bass and the Technology and Insights team constantly collect data for a range of strategic initiatives, financial reports, and member outcomes. The results then need to be interpreted and communicated to the relevant people in the business. Through the use of dashboarding, automated systems, and key insights, the results are shared in near real-time, meaning information is dynamic, interactive and up-to-date.

‘Reporting is a multi-faceted process,’ said Bass. ‘Statistics describe and summarise information to help make evidence-based decisions. Analytics strengthen your position and conclusions and graphics communicates information in a visual way, to help the reader understand vast sums of data.’

A passion for numbers

With a Degree in Science and a Master of Statistics, it’s no surprise Bass gravitates towards numbers and analytics. His work experience includes teaching statistics at Macquarie University, Principal Statistician at ResMed, Healthcare and Informatics, Reporting Manager for the NSW Department of Finance, Services and Innovation, and working at the SAS Institute, the largest privately owned analytics software company in the world. For the last two years, Bass has worked at NGS Super and, most recently, on the Technology and Insights team.

‘For me, working with numbers provides an opportunity for growth. Numbers help us see trends, gaps, forecasts, and facts. One of my favourite quotes is from Galileo Galilei, who said, ‘measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so.’ I believe he was highlighting the importance of measuring in order to make improvements. That’s the power of numbers. They’re a tool for growth.’

Positivity goes a long way

Bass may spend his days with numbers, but he is, first and foremost, a people person. ‘Everyone in the Technology and Insights team plays a pivotal role. We each take on various aspects of a project to deliver important information.’

For anyone wanting to get into the field of reporting and technology, Bass says there are three traits needed for the toolbox. ‘Positivity, thoughtfulness and curiosity. Working with statistics isn’t all about numbers. It’s very much about teamwork. I continue to learn and grow from those I work with each day, and I bring a sense of curiosity to every project. Curiosity shows an interest and an eagerness to learn. For anyone wanting to get into the field, it’s good to remember that an ability to work with others will go a long way.’

In his downtime, Bass is a keen golfer. This year, he has the goal of bringing his handicap down to under 18. ‘Golf is as much about the mental challenge as it is about the physical. You have to completely focus when you play golf. There’s no room for other thoughts…if you want to play well, that is.’

When not on the course, you’re likely to find Bass riding his bicycle around Sydney or cheering on his favourite football team, West Ham (Come on you Irons).

Connect with Bass.