Bringing the fun to super

As the Strategic Partnership Manager at NGS, Casey Stephens brings over twenty years of experience to the role. He started his career as a financial planner before moving into Customer Relationship Management. While Casey has extensive expertise in the finance sector, it’s his ability to connect with anyone in the room that has taken his career in different and exciting directions.

Creating a connector

Straight after school, Casey enrolled in an Early Childhood degree, but when he was offered a summer job working with financial planners, it set him on an entirely different trajectory. ‘Financial planners have the unique role of helping to potentially change lives in very tangible ways. With the right guidance, new opportunities can be created. I think that’s a great way to help people,’ said Casey. ‘My dad worked as a bank manager, so in many ways, I was exposed to the concept of money management growing up and felt comfortable in the industry.’ Casey went on to study financial planning, but his career took another unexpected turn when, in one role, a senior staff member noticed how Casey so effortlessly connected with others. He had just started the position and within minutes, was introducing himself to everyone who worked on the floor. He took the time to go around the room and meet each person. It was then Casey (and his manager) realised he would be a perfect fit for a role as a Customer Relationship Manager. ‘Meeting people has always been second nature to me. As a child, we moved around for dad’s work, and consequently, I started over at 8 different schools. The benefit of that was I became really good at meeting new people. It’s something that’s always stayed with me and led me to my current role at NGS.’

Why super is fun

Casey joined NGS in 2023 as a Customer Relationship Manager before becoming a Strategic Partnership Manager where he works with employers and members across NSW and QLD. In this busy role, Casey visits schools and speaks to education professionals about superannuation with the aim of helping staff reach their retirement goals. He discusses all things super, including salary sacrificing, consolidation and retirement planning. ‘Not everyone is excited about super when you first meet them. I completely understand that. It’s a topic that, perhaps historically, isn’t seen as exciting. But the truth is, super is a key that everyone has access to and one that can open so many opportunities. I truly believe that if people have the right information about super, they will get excited about it. Think about what you want your retirement to look like. Travelling around the world, spending time with the grandkids, whatever it may be… super can help you make that a reality.’

Get to know your audience

Casey works with individuals and large groups to share information about super. The other side of his role is uncovering what questions his audience has. Over the years, Casey has developed his own style of communicating and believes that being a successful presenter and communicator comes down to being authentic. ‘I try to have a down-to-earth approach to my talks by putting myself in their shoes. If someone was coming to speak to me about super, how would I want that information delivered? The priority is always the audience or individual I’m addressing. My primary goal is to identify upfront what they really want to know so I can then share stories and examples to illustrate a point or explain a concept. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a presentation where someone is talking at you and unloading information in a dry way. I want my sessions to be engaging and fun. Everyone has a right to build their super savings, and I want people to feel relaxed and comfortable to ask the questions they want.’

Casey has worked with many schools over the years and stresses the importance of relationship-building. ‘It’s not just about me coming to a school and simply talking. I want to learn about them, I love seeing the schools I visit, meeting the wider team and getting to know their community. It’s a privilege to work in so many great schools, see into their world, and help others build their futures at the same time. When it comes to working as a relationship manager or a presenter, Casey shares two pieces of advice. ‘Bring your personality. Be true to who you are. People can sense when you’re being authentic, and that goes a long way. Also, ask questions. The only way to build relationships is to know your audience. You need to have a genuine interest in the people you’re working with, and if you don’t – it’s not the job for you.’

Outside of work, Casey is a sports enthusiast. He plays AFL Masters, basketball and golf. He has two daughters who share his love of sports, and you will often find Casey on the netball court or soccer field. When not playing sports, Casey will be watching his favourite team - the Geelong Cats.

Find out more about how you can work with Casey

Connect with Casey on LinkedIn.