S2 Ep9: Stephen O’Connor — Banking, Leadership & Long-Term Partnerships

🚨 New Ausfine Bite Sides Episode 🚨From changing fluorescent light globes at BHP while studying at Deakin to leading HSBC’s corporate banking business across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania — Stephen O’Connor has spent nearly two decades learning what strong leadership and long-term business relationships actually look like.With HSBC and Ausfine now into the 13th year of their banking relationship, Stephen joins Matt for a wide-ranging conversation about trust, global business, AI, economic uncertainty and why the real test of leadership comes when things don’t go to plan.We dig into:🏦 Stephen’s journey from BHP and chartered accounting into nearly 20 years with HSBC🤝 Why transparency and trust are at the heart of successful long-term banking partnerships🌏 How HSBC’s international network supports businesses expanding into markets like the US, Indonesia and beyond🤖 How AI is already being used inside banking — and how Stephen is seeing clients adapt to it in real time📈 What businesses are facing right now: rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, currency movements and changing investment opportunities🇺🇸 Why the US continues to stand out as one of the most attractive markets for international growth👥 Stephen’s approach to leadership — taking the best from different managers, knowing when to get into the detail and finding the balance between support and micromanagement💬 Why leadership isn’t really tested when everything is going well — it’s when the chips are down that it matters most.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.#AusfineBiteSides #Podcast #HSBC #CorporateBanking #Leadership #GlobalTrade #BusinessGrowth #AI #InternationalBusiness #Banking #AustralianBusiness