Genesis 2 Network

Editor

SU Australia

I lead the organisation's strategic initiatives - bringing vision to life; 
I'm also tasked with lifting the leadership capability across the organisation; 
Plus some company secretary duties.

The objective of the role is to foster a child-safe culture, and driving impactful projects for children, youth, and families across Australia.

Associate Director

I lead a national team remotely. The main premise of this role is to optimise support operations to drive high customer satisfaction. I have a track record in managing diverse teams and implementing innovative strategies.

I lead a dynamic national team, overseeing 3 direct reports and 10 indirect reports, serving 1000+ employees, volunteers, community members, and beneficiaries. My responsibilities span query resolution via multiple channels (email, phone, website), chaplaincy support, volunteer recruitment, ministry finance, and event coordination. I also manage critical incident response, ensuring compliance with child safety regulations and educational policies.

Other Achievements:
✅ Unified a decentralised team to a single national team
✅ Streamlined and simplified processes
✅ Implemented 'Resolver', an advanced digital incident management system.
✅ Implemented a robust critical incident management policy.

Realised 5% savings in time and cost of operations from enhanced efficiency and productivity so far post org merger.

Experience:
🔹 Support Strategy and Leadership: I drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer support, streamline processes, and boost efficiency.

🔹 Customer-Centric Focus: Understanding customer needs, ensuring timely, effective, empathetic assistance, and fostering customer loyalty.

🔹 Data-Driven Decision Making: I leverage data analytics and KPIs for informed resource allocation, faster response times, and shorter resolution times.

🔹 Cross-Functional Collaboration: I promote collaboration with IT, Finance, and Systems teams to address customer issues, drive product improvements, and align support with missional goals.

🔹 Continuous Improvement: I lead ongoing training, development, and process refinement to keep our support hub at the forefront of excellence.

Skills:
✨ Remote Team Leadership
✨ Customer Satisfaction
✨ Process Optimisation
✨ Data Analysis
✨ Cross-Functional Collaboration
✨ Continuous Improvement

Group Manager Support Hub

I maximise productivity, reduce costs, and ensure that field operations consistently deliver outstanding performance.

As the Field Performance Manager, I oversee 1 HR Business Partner as we partner with Regional Managers to foster positive workplace environments and manage employee relations. I have a proven track record in conflict resolution, compliance, and maintaining a harmonious work atmosphere. My expertise extends to handling complex employee issues, implementing fair policies, and facilitating the return of employees from various leaves, including medical, parental, or disability. I am dedicated to promoting employee well-being and ensuring organisational success through strong employee relations and smooth return-to-work procedures.

In this role, I've been entrusted with several key responsibilities and accountabilities, including complex tier 3 case management, performance and injury management, team performance management, system improvement design, and providing guidance to frontline management on people-related issues. Additionally, I report on insights to risk and governance issues to the Executive and risk and compliance teams, aligning our practices with the latest recommendations from the royal commission.

Field Performance Manager

This is a newly created team in the Mission Support department of the organisation. As a pioneering team, my areas of influence include:
- change management
- process management
- team development
- resource planning

Day to day, my areas of responsibilities include:
- Performance management and analysis
- Lead investigator in misconduct matters
- Rehab and return to work
- Premium reduction strategies
- Building and enhancing relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Developing leadership capability within the department
- Provide leadership for 1 direct report.

Through careful prioritisation and planning, the efficiency gains from simplifying and streamlining work to be done has seen the team save circa $50,000 in additional resource needs for 18 months.

Field Performance Delivery Manager

I am a jack of all trades in this generalist HR role. Some of the output so far in my tenure and continuing responsibilities include:
- review and update people related policies
- advise and lead matters relating to performance management and rehabilitation
- conduct disciplinary meetings
- facilitate business process improvement
- consult, develop and implement the organisation's safety management system
- lead the review of the organisation's first aid needs 
- lead the health, safety and child protection portfolio by preparing quarterly reports and chairing consultative committee meetings.

I have a knack of working with management at all levels to achieve win-win outcomes by being an empathic listener - from newly appointed Managers to senior Directors.

People Services Business Partner

Toastmasters International

Achievements:
Oct 2019 - Awarded 'Competent Leader' designation
Jul 2016 - Awarded 'Competent Communicator' designation
Jul 2015 - Jun 2016 - Vice President Membership

Member

Suncorp Group

I was responsible for providing proactive advice to the business on current and emerging safety and wellbeing matters. I also provided first response to all incident and hazard notifications through SafetyCentre and maintaining the safety management system. As a senior member of the team, I was a point of escalation for junior safety professionals in the team.

Accountabilities and achievements:
•	Led the service delivery of technical advice and support for all mid-tier safety and wellbeing matters, including risk management, incident and injury management, audit and verification, consultation and work health and safety legislative compliance requirements;
•	Embedded a new safety management system within the business through facilitation and training;
•	Drive the implementation of key controls to prevent workplace incidents and hazards;
•	Implemented continuous improvement opportunities within the team. These included streamlining team processes for response to incident and hazard management and refreshing staff intranet content for first aid kits to promote self-service. This led to an increase in operational effectiveness by approximately 20%;
•	Audit case officers’ files weekly and recommend strategies to improve ways cases are managed. The team’s case load is collated into a weekly report which is circulated to the HR Executive Managers and Executive General Managers of the function;
•	Prepare monthly reporting with insights and trends relating to injuries and hazards which is circulated to HR leadership team;
•	Developed and trained operational team leaders in leadership meeting on hot topics such as ‘fatigue management’ to raise awareness and affect culture change;
•	Delivered flu vaccination program across multiple sites at a national basis.

HR Consultant - Safety and Wellbeing

In this specialist employee relations role, I was responsible to provide timely, accurate and legislatively sound HR case management advice that is risk balanced, commercially focused and aligned to the Group’s values, policies and practices. 

Key achievements:
•	Managed a portfolio of about 25 cases with a mix of performance and conduct issues, and successfully defended an unfair dismissal claim and a common law claim within approved settlement parameters;
•	Served as project lead aimed at finding operational efficiencies by simplifying the manual termination procedure to minimise self-service processing errors from the business by 50%;
•	Developed a leaders’ pack to help them gain an understanding of the roadmap for managing performance the ‘Suncorp way’;
•	Prepared quarterly reporting and commentary on insights and trend analysis relating to people issues.

HR Case Consultant

This is a senior role within the CTP team. I provide clinical and technical expertise to assess CTP claims for reasonable and necessary treatment and rehabilitation requirements in conjunction with the Claims Advisors, treating practitioners and rehab providers. I also planned to ensure cost effective, evidence based injury management principles are applied.

Key achievements:
•	Managed a team portfolio of about 120 motor vehicle accident claims with a mix of injuries including whiplash, sprains/strains and PTSD across five claims handlers by determining reasonable and necessary treatment, reviewing claim files, medical reports and advice on rehabilitation strategy;
•	Chaired monthly ‘leadership triangle’ meetings responsible for leading and managing the team to achieve optimum claims outcomes for the customer and the organization;
•	Achieved high return to work rates (<80%) for injured customers in team’s portfolio, which reduced claims costs by approximately 20% through a customer first approach;
•	Deployed problem solving and countermeasure action plans in the revamped claims management procedure targeted at reducing claims cost and claim settlement parameters by another one percent;
•	Team “Claims Engage” coming third in Queensland out of 100 ideas across the business for a design competition on innovation in 2015 for “iRecover back to life” – an app proposed for injured customers to self-serve on their mobile devices to track status of their claim.

Injury Management Advisor

I assisted the project management and planning of key initiatives with a Commercial Insurance wide focus.

Key achievements:
•	Successful rollout of the ‘Made Better Series’: A series of 12 courses based on neuroscience designed to meet the strategic priorities of ‘empowered workforce’; ‘network collaboration’; and ‘customer first’ by lifting emotional intelligence capabilities and psychological wellbeing;
•	Led, developed and implemented governance framework for keeping course content current offered by the Commercial Insurance Learning Campus.

Learning and Development Project Officer

I am responsible for ensuring positive return to work outcomes for employees affected by injury or illness (work or non-work related), ensure compliance with relevant legislative requirements and coordinating rehabilitation outcomes with a business focus. 

Key achievements:
•	Managed a portfolio of about 80 rehabilitation cases with a mix of complex work related and non-work related injuries such as repetitive strain, psychosocial and manual handling cases across six states and two territories as well as facilitating income protection claims;
•	Lead and conduct regular feedback sessions on claims management strategies for ongoing professional growth and development;
•	Contributed to the reduction of workers’ compensation premiums and lost time injury metrics by leading an ergonomic early intervention project and assisted with the implementation of InjuryNet.

Rehabilitation Officer

IPAR

I provide labour market assistance to job seekers and ensure excellence in customer service. This is achieved by conducting vocational and fit for work assessments with clients who sustained compensable injuries to ensure a safe and sustainable return to the workforce.

This role is similar to a recruitment role in HR in that I assess transferable skills, counsel clients and place them in work trials with a host employer.

I consistently achieve a billable budget of 80% per day and 66% of return to work rate for redeployed customers. 

Key accountabilities:
• QLD transferrable skills assessment
• NSW section 40 assessments
• Medico legal vocational assessments
• Job preparation services 
• Case Management
• Suitable duties development
• Job placement
• Career development
• Candidate marketing
• Return to work services

Rehabilitation Counsellor

I am responsible for ensuring positive return to work outcomes for employees affected by injury or illness (work or non-work related) and ensure compliance with relevant legislative requirements and coordinating rehabilitation outcomes with a business focus. 

Key accountabilities:
• Co-ordinate, disseminate or manage all incoming incidents via our central OHS Inbox.
• Facilitate case management for Workers’ Compensation claims.
• Provide advice, expertise and consultation in injury management strategies and rehabilitation case management.

Rehabilitation Support Officer

New Balance

Office Administration and Sales

Kelly Sports

Sports Coach

Sharing Hard-Earned Lessons on Career Growth | Editor of Genesis 2 | Follow for Weekly Insights to Help You Navigate Transitions with Confidence and Purpose

Hello 👋

I'm Paul. It's nice to meet you.

𝗠𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:

At 19, a heart condition diagnosis turned my world upside down. Surgery and rehab fueled my passion for exercise science and helping others overcome adversity.

I began my career by helping injured workers return to work or transition to new roles. I supported many individuals facing:

❌ Overwhelming challenges, including burnout, 
❌ Feelings of insignificance, 
❌ Isolation, 
❌ Fear of failure,
❌ Major life transitions.

Later on, I pursued an HR degree and an MBA, gaining skills in:

🟢 Managing performance and addressing misconduct
🟢 Helping individuals find direction and personal growth
🟢 Designing goal-achievement frameworks
🟢 Nurturing mindsets for sustained success and serving as an accountability partner

Laid off in 2017, I applied my own frameworks to navigate this challenge.

Since then, I have advanced to leadership and management roles at a nonprofit organisation, where I successfully led and unified a national team remotely, and streamlined systems and processes following a merger.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗼:

I partner with those who feel stuck or unfulfilled in their careers. Through personalised mentorship, actionable insights, and proven frameworks, I help you to navigate transitions, develop essential skills, and realise your vision.

Other than mentoring and writing, I lead the organisation’s strategic initiatives, bringing our vision to life and enhancing leadership capabilities across the board.

𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:

✅ Crystalising personal and team purpose
✅ Developing customised growth strategies
✅ Providing accountability


𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝟮 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿:

As Editor-in-Chief of Genesis 2, I deliver weekly actionable insights for personal and professional growth. Every Wednesday, subscribers receive a 5-minute read to:

🔹 Find deeper meaning
🔹 Live with greater purpose
🔹 Lead more effectively
🔹 Navigate transitions confidently

Through Genesis 2, I transform uncertainty into opportunity, guiding readers toward more rewarding lives.


𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
🏅 Top Voice in Nonprofit Leadership on LinkedIn
🏅 Helped numerous individuals transition to fulfilling roles
🏅 Led initiatives that increased organisational impact and community engagement

Let’s connect to explore how I can help you expand your influence, create meaningful change, and leave an enduring legacy.

The future is yours to create.

Paul Chen

CUB Club of United Business

Founding Member

Advisory Board Centre

Advisory Board Chair

Taking it Forward

https://www.takingitforward.com/
If you need any HR/ people type expertise then JUST ASK!

Experienced HR Executive with specific expertise in a variety of areas including people strategy, people practices covering the full employee experience, organisation design & change, listening programs, surveys of all sorts, mergers, de-mergers, acquisitions, start-ups + so much more.

Career Transition coach that has worked individually with over 200 Executives, Leaders and Team Members, and significantly more in group opportunities.

Leadership coach that has worked with leader cohorts from top talent to General Managers in organisations, with the purpose of further developing talent and strengthening desired capabilities.

Project Mentor that works with teams to upskill capability and provide an independent space to test thinking and determine next step strategies.

Passionate about the importance of Connections and Transitions in both work and life. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to reflect, learn and take action to move forward in their path of life.

My professional experience across roles includes work and collaborations with notable organisations such as NAB, Suncorp, UQ Campus Kindergarten, Queensland Youth Orchestra, Accenture, Angle Auto Finance, The People Game, Tabcorp/ The Lottery Corporation, NIISQ (government), MAIC, Youngcare, Batchfire (Coal Mine), Tigerlight, Directioneering, Audrey Page, Energy Queensland, Insight Consulting, Federal Court of Australia, BUMA Mining, Queensland Treasury Corporation, Icon Group, Southern Cross University, Banana Shire Council, Hollard Insurance, Titles Qld, PIEF.

Founder & CEO - Human Resources Executive | Connection & Transition Coach

Directioneering

Transition Coach for Audrey Page and Directioneering

The People Game

Partner - Executive Coach for Leadership & Career Transition

Culture assessments and programs for a variety of organisations; Leadership Coaching/ Executive Coaching/ Career Transition Coaching. Organisation realignment in a culturally considered way.

Partner - HR Executive for Culture & Leadership ASSESS Program

Ageing Connect

START-UP: Providing expertise in the area of people and connection for the Aged Care sector.

Founder & CEO

Angle Auto Finance

Client asked me to transfer across to continue critical transition and demerger activities - Policies, Business Partnering, Leadership & Culture, and Wellbeing.

HR Consultant, Transformation & Demerger (contract)

Accenture

Significant acquisition from Westpac to Cerberus ($70B company) - transition and transformation support, specifically setting up the HR department

HR Consultant - Transition & Demerger preparation (contract)

Caregiven

START-UP: Caregiven was born out of a simple, hard-learned truth: there is nothing in life that prepares us for the terminal diagnosis of a loved one. My role was to support the American business with HR requirements and learnings from the Australian Bentley's Carefactor Program. I sourced a number of key experts during this time for Aged Care knowledge, Customer Centre Design, Visual representation, Leadership & Culture skills and Project Management support.

General Executive, Australia

Various roles covering Strategic HR, HR Transformation, Engagement, Diversity, HR policies, Change & Communications, Events, PMO, Bank Strategy, Real Estate, and Fintech exposure through River City Labs and Fed Ex days.

Executive, including other roles

Hey there! Thanks for landing on my profile. Whether you're here because someone recommended me, you've seen my work in action, or you're just curious about people and connection strategies that actually work - you're in the right place.

Quick intro: I'm an Executive HR Practitioner with 25+ years of experience wearing multiple hats - from Board Member to CEO of Taking It Forward Pty Ltd. But enough about the titles, let's talk about what really matters.

You know that sweet spot where people, culture, and business success meet? That's where I live. I've helped organisations transform their talent management, navigate complex change, and build authentic connections that drive results. From guiding startups through their growing pains to smooth merger transitions, I've been there, done that, and learned a few things along the way.

But here's what gets me excited: seeing transformation happen. Whether it's a large corporation making change happen without disrupting business operations, a small business unlocking its people potential, or an executive landing that next great role - that's what makes me jump out of bed every morning.

Here's the good news - these aren't just challenges, they're opportunities. Through Taking It Forward, I've helped organisations across Australia and New Zealand turn these exact pain points into success stories. And as a certified chair and board member for over 12 years, I bring a unique blend of strategic insight and practical experience to the table.

I'm excited to share that I've finished writing my first book. It explores something deeply personal to all of us: the importance of deliberate connection with our ageing loved ones before it's too late. Because whether in business or life, I believe the quality of our connections shapes everything.

Here are two ways we can connect:
1.	Reach out to explore people strategy and practices, coaching, or learn how to intentionally connect with your ageing loved one. No fluff, just straight talk about what's possible.
2.	Join my network for people insights, reflections, and meaningful connection strategies. I regularly share practical tips and strategies that you can implement right away.

Remember, transformation doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest changes create the biggest impact. Let's explore what that could look like for you. 

P.S. If you're wondering about credibility - I'm lucky to have collaborated with a variety of organisations in a number of industries, from Not for Profits to large corporates. But what matters most is what we can achieve together.

taplio

The Battle

Paul Chen

Lana Johnston

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