Meet the BGLers: With Account Manager, Damien Gunatillake!

What was your first job at BGL?

Like many people at BGL, I started in the BGL Support Team as a Support Consultant in April 2018 before becoming a Support Team Leader in March 2019. The Support Team assists clients on a daily basis across all products with technical queries and how to use the software.

Most recently, I was offered the opportunity to become an Account Manager to manage a client base; which has been a fantastic opportunity with a number of challenges, but one of the most enjoyable aspects is being able to apply my technical knowledge and create strong relationships with our clients, learn more about them and how I can help.

I’ve also been a Product Trainer in CAS 360 and Simple Fund 360 since July 2019, which is usually in a Classroom Training environment (Currently held online given the current situation) where we go through and train clients on how to use the software. It’s also great to put a face to a name and meet our clients in person as well.

What three words would you use to describe BGL’s culture?

Growth – There are so many opportunities for people to be challenged and step into new roles.

Collaboration – The BGL Team is strongly client focused and everything we do has our clients in mind.

Mentorship – The BGL Leadership Team are passionate about their roles as well as developing staff at BGL to further themselves.

Which BGL clubs are you a member of?

BGL Run Melbourne – Happens every year around the end of July where we raise funds for the Stroke Foundation, which is usually organised by Gary Hall and it’s great to raise funds for much needed charities.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at BGL?

One of the biggest things was the countless number of opportunities that everyone is provided with; with many people being in a different role at BGL than what they started with. For example, I’ve already been in 3-4 different roles already within the space of 2 years and I’m constantly challenged and doing different things everyday – No one day is ever the same, which I love – It keeps things interesting and I’m constantly learning new skills and further developing myself.

Who at BGL would you most like to swap places with for a day?

Pablo Rodriguez – Head of Client Experience at BGL

Pablo has been one of my biggest mentors at BGL. From day one he provided me with a number of new opportunities and challenges – Pablo is gifted with the ability to teach himself new skills and is pretty much one of those leaders where you really want to put in 200% to help him (Even if it means doing extra to help finish something off).

Pablo is also the type of person who just wants to get it done and the way that he creates relationships with people at BGL and our clients is simply astonishing – He is able to do this so naturally and everyone responds positively.

Not only this, but Pablo is a leader who will always make time to have a chat to see how things are going, lend a hand at any time and provide guidance to ensure I succeed. I like to think that my facial expressions or mood isn’t easily read by most people, but that is definitely not the case with Pablo. He’s always been able to read me and knows when something isn’t quite right, and he will make the time and effort to sit down with me.

Pablo is the type of Leader that I would like to become one day, so I’ve got lots to learn from him.

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to talk to people and I love to help people as much as I can. With my current role as an Account Manager, I get to speak to clients quite regularly and the feedback you receive when taking the time to explain how a client can get more out of the software is truly rewarding and it really makes you feel like you’ve made a positive difference to someone else’s lives.

What new hobby or habit have you taken up while in lockdown?

I’m not really a risk taker at all, but something that has been of recent interest to me is investing in shares on the ASX where I’m wanting to learn a bit more about the share market, although it isn’t too great at the moment unfortunately.

Maybe one day, I’ll be able to retire earlier and live off my shareholdings. A person can only hope!

What show are you currently binge-watching?

Currently, I’m watching a few different ones, including trying to catch up on How to Get Away with Murder and Brooklyn Nine-nine.

I’m beginning to watch Money Heist and You – I’m aware that I’m behind with the times and “My List” on Netflix is increasing rather than decreasing, so I better get onto watching these shows.

However, I’m a bit of a sucker for old classics and like to re-watch Suits, My Wife and Kids, The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I’m usually up early so I’m a bit of an early bird, but I tend to be more productive in the afternoon where I can smash out more things in bulk and get more done – I’m a bit weird like that because the afternoon is usually time to wind down.

Who’s someone you really admire?

I really love Will Smith’s personality; he is just so bubbly and seems very fun to be around.

I’ve watched The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air countless times as well as many of his other movies (Although I’m not usually a movie person surprisingly), with The Pursuit of Happiness being my favourite movie. I really need to get onto the Bad Boys movies as well

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

There is only one correct answer to this question and that is Nando’s Paella Grande with Hot Sauce – I went on a streak for a while having this every Friday lunch, even if it costs $25 (Including delivery with Uber Eats!).

However, I realised how quickly my bank account was dropping, but I still get it on a regular basis on Fridays to spoil myself for the hard-working week. If it were cheaper, I would just live on Nando’s Paella Grande and my taste buds are currently feeling the taste as I write this. If you haven’t had Paella before, please do yourself a favour and get one today – You’ll thank me later.