“I remember our first fax machine arriving at the branch, and getting a computer installed with things called Windows and a mouse,” says Stan Strack.
“The bank has undergone many changes over the years, and nothing is different in today’s times. But there were probably more radical changes in recent years due to the ever-evolving world of technology.”
While technology and sensibilities may have changed in the last 50 years, Stan Strack’s love for his work and his colleagues at NAB have remained steadfast.
Joining the Mt Hawthorn branch in Western Australia on 13 December 1973, at the ripe old age of 15 and 8 months, Stan started his career as a Batch Clerk, and over the years has held roles as everything from Ledger Examiner, Teller, and Security officer to Consumer Business Officer Relationship Manager, and current role as Consultant Credit Assessment.
“I think my motivation throughout my career has always been the chance to help others, whether that be staff or our customers,” he said.
“I have particularly enjoyed customer facing roles, especially in the lending roles where you get to know clients and their businesses. I enjoy working with them and seeing their business grow and prosper.
“My current CCA role still provides that satisfaction, with the opportunity to assist and train other staff as they learn about lending roles and processes.”
Today’s bankers may enjoy the spoils and sometimes frustrations of modern technology, but for the first three decades of his career, manual banking was king.
“Forget Internet Banking and EFTPOS, most transactions were done by paper deposits, cash and cheques,” Stan said.
“Almost everything was done manually, from processing the entries, posting transactions to customers’ ledger cards and taking manual binders into the Manager’s office each morning with the overdrawn accounts.”
Over his five decades with the bank, across his many roles, one thing has remained a constant for Stan – change.
“If I had one piece of advice for anyone starting out, that would be to embrace change, because there’s going to be a lot of it. Whether it’s physical or technological, there’s no stopping it.
“But also look to that change for the new opportunities that come with it, so don’t be afraid to explore.”
While career and opportunities to work in all corners of his home state have kept Stan constantly challenged and stimulated, it’s the life-long relationships he’s made along the way that have kept him walking through those front doors every day.
“To say working at NAB has influenced my life would probably be an understatement,” he said.
“A lot of my closest friends are people I met and worked with over the years, and I even met my wife at one of those small country towns.
“And even with current technology there is still time for banter and laughs with fellow team members. They may be mostly interstate, and meetings just done via Zoom, but the camaraderie is still there!
“I don’t know what changes may occur in the future, but like the past years I know the support of fellow NAB workers will always be there. That never changes.”
At NAB, we believe in careers not jobs. As you step into your new role, you’ll have our support to develop and our encouragement to explore, realise, and apply your potential. Supported by a team of talented professionals you’ll deliver impact through the work you do and feel proud to work at NAB. Explore opportunities available on the NAB Careers website.
