Rarely is it the case that a professional at the top of his or her field is able to achieve so much while maintaining a sense of humility as well as a complete devotion to performing the work necessary to ensure the continued education and empowerment of clients, peers and the general public. While it is indeed an atypical circumstance, Darren Pawski is that rare professional, and he is able to cite countless accolades and achievements earned over the course of a successful 30-year career in the finance industry. Mr. Pawski’s exceptional work ethic and unrivaled dedication has led to his current role as the managing director of Synergy Financial Services.
Mr. Pawski began his career in 1988, and the intervening years have seen him enjoy tremendous success while working in leadership positions with some of the most highly respected financial firms in Perth and indeed throughout the whole of Western Australia, with Commonwealth Bank being among one of the more notable institutions to benefit from his professional prowess.
Throughout the whole of his professional career, Mr. Pawksi has never ceased in the pursuit of additional educational opportunities and has earned a Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University as well as a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking from Kaplan. Despite having achieved such a great deal throughout his frequently lauded career, Mr. Pawski is nonetheless currently at work on earning his Master of Finance and Banking while enrolled at Edith Cowan University.
With Synergy Financial Services, Mr. Pawski is able to draw on the vast experience and expertise earned over those 30 years of industry experience, and the manner in which the boutique financial services firm operates is a clear reflection of the values Mr. Pawski has held so dear throughout the entirety of his career. Those values extend outside of the workplace as well, as Mr. Pawski is a staunch supporter of the aged-care sector and frequently volunteers his time at several nursing homes throughout the region.
1. What was your best/favorite subject in school?
Mathematics and economics were equally appealing to me, but I also enjoyed ancient world history as well.
2. What was your first job?
I had an entry level position at a local bank that ultimately sparked my initial interest in finance.
3. Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
This was an industry I specifically targeted while still in school, so I simply worked very hard and took my academic and professional responsibilities very seriously.
4. How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
I’ve been fortunate to have held positions covering just about every aspect of the industry, so I feel as though I am uniquely equipped to understand the totality of the impact stemming from the decisions I make each day.
5. Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
My first day on the job. It was a position I wanted and worked incredibly hard to earn, so it was quite rewarding just to walk in the door that very first day.
6. How do you keep yourself motivated?
My clients depend on me being motivated for the sake of their future, so I’d say that’s more than enough in terms of extrinsic motivation.
7. What kind of business ideas excite you most?
I love bold business ideas, but only if they can be backed up by a clearly defined business plan.
8. Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
Absolutely, I’m always keen on trying something unique for marketing purposes.
9. What personal achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of the decision I made to pursue my master’s degree, especially since it was a decision made out of the sole desire to better myself both personally and professionally through an academic endeavor.
10. What wisdom you would have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
I think I understood this even back then, but I would like to just remind myself of the fact that every endeavor should be oriented around the goal of helping people and should not just be focused on the accumulation of wealth, status or accolades.