Interview with .....February 2016
Darina Armstrong
MSc Executive Leadership 2010 and BA Hons Accounting 1988, Jordanstown
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Business/Organisation: Progressive Building Society
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most
The variation and making a difference to others – helping them to achieve.
How would you describe what you do in one line?
As the Chief Executive of Progressive Building Society, Northern Ireland’s largest locally owned financial institution, I lead a fantastic team of colleagues across our 12 branches and Head Office. We provide a range of mortgage and savings products to people across Northern Ireland, making the process as simple as possible to potential members!
Did you plan out your career or has it evolved along the way?
I wouldn’t say I planned my career in the traditional sense but there were key moments along the way where I had a clear vision of what would help to support and develop my career such as taking the MSc Executive Leadership at the Ulster University.
What qualities are required for your job - personal and professional?
Personally the important qualities in my role are being approachable to all members of staff and being committed to providing the highest quality of service to Progressive’s members and potential members. Qualities that are important on a professional level would be hard working, determined, diligent and competency in dealing with finances.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
It is very rewarding to experience first time buyers purchasing their first home and informing us at Progressive that the mortgage process wasn’t as daunting as they had anticipated - you know that you’ve made a very positive difference to their lives. I also like to encourage people to save no matter what age they may be.
What has been your biggest challenge to date/and your greatest achievement?
I would have to say that I have always found it challenging being a woman in business especially in the line of work that I do which has been more traditionally male focused. However, I feel that I have been successful in overcoming this challenge and recently I became the first female and the first Northern Ireland representative to sit on the Building Societies Association Council which I would consider to be quite an achievement. I hope that I have made it easier for other women to follow in my footsteps and succeed in their career.
Why did you choose to study at Ulster University?
I chose Ulster University due to its strong reputation for financial studies. I thoroughly enjoyed the years I spent studying at the University.
Who or what at the Ulster University influenced you most?
My greatest influence was Robert McClung who was my auditing lecturer and was also my assigned dissertation supervisor. I really enjoyed attending his classes and he actually managed to make auditing an interesting topic, which is no mean feat! He was also very passionate about the importance of high ethical standards in business.
What is the best piece of financial advice you would give a student or recent graduate?
You are never too young to start saving no matter how small the amount. It will definitely make a difference to your future and the important milestones in life.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
‘There is no such word as ‘can’t’. That was definitely the best piece of advice I received and it was imparted to me by my Primary 6 teacher. Better to catch onto this one sooner rather than later! It has always been a good motivator for me when faced with a difficult situation whether it be professionally or personally.
How do you feel the Ulster University has helped you with your career so far?
Ulster University made it possible for me to commence my career in Accountancy which has been a great building block and has helped me to advance, grow and evolve at Progressive. I met many inspiring people throughout my years of study at the University and they have also helped to influence me throughout my career. Keep up the good work!