Media

By Donna Portland – The Bugle Newspaper
24 August 2024, 3:30 PM

After 25 years in the high-pressure corporate world, self-made businessman Jamie Lobina traded the hustle of Sydney for the tranquillity of Jaspers Brush/Kiama. Leaving behind the corporate stress, he sought a ‘semi-retirement’ that would allow him to give back by mentoring medium-sized business owners.

Now, Lobina focuses on guiding others, helping them navigate the complexities of business. “It’s like having another lens or set of eyes on your business – like a non-executive board member,” Lobina explains.

Lobina’s rise in the corporate world was meteoric. After a challenging upbringing, he began his career as a truck driver at 18. By 21, he had become Area Manager, and by 22, State Manager, working with major companies like PepsiCo and Arnott’s. By 26, he was National Account Manager, a testament to his passion and drive.

At 27, Lobina launched Superior Sales Force, specialising in FMCG field sales and marketing with over 250 employees. His company worked with industry giants like Schweppes, Kellogg’s, and Procter & Gamble, helping to elevate several brands. After 19 successful years, he sold the business to Clemenger, a large ad agency, which turned it into an in-house hub for field marketing and merchandising.

Moving south and away from the ‘blue-chip world’ was Lobina’s way to regain balance and avoid working himself into an early grave. His plan was simple: to help other businesses thrive. Today, he manages a number of companies and works six days a week—still busy, but with far less stress compared to his former life in Sydney.

Lobina’s current ventures include a business mentoring company, a property maintenance business, a national franchise where he holds a 50 percent stake, and a real estate investment portfolio. With over 25 years of experience, he understands the unique challenges faced by small-to-medium businesses, where owners often wear many hats – boss, HR, marketing, finance, logistics, and more.

These days, Lobina prefers to coach and work with small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), imparting what he calls “an inspiring entrepreneurial mindset.” He believes in ‘disruption’ – challenging business owners to think differently and adopt innovative approaches.

“It’s critical for any business owner to understand their ‘what’ and ‘why,’” says Lobina, emphasising the importance of motivation and clarity in driving success.

Currently, Lobina is mentoring an engineering firm, a real estate agency, and a grass manufacturing company in Sydney and Wollongong. His sweet spot, however, is working with businesses capitalising between $2-10 million. For Lobina, practical experience is the key to providing valuable insights – there’s no textbook or handbook that can replace it.

One of his core philosophies is building a positive culture of engagement and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of employees – knowing “who is on the bus.” He points out that different roles require different mindsets and skill sets. For example, a sales representative and an accountant need distinct skills and personality traits.

To better understand key staff members, Lobina employs tools like D.I.S.C. profiling, which identifies Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness traits. Interestingly, only 3 percent of business owners exhibit high Dominance and high Conscientiousness, a combination Lobina finds crucial for leadership.

At the heart of his work, Jamie Lobina simply wants to make a difference. His coaching regimen typically involves one-hour sessions every fortnight, held in-house at the client’s premises. Initially, these sessions are with the CEO, gradually expanding to include senior staff. Between sessions, Lobina maintains momentum with bi-weekly phone calls, ensuring accountability and progress.

When asked about the common pain points for businesses, Lobina highlights that it’s not just about external factors like the economy. The real challenge lies in how businesses approach growth and expansion – timing, strategy, and sometimes, downsizing or preparing for sale to improve their financial standing.

Lobina’s top five tips for business owners:

1. Work vs. Home Balance: Keep work at work. Home should be a safe space, not an extension of your office. The ‘work-from-home’ trend has blurred these boundaries.
2. Mental Fitness: Recognise when you need help. Small practices like daily meditation can help manage stress and improve well-being.
3. Passion: If you lack passion for what you’re doing, it’s time to reassess. Understanding your ‘why’ is crucial to staying motivated.
4. Physical Habits: Movement is essential. Physical activity stimulates the brain and boosts creativity. Find at least 30 minutes a day for exercise.
5. Team Building: To drive momentum, ensure you have the right people on board. Identify who’s committed, and don’t hesitate to make changes if necessary.

Jamie Lobina’s transition from a high-powered corporate executive to a business mentor in the quiet surroundings of Kiama reflects his commitment to helping others succeed. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs make him a sought-after mentor.

As he continues to guide and inspire, Lobina remains focused on making a lasting impact on the businesses he works with, one entrepreneur at a time.