In this issue of Gatherings, we profile Finance Director Nick Pilavidis.
When and why did you join IPEd?
I joined IPEd as a volunteer in 2019 in response to a call for a director to add some financial experience to the board.
What does IPEd mean to you?
IPEd is an amazing association of editing professionals who connect under the IPEd name to advance the profession.
Why are you prepared to volunteer your own time to IPEd?
I am inspired by the passion and dedication of the IPEd community. Personally, I have grown as an association executive and learnt a lot to apply in many aspects of my life.
What is your current job?
CEO of the Australian Institute of Credit Management (AICM).
What does your role entail?
Very similar to what IPEd CEO Karen Lee does, but for credit professionals. I particularly enjoy the role’s variety, from representing members to government to ensuring efficient operations and meeting members’ needs.
Some background on your career path – what led you to your role?
I am a credit professional who has transitioned to an association executive. My early roles were in debt collection and credit management. I enjoyed being responsible for one of the important parts of all businesses: cash flow.
I joined AICM as a member in 2004 and won the Young Credit Professional of the Year award in 2005. That led me to volunteering with AICM and serving as a volunteer director. In 2014, when the incumbent CEO retired, I stepped aside from the board role and applied for the CEO position.
I have loved every minute of the role, which allows me to help credit professionals to develop and thrive in their roles.
What do you do in your spare time?
Family, food and rugby union are my passions outside work.
What sports do you enjoy watching and/or playing?
I watch a lot of rugby union, but it is tough to watch lately as I am a Waratahs and Wallabies supporter. The only way is up!
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Why?
Fiji — how could you not love it? The sun, the people and the water. A week there refreshes the body and the mind.
Describe your family members
I am blessed to be surrounded by great women. My wife, two daughters, a female dog, seven nieces, (one nephew), Mum and mother-in-law keep the few males in my family in line.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, a beaglier (3/4 cavalier and 1/4 beagle) dog. My 12-year-old daughter is desperate to adopt a Pygmy African hedgehog, so watch this space.
What would you never give up?
Family and friends.
What are your favourite books/movies?
The original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book and movie, always.
What’s something very few people know about you?
Most people don’t know I don’t like sharing personal secrets 🙂
Your scariest moment?
I am lucky not to have had many life-threatening scares, but have regularly challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone and have learnt to harness fear in all forms, from public speaking to skydiving. My motivation is knowing the greater the fear, the better it feels to overcome it.
What else would you like to share with your fellow IPEd members?
If you’re passionate about your profession, get involved in any way you can. Like any association, the more you put in, the more you will get out of it.