Name: Kristofer Rogers

Title: Managing Director

Organisation: The Eden Consultancy

Kristofer is a technology founder recognised as a thought leader in digital disruption. He was announced as the Start-Up Executive of the Year at the CEO Magazine Awards for his work with Zepto (formerly Split Payments), which topped the AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List in 2020.

Kristofer is now Managing Director of the Eden Consultancy, providing advisory services to global companies around emerging technology trends, particularly in payments and the social impact of technology. Kris has held numerous other leadership roles including Australian CEO and Director of Payments at publicly listed EonX Technologies and General Manager ANZ at Mambu, the $5 billion-valued core banking platform provider.

Focussing on social impact, Kris has launched two of the most successful fundraising platforms, and helped raise more than US$100 million for non-profits across the globe. He is also a board member of Feros Care, an aged care and disability services provider in Australia.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Kristofer's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

To trust others to do your work, and to inevitably do it better than you can.

As a start-up founder it is a typical trait to have full control of the operations and direction of a company. But the really successful founders have the ability to hand over, and to realise there is only so much one person can achieve without the help - and complete trust - of others and those who have more experience than you.

To me, that is leadership - to empower others.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I have always been a fan of technology and grew up in a time of rapid speed of innovation, which continues today at pace.

I saw many opportunities to disrupt, and took them on. My early experience as a leader, therefore, was to back myself with a new idea and take people on the journey!

If you make people genuinely feel that they are part of that journey, you will be amazed at the outcomes.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Unfortunately, I am not the best example of work/life balance and wellbeing. I am always-on, especially as I work in all world timezones.

With that said, I do have two things I do everyday without fail - Yoga and the School Run.

No matter how hectic your life may be, take the time to pause with those important life experiences before they pass you by.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

It's actually a motivational quote (sorry!), but it taught me to walk away from a deal that I REALLY wanted to win, but would not have served us well in the long term.

"Be selective in your battles. Sometimes peace is better than being right".

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

May I have two?

The Art of War (Sun Tzu) which continues to provide bite size pearls of wisdom for every business scenario.

The Brutal Simplicity of Thought (M&C Saatchi), that reminds me of the fundamental impact the most simple ideas actually made.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

You do not know everything. Be open to the advice of others, from every direction. The idea that is given to you from the most unexpected source will likely change you forever.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I was fortunate to facilitate a workshop around fundraising in Asia several years ago. in this session, a small patient group from India came up with an incredibly simple idea to raise money for chronic diseases.

I could not be more proud to see this campaign - Chai for Cancer - continue to grow year on year and empower hundreds of patient groups.

Empower others to really see the difference, no matter that sector you are in.