Meet our partners: Jo Klingberg

The TAL group insurance partner community brings together leaders from across the superannuation sector. We’re fortunate to be able to draw from the vast experience and diverse perspectives of our partners. This month we catch up with NGS Super, Chief Growth Officer, Jo Klingberg to discuss how the fund is responding to changing needs of its members and advocating for financial gender equality.

You’ve worked in the finance and superannuation sector for more than 20 years. What are the changes you’ve experienced over this time and how have they impacted the current landscape?

Many things have changed. When I first started women were unable to contribute to superannuation and now we are pushing towards a 12% Super Guarantee for all which is a monumental shift that will enable all Australians to have a much more comfortable retirement. These days consumers are also more aware of their super and engage earlier, which is one of the key themes we focus on here at NGS when we are talking with our employers and members.

NGS Super celebrated a milestone 35th anniversary last year. How has the fund responded to the changing needs of its members over that time? 

NGS Super has always placed its members at the heart of what we do and while a lot has changed over the past 35 years that has remained a constant. Our history, and the relationships and partnerships we have with industry and member organisations has given us deep understanding of the unique needs and circumstances of our members and we’ve been able to respond with products, personalised service and education that directly address these needs. We’ve also introduced technology solutions that allow members to easily access and manage their super savings online. Being responsive to our members is important to us and will always be a focus for NGS.

As a fund of choice for education professionals, what challenges and opportunities exist as NGS Super grows to suit the needs of an increasing number of members from outside the sector?

NGS super is proud of our strong links to the education sector and the dedicated service and support we offer our members, and we’re eager to offer the same benefits to all Australians. We already have many members who are community-based professionals working in community banking and credit unions as well as faith-based community care including aged care. Community professionals tend to share the same values as educators so the core pillars of our offer - including personalised service, understanding our customers and responsible investing - are just as important to them as it is to our current members.

How does insurance fit into the overall offering for your employers and members?

While many of us will automatically insure our homes and cars, we often forget to think about insuring ourselves and our ability to provide for our family if something happens to us. NGS is committed to helping our members understand the importance of insurance to their financial, physical and mental wellbeing and providing high quality, affordable products that provide for them when they need it the most. Our partnership with TAL allows us to not only educate our members about their health and wellbeing it also helps ensure they have the financial support they need should the unexpected happen and they’re unable to work.

What impact does financial gender inequality have on NGS Super members and what actions can funds take to advocate for change? 

As a super fund with a majority female membership, NGS is committed to equality. Improving financial outcomes for women is not only positive for individual women and their families it also helps business and the broader community. We believe educating women about their finances so they have confidence when making decisions and managing their money is one of the most important ways we can offer support. Small changes can deliver real benefits for someone’s super and retirement which is why we have a range of educational tools available and offer free calls with our Super Specialists. No question is a bad question when it comes to your finances, and we want to empower women to get the answers they need to be financially confident and independent.

Prior to joining NGS Super, you worked at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST). What was one of the initiatives the Institute delivered during your time that you’re most proud of?

There were many fantastic initiatives delivered while I was at AIST. I’m most proud of the new corporate partners we brought into AIST, such as HSBC, Goldman Sachs, SS&C and others who we were able to engage with to provide great insights and inspirational speakers, ensuring that AIST was able to deliver the quality events to members, which is what it was very much renowned for.

We hear you're a keen Geelong supporter. Has there been a particular highlight for you in the season so far?

Ummm....that's probably a week-by-week question!