Jonathan talks about bringing his person-centred approach to disability and aged care
Banner image: Jonathan (far right) with the Afea and Good Housing team in Tahmoor
Jonathan studied social work in uni but ended up selling luxury cars. Now he’s bringing his thoughtful approach to disability and aged care: “a person-centred approach that really puts the client at the centre of everything.”
For the people he now serves, “luxury” may look completely different – and he is there to understand an fulfill their needs.
“Selling luxury cars will always be a fond and fun memory of mine. However, healthcare will always be significantly more meaningful, and that’s what I realised I really wanted.”
Keep reading to learn more about Jonathan.
Tell us about your background – why did you choose to work in this industry?
For me, I’ve always had a heart for people. The degree I studied in university was actually social work, too. Life pans out differently than we typically expect, and so I ended up in luxury car sales. Even the decision to do that was two-fold: first was to grow as a person and develop my character, but secondly was because I really desired to be able to give a luxury sales experience—a person-centred approach that really puts the client at the centre of everything.
Having done luxury car sales for almost two years, the best memories I have are always with the clients I built genuine relationships with, and still meet up with to this day!
So, when the opportunity came across to combine what I had initially studied with the skills and passions I had developed since, it was inevitable. Selling luxury cars will always be a fond and fun memory of mine however healthcare will always be significantly more meaningful, and that’s what I realised I really wanted.
I love connecting with people and I’m willing to learn. Any opportunity to connect with people and to use my skills is something I’ll always desire to do.
Can you talk about your role?
In my role, I’m essentially the face of Afea to a lot of key organisations who are doing such great work with NDIS participants and aged care clients.
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I see myself as being available – hearing and understanding people’s stories, and how we at Afea can and will go above and beyond to exceed expectations.
My hope is to really make a difference.
What do you think sets Afea apart from other organisations?
What sets Afea apart from other companies is the unwavering dedication to their employees. Afea understands that culture flows from the top down, and that the best way for our participants to receive the best care they can is to ensure that their employees are receiving the best care they can.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
Foodie. Maybe that’s generic growing up in Sydney as we are spoilt for choice but any chance to go out for good food and coffee, count me in.
What do you like doing outside of work/during the weekend?
Being a Christian has always been a big part of my life and so whether it’s the usual Sunday mornings or even playing sports with people from church and doing life together; it’s what fills me more than anything.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to never misunderstand anyone ever again. What better way to navigate conflict than to have perfect empathy.
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