In Episode 12 of Task Me Anything, Adam speaks with Luke Hill, Chief Operating Officer at AAMC, about his journey from panel beater to the C-suite. Luke shares what he has learned from leading a team of 250 people, including the importance of humility, trust, clear communication and giving credit to the people doing the work. They also discuss customer experience following a vehicle accident, building a long-term career, staying authentic, learning from mentors and resisting the pressure to achieve success overnight. The episode finishes with a look at AAMC’s technology transformation and the challenge of choosing systems that can support the business as it grows. In this episode: Luke’s journey from panel beater to Chief Operating Officer Why leadership is not about taking the credit Moving from technical expertise into people leadership What customer experience looks like after a vehicle accident Managing trust across a team of 250 people Handling frustration and difficult workplace conversations How young professionals can build a successful long-term career Why authenticity matters in leadership The danger of trying to go from zero to hero too quickly Centralising business data and choosing the right technology Luke’s goals for the next five years Episode Chapters 00:45 | Rapid-fire questions Coffee or tea, boardroom or frontline, leadership heroes, business books and Luke’s non-negotiable daily habit. 02:35 | Getting 10 hours back each week Luke explains why he would spend less time reviewing reports and more time connecting with teams throughout the business. 04:05 | Luke’s biggest leadership lesson Why leaders should remain humble, recognise their teams and give credit to the people responsible for the ideas and hard work. 05:15 | Leadership beyond technical expertise Luke reflects on moving from Tasmania to Melbourne and learning that collaboration and team ownership were essential to success. 06:25 | From football ambitions to panel beating Luke discusses his early career plans, his interest in vehicle assessing and why he completed a panel-beating apprenticeship. 08:05 | What AAMC does An explanation of outsourced vehicle assessing, repair management and how AAMC supports insurers through its supply chain. 09:25 | What good customer experience looks like Timeliness, empathy, communication and repair quality following a vehicle accident. 11:00 | Managing and trusting 250 people How long-term employees, management processes, reporting and regular coaching help maintain trust across a large organisation. 12:30 | Handling frustration as a leader Why difficult conversations should be clear and respectful, and why leaders need to manage anger professionally. 13:20 | Advice for building a successful career Luke shares the importance of passion, values, authenticity, mentors and treating people well. 14:45 | You cannot go from zero to hero overnight Why young professionals need to develop skills, listen, learn and become comfortable with uncomfortable situations. 15:45 | Centralising data and technology The challenge of bringing multiple systems together and choosing technology that supports the organisation’s long-term strategy. 17:00 | What the next five years could hold Luke discusses continuing his leadership journey, staying open to future opportunities and taking one step at a time. 17:40 | Closing thoughts Adam reflects on Luke’s work ethic, friendship and impressive career journey. About Luke Hill Luke Hill is the Chief Operating Officer at AAMC, with nearly 20 years of experience in accident management and vehicle assessing. Starting his career as a panel beater, Luke worked his way through assessing and management roles before moving into senior leadership. Today, he leads national teams, drives operational improvement and focuses on creating better outcomes for clients, customers and employees through clear communication, strong relationships and practical leadership. About Task Me Anything Task Me Anything explores how ambitious business owners build stronger teams, create better systems and buy back their time with the help of skilled virtual professionals.
