What advice would you give someone wanting to succeed in financial services? To find out, we asked the winners of the Women in Finance Awards 2024 for their counsel
Continually learn and be curious
The winners at the Women in Finance Awards 2024 emphasised the importance of growth, resilience, and collaboration in professional success. Central to this advice was a general encouragement to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Overall, the message is clear: success in finance comes from learning, adapting, and supporting one another while continuously striving for excellence.
“Embrace opportunities to learn and grow. Build strong relationships, stay resilient in challenges, and never underestimate your potential. Together let’s inspire change in the industry.”
- Isabella Constantinou, Simplicity Loans & Advisory
“Set clear, specific and realistic goals for yourself, which is vital in progressing professionally and acts as a compass, guiding choices and informing your decisions.”
- Pooja Bajaj, Australian National Audit Office
“Embrace continuous learning, lead with integrity and always prioritise collaboration knowing that your success is rooted in the growth and empowerment of those around you.”
Lel Smits, Australian Shareholders’ Association
“Embrace adaptability and continuous learning; stay open to new challenges, seek growth opportunities, and never stop evolving. Success comes from thriving in change.”
Alex Harris, Lendi Group
“Always focus on adding value and embracing continuous learning. Stay adaptable and proactive – those qualities will set you apart and drive your career forward.”
Sanju Shahi, MortgageWorks
“Embrace continuous learning, learn to adapt, stay focused, and cultivate resilience – these are the skills that truly matter. Remember the importance of balance and personal wellbeing.”
Natalia Clack, Easy Super
Step out of your comfort zone and back yourself
Another main theme was having the bravery and confidence to back yourself. Whether taking the plunge to seize new opportunities and facing fears to push beyond personal limits, leveraging strengths and staying proactive in pursuit of career advancement were flagged by the 2024 cohort.
“Get outside your comfort zone! Push beyond your perceived limits. Take on new challenges. Embrace every available growth opportunity.”
Renee Cooper, InDepth Accounting
“You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take. Be bold and brave!”
Isabelle Nicolas, Financial Integrity Hub
“It’s never too late, open all the doors. Don’t let perfect get in the way of good enough.”
Shanique Busby, Lendi Group
“Find something you are passionate about and go for it, while listening to your heart and trusting your gut with your decisions.”
Nicola Beswick, FMD Financial
“Embrace change, be curious and never settle; innovation is born from the courage to challenge the status quo and the curiosity to explore new possibilities.”
Winnie Masibo, Mortgage Ezy
“Venture outside your comfort zone. When you try new things, you prepare yourself for your next challenge.”
Lisa Maletta, Bacchus Advisory
“Be clear. Be honest. Be inspiring. If you can achieve those three things, amazing things will happen around you.
Noelle Deieso, LMG
“Say ‘yes’ to opportunities that scare you.”
Eileen Li, Forvis Mazars
Build a network and give back
Picking up on a theme from the Women in Finance Summit 2024, many winners said that building and maintaining strong professional relationships and networks can help you grow your business and bolster your career. This may be through both formal mentoring and informal networking and collaboration, but should also include giving back to others.
“Focus on your strengths, continue to learn, and stay resilient. Build a strong network of mentors and peers, and align your work with your passion.”
Anjali Kumar, NAB
“Everyone needs a mentor! Different people at different stages. Find your tribe and support each other, it doesn’t have to be formal or expensive!”
Heather Gallagher, formerly of outsource Financial
“No one cares how much you know, they care how much you care.”
Joanne Hall, Qwrk Outsourcing
“Enjoy the journey and surround yourself with great people. Real change comes from pushing boundaries, stepping out of your comfort zone, and seizing new opportunities.”
Izzy Jensen, Kakariki Capital
Persevere
Resilience also emerged as a consistent thread, with several winners advising women in finance to stay focused, persevere through challenges, and embrace change, but also highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes and seeking help when needed.
“It’s okay to seek help. Stay true to yourself and build a strong support system.”
Deslie Taylor, Mortgage Choice Ormeau & Yarrabilba
“Our greatest growth comes from our most difficult times.”
Aoife Reilly, AltX Group
“Embrace mistakes as growth opportunities and collaborate generously – remember, a rising tide lifts all ships, magnifying our impact for everyone involved.”
Alexandra Brown, Ethical Invest Group
“Never give up, if you want something badly enough go for it and it will happen.”
Johanna Grandovec, My Business Toolbox
“Cultivate perseverance – finding the path isn’t straightforward and the path itself is not always straight. But the journey’s always worth it when you get there.”
Kate Farrar, Brighter Super
