Women in Finance Network Lunch 2024

OOn a sunny day in Sydney in March, women from across lending, broking, accounting, financial planning, SMSF advice, and law joined together to network, connect, and learn how we can better support and showcase the work of women in the financial services industry.

The lunch was a result of “people power”, as it was brought to life by Momentum and the event partners following strong demand. Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, many of the attendees asked for more opportunities to network with the like-minded individuals they met that day and hear more from the winners of the awards.

Momentum Media – in partnership with principal partner Mortgage Choice – hosted the luncheon event to provide some food for thought on how we can forge a better financial services industry into the future.

At the event, delegates heard from previous winners of the Women in Finance Awards program to find out more about how they got to where they are now, what we can be doing to support more female leaders in the finance space to find their voice, and how we can encourage more women to join the industry.

Joanna James – the chief development officer at the Finance Brokers Association of Australasia (and winner of the Principal of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards 2020) – shared how she’s evolved over her career, her top tips for finding and using your voice, and why believing that it’s never too late for a change is crucial.

Following this, panellists Trenna Probert from Super Fierce (Women in Finance Excellence Award winner 2023 and Thought Leader of the Year 2023) and Pascale Helyar-Moray OAM from Grow My Money (Women in Finance Excellence Award winner 2020 and Entrepreneur of the Year 2020) shared how they’ve built their financial empowerment platforms, why they love this industry, and why women are best placed to help Australians take control of their financial futures.

Key lessons from the Women in Finance Network Lunch 2024

Reflecting on the event, Sally Chadwick, executive manager, corporate communications, events, and franchise marketing at Mortgage Choice, says: “My team agreed that the biggest takeaway from Joanna James’ keynote was to not let fear stop you from changing your world. In sharing how her self-belief propelled her in male-dominated industries, Joanna really highlighted why facing your fear head-on and building the confidence to overcome the fear can pay dividends.

“The sobering facts shared by panellists Trenna Probert and Pascale Helyar-Moray, OAM, about the economic inequality experienced by women was a timely reminder to all attendees that we have a responsibility to support the women around us by continuing to advocate for change and to ensure our workplaces better represent the communities we live and work in.”

James comments: “The Women in Finance Lunch highlighted that networking is wider than any one particular industry and greater than just professional conversations.

“The freedom to talk openly invariably shows that we all share similar challenges as women, regardless of our roles or specific professions. It is an opportunity to put aside the day-to-day and to dream of an even brighter future where we are all the best versions of ourselves, walking our own footprints. So many golden gems to take wisdom from including greeting the unexpected in life with determination and kindness.

“Perhaps the greatest insight is regardless of gender what is possible when we choose to truly support one another.”

Treyena Prasad, strategic partnerships manager at LoanOptions.ai, adds: “The power in the room was almost tangible. It was inspiring to hear about many of the incredible women’s journeys into business and finance. Hearing their stories alongside other women in the industry cemented the real sense of community that we – and the women before us – have fostered. One that makes you feel you will be supported and valued by your peers.”

Christine Gough, state sales manager for Victoria/Tasmania at Liberty, said she believed the event was a “reminder that women are in control of their own futures; whether that be our career, finances, family, or health and wellbeing”.

“While there may be biases or subtle daily discriminations, we have the power to drive change and build a brighter future for the women following in our footsteps. Our camaraderie and community are key to lifting us as a cohort,” she says.

Gough added she was particularly impressed by Probert’s discussion on overcoming imposter syndrome and growing a business as an introvert.

She continues: “Wearing the most fabulous pink dress and sparkly shoes, Trenna told us how she wears loud clothes which act as a costume to help her be the loudest in the room!

“All women spoke about being strong, using their voice and not being afraid to challenge or be overly concerned about popularity.

“The opportunity to hear from and connect with such strong and intelligent women reminded me that when we have a community around us, our voices can be louder together, and we can help lift each other.”