Business Owner / Senior Financial Adviser , RetireInvest Wide Bay

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Reflecting on my career, I can’t say I’ve experienced significant barriers in my career. Though, I have definitely faced challenges both personally and professionally.

Early on in my career, I was juggling being a single Mum, working full-time, all while studying to become a financial planner.

Being surrounded by passionate women at work and in my personal life I’ve been able to have a mindset of ‘I am exactly where I am supposed to be’, helping me gain perspective at times where I was being challenged.

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their careers?
Encouraging women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their careers is crucial for promoting diversity and empowerment in the workplace.

This can come through mentorship and networking – by bringing experienced and successful women together to offer guidance, support, and career advice. For me professionally, I’ve sought out, and continue to receive coaching and mentoring. It’s also important to me that I give back, and with a predominately female team in our financial planning practice, being a mentor is a highlight for me.
For a workplace’s culture to be inclusive, it’s important women feel supported, respected, and valued for their contribution. Working is a balancing act, between advancing our careers and enjoying life with our loved ones. In my experience and as a leader, fostering a flexible working environment allows our team to expand their career opportunities.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
For me, an important message to send out to young women thinking about their careers is one of empowerment and self-belief. We come across people who doubt us, but we need to believe and have confidence in ourselves.

Trust in your skills, knowledge, and intuition. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and pursue opportunities that align with your passions and aspirations.

If I were to give someone early in their career, or changing careers, I would say to think of your career goals and create a roadmap that guides you towards achieving them. Setting clear goals can help us stay focused, motivated, and proactively identify opportunities.

Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and continuous growth. Seek out opportunities for personal and professional development. Find that person who is an expert in their profession, as I know that this changed my professional world!