Leading Women

CommBank Women in Focus
Leading Women

Together we can shift business leadership from aspirational to actionable. We know diversity in leadership doesn’t just make sense, it strengthens overall business performance and drives economic growth. When we activate leadership for women, we redefine our business landscape. Join Season Hosts Shivani Gopal, Founder, Elladex (Season 3, 4 & 5), Rebekah Campbell, Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker and Mentor (Season 2) and Shade Zahrai, Award-Winning Business Woman and Leadership Expert (Season 1) as they reach beyond ‘business as usual’ to unearth the human stories and rich, relatable experiences of women leading business across the country. Access the practical tips, actionable frameworks and stories of smart risk-taking to ignite your leadership. Whether you’re a business leader, emerging leader, or passionate about supporting leaders to redefine the business landscape, this podcast is for you.

  1. EPISODE 2

    Kate Wickett, Former CEO, Sydney WorldPride on unlocking growth through volunteering, the gaps and gains in diversity and inclusion, and the formula to fostering a connected team

    Kate Wickett, Former CEO, Sydney WorldPride on unlocking growth through volunteering, the gaps and gains in diversity and inclusion, and her success formula to not only back yourself but also the person standing next to you.   Key Insights (02:03) How Kate started her leadership journey (08:30) Bringing Sydney WorldPride together (22:59) Kate’s addition to your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    25 min
  2. EPISODE 3

    Angelique Wan, CEO and Co-Founder, Consent Labs, on being a young leader driven by purpose, redefining success and prioritising development

    Key Insights (02:00) How Angelique started her leadership journey – and became CEO at just 24 (13:01) Reorienting what success looks like and Angelique’s advice on living an impact-based life (30:05) Angelique’s addition to your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    33 min
  3. EPISODE 4

    Kate Russell, CEO, Supply Nation on the value of collaboration, the power of mentorship and the need to create safe spaces for minority groups

    Kate Russell, CEO, Supply Nation on how generous mentorship supported her growth, the value in paying opportunities forward and the need to create safe spaces for minority groups to thrive. Be inspired by Kate’s clarity of purpose and her unique take on how traditional cultural ways of working can guide the future of leadership.   Key Insights (01:55) How Kate started her leadership journey (12:28) Why we need true collaboration and partnership to change the world for indigenous people and women (25:36) Kate’s additions to your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links Kate’s book recommendations: Radical Candor by Kim Scott The Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan   If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson. Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    28 min
  4. EPISODE 5

    Nicole Christodoulou, CommBank ParaMatildas on unwavering grit, reslience and her philosophy of keeping it simple

    Nicole Christodoulou, CommBank ParaMatildas on unwavering grit, reslience and her philosophy of keeping it simple. Be captivated by Nicole’s determination to realise her dreams of teaching and playing elite football, all while lifting others up along the way.   Key Insights (02:26) How Nicole’s leadership journey started and the experience of recovering from two strokes at age 21 (08:48) How Nicole delivered when she was told “you can’t do it” (19:30) Nicole’s addition to your leadership toolbox   Important Resources and Links For more information on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower mentioned by Nicole visit https://hdsunflower.com/au/ If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au To learn how CommBank are supporting football at every level visit https://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/opportunity-initiatives/opportunity-from-community/football.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    22 min
  5. EPISODE 6

    Amber Manning, CEO @Just Cuts™ on leading from the middle, prioritising communication and harnessing the power of networking

    Amber Manning: Leadership to leave positive a legacy Amber Manning, CEO @Just Cuts™ on leading from the middle, prioritising communication and harnessing the power of networking. Hear how Amber stayed a cut above the rest, ensuring she would leave a legacy of her own.   Key Insights (02:22) How Amber’s goals of travelling the world and becoming a landowner sparked her leadership (07:17) Taking @Just Cuts™ on the analog to digital journey: the reality of going from docket books to real-time automation with a franchise (22:50) Amber’s addition to your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au If you’d like to learn more about Just Cuts visit www.justcuts.com.au Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    25 min
  6. EPISODE 7

    Sheba Nandkeolyar, Founder & CEO MultiConnexions Group on putting your hand up and asking for more as you extend the other to help

    Sheba Nandkeolyar: Fostering innovation through diverse leadership  Sheba Nandkeolyar, Founder & CEO MultiConnexions Group, finds success by identifying opportunities amongst challenges. Sheba is a champion for women’s participation, with a propensity to bridge cultural connections and lift others up as she leads with inclusivity. Key Insights (02:17) How Sheba reignited her leadership journey after migrating to Australia (15:20) Activating women’s participation leads to greater outcomes (22:33) Sheba’s addition to your Leadership Toolbox – advice and tips that worked for her Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au If you’d like to learn more about how MultiConnexions connects with Australia's diverse and multicultural audiences visit www.multiconnexions.com.au   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more.   The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    29 min
  7. EPISODE 8

    Sophie Gilder, Managing Director, Blockchain & Digital Assets, CommBank on pushing the boundaries of creativity, collaboration and technology

    Sophie Gilder, Managing Director, Blockchain & Digital Assets, CommBank on pushing the boundaries of creativity, collaboration and technology and on creating more pathways for women and girls to see what they can be in the wide world of tech.   Key Insights (02:01) How Sophie started her leadership journey – from School of the Air to blockchain (13:22) Fostering happier, more engaged and more creative teams (27:53) Sophie’s addition to your leadership toolbox – how to avoid regret   References (06:02) Learn more about the example Sophie mentions on voice technology in the auto manufacturing industry https://hbr.org/2019/05/voice-recognition-still-has-significant-race-and-gender-biases (27:00) Learn more about the research Sophie mentions on gendered wording in job advertisements https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/docs/gendered-wording-in-job-ads.pdf   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    30 min
  8. EPISODE 9

    Kylie Walsh, Founder and Director, REGROWTH on her philosophy that slowing down can get you there faster

    Kylie Walsh, Founder and Director, REGROWTH believes slowing down and taking everything in your stride can get you to your destination faster. Get to know about her young start in business, how she deliberately invests in people and the power of letting others be your mirror.   Key Insights (01:56) How Kylie bought her first office at 21 and found great mentors early on (09:04) Clarity of purpose to lead you down the right path (25:55) Kylie’s additions to your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace & daily learning platform - a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion - a landmark national research paper spanning over 2000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success.   Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank.  The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    28 min
  9. EPISODE 10

    Sarah Nolet, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tenacious Ventures on leading through influence and inclusion rather than authority and hierarchical structures

    Sarah Nolet, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tenacious Ventures on leading through influence and inclusion rather than authority and hierarchical structures. Sarah is a change maker, backing women founders who are creating more environmentally and ecologically sustainable ways of producing food and what we eat.   Key Insights (02:05) How Sarah found leadership as an athlete and how it transferred to business (07:31) Finding alignment between action for impact and commercial outcomes (22:43) Sarah’s addition to your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au If you’d like to keep up to date about Tenacious Ventures and their events visit www.linkedin.com/company/tenacious-vc Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more. The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    25 min
  10. EPISODE 11

    Shivani Gopal, CEO & Founder, Elladex, on her purpose in activating financial inclusion and leadership participation for women

    Shivani Gopal, CEO & Founder, Elladex, discusses her purpose in activating for financial inclusion and leadership participation for women. Shivani emphasises the importance being intentional with strategy and recognising when to shift or when to stay steadfast.   Key Insights (02:29) How Shivani started her leadership journey having smart money conversations as a young girl (12:17) How to build the portfolio career of your dreams (24:13) Shivani’s addition to your leadership toolbox   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit www.womeninfocus.com.au   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is an expert in unlocking inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women. She is the Founder and CEO of Elladex, Australia’s first digital mentor marketplace and daily learning platform – a global ‘rolodex’ with over 25,000 women, designed to elevate personal, professional and financial success. She is the author of the 2023 Inclusion Report: The Perspex Ceiling and the Illusion of Inclusion, a landmark national research paper spanning over 2,000 participants that assesses the challenges and opportunities of inclusion and diversity across Australian corporations. Shivani co-headed the official 2023 Australian G20 Startup group in India and Inclusion taskforce, contributing her experience and expertise in startups to better equip the global ecosystem for success. Shivani has won the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award, was a finalist for the Women in Tech Awards, and Sydney's Young Entrepreneur Awards for 2022. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and her work has seen her covered in some of Australian media outlets, including the AFR, the SMH, The Today Show, Channel 7 and more.   The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank. The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post-production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.   Things you should know: Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

    26 min

Trailers

About

Together we can shift business leadership from aspirational to actionable. We know diversity in leadership doesn’t just make sense, it strengthens overall business performance and drives economic growth. When we activate leadership for women, we redefine our business landscape. Join Season Hosts Shivani Gopal, Founder, Elladex (Season 3, 4 & 5), Rebekah Campbell, Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker and Mentor (Season 2) and Shade Zahrai, Award-Winning Business Woman and Leadership Expert (Season 1) as they reach beyond ‘business as usual’ to unearth the human stories and rich, relatable experiences of women leading business across the country. Access the practical tips, actionable frameworks and stories of smart risk-taking to ignite your leadership. Whether you’re a business leader, emerging leader, or passionate about supporting leaders to redefine the business landscape, this podcast is for you.

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