

Leading Women
CommBank Women in Focus
Explore the ’now’ and look at what’s ahead for the future of female leadership as we hear from women at the forefront of change and innovation. Season 5 of Leading Women features dynamic, inspiring and resilient women from different industries and sectors, who are paving the way for our collective future.
Join Shivani Gopal, a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and financial inclusion, as she goes beyond ’business as usual’ to bring you real stories of women – both challenges and successes – from across the Australian business and community landscape.
In this new season, we amplify the voices of those who are future-focused, explore successful business strategies and look at the state of technological advancements. Gain actionable tips for making effective decisions and experience-backed insights to add to your toolkit.
If you’re an established executive, aspiring leader, or passionate about supporting transformative leadership, this podcast is your go-to resource. Don’t just adapt to the future of leadership—shape it. Welcome to Season 5 of Leading Women.
Join Shivani Gopal, a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and financial inclusion, as she goes beyond ’business as usual’ to bring you real stories of women – both challenges and successes – from across the Australian business and community landscape.
In this new season, we amplify the voices of those who are future-focused, explore successful business strategies and look at the state of technological advancements. Gain actionable tips for making effective decisions and experience-backed insights to add to your toolkit.
If you’re an established executive, aspiring leader, or passionate about supporting transformative leadership, this podcast is your go-to resource. Don’t just adapt to the future of leadership—shape it. Welcome to Season 5 of Leading Women.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 24, 2024 • 26min
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.

Jun 10, 2024 • 25min
Sarah Nolet, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tenacious Ventures on leading through influence and inclusion rather than authority and hierarchical structures
Sarah Nolet, a leader in sustainable food production, discusses her leadership style based on influence and inclusion. She shares insights on aligning impact with commercial outcomes, driving change in the food system for climate resilience, supporting female founders in venture capital, and embracing diversity and bravery in leadership.

May 27, 2024 • 28min
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.

May 13, 2024 • 30min
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.

Apr 29, 2024 • 29min
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.

Apr 15, 2024 • 25min
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.

Apr 1, 2024 • 22min
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.

11 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 28min
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 of Supply Nation, shares insights on mentorship, collaboration for indigenous and women empowerment, and creating safe spaces. She emphasizes the value of traditional cultural practices in leadership and recommends books for leadership development. Host Shivani Gopal discusses the importance of inclusion and participation in finance and leadership for women.

Mar 4, 2024 • 33min
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.

Feb 19, 2024 • 25min
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.


