Leading Women

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.

Kristal Kinsela, Owner, Kristal Kinsela Consulting on being driven by her purpose to elevate the voices of Indigenous businesses and amplifying the incredible success of black women in business. Key Insights (01:57) How Kristal started her leadership journey (18:25) The importance of celebrating your success (21:20) Kristal’s addition for your Leadership Toolbox   Important Resources and Links To learn more about the cultural practice of deep listening called “dadirri”, visit www.miriamrosefoundation.org.au/dadirri 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 a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of Elladex and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: www.elladex.com.au 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.

Tracey Spicer AM, Chair, NED, Journalist and Author on learning from the past and shifting into collective action, how machine learning is reinforcing gender bias and the opportunity to change our future landscape for good.   Key Insights (02:10) How Tracey started her leadership journey in advocacy and activism (09:13) The power of storytelling and why everyone’s story is valid (26:04) Tracey’s addition for 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 a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of Elladex and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: www.elladex.com.au  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.

Felicity McGahan, Group CEO, Strand on following her generational calling into retail, traversing the globe to lead many flagship brands to success and the importance of the three Cs of leadership.   Key Insights (01:46) How did Felicity start her leadership journey? Straight after school, Felicity started working in Australian retail at Esprit as a store Manager. Felicity then got the opportunity to work overseas and relocated to the US to start a 20-year career with Gap. Felicity continued to move jobs throughout the US and the UK but missed Australia often, so she returned home to run the Sussan business, followed by Cotton On and now Strand. (08:39) What lessons can Felicity share around being vulnerable and role modeling through leadership? Felicity believes honesty is important. Especially with the amount of information available to everyone, you’ve got to be honest and true to your teams. Commit to taking them on the journey with you and explaining the why behind your decisions. (20:45) What tool can Felicity share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? Felicity shares, it’s all about the vision you set for yourself. She has a quote in her office that says, dream big, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with great people. Felicity says it’s also a good framework for those at the beginning of their leadership journey.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit commbank.com.au/women-in-focus Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of Elladex and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://www.elladex.com.au/ 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.  

Tarsi Luo, Founder of Seed Planet and M&A Special Adviser on navigating leadership through a cultural lens, balancing her Eastern identity with her Western environment and pushing forward no matter how many rejections you experience.   Key Insights (02:01) How did she start her leadership journey? Tarsi was born in a small town in northern China, both of her parents are factory workers and they wanted Tarsi to marry a good man, have a good career and live in a small town just like everybody else. Tarsi however had big dreams since she was a little girl to do something different. She started her career as a successful marketing director for a world leading drone company. Tarsi then moved to Australia to work in a new industry and worked her way up from sales to CEO in six years. (10:05) What made Tarsi say yes to take the opportunity to be CEO? At first, Tarsi was thrilled and then she became scared. However she knew that if she didn’t take on the opportunity she wouldn’t allow herself to learn and see what’s out there. She reminded herself of the courage it took her to step out of China and it was the same mindset that pushed her to say yes to the CEO role. Tarsi told herself “yes, you've never done that (before), but they chose you because they believe in you and you can bring something back to this job as well.” (25:05) What tools can Tarsi share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? Tarsi’s experience and journey so far has taught her to never doubt herself. Tarsi tells the audience to believe in themselves and push forward. It doesn’t matter; rejection, millions or trillions, just push yourself forward and believe.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of Elladex and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://www.elladex.com.au/ 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.

Michele Adair, CEO, Housing Trust, Chair, Homes Tasmania and non-executive director on forging her purpose-led career through the grace of accidental life lessons, dedicating her work and life to advocating for housing as a human right.   Key Insights (01:45) How did Michele start her leadership journey? Michele’s leadership journey has been non-linear compared to most. She entered the workforce after completing an AFS exchange student program and then left to have two kids. Michele wanted to re-enter the workforce but knew she probably needed a degree to do so. After unexpectedly splitting with her husband, the company she worked for went into receivership leaving her without a job and homeless. Trying to make ends meet, Michele took on part-time teaching roles, and was eventually introduced to consulting opportunities through a friend. After 20 years, she got to a point where she was able to take on full-time executive roles until she got to where she is now, CEO and Chair. (11:19) How did Michele hone her justice-fueled influence? For Michele, it’s always about the audience and the message. It is not enough to talk to the statistics, but we must talk about the human cost and the human right to have access to housing. (25:33) What tool can Michele share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? Michele shares the book, Leadership on the Line, with the subtitle Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Change. The book is full of tools, tips and techniques to help us when we’re leading organisations, driving change, trying to create influence and understanding what pushback looks like.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of Elladex and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://www.elladex.com.au/ 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.  

Genevieve Bell AO, Director of the School of Cybernetics, Founding Director of 3A Institute and non-executive director on the three elements of leadership, daring to call out the bold truth and befriending our inner critic.   Key Insights (01:46) How did Genevieve start her leadership journey? It’s been a varied and meandering path for Genevieve, she’s found herself ironically back where she finished high school, in Canberra as the Director of the first new school at the Australian National University. Genevieve recalls her unexpected childhood where moved around a lot and found herself in a lot of conflict. However, one day her mother sat her down told her she needs to actively be a part of building a better future that’s different than the present. This has been her North Star ever since. (17:59) What is the importance of knowing yourself for Genevieve? For Genevieve, leadership is not only about knowing the theory and practice behind it, but it is also about knowing who you are and what pushes your buttons. It’s learning how to manage those things about yourself a little more effectively in order to get to know how you respond or wouldn’t respond in face of a crisis. (22:58) What tool can Genevieve share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? Genevieve makes sure that she ‘catches up with herself’ regularly. At least once a year she gives herself a moment to reflect on what she’s achieved retrospectively and in their totality. This provides clarity and the ability to size them up so she can accumulate them and acknowledge she’s the person that did those great things and to feel proud about them. Practically, it’s also a good exercise to perform before updating your LinkedIn, resume or curriculum vitae.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of Elladex and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://elladex.com/ 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.  

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Astrophysicist & Australian Government Women in STEM Ambassador at UNSW on propelling the pathways for young women in STEM, how influential family and community are when it comes to engaging children in a more gender-balanced way.   Key Insights (01:55) How did she start her leadership journey? Lisa started her leadership journey through science and research. As Lisa stepped up the ranks in her field, she started to mentor students and work on large international projects such as building telescopes like the Square Kilometer Array (the world’s most powerful radio telescope) involving collaboration from around the world. (10:53) How does Lisa use the role of storytelling in shifting societal biases and how is she embedding this in her Initiative, Future You? Future You is a national awareness raising initiative to help young people understand the different pathways STEM skills can take them. Future You shares the stories of role models from different backgrounds to show young people STEM really is for everyone. By showing a diverse examples of career journeys it allow kids to use their imagination when picturing a future in STEM instead of a particular career path. For example, it explores how technology can bring a unique perspective in the work of First Nations women or, how STEM could also mean getting your hands dirty as a heavy vehicle mechanic. (23:27) What tools can Lisa share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? To focus on the big picture and identify what's truly important to you and to your organization. By cutting out the dead wood and understanding the core of an issue, you can then effectively articulate a vision and course of action for your organisation.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of ELLADEX and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award. As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://elladex.com/  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.

Alisi Tutuila, CEO Aspire Indigenous, and Chair, Aboriginal Housing Company on fulfilling her deep sense of responsibility with honour, giving back whilst paying it forward and changing the trajectory for Indigenous youth through building infrastructure across housing, recruitment and childcare.   Key Insights (02:34) How did Alisi start her leadership journey? Alisi provided two snapshots Firstly, around the ages of four and five she was asked by her single father to help raise her little sister amongst other things. Alisi understood early on that she had to step up and take on a leadership role and responsibility for her family. The second snapshot occurred about 20 years again in her role as a youth worker in Redfern. During this time, she learned the importance of building rapport and respect in the community and came to realise that young people needed someone to trust, rely on and guide them. (14:03) How does Alisi overcome imposter syndrome? Alisi overcame moments of imposter syndrome by staying focused on the purpose and the path her team was on. Alisi also has mentors that help her push forward and champion her. Alisi shares a moment where one of her mentors, Uncle Mick Mundine reminded her that her forefathers did their bit so she could sit equal at the table. Now it’s her turn and time to be in the moment. (19:29) What tool can Alisi share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? Alisi shares the importance of finding your people and a group of leaders to champion you. For Alisi her circle of aunties, mothers, and sisters play a vital role in her professional success, family life and soul. For those that don’t have strong circles around them, Alisi shares that they should look towards their community because there are other women waiting to connect.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of The Remarkable Woman and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://www.theremarkablewoman.com.au/ 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: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised this podcast may contain conversations about deceased persons. Discretion is advised. 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.  

Angela Priestley,  Publisher & Co-founder, Women’s Agenda & Agenda Media, and Tarla Lambert, Editor in Chief & Co-owner, Women’s Agenda & Co-founder, Agenda Media on early career uncertainty to tapping into their purpose and finding their flow, how ambition and drive got their foot in the door while collective empowered realism and entrepreneurial spirit propelled their growth and impact.   Key Insights (02:07) How did they start her leadership journey? Angela had always been interested in current affairs and news; she realised she wanted to be a journalist while in school. Angela started Women’s Agenda as the founding editor and after a couple of years was offered a management buyout of the publication which she accepted. Tarla, like Angela, didn’t necessarily seek out to be an entrepreneur but also had an interest in the news and politics. Tarla worked alongside Angela and formed a good working relationship and eventually partnered together to continue Women’s Agenda. (08:33) What are some of Tarla and Angela’s leadership lessons? Tarla learnt career plans do not have to be linear and that it’s OK to experience many twists and turns. Tarla’s greatest leadership lesson is to be naïve to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the big tasks. She also advises to make sure people know you are there by being obnoxious as it has led her to have some amazing opportunities in her career journeys such as meetings with the country’s biggest CEOs. Angela advises to find your purpose. Purpose will drive you throughout your career and will be your motivation. (29:17) What tools can Angela and Tarla share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox? Angela shares to the audience, read the news and know what is going on, attach yourself to a mission and use that mission to help determine your values, who you will work and won’t work with, the line you will and won’t cross and for what purpose. Tarla reiterates, finding your purpose is the most important, really think about what you want to do, where your values lie and that will help guide you.   Important Resources and Links If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html   Host of the Leading Women podcast, Shivani Gopal is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and advocate on a mission to create a more equal world. She’s recognised as a leading business thought leader helping professional women navigate their careers, businesses and financial success. As the Founder and CEO of The Remarkable Woman and Co-Founder of Upstreet, Shivani was recently awarded the 2022 NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership Award and the Top 50 Small Business Leaders award, As a dedicated advocate for gender equality and for closing the wealth gap for everyday Australians, Shivani launched “Equality 2050”; a campaign to achieve gender equality within our lifetimes. If you’re interested in learning more about Shivani visit her website: https://www.theremarkablewoman.com.au/ 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.