Hundreds of women from across the financial services industry joined in Sydney to hear athlete-turned-doctor Dr Jana Pittman speak at the Women in Finance Network Luncheon 2025.
Sydney’s stunning Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf played host to a vibrant gathering of 200 influential women in finance on Friday (2 May), for the annual Women in Finance Network Luncheon.
The second annual event, run with the support of principal partner ANZ, provided a valuable platform for networking, connection, and inspiration.
The atmosphere was abuzz with energy as emcee Annie Kane encouraged attendees to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new business relationships against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour, all while fostering a strong, supportive community.
The official welcome was delivered by Natalie Smith, general manager, retail broker at ANZ, who said while female representation has increased in the finance industry over the years, there was still work to be done.
Smith also reinforced the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women in the industry, for example, through its Doyenne program.
In her speech, Smith unpacked her journey to senior leadership, inspiring many in the room to follow in her footsteps. According to Smith, a key part in accelerating forward is having a strong network and support system around you.
Reflecting on her session, Kelly Eldridge, the chief of staff at fintech company Quickli, said: “Natalie Smith from ANZ spoke powerfully about only just now having female bosses, and the uplift she’s seen in women across finance and brokerages which is a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go.”
Smith told The Adviser: “We know women remain underrepresented in the broking sector, but events like this, which ANZ is proud to partner with, help to showcase the depth of talent, skill, and experience women bring to the industry. Networking is crucial for broadening perspectives, sharing best practices, and unlocking career opportunities.
“For newcomers, it helps build a profile and industry knowledge in a supportive environment. For those advancing their careers or businesses, it’s empowering to connect with dedicated professionals who understand our unique journey.
“Barriers such as stereotypes, gender role expectations, and a lack of development opportunities still exist, and often accentuated when running a small business. However, practical steps like championing role models, adopting gender-balanced recruitment, and implementing flexible working practices can help to create a more inclusive environment.
“Personally, my 20 years in sales and leadership have shown me that customers value understanding and service over work arrangements. Strong sponsors and mentors have empowered my growth, highlighting the need for more active advocacy and connection within our industry.”
Overcoming fear
During the three-course luncheon, the spotlight turned to the highly anticipated keynote speaker, Jana Pittman. The accomplished athlete, who holds two world championship titles in hurdles and four Commonwealth gold medals, made history by becoming the first Australian woman to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics following her transition to bobsledding.
But Pittman’s pursuit of excellence didn’t end there. After retiring from competitive sport, she embarked on an equally challenging path in medicine, earning a bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery with first-class honours, and a master’s in reproductive medicine.
Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in obstetrics, all while being a devoted mother to six children and an ambassador for the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation, advocating vital awareness.
Drawing on her diverse experiences, Pittman spoke candidly about navigating setbacks, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of adaptability. She introduced the concept of FEAR as “False Evidence Appearing Real”, saying that many limitations are self-imposed and can be challenged through reflection.
Her inspiring address resonated deeply with the audience, offering powerful insights into overcoming adversity, embracing change, and the importance of challenging self-imposed limitations.
Jasmina Stojanovski, a commercial business development manager (BDM) from Liberty, shared her reflections on Pittman’s impactful message: “A true highlight of the day was the keynote from Dr Jana Pittman, whose story from elite athlete to doctor and mother of six is a masterclass in adaptability and courage.
“One message that truly resonated with me was her take on FEAR – defined as ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’. It was a powerful reminder that many of our fears are internal narratives we accept without challenging.
“By pausing, reflecting, and breaking them down, we may often realise those fears don’t hold the weight we imagine.”
Carly Lloyd, group executive, people & culture at Loan Market Group, said: “Backing women in finance isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s how we build a stronger industry. Events like the Women in Finance Lunch create space for connection, visibility, and momentum. They remind us that progress happens when we challenge the status quo and actively support equity...
“Hearing from Jana Pittman about embracing fear as a way to step forward was a powerful moment. Her message that opportunity often lies just beyond fear hit home for many of us. At LMG, that really resonates; we’re focused on creating real opportunities for women to lead and grow, in ways that work for them.”
Reflecting on the “incomparable Dr Jana Pittman”, Sally Chadwick, Mortgage Choice’s executive manager, corporate communications, events, and franchise marketing, said: “In her empowering keynote, Dr. Pittman delved into the nature of fear, showing how breaking fear down logically can stop it holding us back from reaching our potential. She talked about the importance of cultivating self-belief and reminded attendees that no matter how accomplished you are, if you think you’ll lose the race before it has started, you’ve already lost – words to live by.”
Speaking on behalf of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA), chief development officer Joanna James, said: "My take away from the day was the beauty of the authentic conversations that were shared, the raw splendor with which Dr Pittman shared her life lessons and the tangible sense of community we can create when we look beyond the present to what is possible."
Eldridge agreed: “Jana Pittman’s message about rising from disappointment and embracing fear really hit home.
“Events like this matter, not just for the stories we hear, but for the connections we make and the momentum they build across the industry.
“We left the Women in Finance Lunch energised by the stories of growth, resilience and change.”
Following the formal proceedings, the attendees moved to the verandah to enjoy cocktails and further networking, bathed in the afternoon sunshine.
The Women in Finance Network Luncheon proved a resounding success, leaving attendees feeling inspired, connected, and empowered to continue making significant contributions to the finance industry.
The event underscored the vital role of such gatherings in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women to thrive and lead.
Thank you to the sponsors
The luncheon was made possible through the commitment of several prominent sponsors: principal partner ANZ; gold partners, the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) and Loan Market Group; and event partners Liberty Financial, Mortgage Choice, and Quickli.
The FBAA's CDO, Joanna James, said: "Creating events where women can meet to be peers, sisters, mothers and daughters creates opportunity for a depth of valuable life knowledge to be transferred to one another. The WIFN lunch provided not only a space of inspiration but of collaboration and learning.
"The FBAA is proud to support enriching events, such as these, that foster community connections and a greater sense of purpose within the industry. Finance brokers are a vital part of the entire financial ecosystem, and its events such as these deepen those opportunities."
Lloyd, group executive people & culture at Loan Market Group, said: “We’re proud to support this network and to keep pushing for the change our industry needs. Because when women are backed to thrive, the whole sector moves forward for everyone.”
Liberty said it looked forward to “continuing our support of initiatives such as the Women in Finance network that work to champion diversity and inclusion in finance”, while Chadwick, Mortgage Choice’s executive manager, corporate communications, events, and franchise marketing, said the company was proud to continue its support of Momentum Media’s Women in Finance network (the REA Group-owned brokerage was also a principal partner of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2024).
Eldridge, chief of staff at Quickli, said: “At Quickli, we believe resilience and inclusion go hand in hand. We’re proud to support the Women in Finance network and to play our part in helping women at all levels lead with confidence. Diverse teams drive better decisions and stronger outcomes.”