Leading Women

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.