Why thrive4women?

The research is in...

Supporting women in the most critical times of their business and professional careers and creating an inclusive space to allow them to develop an authentic leadership identity are critical factors in setting them up for long-term success.

Research has found that persistent gender bias in society which is often reinforced across male-dominated industries like mortgage and finance broking, often interrupts the learning process at the heart of becoming a leader for women. (Women Rising: The Unseen Barriers Harvard Business Review 2013).

Establishing a new business or seeking to take on a new professional role, provide opportunities for women in the mortgage and commercial finance industry to grow their leadership capabilities.

However, an absence of affirmation, relatable role models and peer support as they grow and develop their leadership skills, can diminish self-confidence and a female’s leadership identity which “begins as a tentative peripheral aspect of the self,” (HBR) can wither away.

thrive4women has been founded around the central concept of women having a psychologically safe reflective space to develop their brand and presence as a business or professional leader and to connect with a Community of relatable and supportive role models who can inspire and encourage them to reach their full professional potential.

The thrive4women Accelerate program combines the technical elements of running a successful business with professional development techniques which will enable female participants to embrace their leadership identity through understanding and owning their professional purpose, knowing and leveraging their individual strengths, stepping outside their comfort zone and experimenting with new ways of thinking and working.

We are excited about the potential for the thrive4women Accelerate program and Community to make a sustainable difference in increasing the participation and success of female industry professionals.

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thrive4women has been founded around the central concept of women having a safe reflective space to develop their brand and presence as a business or professional leader

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thrive4women Facilitators

Jane Counsel

Jane is a Leadership Coach and has deep expertise on diversity and inclusion – especially as it relates to unlocking business growth and innovation for mortgage and finance brokers.

Jane’s corporate experience with Westpac and her partnership with the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia on the Opportunities for Women project, has given her a unique insight into the specific challenges and opportunities facing women in the mortgage and finance industries. As a coach and training facilitator, Jane works with women to help unlock their unique strengths and potential to fulfil her professional purpose of increasing the diversity of Australia’s business owners and in turn enriching industry growth and innovation.

Michael Trencher

Michael has deep knowledge of the entire finance sector having worked in varying roles over his 30 plus year career including as a banking executive with ANZ and NAB, and with Heritage Bank in their broker distribution channel. He has also owned his own mortgage broking business. As a business coach, he provides a unique insight and understanding of the opportunities and challenges of running a broking business and works closely with his clients to master positive habits and new ways of thinking.

Michael is passionate about supporting the longevity and sustainability of the finance and mortgage broking industries and believes that increasing the representation of women as brokers is critical to ensuring the sector’s long-term success.