As Helen Collier-Kogtevs, CEO of Australian finance powerhouse E-Link Finance, Founder of Real Wealth Australia and a best-selling author, reflects on her journey to becoming one of the most inspiring leaders of 2024, her narrative is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to lifting others. Nominated by The CEO Views online magazine for the Best Women Inspiring Leaders of the Year 2024 award, Helen’s story is a testament to her profound impact on the finance sector, sports, and community development.
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Entrepreneurial Journey
My entrepreneurial journey has been a challenging yet rewarding odyssey. Growing up in government-funded housing in Australia, taught me the value of hard work, unwavering perseverance, and the importance of supporting those around me. Venturing into the male-dominated realms of finance and property, I’ve had to navigate through the glass ceiling with resilience. Building E-Link Finance from the ground up while facing industry stereotypes has been a testament to my commitment to client-focused excellence and equity.
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Outstanding Achievement
My most outstanding achievement transcends the success of E-Link Finance. It lies in mentoring hundreds of women and disadvantaged individuals, helping them secure finance to achieve their dreams. Further, my role in promoting inclusivity in roller sports, particularly through the Melbourne Scooter Club, has not only fostered a sense of community but is also helping to pave the way for the sport’s recognition on an Olympic stage, working alongside Skate Australia and World Skate.
One of my most significant achievements is my philanthropic work through the SHaRM Foundation. In the wake of Super Cyclone Pam’s devastation in Vanuatu in 2015, I felt a deep calling to act. Moved by the dire needs of the community, I co-founded SHaRM Foundation with the mission to rebuild schools and kindergartens. This work goes beyond just reconstructing buildings; it’s about laying the foundations for future generations, ensuring children have access to education and women in communities have safe havens in times of crisis. Through SHaRM, I’ve had the privilege of touching thousands of lives, bringing hope and stability back to those in need. It’s a vivid reminder of the impact we can make when we extend our efforts beyond our immediate surroundings, truly embodying the spirit of service and resilience.
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Attributes of Successful Leaders
Successful leaders today must embody empathy, flexibility, and a forward-thinking mindset. They should prioritize advocacy over accolades, focusing on uplifting those starting their journey in careers, education, or sports. True leadership is measured by one’s ability to share skills and create opportunities for mutual success. To create strong visionary teams or collaborations, I don’t ask, “What’s in it for me?”; I ask, “What’s in it for you?” Knowing the success of those around me is fundamental to the health of my leadership.
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Hindrances and Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs
The biggest hindrance for women entrepreneurs remains the disproportionate share of household duties and the mental load many carry. Balancing these responsibilities with the pursuit of entrepreneurial success is daunting. Personally, navigating these challenges while breaking barriers in finance, property and sports has been a relentless journey of self-discovery and resilience.
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Efective Strategies for Success
My strategy for success is rooted in fostering innovation through collaboration. By building trusted teams and creating safe environments for brainstorming, we’ve been able to think big and execute visionary projects. This approach has been instrumental in my finance business, philanthropy, and promoting scooter sports.
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Technological Impacts on the Finance Sector
Digital marketing, social media, and artificial intelligence have revolutionised the finance sector. These technologies, while enhancing efficiency and accessibility, also pose challenges with the proliferation of quick-profit schemes and a one-size-fits-all approach to wealth creation. My focus has been on leveraging technology to provide tailored, realistic financial solutions.
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Driving Innovation
Innovation, for me, is about creating pathways that were previously unimaginable, particularly for women. In the finance sector and scooter sports, I’ve emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusivity to foster innovation. This approach has enabled us to navigate post-pandemic challenges and redefine what’s possible in both fields.
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Industry Trends and Future Plans
The next decade will be characterized by the mantra, “innovate or evacuate.” The rapid advancements in AI and the digital revolution demand that we keep pace while maintaining a human touch. My future plans for E-Link Finance and the Melbourne Scooter Club focus on harnessing these technologies to expand our reach and impact, ultimately driving both sectors towards inclusive growth and global recognition with a particular focus on augmenting female participation.
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Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
Listen to Lead
To all burgeoning women entrepreneurs, I say, find a female mentor. Embrace the power of two-way communication and never underestimate the value of listening. Your leadership journey should be about creating opportunities for others while navigating your path with integrity and purpose.
As Helen Collier-Kogtevs continues to break new ground, her legacy is defined not just by her professional achievements but by her profound impact on the lives of those she uplifts. Her vision for a more inclusive and equitable world in finance, philanthropy and sports sets a benchmark for future leaders, inspiring a new generation of visionaries to strive for excellence.
My focus has been on leveraging technology to provide tailored, realistic financial solutions.
