Colleen Hegarty
Executive Manager of Specialised Industries - Commonwealth Bank of Australia
behind closed doors Melbourne Executive Over Dinner Member

Tell us about your current role and the journey you took to get there:

I often describe my career as a tale of two halves. The first half working within the Treasury departments of large listed organisations covering the mining, financial services and telecommunications industries. The latter half working in the Banking sector covering many sectors over the years. I decided to move into Banking as I struggled to progress within the Corporate sector in my chosen field. My first Banking role was an Analyst within Project Finance, I then moved on to Relationship Management and for the past 4 years lead a team of Specialist Bankers. I genuinely enjoy my role and the thing that surprises me the most is not knowing how my day will unfold. Is it funny to say I love when things don’t go to plan? I say this because I love problem solving, I am the eternal optimist and often look for innovative solutions to meet our client’s needs.

What is your greatest career achievement:

I can’t pinpoint to one single event and would say I have enjoyed every step of the journey. From humble beginnings out of High School to my first job in an office as their Receptionist to now leading a team, I am happy with the career path I have forged.

What is the one key reason you continue to be involved with behind closed doors:

Since relocating to Melbourne, it was challenging to establish professional networks. It was actually my former Boss who had a connection with behind closed doors and he made the suggestion. I have really enjoyed the open dialogue, supportive network and constructive challenge. We are a group of 6 professional women from varying industries and roles, I find that through our questions and suggestions offered that it opens my mind to thinking differently and more broadly. I have also enjoyed being held to account, it has been really beneficial setting goals and this past year having achieved all of them. Looking forward to what next year brings with the group and definitely looking forward to ‘in person’ meetings again.

-Colleen Hegarty, December 2020