Celebrating Achievement: Melissa Haikal on Purpose, Perseverance and the Power of Community
03 Dec 2025
The WiBF 2025 National Industry Awards celebrated in style this year with a special 25th anniversary gala proudly sponsored by National Australia Bank (NAB). These awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding individuals and organisations championing gender diversity and excellence across Australia’s banking and finance industry.
Among these inspiring leaders is Melissa Haikal of Westpac Group, winner of the WiBF 2025 Award for Achievement in Professional Services, proudly sponsored by Financial Education Professionals. Melissa’s story is a testament to the impact that purpose-driven leadership and perseverance can create, not only within organisations, but across the wider financial services industry.
A Moment of Pride and Purpose
For Melissa, winning this award was more than a professional milestone.
“This award represents more than recognition, it’s a reminder of the impact we can create when we combine purpose with perseverance,” she reflects. “Personally, it’s a moment of pride and gratitude; professionally, it reaffirms my commitment to lifting others as I climb and to driving change that leaves things better than I found them.”
Inspired by Authentic Leadership
Melissa credits her success to the people who have walked alongside her. Mentors who pushed her to think bigger, leaders who demonstrated the value of authenticity, and peers who embodied the strength of collaboration have all been central to her journey. But above all, her family and friends have been her foundation.
“They believed in me long before I believed fully in myself,” she shares.
Leading with Integrity at Westpac
In her current role at Westpac, Melissa leads remediation initiatives within the Institutional Bank, work that she describes as being deeply meaningful.
“At its heart, this work is about rebuilding trust, with our customers, our people and the community. What I love most is that every challenge is an opportunity to make things right, and in doing so, to leave a legacy of stronger systems and better outcomes for those we serve.”
Lessons for Future Leaders
Melissa has been inspired by mentors and colleagues who have challenged her to think bigger, “I am constantly inspired by leaders who demonstrated the impact of authentic leadership and by peers who continually remind me of the strength of collaboration,” she shared.
She recalls early in her career facing a project that felt impossible, tight deadlines, high stakes and a team unsure if they could deliver. “One of my mentors told me, ‘You won’t know how far you can go until you try.’ That simple challenge pushed me to step up, trust my team and approach the problem differently. In the end, not only did we succeed, but I learned the value of perseverance, creative thinking and believing in myself,” said Melissa.
Above all, she has been supported by family and friends who believed in her long before she fully believed in herself. Their faith has reminded her that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and that no journey is ever truly walked alone. Melissa’s advice for those who aspire to follow in her footsteps is both practical and powerful:
“Believe in your potential, even on the days when it feels easier not to. Say yes to opportunities that scare you, they are the ones that shape you most. And remember, leadership is not about titles or accolades, it’s about service, integrity, and creating space for others to shine.”
The Power of the WiBF Community
Melissa also highlights the role of WiBF in shaping her professional journey.
“The WiBF community is a force for good, a collective of voices that inspire, encourage, and amplify each other. For me, it has been a source of courage and connection, reminding me that none of us walk this path alone. It is through communities like WiBF that we not only grow individually but also reimagine what’s possible for the industry as a whole.”
Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is about courage, service, and leaving things better than we found them values that lie at the very heart of the WiBF 2025 National Industry Awards. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our 2025 winners on wibf.org.au.
