From Being Supported to Supporting Others: Lauren Reid’s WiBF Journey

For Lauren Reid, Head of Member Experience at BankVic, WiBF is more than a professional network. It has been part of her own career journey, helping her build confidence, expand her network and take opportunities that ultimately changed the direction of her career. 

Lauren first became involved with WiBF during her time at MLC, when she participated in the WiBF Mentoring Program. What began as a professional development opportunity became one of the most valuable experiences of her career. “The program challenged me to think differently about my leadership and gave me the confidence to put myself forward in new ways,” Lauren reflects. 

That experience had a lasting impact. In 2018, Lauren was recognised as the WiBF Young Leader of the Year, an achievement she describes as a moment that genuinely changed the trajectory of her career. “It opened doors, expanded my network and reinforced my belief in the power of investing in people.” 

Today, Lauren is passionate about creating those same opportunities for others. 

Over the course of her career, Lauren has held senior leadership roles across banking, life insurance, superannuation and private health insurance, leading large customer and operational teams through transformation, improving customer outcomes and building high performing, engaged workplaces. But as her career has evolved, so too has her definition of leadership. 

While delivering strong business outcomes remains important, Lauren’s greatest fulfilment now comes from helping people realise their potential. “I find enormous fulfilment in helping others realise their potential, creating opportunities for emerging leaders and developing both women and men to become confident, authentic and courageous leaders.” 

After several years working across the superannuation and private health insurance sectors, Lauren recently rejoined WiBF and quickly rediscovered the value of the community that had played such an important role earlier in her career. “Returning has reminded me how important communities like WiBF are in supporting leaders, creating meaningful connections and helping shape the future of our industry.” 

For Lauren, this next chapter is about giving back. She believes the financial services industry has an incredible opportunity and responsibility to shape a future workforce where diverse perspectives are valued, people have genuine pathways to grow, and emerging leaders have access to the mentors, networks and opportunities that can change the course of a career. 

“I’d love the opportunity to now give back by helping create those same opportunities for others.” 

Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about where your career takes you. It is also about who you bring with you along the way. 

For Lauren, the support she received through WiBF helped open doors in her own career. Now, she hopes to help open those doors for the next generation. 

And that is the kind of leadership that helps shape a stronger, more inclusive and future ready financial services industry.