How WiBF Transformed My Career: Paula Nassif’s Experience

Want to take your career to the next level? WiBF is a dynamic organisation that offers incredible opportunities for members, from webinars, live events, and masterclasses to mentoring programs and National Industry Awards. Whether you engage a little or a lot, the more you invest in these opportunities, the more you gain. For Paula, WiBF has been a game-changer, helping to provide the skills, opportunities and network she needed to progress in her career.

“One of WiBF’s key aims is to support women in leadership, and it has certainly helped me achieve that goal. The courses, training, and connections I’ve gained through WiBF have really helped my career growth.

A real turning point was winning the WiBF/Turks Legal Scholarship to attend the prestigious Women in Leadership Program at Darden Business School, University of Virginia, USA and serving as a WiBF Ambassador in 2023. This experience helped me understand my strengths, identify areas for development, and refine my leadership style. It gave me great insights into the industry.  It also pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me opportunities which allowed me to take the next big step in my career, an opportunity for which I am truly grateful,” said Paula.

How is WiBF Different from Other Organisations?

WiBF stands out because of its dynamic and growth-oriented approach. It is constantly evolving, expanding, and creating innovative opportunities for all individuals, not just women, in banking and finance but also to the wider industry such as law firms, insurance firms, fin-tech, government and professional services, both in Australia and internationally. This unique approach is amazing as it brings awareness and empowers so many more professionals to support the vision of WiBF. Through its range of programs, WiBF provides practical, high-impact learning experiences and shines a well-deserved spotlight on women in the industry through its National Industry Awards.

What Has Paula Learned About Leadership Through WiBF?

1. Authenticity: Be true to yourself. Find your unique leadership style because what works for one person may not work for another.
2. Support: Lead from the front. If your team is in the trenches, you should be right there with them.
3. Growth: Never stop learning. Leadership is about continuous development—be open to learning from your team, new experiences, and fresh perspectives.
4. Integrity: Your actions are always under scrutiny, whether you realise it or not. Lead with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
5. Generosity: Give back. Invest in your team, your clients, and your community. A great leader lifts others up.

“The programs and scholarship I’ve completed with WiBF have helped shape my leadership philosophy,” Paula shared.

What Advice Would You Give to Others?

“If you have a goal, go for it!  There will always be people who say you can’t do it, so why not ignore them and prove them wrong?  Dream big, if your dream doesn’t scare you, you’re not aiming high enough. Don’t fear rejection or mistakes; they are critical for  growth, learning, and development. Careers are rarely linear, and some of the greatest innovations have come from unexpected detours,” said Paula.

How Did WiBF Help Paula Become a Partner at Kardos Scanlan?

Paula shares that the support she has received through WiBF gave her the opportunity to allow her to step into the next phase of her career, becoming a Partner at Kardos Scanlan.  Kardos Scanlan is a highly regarded boutique commercial law firm in Sydney (www.kardosscalan.com.au).

“This milestone was a huge step, and the leadership skills I developed through WiBF have been critical in my role,” said Paula.

Paula Nassif
Partner, Kardos Scanlan