JBWere’s Wendy Whelan has huge responsibility, but she knows how to ride through the difficult times and keep balance in her life
For JBWere Executive Director of Private Wealth Management, Wendy Whelan, the stand-out of her career has always been JBWere’s supportive and inclusive work culture.
“I used to think that it was not possible to have both a career and family as a female adviser,” she says.
“It is vital we do not neglect the things that are most important to you, such as family and balance, whilst also building your career. It is also vital that an organisation provides an inclusive environment that enables us all to balance family, life and work.
“A former CEO once said post September 11, ‘work to live, not live to work’. Wise words indeed… It’s important to help younger staff understand that it is possible. In the past, [employers] haven’t always helped this balance, but I see that changing every day with NAB’s focus on inclusion and diversity.”
At the beginning of her career, with a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University under her belt, Whelan set her sights on travel and working in investment banking in London. The experience opened up exciting career opportunities that she’d never dreamed possible.
“Coming back to Melbourne, I gained a position at JBWere in a 16-month professional development program working across different departments in investment banking and equity research. As soon as I started working in private wealth management, I knew that was the place for me.”
Whelan has been at JBWere for 19 years and thrives in her current role providing advice (cash, fixed interest, Australian equities and international equities and alternative assets) to individuals, families and non-for-profit organisations.
“I’ve also been known to offer restaurant and travel advice on the side because I love the Melbourne food scene and a lot of my clients travel as well.”
While career is important, Whelan believes you need to nourish your personal relationships with family, friends and remember to look after yourself.
“Check in on what an experience is doing for your health and what it means for you short to medium to long-term,” says Whelan. “If you’re going through a period where your career isn’t going the direction it should, have the patience to ride something out. Maintaining a long-term view is better than jumping from job-to-job in a short time frame.
“I try to take a break every six months to explore the world and remain motivated rather than waiting to travel at retirement. I love adventure travel activities like swimming with humpback whales! I love yoga, swimming and I walk a lot which helps manage stress.” Whelan also attributes her accomplishments to supportive mentoring, resilience and a willingness to learn every day.
“Women that inspire me the most are women that help others succeed. Also, those male champions that speak out, such as our CEO who speaks publicly about why diversity is important.”
“Women need to put their hand up more,” she says. “Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In taught me that men need to ‘lean in’ more at home, while women need to ‘lean in’ more at work – the two work hand in hand.”
Three years ago Whelan put up her hand to chair the JBWere Diversity Council to contribute to something outside of her normal role and construct an environment that allows diversity to prosper.
“Our Head of People and Culture at the time encouraged me to lead while providing feedback and advice on a one-on-one basis. This was fundamental.
“Be brave, bold. And don’t be afraid to speak up. Men aren’t.”
Written by: Thea Christie