ABOUT US

THE STELLA TEAM

The Stella Network has been an integral part of the Australian financial services landscape for over 12 years, with the key focus of more visibility and promotion of women and diversity in the industry.

Stella is a small but fierce team dedicated to serving the financial services industry, supported by out trusted and knowledgeable Board of Directors.

Julia Newbould, Chief Executive Officer (ceo)

Julia is an accomplished finance writer, speaker and author, with a strong connection to and interest in the performing arts and fashion.

She is is a former Managing Editor of Money magazine and co-authored The Joy of Money, which won Best Personal Finance and Investment book at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. She was a founder of the Stella Network, which was launched in 2013 by BT Financial Group to encourage and champion women in financial services.

An experienced conference host and public speaker, Julia has appeared on the Today Show talking about money. She is a regular theatre reviewer for Theatre Now.

She is a senior communications manager at the FAAA and prior to that she was managing editor at Conexus Financial curating content for events for superannuation chief investment officers, financial advisers and licensees.
Julia is currently co-writing a second book in the Joy of Money series.

Julia’s LinkedIn profile

SUSAN TALEVSKI, MARKETING MANAGER

Susan has over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, spanning strategy, content, public relations, websites, digital marketing and more across the financial services sector and professional services spectrum.

Her passion for finance and love of words saw Susan start her own business, The Tale Agency in 2009. Since then she has worked with brands such as BT Financial, CommInsure, Class Super, Westpac, Profile Financial Services, insync wealth management and much more, helping them to develop strong strategies, clear messaging and bring out the best of their brands.

Susan holds Bachelor of Business, with Accounting and Marketing majors, a Diploma in Copywriting and Social Media Marketing and is a qualified Microsoft Systems Engineer (MSCE).

Susan’s LinkedIn profile

board of directors

Our Board connect regularly to share industry insights to ensure that the Stella Network continues to best serve the interests of our community.

Peita Diamantidis

Financial fairy godmother, podcaster, finfluencer, co-founder Caboodle Financial Services

An Actuarial Studies survivor at university, Peita’s first adventure in finance, over 20 years ago, was set in the shark infested waters of investment banking. While proving a human can actually work over 100hrs a week, she also learnt the importance of translating the complex for my clients – smarts simply weren’t enough, storytelling made sure they were effective.

When she moved into financial advice this continued to ring true, & culminated in the release of my ‘Finance Action Hero’ book series in 2014 & 2016. Peita strives to inspire each individual to thrive rather than simply survive by reminding them how to dream, and teaching them how to turn those dreams into real life adventures. Peita has just launched Schitt with Money – the ultimate Schitt’s Creek rewatch podcast with a financial twist.

Peita’s LinkedIn profile

Anne Graham

Partner, Integrated Advice Private Wealth

Anne is well-known in the financial planning profession, with over 30 years of experience and a slew of prestigious awards under her belt. Beyond holding both a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Masters in Applied Finance, she’s also a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) and a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

Anne’s outstanding service to clients and to the financial advice profession has earned her appointments to Securitor Financial Group’s National Advisory Council, Deakin University Department of Accounting Advisory Board, and the Future2 Foundation Board. She’s also the co-founder and past CEO of Story Wealth. Anne was also one of the founding members of the Stella Network.

Anne’s LinkedIn profile

ANDREW GREGORY

UNISUPER GENERAL MANAGER, FINANCE AND EDUCATION

Andrew is an experienced finance executive and company director and has held senior roles in financial services and private wealth management. His expertise is in financial services, mutuals, private wealth management, corporate finance, corporate governance and private health insurance. He believes in driving professionalism in the advice sector, improving access to professional advice for Australians, and building a contemporary experience for clients.

Andrew is currently a non-executive director of the Youth Insearch Foundation and Falls Creek Cooperative Society. Andrew holds a Masters in Applied Finance from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of Commerce from UOW, a Diploma of Financial Services & Mortgage Broking and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Andrew’s LinkedIn profile

SANDHYA MAINI

HEAd of zurich assure

Sandhya has 25 years of experience in wealth management, spanning advice, professional development, product, and operations in superannuation and life risk. She has held influential roles at major financial institutions and is recognised for her empathetic yet commercial leadership style. Sandhya actively participates in industry forums to promote gender equity and multicultural diversity and is a dedicated member of several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Additionally, she serves as a director on the board of the men’s mental health charity, Mr. Perfect, ensuring the mental health needs of men are not overlooked.

Sandhya is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was awarded the inaugural Women in Wealth – Life Risk Insurance Professional of the year award in 2024.

Sandhya’s LinkedIn profile

CARA WILLIAMS

THE HAZEL WAY FOUNDER, FINANCIAL ADVISER

Cara is a multi-award-winning financial adviser. She started her own business The Hazel Way in 2024 as more than a financial advice business. Inspired by her Nana, Hazel, Cara created The Hazel Way to help clients design lives rich in experiences, connections, and meaning. It’s a sanctuary of guidance, rooted in values of love, integrity, and fulfilment.

Cara is held in high regard by her peers and is a regular recipient of some of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions and awards. She is winner of Transformation of the Year 2024, IFA Excellence Awards; Inspire Women Excellence in Advice Award 2023, FAAA/TAL; Financial Adviser of the Year Award 2023, Women in Finance Awards; FS Power50 Most Influential Advisers 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, Financial Standard; and Young Adviser of the Year 2022, IFA Excellence Awards

Cara’s LinkedIn profile

Want to partner with Stella?

The Stella Network offers a range of events that facilitate and support professional and personal development. From networking breakfasts and panel events through to fashion-focused fun and more, there is ample opportunity to present your brand to your ideal audience!

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