Women in Sustainable Finance: Purposeful leadership

Women in Sustainable Finance Event

Purposeful leadership

4 February 2026

Women in Sustainable Finance (WISF) is an industry-wide initiative backed by the CEFC, supporting diversity and providing networking, educational and leadership opportunities. The first event of 2026 was held in Melbourne and focused on the timely topic of ‘purposeful leadership’. Hosted by IFM Investors and moderated by CEFC Director of Marketing and Communications, Rebecca Rose, WISF members and guests convened to hear from an inspiring panel comprised of:

• Rena Pulido, Executive Director - Head of Sustainable Investment, Australia, IFM Investors
• Kristin Vaughan, Managing Partner, Virescent Ventures
• Heechung Sung, Executive Director - Natural Capital, CEFC

The unifying theme behind the discussion was the satisfaction that comes from building a career in sustainable finance. All three panellists come from diverse backgrounds but have ended up in senior roles that align with their core values. Rena spoke about the non-linear path to her current role in sustainability, saying, “I spent my career racking up achievements, but with this role, I also have a strong sense of purpose.”

Kristin spoke about her background in private equity, where she tended to draw a separate line between ‘life’ and ‘work’. In her current role investing in climate tech at Virescent Ventures, she brings these two worlds together, and counsels others to follow their joy and build a career by leaning into their curiosity, interests and the people who inspire them.

Discussing what purposeful leadership really means, Heechung said, “I've never looked at a single leader and thought ‘I want to be them’. Instead, I have taken different things from different people, and am curating the kind of leader I want to be for a new generation.”

Reflecting on the broad range of leadership styles on the world stage, Rena made the notable point that “authority doesn’t equal leadership, and leadership shouldn’t be about domination” and discussed the benefits of having an adaptive leadership style for these modern times. Heech highlighted the value of building trust and the importance of supporting emerging female leaders, and Kristin echoed this, saying, “It’s on us to show young people a different type of leadership.”

Rebecca, summarised the wide-ranging discussion with three simple but powerful take-outs:

1. Follow your joy
2. Stick to your values
3. Move fast and trust your gut instincts

Thank you to IFM Investors for hosting this event, and to our panellists and moderator.

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