LevelUP is designed for high-potential female investors ready to step into senior leadership. Over four months, participants gain the tools, insights, and networks to better understand themselves, amplify their influence, and take control of their careers.
As program founder Yolanda Beattie puts it:
“In an ideal world, your work would speak for itself. The reality is, no one will advocate for your career as fiercely as you. LevelUP gives you the insight, confidence and practical strategies to take ownership, show up fully, and step into the roles you’re ready for.”
We spoke with four participants from the 2025 Sydney program to hear how LevelUP challenged and supported them, and the impact it had on their career and aspirations.
Tina Everist, Investment Manager, Yarra Capital Management
Stepping into leadership presence
Tina used LevelUP to prepare for her next step into portfolio management leadership. Her focus was on closing the gap between perception and reality - ensuring others saw not just her technical capability, but also leadership presence.
A key challenge was confidence, letting go of perfectionism and the “quiet achiever” identity in favour of composure, visibility, and influence.
“I realised that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from being willing to share your views, and trust that your voice has value.”
Her development plan included seeking out speaking opportunities, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and deepening her professional network. She also embraced a coaching leadership style that balances clarity and collaboration.
The result was greater visibility with key stakeholders, increased trust in her judgment, and a clear runway toward her goal of becoming a Lead Portfolio Manager.
Xinling Han, Investment Consultant, JANA Investment Advisers
Building visibility and career clarity
For Xinling, LevelUP was a springboard for career clarity.
“The 1:1 coaching with Yolanda was incredibly useful - she really listened and gave practical ways I could progress. I now have a clearer, realistic two-year plan to take the next step in my career.”
She also found the Enneagram profiling unexpectedly powerful. “It was almost scarily accurate. It showed me where some of my stories come from, and how I can be more in control of them.”
Xinling is already making deliberate changes in how she works; being more assertive and direct in communication, following up more quickly instead of overthinking, and rebooting her internal visibility with senior stakeholders. She has also established an ongoing internal mentoring relationship with the GM of Investment Strategy.
“LevelUP didn’t just give me clarity - it pushed me to take concrete steps I’d been putting off. I can already feel the difference in how I show up and move things forward.”
Denise Yeong, Associate Portfolio Manager, AustralianSuper
Backing yourself in an unpredictable industry
While technically strong, Denise often found herself wrestling with perfectionism and self-doubt. LevelUP helped her see that conviction and decisiveness matter more than flawless execution.
“Ultimately it boils down to two words: be bold. It’s about taking small steps to succeed in an industry where you can’t get everything right, even if you really want to.”
Through Enneagram profiling, coaching, and feedback, she discovered how to tame the inner critic that had been holding her back. Denise began documenting her investment philosophy, speaking up more in forums, and trusting her judgment even when others disagreed.
“I’ve started backing myself and sharing my views more openly. Writing down my investment philosophy was a turning point in better understanding my processes and believing in myself.”
Mentoring was another highlight. Denise credits both internal and external mentors with giving her clarity and reassurance.
“Even informal conversations have been invaluable. They’ve helped me validate my approach and feel supported as I carve my career path.”
Lian Lim, Senior Investment Analyst, Aware Super
Speaking up and leaning into conflict
For Lian, the breakthrough came in recognising her conflict-avoidant tendencies.
“The Enneagram gave me a foundation to understand myself better, and why I shy away from conflict, which became the starting point for my development goals.”
She realised she’d been holding back her perspective to avoid “rocking the boat.” Through coaching and peer support, she reframed conflict as an opportunity to build trust and add more value to her team.
“I made a conscious decision to start speaking up in difficult situations, and that has helped me contribute more.”
Tools like ‘the line’ helps her stay composed under pressure, while 360 feedback revealed valuable insights from a range of colleagues. Peer connections with other women in the program were equally as powerful.
“Hearing other women share their struggles normalised my own and gave me concrete strategies to move forward. LevelUP is unique - I haven’t seen another program that brings together an all-female cohort of mid-level professionals in this way.”
Why it matters
Across the 2025 Sydney cohort, participants reported significant personal and professional gains, with 100% agreeing LevelUP:
- Equipped them with tools and insights to progress their career and leadership.
- Improved their effectiveness and impact at work.
- Gave them greater insight into their strengths and development areas.
As Yolanda explains:
“You can learn technical skills on the job. But the courage to back yourself, to navigate conflict with confidence, and to build the conviction others want to follow - that’s what accelerates a career. That’s what LevelUP is here to deliver.”
Are you ready to LevelUP?
LevelUP is more than a career accelerator - it’s a mindset shift, a confidence builder, and a community of support. For women navigating the complexities of the investment industry, it offers the tools, connections, and self-awareness needed to thrive. Find out more about joining LevelUP as a participant or mentor.
Join our Information session: 3 December, 10-11am
Register for our upcoming info session where Yolanda will run through the program structure, content, time commitment and investment. Yolanda will also be joined by 2025 participant, Tina Everist, and 2025 mentor Arthur Bengasino, who will each share their experiences of the program.
Register for our info session here.
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