Keystone in action: Cultivating conviction, humility and self-belief

Kirsten Hobday: Leaning into curiosity and creativity

For Kirsten Hobday, Responsible Investment Analyst at Rest, Keystone offered something she hadn’t found in other professional development programs: a chance to grow beyond technical expertise and explore the interpersonal and behavioural aspects of her role.

“I always look for learning opportunities I think will be genuinely valuable. Keystone stood out because it wasn’t just about technical skills - it was about how I show up as a better team player, not just in my role but across the broader organisation.”

While she had considered traits like conviction, humility, and self-belief before, Keystone helped her see them in a new light, especially through the lens of her Enneagram profile.

“I’m very task-oriented and outcome-driven. I tend to move through the motions and tick boxes. But that means I sometimes lose the creativity and curiosity that could make my work more impactful. Keystone helped me see that this was the missing piece in my career.”

Her development goal focused on cultivating curiosity - an area she hadn’t previously recognised as a growth edge.

“I usually have self-belief because I’ve followed all the right steps. But when things don’t go to plan, I can hesitate. Keystone challenged me to build curiosity and tap into the creative side of myself that I’d overlooked.”

The shift was immediate. Kirsten began showing up differently in conversations - speaking more directly, standing up for herself, and volunteering for new opportunities.

“Even from the first workshop, I noticed a change. I felt more confident putting my hand up and backing myself. I was already motivated, but the program amplified that.”

She found the Enneagram profiling tool deeply insightful, especially compared to other frameworks she’d used in the past.

“It didn’t just describe how I behave - it helped me understand the stories I tell myself and how those shape my thinking. That kind of reflection sticks with you.”

Kirsten also found the speaker panels energising and diverse. Each session featured senior investors sharing candid reflections on their own growth journeys - from early missteps to the mindset shifts that helped them lead with conviction and resilience.

“The panels weren’t cookie-cutter career stories, they were diverse and honest. It was refreshing to hear from people in completely different roles and industries. It helped me see that there’s no one path, and that was really empowering.”

Samantha Feeley: Backing herself without waiting for permission

When Samantha Feeley, Senior Investment Strategy Analyst at Evidentia Group, joined Keystone, she was confident in her technical ability but often found herself searching for external validation before trusting her judgment.

“We often try to get verification from external sources that we are enough, rather than it coming from within,” Sam reflected. “Keystone helped me see that’s not the way it should be. I can back myself more, rather than waiting for someone else to tell me I’m ready.”

Through personality profiling insights and a tailored development plan, Sam confronted the habit of discounting her instincts. The program equipped her with both the tools and confidence to take charge of her development.

“This program gave me a sense of ownership. I know I can take initiative and trust my own judgment.”

That shift has already started to reshape the way she works with her team. Instead of holding back or second-guessing, she feels more able to put her ideas forward and trust their value. The confidence to contribute more freely is lifting her impact and presence at work.

Sam found the Enneagram profiling tool particularly powerful, revealing patterns in how she thinks and talks to herself. She also appreciated the investor panels, where senior leaders shared their own struggles and growth journeys.

“The panels were surprisingly candid and felt different from the usual industry events. It was reassuring to hear that even experienced investors grapple with the same challenges,” she said.

Sam found learning from her peers just as valuable. The program brought together analysts from across the industry, creating space for honest conversations and shared reflection. Since completing Keystone, Sam has already reconnected with fellow participants at industry events - proof that the ripple effects continue well beyond the workshops.

“We were reflecting on how valuable Keystone was, and how it makes sense to keep these conversations going. There is even talk of a reunion!”

Why it matters

For both Kirsten and Sam, Keystone provided a framework for identifying and shifting the limiting beliefs that could otherwise hold them back. Their experiences echo the broader feedback from the Sydney cohort, where:

• 100% said Keystone gave them tools to add more value to their teams
• 92% felt more confident in their career direction
• 92% gained greater insight into their strengths and growth areas

Yolanda believes this blend of self-awareness and practical tools is what sets Keystone apart.

“You can learn technical skills on the job, but the courage to take risks, the ability to hold your nerve, to admit you were wrong and the resilience to learn from mistakes - that’s what accelerates a career.”

Ready to invest in yourself? If you want to challenge yourself, grow faster, and show up differently, reach out today to learn more about the Keystone Analyst Program and pre-register for our 2026 intake.