ANZ's Doyenne Women in Broking program continues to make waves, leaving an unforgettable impression on its participants.
Doyenne is a free professional development series for female brokers. Originally launched in 2018, The program was revamped in 2024 with the help of Jane Counsel, founder and chief coach at Sydney-based coaching firm Thrive4Women. The 2025 version empowered women to fast-track their careers in a male-dominated industry.
"Broking can be isolating, and the Doyenne community creates a rare, safe space to share, reflect and connect," Counsel (pictured above) told Australian Broker.
During this year's seven-week program, female brokers from across the country networked, swapped insights and learned strategies to learn how to stand out in finance. And with roughly 250 applicants competing for just 30 spots, it’s clear the Doyenne program is in high demand and making an impact on participants.
In a multi-part series, Australian Broker caught up with the people behind the program, including Counsel, to explore its impact, key takeaways and why more women should get on board.
Members of the 2025 Doyenne Program.
JC: Every Doyenne takes away something unique from the program. The workshop content is intentionally broad, but the individual coaching brings it to life in each woman’s business context.
For some, it’s about redefining the next phase of growth or asking whether their business is working for them or against them. For others, it’s a moment of deep reflection on how they’re showing up as leaders and owners.
Two common transformations stand out from this year’s program. First, many brokers realized they’ve been running on empty. Female brokers are often deeply service-oriented, juggling complex deals, long hours and family demands. And it’s not sustainable. Through the program, several have recognized burnout and are now reclaiming boundaries, working to their strengths and prioritizing wellbeing.
Second, others have rediscovered their passion for broking through building strong connections with other women in the industry. A few were on the verge of leaving the industry, saying that this program has now made them feel so much more valued and supported.
Broking can be isolating, and the Doyenne community creates a rare, safe space to share, reflect and connect. Thirty women who began the Doyenne program as strangers now genuinely care for one another. For me, that’s the real magic of the Doyenne program.
JC: Being selected as a Doyenne means that these brokers are already seen as having an impact in the industry. The program helps them remove the barriers that might be holding them back from even greater success and refine what it means to lead and build an impactful, sustainable business for themselves in the long term. The Doyenne program takes a holistic view of running a broking business. We start with strengths and purpose: why they do what they do as brokers and what’s unique about them. We then build toward a true business owner mindset. We ask them to honestly reflect,are you operating as the CEO of your business? Or just another employee? That’s where the biggest breakthroughs often happen.
JC: For most participants, it is the realization that true success starts with self-leadership. To show up fully for clients and teams, they first have to show up for themselves. Burnout and busyness are not badges of honor. Authenticity, clarity and alignment with what truly matters, that’s where growth happens. Watching the Doyennees embrace this has been the most rewarding part of this year’s program for me.
JC: Because you should back yourself and trust the process. If you’re ready to grow as a broker, leader and business owner — and to join a community of women who genuinely care and support you — please apply. I’d love to see more women on a future program.
