Ellie Shedden is stepping into a bold new chapter of her career.
After taking home the "Mortgage Choice Best Non-Bank BDM" award at the 2024 Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs), the business development manager has since launched her own private lending business, Lotus Lane Capital.
With more than a decade of experience in financial services, including accounting and senior BDM roles, and a deep passion for helping brokers succeed, the Sydney-based founder is continuing to bring her signature mix of strategy, grit and relationship-driven support to brokers across the country. At Lotus Lane Capital, which launched in April, Shedden is proving that true success comes from consistency, integrity and never losing sight of the bigger picture.
"I have a passion for connecting with people, helping brokers grow and solving complex scenarios, which naturally led me to a BDM role," Shedden told Australian Broker.
Australian Broker sat down with the seasoned BDM to find out more about her latest endeavor, some of the secrets to her success and what she sees for Australia's property sector for the back half of 2025.
The following interview has been edited for grammar and clarity.
ES: After more than a decade in my prior roles, I’ve recently launched Lotus Lane Capital, my own private lending business. I felt it was time to channel my experience and relationships into something of my own. The move was driven by a desire to innovate, stay closer to the broker and borrower experience, and create a business that reflects my values: integrity, tenacity and a genuine commitment to outcomes.
ES: I think it comes down to consistency, relationships and always showing up with value. I don’t just sell a product: I partner with brokers to help them grow by providing specialised and consistent solutions. Winning the award was a huge honour; it reflects years of turning up, helping brokers solve problems, being proactive and going the extra mile – even when it’s not easy and it means putting in the extra hours. Competitors can learn that success in this space is about trust and grit and solutions, not just volume.
ES: I’m big on preparation and follow-up. I walk into every meeting with a clear strategy, not just a rate card. I also stay close to credit, so I can pre-empt challenges and guide brokers through the process. My approach is high-touch and personal. Brokers know I’ll be in the trenches with them when things get tough.
ES: Be authentic and solutions-focused. Take the time to truly understand the broker’s business and their pain points, and then tailor your support accordingly. Don’t underestimate the power of follow-up being reliable and responsive builds your reputation more than any marketing ever will.
ES: This industry thrives on connection. Whether it’s aggregators, lenders, other BDMs or mentors. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by professionals who genuinely want to collaborate and see each other succeed. The sense of community in this space is strong, and it’s a big reason I’ve stayed and now invested in creating my own business Lotus Lane Capital.
ES: Be clear on your value proposition and don’t try to be everything to everyone. Invest in your referral networks and stay in regular contact with your clients. Also: leverage your BDM! We can help with marketing ideas, training, diversification opportunities and tricky client scenarios. Don’t be afraid to ask.
ES: The foundation of working successfully with brokers is trust, consistency and genuine support. I make it a priority to really understand each broker’s business model, their client base, and their growth goals. That way, I can offer tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
And responsiveness is key. Brokers need quick, clear answers, especially in time-sensitive scenarios. I also stay close to credit, so I can help structure deals upfront and avoid surprises later. Regular check-ins, even when there’s no active deal, show that you’re invested in the relationship, not just the transaction. Ultimately, it’s about being reliable, adding value beyond the product and showing up as a true business partner.
ES: We’re definitely seeing a pick-up in activity. Confidence is slowly returning, driven by the anticipation of rate cuts and stabilising inflation. There’s still some caution in the investor space, but overall, it feels like the market is thawing after a slower 2024.
What’s particularly notable is the continued growth in the non-bank lending space. There’s a stronger demand for flexible, solutions-based lending, whether that’s for self-employed clients, borrowers with recent credit history issues, or those needing faster turnaround times. Traditional lending criteria aren’t always keeping up with the complexity of modern borrower profiles, and that’s where non-banks really shine.
We’re seeing more brokers proactively seeking out non-bank solutions – not just as a fallback, but as a first option – because they know we can provide common-sense credit assessments and work closely with them to get deals over the line. It’s an exciting time for the specialist lending sector, and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon.
ES: Control what you can control. Stay informed, but don’t get caught up in the noise. Focus on education, both for yourself and your clients. Brokers who can clearly explain changing economic conditions and structure deals accordingly will continue to win trust and business.
ES: We’re seeing more demand for specialist lending. Borrowers are increasingly outside the box due to credit blips, self-employment or complex income. There’s also a growing appetite for bridging finance, and short-term funding as people navigate transitions. Digital efficiency continues to trend too. Brokers want fast, tech-enabled solutions, but still with a human touch.
