Commonwealth Bank

“I believe that generative AI is an inclusive technology. The potential of technology right now means that our imagination is the limit. You don’t necessarily have to know how to code; all you need to do is be able to imagine a better future.   It was a privilege to represent CommBank on the panel at the Vogue Codes Summit event last week. We addressed the intersections between advances in AI and how we engage with one of the most rapidly advancing technologies of our lifetime.   I’m so proud to participate in Vogue Codes and shine a light on the endless possibilities a career in technology, data and AI offers.”   Sonal Surana X CommBank

I was lucky enough to be part of the first SXSW Sydney in 2023 as part of CommBank’s sponsorship. It was such an exciting experience being up close with some of the newest technology and innovation globally, while celebrating creativity and culture. It was great connecting with a diverse group of forward-thinkers and change-makers that are leading the way in tech, since it plays such a crucial role in our ability to fulfil our customers’ needs here at the bank. I am looking forward to being in the thick of it again this year as CommBank return as a Super Sponsor of SXSW Sydney 2024. We are keen to explore new ways to challenge, educate and inspire attendees as well as share how the bank is reimagining customer experiences and helping build a more sustainable future. Damon Field, Senior Manager of Partnerships & Events

Did you know CommBank first began rolling out ATMs across Australia in 1981? 💳    You could visit your local CommBank branch to learn how to use this new technology with an ATM training machine. These machines allowed you to make practice transactions, so you knew exactly what you were doing when using the Autobank unassisted. 

“We are thrilled to be recognised as Australia’s most valuable brand in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for 2024. This little blue plaque represents a mountain of hard work, creativity, big ideas and care from so many people who are passionate about listening, innovating and adding value for our customers and the community day-in, day-out. This one’s for you”   Jo Boundy, CMO Commonwealth Bank

“I really love working in Daylesford because of the community feel. Everybody knows each other and everybody talks to each other. Daylesford is a tourist town and during the tourist season there’s a real hum to the town. It’s such a picturesque part of the state with lots of artisan shops and businesses. Getting involved in community events is my favourite thing. We’re currently running a pay it forward scheme where our team donates money to the local café to pay for people's coffees when they might be having a bad day. The best thing about being the Branch Manager here in Daylesford is leading a team who really care about their customers and helping the team not only to develop but to get out into the community and get involved.” Sharon Webb Branch Manager – Daylesford, Victoria

“I thought this was just the normal thing to do, to plunge into the unknown. It’s what my mother did. She left her career and moved into the family business. And so for me, there was a great deal of comfort in starting my own venture. I've come to realise that the only safe element in anything is you. Only you know yourself, only you can back yourself and only you know what you're capable of. And I think what we tend to get tied to our existing success, our history. You owe it to yourself to go out there and be the best director and producer of your own life. And I knew I needed to pursue my goals, but also invest in the vessel that was me along the way. When I left my corporate career and moved out of financial services into the world of start-ups, I thought really long and hard about how I could do it with longevity. I invested in myself like a professional athlete, with training, continual learning, meditation and connecting with mentors.” In the latest episode of Leading Women, host Shivani Gopal, CEO and Founder of Elladex is in the hot seat. Catch the full conversation with Fiona McAuley, Head of @CommBank Women in Focus linked in the comments below. #CBAWomeninFocus

Meet Steven, one of CommBank’s Archivists responsible for obtaining, cataloguing, and caring for CommBank memorabilia from the last 110 years. We asked him what his favourite piece of CommBank memorabilia is.     “It’d have to be the very first passbook that was issued by the bank on opening day in 1912. It was issued to the Prime Minister at the time, Andrew Fisher, who was responsible for forming the Commonwealth Bank in Parliament.    You can still see the very first transaction recorded, which was for 1 pound on July 15th, 1912.” 

Are you ready for the end of financial year? Now is a great time to ensure you've got everything you need to manage your tax return and prepare for the new financial year. Here are three tips from our Small Business team to help get you started.   1. Assess your business's finances. It can be helpful to conduct a quick financial health check of your business with your accountant. 2. Get familiar with your tax obligations. Make sure you're across what you're required to provide at tax time for your business type, what eligible deductions you might be able to claim and any tax that you may be required to pay. 3. Prepare for the next financial year. With the EOFY comes the chance to start planning for the year ahead. Consider setting up processes that will make this time next year easier for you in the long run.   Head to the comments below for more tips on EOFY preparation for your business.

“I wasn’t one of those people who always knew what they wanted to do.   However, once I began to understand the possibilities in tech I haven’t looked back. It's a phenomenal environment with amazing career opportunities and puts you at the forefront of transformation, innovation and disruption.” Traditionally, technology was a support function in banks, now at CommBank I tell my team that technology is the business. Reflecting on CommBank’s partnership with Vogue Codes, one of the reasons we need more women in tech is to bring diverse perspectives that drive creativity, innovation and problem-solving as we build technology for the future. By fostering gender diversity, we can create technology that better serves and represents everyone.”   Victoria Ledda x CommBank 

“When starting my career in tech, I followed my parents’ advice, which was to go make money and then do something good for the world. And I really thought of those two things as being separate. It wasn't until in my mid-twenties when I found myself on an accidental gap year living on farms in South America where I really connected the dots. It became obvious that agriculture and our food systems are an area where the private sector and impact opportunities are intimately tied together, and that’s when I shifted everything I do in my career to be about food system innovation and solving for climate change in the food system. For me, there's really no compromise then between commercial opportunities and the private sector and climate impact. My mission is to bring solutions driven by the private sector, driven by those commercial incentives, to the entire food and agriculture value chain, so that our food system is resilient to climate change.” Sarah Nolet Co-Founder & General Partner of Tenacious Ventures joins Shivani Gopal on the latest episode of the Leading Women podcast. Listen to the full conversation via the link in comments below. #CBAWomeninFocus