On 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, a global movement to recognise the achievements of women and advancing gender equality. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’ perfectly reflects the leadership philosophy of Angela, Executive Manager, Risk and Compliance at Police Credit Union whose success has been built on lifting up others.
Angela, along with her team, support Police Credit Union to navigate risks and regulations, strengthen governance and protect our Members and the organisation. Her excellent leadership earned her the Police Credit Union Exceptional Leader Award in 2025.
We asked Angela about her career and leadership journey, her tips for leading a high-performing team and the advice she would give to the next generation of women entering the banking industry.
What made you pursue a role in Risk and Compliance?
With a legal background, I initially saw my career path firmly within the legal function. However, I found myself increasingly drawn to broader organisational questions – not just whether something can be done from a legal perspective, but whether it should be done.
Working in Risk and Compliance allows me to operate at that intersection. My work goes beyond legal interpretation and into strategic decision-making, ethics, culture and long-term sustainability. I love that our work impacts every part of the business and requires genuine collaboration. I have the opportunity to understand how the organisation truly works and to support it to navigate uncertainty with confidence and integrity.
What is a career highlight or special memory from your time at Police Credit Union?
Winning the Department of the Year Award in 2024 is something I will always be proud of for our team.
For me, it wasn’t just about the recognition. It was validation that our team was genuinely making a positive difference. I have always encouraged our team to see us as a support function that works with the business, not against it. Risk and Compliance can sometimes be misunderstood, and I wanted us to be seen as enablers who add value and help the organisation succeed safely.
Winning that award demonstrated that we had shifted perceptions and achieved that goal together.
What are your tips for leading a high performing team?
I firmly believe in leading with empathy and kindness. High performance is important, but people perform at their best when they feel supported and understood.
I also challenge my team to always ask ‘why’. Why are we doing this, and how does it add value? That clarity of purpose is powerful.
I am passionate about working to individual strengths and recognising that every team member brings something unique. My role is to help bring out the best in each person and ensure that they understand how their contribution supports the broader success of the organisation.
Celebrating wins, practising mindfulness, and maintaining open communication are also key. A high-performing team is not just productive. It is connected, aligned and resilient.
You recently received the Exceptional Leader Award at our Staff Celebration Night, what did that award mean to you?
Receiving the Exceptional Leader Award meant more than I can express. I am deeply committed to mentoring and developing my team, both individually and collectively, because I genuinely believe strong outcomes for the business start with investing in people. When individuals feel confident, capable and supported, they perform at their best and that flows through to the organisation as a whole.
To be recognised for something I care so deeply about was incredibly humbling.
I was also especially proud to see Risk and Compliance acknowledged in this way. Much of our work happens behind the scenes – strengthening governance and protecting our members and the organisation. To have those broader contributions recognised reinforced that Risk and Compliance is not simply a control function, but a strategic partner that helps the business move forward safely and confidently. That recognition meant a great deal to me, both personally and professionally.
What are your tips for young women who are wanting to pursue a career in the banking industry?
Build a strong foundation. Working in the banking industry requires commercial understanding and regulatory awareness, so developing a broad range of skills can create powerful career opportunities.
Seek out mentors and sponsors. These people will guide you, challenge you and advocate for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or put yourself forward.
Adopt a growth mindset. Setbacks are part of every career journey, but they are often the greatest learning opportunities. Stay curious and adaptable.
Be confident in articulating your impact. It’s important not just to work hard, but to be able to demonstrate the value you bring to any role and organisation.
And importantly, lift others as you climb. This is so important. When women support each other, we create stronger opportunities for each other now, and pathways for the next generation.
This year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’. How do you believe a ‘Give to Gain’ mindset helps lead a team and create opportunities for women in the workplace?
‘Give to Gain’ resonates strongly with me because it reflects how sustainable leadership really works.
When leaders give their time, share knowledge, and champion others, they create a culture of trust and reciprocity. Mentorship and sponsorship accelerate capability and confidence, particularly for women stepping into leadership roles.
Giving to others also builds psychological safety. When people feel supported, they are more willing to speak up, contribute ideas and innovate.
Ultimately, a give-first mindset strengthens the entire organisation. When we invest in others, we build collective capability and open doors for future leaders.
What are some ways we can practice a ‘Give to Gain’ mindset every day?
Small, consistent actions make a big difference.
- Share knowledge generously.
- Recognise others’ contributions openly and sincerely.
- Offer support beyond your immediate role when you can.
- Invite feedback and truly listen to different perspectives.
- Create space for diverse voices in decision-making.
These everyday behaviours foster connection, break down silos and create an environment where everyone can thrive. I truly believe that when giving becomes part of the culture, growth becomes collective.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re proud to see this year’s theme reflected not only in Angela and her team but in the many incredible women whose leadership, dedication and quiet impact help Police Credit Union thrive daily.