Vanessa Beggs Travels from SYDNEY, NSW

Most recently Vanessa held the CEO role at YWCA leading transformation of the organisation and has over 20 years’ experience in large corporations. Over the past 14 years, Vanessa has led complex change and cultural transformations. 

Vanessa has developed an innovation strategy to encourage a culture of innovation that evolved into the introduction of core capabilities (Design Thinking, Experimentation, Agile, Data Analytics and Lean Productivity) and innovation initiatives such as Wired for Wonder, Innovation Festivals, Unleashing Innovation Fund and the Innovation Lab.

Prior to joining the Commonwealth Bank Group, Vanessa spent nine years in roles developing retail distribution strategies and network development plans for several retailers including 7-Eleven Stores, the Sussan Group and Australia Post and the Australian Property Group as a Property Manager.

With over 20 years’ experience across the corporate sector, Vanessa is a strong leader who uses a collaborative approach and gains satisfaction from motivating others to achieve outstanding results.

Vanessa held a number of executive roles in strategy, change management, cultural transformation and organisational development predominantly with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Vanessa cites her key achievements as leading the creation of new workplaces and new ways of working at the Commonwealth Bank Group, including innovation practices such as design thinking and experimentation.

With a constant thirst for learning, Vanessa has carved a unique career path through creating opportunities, taking measured risks and backing herself. After 15 years with the Commonwealth Bank Group, Vanessa is currently on secondment with the YWCA, leading their transformation and major projects as they grow their voice on all issues relating to the empowerment of women and girls, particularly equality, respect and safety.

Vanessa is also a mother of 3 young children, an avid reader and participates in several advisory boards and panels to progress her passion for progressing gender equality and encouraging participation in STEM learning and careers.