Mar 5, 2018
AS PART OF PRECISION SOURCING’S ONGOING SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AND MISSION TO CONNECT WITH THE BEST TALENT, WE MET WITH PASCALE HELYAR-MORAY, CURRENTLY THE CEO OF HUMAN SUPER. HUMAN SUPER IS A SUPERANNUATION FUND CREATED FOR WOMEN!
1.How did you find yourself working for Human Super?
After the birth of my twins – a boy and a girl when I realised that at some point I would need to sit down with my children and explain to my daughter that not only is she going to earn 85% of what her brother earns, but she will retire with significantly less than him too ($290,000 to his $500,000). That just doesn’t make sense to me, at any level. I have not one, but two daughters, for whom I need to try and level the playing field. Every member of Human Super has their own ‘why’ – for their wives, sisters, mothers and themselves.
2.What inspired you to become an advocate for change in the way women think about their future?
51% of our population, myself included, are women. This is a significant problem with a significant impact, one that can be hugely positive for both our own sense of self and wellbeing as well as the economy and financial future of Australia, if dealt with correctly. In previous positions, I didn’t realise the gender wage gap was an actual problem. I often felt so guilty when I was attempting a salary negotiation. If only I knew then what I know now, I would’ve gotten the pay I deserved as a qualified human, not just what a female is deemed to deserve and wasted so much less energy feeling guilty. I am very passionate about making a difference in women’s lives.
3.Who has been the biggest inspiration (mentor) in your career and why?
Probably my school headmistress who instilled in us that women can do anything. She is both an astute business woman who sits on many distinguished boards whilst also being a fantastic educator and headmistress, living what she preached.
4.What personal development do you do to keep yourself sharp?
I read a lot! I tend to consume info broadly too, including daily newsletters to Facebook.
5.Do you find that organisations are changing in the way that they view equal pay and superannuation for women ?
Glacially! There are some organisation doing really great stuff. ANZ is a great example. They have committed to paying superannuation to their employees who are on parental leave and topping up superannuation for their lower income earners. There have been some great developments, we just need more of it.
6.What are the first steps in creating a healthy super for the women of Australia?
Education and then providing the right tools to put that new found information to positive use. So many women don’t understand the importance of superannuation. The next step after highlighting the need, is to share how superannuation works and how they can better make a difference to their own. However, in order to effectively do that, new tools need to be created and that is where the Human Super difference lies. We have crafted a fund specifically for women which understands that women have specific needs, taking into account their role in society and the way in which they work. We have built a super fund around catering for these needs.
7. What can we expect from Human Super at the first WID Event for 2018?
a) Bring awareness of this monumental problem that society is facing when it comes to the super gap for women.
b) Encourage women to do something about it,to take immediate steps. These steps might be as simple as finding or consolidating their super or setting aside a few hours of their time to look into their super fund. Really, it is about becoming engaged. Once you realise how likely you are to not even reach a “baked beans” retirement, let alone a comfortable retirement, the sooner you are likely to be galvanised into action.
Bio
A marketing & PR, brand-building specialist with 20+ years experience in funds management & financial services both in Australia and the UK. Pascale’s strength lies in her ability to strategise and work effectively with the business to deliver excellent results. A strong eye for detail means that execution is always first class.
The combination of financial services, overlaid with ecommerce, digital and know-how derived from her own startup, means Pascale was uniquely placed to take on the role of CEO for Human Super, a superannuation fund crafted for women. Recognising that women will retire with ~ half of what men do, Pascale is delivering strategy – and results – to bring Human Super to market in Q1 2018.
Colleagues, peers and leaders describe her as “Leader” “Solutions-driven,” “Strategic,” “Creative”.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2017 QMV Solutions Panel – ‘The Future of Superannuation’
2017 CFA Society Presentation
2017 20th Women in Leadership Summit 2017
2016 University of Sydney Graduation Address
2016 JPMorgan NextGen
2016 University of Sydney Alumni Address
2015 Accenture International Women’s Day Address
2014 Google: Women in Technology
WON
TieCon/Sydney Angels PitchFest
Microsoft scholarship to DEMO Asia
Microsoft BizSpark Plus grant
FINALIST
2013 Startup Smart Awards – Best Product
2012 Sydney Business Awards
2012 Anthill Cool Company Awards
NOMINATED
2014 Telstra BusinessWoman of the Year
2014 AusMumPreneur of the Year – Rising Star, Product Innovation
2014 Top 50 Australian Female Entrepreneurs
