Patience’s career ambition and legacy are rooted in a lifelong commitment to expanding access to health care and improving the wellbeing and health outcomes of as many people as possible. This commitment is deeply personal. She knows the pain of losing her uncle—a young, aspiring accountant—to an avoidable death simply because he could not access adequate health care and support. His story, like those of many others around the world, lies at the heart of her purpose. It drives her to build a health system that is more accessible, more responsive, and more compassionate than she have experienced in my lifetime
This quest has shaped the direction of Patience’s career from the onset as she balanced studies across diverse areas – nursing, finance, and investment management. Her career in the health sector has centred on transforming health service delivery and reshaping financial, strategic, and operational systems across public and private organisations.
Ultimately, her aim is to enable thoughtful disinvestment and reinvestment within the system to ensure resources are directed where they can achieve the greatest impact. Working across very diverse teams, she has achieved some meaningful outcomes by championing human connection, kindness and empowering everyone to excel. She has carried her leadership approach into executive roles driving acquisition transactions, innovative joint ventures, contributing on several Boards and volunteering —each providing a unique chance to create meaningful and lasting impact.
What challenges have you faced being a woman leader, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced as a woman in leadership has been learning to advocate for myself and fully own my story. Early in my career, a trusted colleague asked me a simple yet confronting question: “Why do you dim your light?” That moment stopped me in my tracks. It forced me to reflect on the fears—tall poppy syndrome, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt—that had quietly shaped how I showed up. I began to see how these invisible barriers had held me back from stepping forward boldly, contributing with conviction, and claiming my achievements without apology.
Over time, I’ve learned to use my voice with clarity and confidence. In a world defined by disruption and an accelerating pace of change, leadership demands calm, grounded presence—people who can navigate uncertainty while inspiring others to rise with them.
One of the messages I share most often with emerging young leaders is this: find your voice, own your story, and shine your light as brightly as you can. The world needs more leaders who refuse to dim themselves.
Do you have any mottos or mantras you live by? If so what and why?
I have an unwavering belief in knowing that things will always work out, imperfectly yet perfectly, in the end. This mantra has carried me forward to lead with steadiness when there is complexity, clarity in times of uncertainty, and compassion when navigating change, no matter how small or large.
I want to be remembered as a leader who balanced humility with quiet influence — this comes from a conviction that things will indeed work out – and brings presence of energy, optimism, and purpose into every room.
What self-care or personal development habits have been crucial to your success?
Running has become one of the most powerful forms of self-care in my life—something that reliably fills my cup and recenters me. Long-distance running mirrors the victories and complexities we navigate at work: the steady climb, the unexpected challenges, the quiet moments of doubt, and the surprising bursts of strength.
Through running, I’ve learnt that I get better and fitter when I choose to move through discomfort instead of retreating from it. It has built in me a deep well of resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to lean into hard moments rather than avoid them. And the most exhilarating part is always the same — crossing the finish line and realising that, no matter how tough the journey was, I’m already eager to run again.
My growth has consistently happened at the edge of discomfort. It’s a lesson I carry into every part of my life and one I often share with my kids: you should only quit on a good day. With many more years ahead of me, shaping the future of healthcare in Australia, I truly appreciate being surrounded by amazing women leaders.
What do you love about IWFA or why were you compelled to join?
Shaped by a multicultural upbringing, global life experiences & motherhood, what excites me the most Is creating pathways for others, so they can lead with confidence, share their voices, and open doors for those who follow. This is why I feel so strongly aligned with IWFA’s mission. What I love about IWFA are the connections, shared stories and the tremendous support within the sistas. As my family prepares to relocate to South Australia in the new year, the welcome and messages of support I have already received have eased the transition and reinforced how special this network truly is.
