Powerhouse Women: Entrepreneurs & Leaders in our Riva Community.
Elsa Hendriks, Katie Bryan, Taylor Victoria, Melissa Attard
In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, March Forward, we’re shining a light on some of the powerhouse women in our community. At Riva, we are fortunate to be surrounded by accomplished businesswomen who inspire, support and uplift one another.
We sat down with five incredible leaders to hear about their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and what being a woman in business truly means to them. Across industries like accounting, recruitment, videography, auditing and outsourcing, these leaders are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in business.
Melissa Attard
Co-Founder & Director,
Catalyst Recruitment & Consulting
Melissa is a powerhouse in the recruitment industry with over five years of expertise, specialising in finance and healthcare recruitment.
How do you think women in leadership roles are reshaping the recruitment industry, and what impact does this have on workplace diversity and inclusion?
Women in leadership are reshaping recruitment by driving inclusive, people-focused hiring practices. The emphasis on diversity, equity, and mentorship expands talent pools and creates workplace cultures where all voices are valued. This shift moves companies beyond quotas, creating environments that fuel innovation, engagement, and long-term staff retention.
What trends or changes do you think will shape the future of recruitment, and how do you prepare for this?
Technology will streamline hiring processes, while a shift toward assessing skills over traditional qualifications will expand talent pools. To stay ahead, companies should embrace new technologies and refine hiring strategies. Being proactive and adaptable will be key to attracting and retaining top talent in an evolving job market.
The recruitment industry can face a lot of adversity. What advice do you have for staying resilient?
Resilience in recruitment relies on adaptability, persistence, and a people-first approach. The key is to stay agile and embrace change rather than resist it. Strong relationships with clients and candidates are crucial—trust, transparency, and authenticity set you apart, even in tough times.
Katie Bryan
Founder & CEO,
Propeller Advisory
An award-winning Chartered Accountant, Katie has earned recognition such as being named one of Ignition’s Top 50 Women in Accounting Worldwide 2024 and winner of the 2020 Client Choice Awards for Best Tax Firm in Victoria & Australia.
What advice would you give women looking to start or grow their own business, especially in industries where they may be underrepresented?
Honestly? Stop waiting for the 'perfect time'—it doesn’t exist. You’ve got to back yourself before anyone else will. When I first started Propeller Advisory, I didn’t have all the answers, and I certainly didn’t have a roadmap. But I knew that figuring it out along the way was part of the journey.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that perfection is overrated. If you wait until everything is flawless, you’ll never get started. Progress beats perfection every time. Also, don’t let the fact that an industry is male-dominated intimidate you. I grew up believing I had to choose between career and family, and I’ve worked hard to build a business that lets me have both. If I can do it, you can too.
And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with people who get it. Whether it’s a community of other female entrepreneurs or a mentor who’s been in your shoes, find your people. They’ll be your biggest cheerleaders and the ones who remind you to keep going when imposter syndrome rears its ugly head.
How does Propeller Advisory's approach differ from conventional accounting firms, and why is that important for business owners?
Propeller Advisory is not your typical accounting firm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We don’t just crunch numbers—we empower business owners to actually understand their finances. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs overwhelmed by their numbers or unsure of what drives their profitability. That’s where we come in.
We take a practical, no-nonsense approach. It’s not about throwing jargon at clients or making them feel out of their depth. It’s about educating them, eliminating confusion, and giving them the tools they need to make data-driven decisions. Whether it’s mastering the Chart of Accounts, understanding Cost of Sales, or navigating Cash Flow, we break it down so business owners leave feeling confident, not confused.
And because I know how overwhelming running a business can be—especially as a woman balancing a million other roles—I’ve made it my mission to make things as clear and actionable as possible. We focus on real-world applications, so our clients don’t just learn; they implement and see results. That’s how we help businesses grow sustainably.
How important are mentorship and community in helping women succeed in business, and have any female mentors played a significant role in your journey?
Mentorship and community are everything. Honestly, there were times in my journey when I felt completely alone, juggling being a mum, a CEO, and the main income earner. It’s isolating, and it’s easy to doubt yourself. That’s why having a community of like-minded women who get it is invaluable.
I’ve been lucky to have incredible female mentors who showed me what’s possible—even in a male-dominated industry. They didn’t sugarcoat things; they shared the highs and the lows, and that honesty gave me the confidence to push through my own challenges. They taught me that it’s okay not to have it all figured out and that asking for help doesn’t make you any less capable.
And that’s exactly what I aim to create through Propeller Advisory and my programs like the Finance Launchpad—a community where women feel supported, inspired, and empowered to break through whatever barriers they’re facing. We’re in this together, and when women support each other, incredible things happen.
Elsa Hendriks
Director,
Eyetell Videography
Elsa leads the creation of video content focused on authenticity. By moving away from the traditional hard sell, she helps businesses communicate their vision that resonates with customers.
What does being a woman in business mean to you, and how has it shaped your journey?
I love being a woman in business, though I never really saw gender as a defining factor in my journey. That said, I’ve noticed that clients sometimes specifically seek out a female videographer, which has opened unique opportunities for me. I grew up with a strong sense of equality, and that perspective has shaped how I approach my work, focusing on skill, creativity, and results rather than labels.
Your industry can be highly competitive. What is one key strategy you've implemented to differentiate your brand and help scale your business?
I focus on transparency, reliability, and clear communication, ensuring every client has a smooth experience from start to finish. Beyond that, exceeding expectations in video quality is a priority. I don’t just deliver a product, I make sure the process is seamless, expectations are managed upfront, and the final result makes a real impact.
How has your creative vision evolved as you've grown in the industry?
The industry is constantly changing, and I believe growth comes from staying adaptable. I keep up with trends, innovations, and, most importantly, what audiences want to see. At the end of the day, video marketing isn’t just about making something beautiful, it’s about driving results for businesses. By staying curious, listening to clients, and understanding audience behaviour, I continue to refine my creative approach to make videos that don’t just look great but actually generate business.
Taylor Victoria
Founder & CEO,
Level Up Outsourcing
After building a seven-figure agency from the ground up, Taylor now helps businesses scale with expert virtual teams and empowers women to create freedom-filled businesses.
You've been recognised with multiple awards for your work. What does being a female leader in business mean to you, and how do you hope to inspire others?
Being a female leader in business makes me feel incredibly proud of myself and gives me more inspiration to make the world a better place. When I started my first business at 22, I didn’t know any women entrepreneurs in my city, so I had to go online to find them. No one at school teaches you to dream big or think outside the box; they just push the traditional career path. But starting a business opened my eyes to a whole new way of living, one filled with freedom, travel, impact, and endless possibilities.
Now, I’m dedicated to helping other women create their own extraordinary lives. Society tells us we can’t "have it all," but I believe we can. We can build multi-million-dollar businesses, have fulfilling relationships, strong friendships, give back, and see the world. That’s the life I’m creating, and I hope my journey inspires women everywhere to do the same.
How have you seen the shift toward digital solutions impact business opportunities, and do you believe this trend is becoming even more essential each year?
The impact of digital solutions, technology, and AI on business has been massive. My entire team is in the Philippines, I don’t have a single Australian employee, which wouldn’t have been possible 20 years ago. The rapid pace of innovation means businesses can now automate entire roles, saving time and money while increasing efficiency.
Remote work has also expanded the talent pool and given business owners more flexibility. You can hire a virtual assistant for $8/hour or an Australian exec assistant for $45/hour—it’s all about choosing what works best for your business. And as technology evolves, these opportunities will only continue to grow.
What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to other female entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses?
Find a group of people that have WAY bigger goals than you and spend as much time as possible with them. It might be in a mastermind, you might join an advisory board, or if you don't have much budget you can listen to podcasts. Your net worth is not just determined by the 5 people you spend the most time with, it is determined by the 5 people you measure yourself against. So, stop comparing yourself to your highschool best friend as start comparing yourself to someone like Leila Hormozi, founder and CEO of Acquisition.com. Once you do that, your standards, habits, mindset and achievements will dramatically shift and your business will grow exponentially!
Jessica Johl
Director,
Augmented Audit Co
A highly accomplished auditor with 18+ years of experience, Jessica is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. She leads a team delivering high-quality audit and assurance services with integrity and excellence.
As a female leader, how do you approach mentorship and empowerment for other women in the workplace, and what impact do you hope to leave on the next generation?
Taking the time to understand the unique challenges and aspirations of other women to help create a supportive environment where they feel valued. I believe it’s important to have a network of like-minded women who support and empower each other. The impact I hope to leave on the next generation includes fostering a culture of support and inclusivity, encouraging women to pursue leadership roles. There’s a saying by “Women of Influence” (an organisation I sponsor and support) – “We rise by lifting others”. I hope my legacy reflects that I lived by that saying.
In your experience, how has the role of women in business evolved over the years?
The role of women in business has undergone significant transformation over the years. Historically, women faced considerable barriers to entry in the workforce and were often limited to roles that were seen as traditional or supportive. However, several key trends have shaped the evolution of women's roles in business , including workplaces increasing participation for women, increase in women entrepreneurs, focus on work-life balance and cultural shifts towards women in business. It’s interesting to note the significance again of networks and organisations focused on empowering women in business and how this has fostered mentorship and support, helping women navigate their careers and advocate for their rights in the workplace.
Many young women aspire to be in leadership roles one day. What key advice would you give to those looking to break into your industry and eventually lead their own firms?
My key advice is to find a mentor and to find a network of like-minded women who will lift you up. Having a mentor and a support system around you is crucial for women to grow and navigate any challenges they may come across. I believe it’s also important to be confident, assertive and resilient. Confidence can influence how others perceive your leadership potential and resilience is crucial to cope with setbacks and learn from failures.
These five incredible women are proof that resilience, passion, and innovation can break barriers and reshape industries. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the theme March Forward, their journeys remind us of the importance of mentorship, inclusivity, and unwavering self-belief.
Who inspires you to March Forward?