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Empowering women in finance: Beatrice Payos on the Women's Accelerator Program and breaking barriers

24 January 2025

Beatrice Payos, Senior HR Business Partner at Apex Group NZ, reflects on her transformative experience in the Women’s Accelerator Program 2024.

Beatrice recently joined the prestigious Women's Accelerator Program 2024. Designed to foster leadership among women in the financial sector, the program brought together 150 participants from 400 global applicants. For Beatrice, the program was an opportunity to grow, connect, and redefine her potential.

“What motivated me was the chance to learn and grow as a leader,” Beatrice shares. “I expected to network and gain insights, but the program went beyond that—it helped me realise my potential, learn practical strategies from inspiring women leaders, and build meaningful connections with colleagues from around the world.”

A journey at Apex Group NZ

Beatrice joined Apex Group NZ in February 2023, drawn by the opportunity to contribute to a global organisation while working in a dynamic and challenging environment. In her role, she supports senior leaders and the wider team by aligning HR strategies to create opportunities for growth and success.

“It’s been both rewarding and challenging,” Beatrice reflects. “The focus is on helping the business integrate into a global framework while ensuring there’s room for everyone to grow.”

Key takeaways from the Women's Accelerator Program

The program left a lasting impact on Beatrice’s personal and professional growth. Her key learnings included:

  • Breaking the status quo in a male-dominated industry
  • Establishing credibility and expertise, regardless of gender
  • Embracing growth and proving readiness for new challenges

“I’m humbled to be part of this alumni network,” Beatrice adds. “I hope to mentor future participants and show them how this program can be a stepping stone for building their own brand within Apex.”

Making a difference for women in finance

As a migrant from the Philippines now working in New Zealand, Beatrice sees her journey as an example of breaking barriers.

“Moving to a new country and working in an unfamiliar market can be intimidating,” she says. “But skills and capabilities matter more than where you come from or what you look like. That’s what I’ve learned and hope to share with others.”

Beatrice actively promotes diversity and inclusion at Apex Group NZ, focusing on creating opportunities for skilled women and leaders. She has already encouraged participation in the next Women’s Accelerator Program cohort, gaining strong interest locally.

Challenges and rewards

One of the most rewarding challenges in the Women’s Accelerator Program was a collaborative project to create a video titled #MomentsThatMatter. Despite differing time zones and busy schedules, the group successfully delivered an engaging and meaningful presentation.

“It was a challenge to bring everyone together, but the final outcome made all the hard work worth it,” Beatrice recalls.

Looking ahead

Beatrice’s future goals include fostering more diversity within Apex Group NZ and introducing post-cohort mentoring for the Women’s Accelerator Program. She also hopes to explore initiatives like a women’s group aligned with Apex Foundation’s focus on empowerment.

Her advice for women aspiring to leadership? “Know your worth, focus on growth over perfection, and take care of yourself first. You can’t lead others if you don’t prioritise your well-being.”

Empowering women and driving change

Beatrice’s journey through the Women’s Accelerator Program serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of leadership, growth, and breaking barriers. Her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at Apex Group NZ exemplifies the impact of creating opportunities for women in finance. With her newfound knowledge, passion, and drive, Beatrice is not only shaping her own future but also paving the way for others to follow. We’re lucky to have her as part of the team and look forward to seeing what she’ll accomplish in the years to come.

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Who is Beatrice in 10 questions

  1. What is your full name? Beatrice Anne Payos
  2. Which city do you currently live in? Auckland, New Zealand
  3. How long have you been with Apex Group NZ? Two years by the 13th of Feb 2025!
  4. Where would you most like to travel to? Iceland
  5. What is your favourite book? Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
  6. What do you wish you enjoyed more? Self-care as a Mum of young twins!
  7. If you could live as someone else for a day, who would it be and why? Marie Curie. She created breakthroughs in science and became the first woman and person to win 2 Nobel Prizes revolutionizing physics and chemistry at a time where women were not expected to.
  8. What are you currently listening to? Simple and Clean by Utada Hikaru
  9. What’s your biggest fear? The deep ocean or underwater where you cannot see the bottom.
  10. Who would you love to be stuck in an elevator with? Stephen Hawking when he was alive! If not Stephen Hawking, Brian Cox.

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