Leading with purpose: Ruth Van Eeklen on leadership and lifting up others

Australia's finance and lending sectors are seeing increased numbers of women take on leadership roles, challenging old norms and transforming how leadership is defined.

As part of Australian Broker's ongoing series about women in finance, we're spotlighting female movers and shakers in the industry for their thoughts on leadership. 

For our latest installment, we spoke with Melbourne-based Ruth Van Eekelen, franchise owner and broker at Aussie Home Loans Bellarine, Victoria, on what it means to be a leader.

With more than 14 years under her belt as a franchise owner and broker, Van Eekelen brings a seasoned perspective to leadership. She is also an advocate for young women entering the workforce and stepping into leadership roles. At a recent Be Bold meeting, an initiative focused on helping school girls develop leadership skills, she noticed the discrepancies between the challenges men and women face in the work force. 

"What stood out most was how many girls shared that they feel unsafe in schools, in public spaces and even in environments meant to support them," Van Eekelen said. "They spoke about being held to a higher standard than their male peers, expected to be more mature, more responsible, [and] more careful. While we encourage girls to be bold leaders, they are often navigating pressures their male counterparts do not face.

"If we truly want bold leaders, we must also build environments where girls feel safe, supported and treated equitably," she added. "We must actively work to balance the scales."

Australian Broker caught up with Van Eekelen to discuss women in leadership in Australia, her personal journey and her perspective on what it means to lead.

AB: Do you think there are enough women in Australia's finance and broking sectors who are in leadership? 

RV: There are enough women to represent and advocate within the industry, which is encouraging. That said, it would be great to see even more women stepping into leadership roles, so the balance more closely reflects the broader workforce.

AB: What can be done to ensure more women stay in the industry and become leaders? 

RV: Many women I know are balancing responsibilities — such as caring for children, parents, or sometimes both — alongside their careers. Greater recognition and support for these realities would make a big difference. Flexible work arrangements, understanding leadership roles and pathways that allow women to progress while managing these responsibilities can help more women stay in the industry and step into leadership roles.

AB: Did anyone actively encourage you to pursue leadership? Or did you have to push for it yourself? 

RV: I’ve been lucky to have mentors throughout my career who saw leadership potential in me and encouraged me to pursue it. Stepping into my role as a franchisee was a defining moment. My business partner gave me full autonomy and the confidence to lead in my own way. Looking back, I can see that the biggest barriers I faced weren’t external; they were the fears I placed on myself.

AB: What skills or experiences were most important in making the jump from broker to leader?

RV: One of the most important things is understanding the impact you can have on someone else’s development. Leadership is about sharing what you know, coaching others and helping them grow. This of course is after you have had conversations with them about their driving factors, what they want to achieve and why. A mindset shift from focusing only on your own performance to supporting the success of others is key.