Meet the team: Hayley Weston

Hayley Weston, TAL’s Senior Partnership Manager for Aware Super, has recently transitioned to a new position as our Senior Manager, Digital Partnerships. With over 20 years’ experience in fund administration, insurance and superannuation, Hayley brings a wealth of expertise to help TAL's partners achieve their strategic goals in the digital space. 

Can you tell us about your career so far and some achievements you’re most proud of? 

My career began at Australian Administration Services (AAS), where I held a range of administration, team leader and quality roles. I then moved into partnership roles at AAS and then at LINK (now MUFG) for five years, before joining TAL Partnership team in 2021.  

As a portfolio manager at LINK, I oversaw a range of fund partners. Some of my key achievements included rolling out new online member platforms and managing significant rebranding initiatives during a period of consolidation and mergers. 

Having a strong technical understanding of both fund administration and insurance has given me a dual perspective that helps me bridge the gap between operational needs and strategic goals. This ensures we can deliver effective solutions that meet our partners' needs. 

Having worked extensively in partnership roles, what unique insights and key lessons do you bring to your new role in digital partnerships? 

During my time supporting Aware Super, I was part of a large digital transformation project, which involved the in-housing of fund administration, developing a new insurance product and building a digital-first strategy. This project required extensive coordination across multiple streams to align deliverables and manage dependencies, and it was incredibly rewarding to see it come together successfully.  

A key lesson I learned was the importance of breaking down large projects into achievable segments and ensuring the right people are involved at the right time. Collaboration is crucial from the beginning to ensure everyone is aligned and committed to the project's goals, which sets the foundation for success. When everyone is bought into the decision-making process, it also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. 

How do you see digital partnerships evolving in the years ahead, and how do you plan to navigate these changes in your new role? 

The insurance landscape is moving towards a digital-first approach, reducing the reliance on manual processes and paper. This will enable quicker, more efficient interactions with members, giving them simple and reliable access to their information. 

As technology continues to evolve, we’ll need to stay ahead of things like AI and automation so we can further enhance our capabilities. By building strong partnerships and focusing on innovation, we can navigate these changes and continue to deliver outstanding member experiences.  

I’m excited to lead a team again in my new role, as my focus over the past three years has mainly been on fostering relationships with fund stakeholders. I’m very much a people person, and I look forward to mentoring and supporting my team and helping them develop in their careers. 

How has TAL supported you on your own career journey, and what pathways does TAL provide to take on new opportunities in senior roles? 

I’ve been fortunate to have strong female mentors who have guided me and helped build my confidence. I’m eager to pass on the lessons I've learned and support others in their professional journeys. 

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of women entering the tech field, although it still isn't the most common career path for women. The environment has become much more supportive and encouraging for women in tech than it used to be, which is a positive change. 

A great example is Jenny Nguyen (TAL’s General Manager of Growth and Digital Experience), who transitioned from a partnership role into technology. Her journey is inspiring – and while I'm not exactly following in her footsteps, I do see parallels in our career paths. Women bring unique strengths to the tech industry, such as a strong collaborative approach, which is incredibly valuable. 

Overall, the industry is becoming more inclusive, and I’m optimistic about the future for women in this field. Supporting and encouraging women to pursue careers in tech is crucial for driving diversity and innovation. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring women leaders? 

I believe in connecting with a range of people across your organisation and industry, so that you can gain insights and inspiration from different perspectives. I am fortunate to be part of an organisation with strong female leadership. Our CEO Fiona Macgregor is incredibly inspiring, and listening to her speak has been a source of motivation. Additionally, engaging with leaders like Jenny Oliver (TAL’s Chief Executive, Group Life & Retirement) has opened me up to new ideas and opportunities.  

Constant learning is key, so look for areas where you can learn and grow, as this will ultimately bring value back to your team and help you develop more broadly. This advice is particularly relevant for women, who may often doubt their abilities. We learn more from our mistakes than our successes, so don't be afraid to take risks and embrace new challenges.