Once upon a time in the vibrant land of Australia, a young woman named Annabel Spring was living a life steeped in ambition and dreams. A state high school student, she was determined to make her mark in a world that often felt daunting. With tenacity and intelligence, she ventured to New York City, taking her first steps into the fast-paced financial industry at Morgan Stanley.

In her early twenties, she was not just chasing dreams; she was on the verge of achieving them. With a job at a leading financial institution and an acceptance letter from Harvard University’s esteemed MBA program in hand, she was ready to empower herself with knowledge and credibility. Yet, as she walked into the grand halls of Harvard on her first day, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. Surrounded by colleagues who boasted impressive credentials—CEOs, military leaders, and even future royalty—she felt like a small fish in an ocean of giants. “What on earth am I doing at Harvard Business School?” she wondered, grappling with a sense of inadequacy.

But fate had a different plan. As if to remind her of her own strength, Annabel stepped up to the challenge and soon found herself passionately engaged in class debates. Victory came to her, and with it, the realization that she was as capable as her esteemed peers. With hard work and resilience, she not only overcame her imposter syndrome but also graduated in the top 5% of her class, earning the honor of George F. Baker Scholar.

With her newfound confidence, Annabel cultivated meaningful friendships at Harvard, forming a powerful support network that would accompany her through the trials of her career. Whether she was traveling for work or in need of advice, she always had a friend to rely on.

In 2009, she returned to her homeland, Australia, stepping into an executive role at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation’s largest bank. Here, Annabel blossomed, attributing her success to the pivotal mentorship she received at Morgan Stanley from Carolyn Kay, who not only guided her but also connected her with Ian Narev, the former CEO of CBA. “Mentorship and sponsorship in those crux moments in your career and life are really important,” she would often reflect, recognizing the importance of having champions in your corner.

As she climbed the ranks, eventually becoming Group Executive of Wealth Management in 2011, Annabel faced her share of challenges. The banking industry was rocked by scandals, and many institutions—including CBA—were called to testify in various Parliamentary inquiries. These moments tested her resolve and resilience, but they also connected her with other powerful women in the industry. One piece of advice from a fellow female CEO during this turbulent time resonated deeply with her: the power of standing firm even when the odds are against you.

Through the monumental ups and downs of her career, Annabel Spring’s journey is a testament to the strength of resilience, the magic of mentorship, and the unbreakable bonds forged through shared experiences. Today, as the CEO of HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth, she continues to lead not just with expertise, but with a heart that knows the importance of making connections and lifting others as she climbs. Her story is an inspiration for those who dare to dream, proving that no matter where you start, with determination and support, the sky’s the limit.