Celebrating 25 Years of Giving

After twenty-five years with BDCU, eight of those re-imagining the business, Jan has decided it's time for a new challenge.

Jan Edwards, Social Purpose Entrepreneur

Her career has spanned Canada, the UK, USA and the Middle East across finance, manufacturing and consulting industries. There have been a multitude of Board positions along the way, an MBA, and a CA/CPA and honours degrees in Psychology and Statistics.

Jan believes everyone has the ability to make a difference. ‘If you have a dream, pursue it with an unwavering belief. There is always a way. Reach out to others too, you’ll be surprised how many women want to help you get there.’

She is a lifelong advocate for business to embrace community as its purpose. Finding her views at odds with the culture of major corporations at the time, Jan and her family decided to make Australia home where she took on the role of CEO at BDCU Ltd; a credit union operating in the Highlands and Tablelands. Determined to prove shared value was a sustainable and successful business strategy Jan set to work.

Over the ensuing years she, along with a small group of like-minded CEOs, formed a strategic alliance with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and the Alliance Bank brand was born. Alliance Banks are successful social enterprises investing profits back into the communities they serve.

Aside from continuing to hold a number of Board positions, Jan is exploring other social purpose opportunities, so watch this space.