In the latest episode of The Limitless Equation podcast, host Chloe Hooper sits down with Tammy Medard, managing director of institutional Australia & PNG at ANZ Bank, to explore the idea of limitless strength and how leaders can embrace authenticity, vulnerability, and self-belief to thrive in today’s high-stakes corporate world.
Medard, a seasoned global banking executive, opens up in one of her most candid interviews to date reflecting on her path from a 17-year-old intern in the US to leading a national institutional banking division for one of Australia’s Big Four.
With raw honesty and deep insight, she shares how her own “why not me?” mindset fuelled a career that defied stereotypes and overcame geographic, cultural, and gender-based barriers.
“If I can help people unlock what others already see in them – that little bit of confidence or self-awareness, that’s the greatest gift I can give,” Medard said.
Hooper and Medard explore a powerful array of themes in the episode:
The power of belief and the question: Why not me?
Redefining strength as the courage to show up authentically.
The evolution from introversion to high-impact leadership.
The emotional toll of “wearing the mask” in male-dominated industries.
Global insights from her transformative trip to Zambia with World Vision.
Hooper thanked Medard for personally supporting her during one of the most difficult moments in her life, highlighting the importance of sisterhood and leadership that shows up when it matters most.
“You used the word ‘we’ instead of ‘you’ when I needed it most,” Hooper said. “You walked by my side. That moment will stay with me forever.”
Medard’s story is one of growth, grit, and generosity from a heated toilet in Singapore to squatting toilets in rural Zambia, she reflects on privilege, purpose, and what it means to live with intention. Her reflections on stress leave, self-awareness, and resilience will resonate with women across every industry.
The episode ends with a call to action to all women navigating leadership:
“Don’t do it alone. Ask for help. Speak your aspirations out loud. And don’t fake it – stretch into it.”
Medard’s appearance follows WPP president Rose Herceg and Publicis Groupe chief media officer Imogen Hewitt appearing on the show.
