From chemical engineering to the C-suite, Johanna Platt has built a career defined by curiosity, adaptability and purposeful leadership. Now CFO of Equity Trustees, she draws on experience across FMCG, logistics, superannuation and investments to lead through growth, transformation and challenge. Johanna sat down with Atlas Director, Liam Killen, to discuss the value of unconventional career moves, lessons from launching Vanguard’s superannuation business, and why staying grounded — and giving back — are central to her leadership philosophy.

Liam
Well, today I’m joined by Joanna Platt, CFO of Equity Trustees. Joanna, thanks so much for joining us.

Johanna
Pleasure to be here, Liam.

Liam
Joanna, you originally studied chemical engineering. What drew you to that path early on?

Johanna
At school I was a bit of an all-rounder but particularly enjoyed science and maths, so it felt like a natural progression. In the mid-80s, chemical engineering was one of the more popular engineering disciplines for women — about a third of the students were women — so there were role models to meet at open days and similar events. That made it relatable and guided me into studying it. You start off with science and then, over time, move towards engineering.

Liam
Was there a moment in your career that set you on the path towards more finance roles?

Johanna
A couple of experiences stand out. One was a third-year engineering subject related to project finance. I really enjoyed the connection between the project and the financials, which piqued my interest. The other was an internship with a fuel distribution company, analysing mass balance — essentially, they didn’t really understand how much they were buying or selling by geography. I enjoyed that analytical side. Those two moments gave me the confidence to think, “You can use engineering in many different ways, not just in a technical or production capacity.”

Liam
Looking back, does that engineering mindset still influence how you think and lead today?

Johanna
Yes. The strength you bring from engineering is around process, process control, and understanding things from a value chain perspective. Those models are very interrelated with finance. Over time, I’ve also drawn on the accounting mindset. They’re two different ways of looking at a situation, and the combination is powerful.

Liam
Tell us about your early forays into finance.

Johanna
I started work at a chemical plant and did that for about a year. While I enjoyed some analytical projects, I was looking for more pace and challenge. Through my network, I heard that retailer Laura Ashley — well known in the 80s and 90s — was looking for a retail analyst, and they didn’t want an accountant. Knowing that about the recruiter’s mindset gave me the confidence to apply.

I’m grateful to that CEO for wanting someone who could work with the business to analyse and support decision-making and profit. That set me on my path as an FP&A analyst. I had a few roles that developed those skills, and then at FedEx I had a great leader who told me I needed formal qualifications. So I studied an MBA, and later on, my CPA. I’m grateful to the leaders who supported and encouraged me along the way.

Liam
You’ve held senior roles across FMCG, logistics, superannuation, and investments. How has that breadth shaped your view of good finance leadership?

Johanna
You learn something from each industry about what’s important and what drives value. In logistics, it’s cost control, network, and understanding fixed versus variable costs. In FMCG, it’s pricing, distribution, brands, marketing, and ROI on promotional spend. In financial services, it’s more about product mix, fixed cost structures, process, distribution risk, and returns. These concepts are transferable, but what’s most important differs by industry — and that guides how you lead and what you focus on.

Liam
At Vanguard, you led a large team and launched their superannuation business. What leadership challenges did you face scaling something from scratch?

Johanna
It was a terrific opportunity. Vanguard is part of a global enterprise, so leading locally while working effectively with colleagues in the US and Europe was key. The model essentially handed work around the globe with the time zones.

Superannuation is a very Australian product with strict local regulations. Working with global colleagues to determine which processes could sit within global standards versus needing local oversight was crucial. We also selected key vendors, such as Grow, our platform provider and administrator — a strategic decision to go with a new player bringing something different to the market.

It was a two- to three-year journey, delivered through the pandemic, to build a business from zero AUM to several billion today. They’ve done a great job expanding it with excellent digital products.

Liam
What leadership lessons did COVID teach you?

Johanna
At the start of COVID, some of our teams were still receiving instructions by fax, so operational teams had to be in the office — which was unusual and, for some, frightening. Leading and motivating them through that was important.

It also showed me how quickly an organisation can move when it’s laser-focused. Within a month, the leader in that area had automated the process, enabling a fully digital solution. Mobilising around a single, critical priority was a big takeaway.

Liam
What attracted you to Equity Trustees?

Johanna
It’s a 140-year-old, highly trusted organisation, with clients who’ve entrusted us with their foundations and estates for decades. That responsibility is deeply felt here. Being ASX-listed gave me the opportunity to be a CFO in that environment. The business has grown quickly in recent years, so maturing the finance function for greater scale and complexity was an exciting challenge — alongside the organisation’s purpose.

Liam
What excites you about the next chapter for Equity Trustees?

Johanna
We’ve just completed a major integration and invested significantly in technology and new platforms. Now, the focus is on bringing digital solutions and new ways for clients to interact with us — building a digital customer experience and culture across the organisation.

Liam
You’ve worked in many values-based organisations. What does purposeful leadership mean to you?

Johanna
It’s about linking the team to the organisation’s mission. At Equity Trustees, culture and trust are central. In finance, our values are being trusted, reliable, expert, impactful, and clear communicators. We build skills and processes to deliver on those values, taking iterative steps, celebrating progress, and then pushing further.

Liam
What makes a high-performing finance team beyond technical skills?

Johanna
Adaptability, curiosity, a growth mindset, and diversity — in personality, experience, and ways of thinking. Those different perspectives help us reach better solutions.

Liam
How do you stay grounded and energised outside of work?

Johanna
For me, being present in the office four days a week helps create boundaries — I leave my laptop there and switch off at night. Outside work, it’s family, friends, nature, and hiking. In demanding roles, maintaining energy for the long run is essential.

Liam
You’re involved with the Mazda Foundation and Experimenta. Tell us about them.

Johanna
Both are not-for-profits where I serve on the board. At Experimenta, we explore how technology influences art and society. It’s a different way of thinking, and I learn a lot from my colleagues and the artists.

The Mazda Foundation focuses on literacy for children and building resilience in rural and remote communities, assessing where we can have the most sustainable impact. I also enjoy mentoring — often informally — and make time each week to connect with current or former colleagues to support their development.

Liam
How important is it for leaders to maintain interests beyond their day-to-day roles?

Johanna
Very important — and something I didn’t do enough of earlier in my career. I always advise others to build their network and have a “personal board of directors” — people you can regularly check in with. Often, people already know the answer to their challenges; they just need a sounding board.

Liam
Any advice for people looking for a mentor?

Johanna
Start close — someone in your organisation or an adjacent team whose style you admire, or even someone very different to you. Ask others for introductions; recruiters can also connect you. Big career changes can feel daunting, so having input from people who’ve seen similar situations can help you decide with confidence.

Liam
Has anyone had a particularly strong impact on your career?

Johanna
Yes — Rod Day, CFO at Iron Mountain, still mentors me. He’s very wise, says little, but asks great questions that make me think more clearly.

Liam
What are you most proud of in your career?

Johanna
Taking the risk to try different roles. I got my CPA in my early 40s — much later than most — but I trusted my judgment. It’s okay to feel nervous or doubt yourself; put yourself forward and take on new challenges.

Liam
What’s the next challenge that excites you?

Johanna
In the next few years I’ll transition into something different — perhaps a new balance of community and business roles. I think about that a lot when hiking.

Liam
Any advice for someone taking an unconventional career path?

Johanna
Learn from others. Being physically present in the workplace can be invaluable for context and observation. Strategic or change projects are also great for learning, networking, and exposure — even if it means juggling with your day job.

Liam
Let’s wrap with some rapid-fire questions. One word to describe your leadership style?

Johanna
Open.

Liam
A book or podcast recommendation?

Johanna
Jefferson — he has a podcast with short 15-minute episodes on communication tips, like “make your next conversation a great one.” Very practical.

Liam
One habit that keeps you sharp?

Johanna
Keeping my mind clear of distractions. I rarely have music on in the car and my home is fairly quiet, so I can focus intensely at work and conserve mental energy outside it.

Liam
A career sliding-doors moment?

Johanna
That first opportunity at Laura Ashley — just a conversation with a flatmate. Without it, I might never have left engineering.

Liam
One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Johanna
Gosh — I think I’m fairly predictable. That’s a question on notice!

Liam
Like any good CFO! Joanna, thanks for sharing your journey with us on Pathways.

Johanna
Thanks, Liam — and thanks for your time this morning.