From Home Economics to High Finance: Corrina Davison's Unlikely Rise

Corrina Davison, managing director of American Express in Australia and New Zealand, credits her economics teacher for steering her onto her high-flying path. In her lower Blue Mountains public high school, a career counsellor advised her to study home economics because 'that's what girls are doing'. However, her economics teacher, Mr Brown, intercepted and said, 'Actually, I think you have the potential to do extension economics and I'll support you.'

He encouraged Corrina to apply for an accounting cadetship and scholarship at Western Sydney University, where she was the first person in her family to attend. This pivotal lesson taught her the importance of getting behind people who don't see potential in themselves.

Corrina's career has been a journey of self-discovery, from being an accountant for two years to realizing her real interests were in customer service and marketing. She ran a travel agency by 19 and eventually moved into financial services, seeing it as the next 'learning opportunity'. Throughout her career, Corrina has had incredible opportunities to grow, learn, and serve.

She attributes her empathetic leadership style to her formative years, growing up with parents who instilled strong values of serving others. Corrina also credits Western Sydney University's diverse student body for providing a valuable learning experience. Her experiences have taught her the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and providing opportunities to those who may not see their potential.