ANALYSIS MANAGER (CHAPTER LEAD) | SUNCORP
Melissa-Jo Wides
Melissa Jo (MJ) Manager, Analysis (Chapter Lead) within Suncorp’s Technology & Operations division. She leads a team of +25 Business Analysts, from graduates to principals, fostering capability and growth. A dynamic communicator, MJ co-chairs Women Connect and contributes to initiatives such as internal programmes like Ment2Learn. She is passionate about mentoring, both within Suncorp and through the IIBA, helping others thrive personally and professionally. With a strong background in leadership, marketing, and analysis, MJ excels in driving transformation, enabling business outcomes, and uniting diverse teams to deliver meaningful organisational progress.
Presentation: Adapt: From where we began to who we become – evolving through practices and the ways we speak
In this talk, I’ll share my personal journey of adaptation, change, and continuous growth—both professionally and personally. I’ll start by reflecting on my early years, moving from school into my first role as a vetting clerk, where I began to understand the organisation around me and uncover what I enjoyed, what challenged me, and what didn’t align with my strengths. These formative experiences set the foundation for how I learned to adapt, pursue new opportunities, and shape my career with intention.
As my path evolved, I embraced further study, stepped into new roles, and gained exposure to international brands that broadened my perspective. Learning agile ways of working became a pivotal turning point, helping me navigate complexity and work more collaboratively across diverse environments.
My journey also includes significant personal transitions—starting a family, studying while juggling work, and relocating to a new country. Settling into an international market came with new challenges: different cultural norms, unfamiliar landscapes, and even new professional “languages” to learn. Landing my first role in Australia marked the beginning of rebuilding my career in a completely new context.
Throughout these experiences, adaptation hasn’t been optional—it has been essential. I’ll explore how embracing change, staying curious, and continuously investing in growth have helped me navigate uncertainty, fit into new environments, and ultimately build a fulfilling career.
My hope is that by sharing this story, others will feel inspired and equipped to navigate their own transitions with confidence, resilience, and self-belief.