Financial wellbeing (core theme)

We explore what financial wellbeing actually means — and why it matters for mental health, confidence, performance, and life satisfaction.

Audiences are guided through practical concepts such as:

• Understanding money beyond income and expenses

• The impact of financial stress on decision-making and wellbeing

• Building clarity around goals, priorities, and trade-offs

• Financial resilience and preparing for life’s curveballs

• Knowing when and how to engage the right support

Building financial confidence

Confidence with money is learned — not innate.

We help audiences understand:

• How past experiences shape money behaviour

• Why mindset and habits matter as much as numbers

• How clarity creates confidence

• The importance of education and simple systems

• How small, deliberate changes create momentum

Our approach is always practical, human, and empowering.

Mel and Darlene are available for:

• Guest speaking engagements

• Keynote addresses

• Panel participation

• Media interviews (podcasts, radio, social media)

Speaking engagements are best suited to:

• Conferences and professional events

• Leadership and people & culture audiences

• Community and industry forums

• Wellbeing-focused events

About the speakers

Darlene Neu

Co-Founder, The Money Collective

Darlene brings over 30 years’ experience across banking, lending, risk, and leadership, including senior roles with ANZ and ownership of a mortgage broking business.

She is known for her challenger mindset, passion for financial education, and commitment to making money conversations more accessible, inclusive, and empowering.

Her work focuses on bridging the gap between finance, behaviour, and wellbeing — helping people use money as a tool to support life, not stress it.

“I’m known for my challenger spirit. I’m passionate about empowerment and gender equality. I want to smash the taboos, showing you how easy and comfortable it can be to talk about, use, manage, and plan with your money. It doesn’t need to be stressful, influence our emotions or be a negative force we must control. Money isn’t the end goal, it’s just a vehicle for us to achieve our life goals. It’s an enabler that simply brings increased choice.”

Melissa Pearce

Co-Founder, The Money Collective

Mel has over 20 years’ experience in mortgage broking and banking, establishing her first broking business at 21.

She is deeply committed to helping people understand their money, build confidence, and feel optimistic about their financial future — particularly women stepping into financial leadership in their own lives.

Mel’s approach is practical, calm, and education-led, with a strong focus on financial resilience and long-term confidence.

“I believe that the finance industry requires a combination of expertise, innovation, and a deep commitment to client satisfaction. At The Money Collective, financial wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do.”