Hayley DeJong's journey from childhood financial hardship to founding a successful mortgage brokerage, is testament to her determination and commitment to overcome the challenges that life throws our way. 

In her early 20s, Hayley set her sights on a position at Bendigo Bank. She became a persistent caller, reaching out every couple of weeks to inquire about job openings until her relentless determination earned her an interview. Asked what she would do if she didn't get the job, she confidently replied, "I'll call you next week". 

Her tenacity eventually opened a door at Bendigo Bank, where she seized opportunities and climbed the professional ladder.

Leaving her management position at the bank in 2014, Hayley founded Proactive Finance Group, a mortgage brokerage in Bendigo. The now team of three are a trusted financial support crew specialising in home loans, investment loans, asset finance and commercial finance.

Hayley acknowledges her role as more than just a mortgage broker. She has a genuine interest in helping people succeed and seek financial empowerment.

In this episode, Hayley shares her challenging upbringing in a lower socioeconomic area to becoming a successful mortgage broker, the challenges of hiring the right team members and the growth that comes from trusting others to contribute to your business. Hayley also touches on the current state of the mortgage industry, the impact of interest rate rises, and how she's adapting her business strategies to stay afloat during slower periods.

You can read our feature story on Hayley in OAK Magazine Issue 13.

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ABOUT OAK MAGAZINE

This episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.

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For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.