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From Melbourne to the world stage: How Jessica found her purpose

a person speaking into a microphone

 

With my niece, Olivia
With my niece, Olivia

Some conversations change your perspective on life. For me, they usually happen with my ten-year-old niece, Olivia, between dance breaks and netball practice, when nobody’s keeping score. 

Every time I tell her she can be anything she wants in the world, she gives me a fierce look back and says, “I know Aunty Jessie.” In those moments, I tell myself I’ll do everything I can to make that a reality.  

That fierce “I know” is my why. She reminds me every day why my work matters. But even before I found my purpose and voice, here’s how it all began.

Finding my voice 

I grew up in the UK, moved around a lot during my childhood and eventually settled in Melbourne. In an all-girls school that offered cooking classes but no business and technology subjects, my career counsellor told me I had two options: nursing or HR. Neither felt like me. So, I chose a broad degree, felt lost for most of it and emerged on the other side still unsure of where I was headed. 

Early in my career, I refrained from speaking in meetings, overthinking and prefacing my perspectives with “I could be wrong, but…”.  

It took me years to figure out that I didn't need to become someone else to succeed. I just needed to be me.

Choosing to be the change

Jessica Healthcare Week
Speaking at healthcare week

Somewhere along the way, my self-doubt began to lift. I knew that I could be strong and feminine. I could have fun at work and bring my personality. Most importantly, I understood that my emotions weren't weaknesses to manage, they were my strengths to use. 

I decided early that I’d work in sectors that genuinely improve people's lives—health, education, aged care and public services. Areas that made a difference in the community. I also decided that whatever influence I earned, I would use it to lift others and not just advance myself. These decisions later became my guiding principles and shaped my career.

Building spaces for everyone

Jess And Her Team
With my team

When I joined Cognizant in late 2023 as the Public Sector & Health Consulting Lead for Australia, I finally had the canvas to put everything into practice. 

Our first move was to build a diverse 60-person consulting practice, one that represents the community in which we live. 

I was also fortunate to be the Executive Sponsor of our Women Empowered Affinity Group in Australia and New Zealand, where we grew sevenfold in just a few months. Over the years, we’ve delivered impactful initiatives for 400+ associates, amplifying women’s voices and fostering inclusive action. 

“We should all aspire to create ladders for others, not ceilings.”

Jessica Finn

From Melbourne to the world stage 

I felt truly honored when I learned I had been selected for the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders Class of 2026—chosen from over thousands of emerging young leaders worldwide. The selection reflects my work around transforming health and government services, my advocacy for women in technology and my commitment to community impact. 

I also learned that I’m following in the footsteps of our CEO, Ravi Kumar S. That context is not lost on me. 

As part of this recognition, I’ll be embarking on a three-year journey with a global peer network to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues across AI, public health, sustainability and beyond. This year's cohort represents an incredible mix of backgrounds, experiences and geographies. There is a real depth that comes from that diversity. The opportunity to contribute and bring all those insights back to shape ideas at Cognizant is what excites me the most about the program.

A future where everyone belongs

At An Event Sponsored By Cognizant
At the She Loves Data event sponsored by Cognizant

Looking back at my career, I’ve grown from feeling unsure of myself to leading a talented, purpose-driven team. The journey wasn’t always easy, but what made the difference was surrounding myself with purpose-driven teams and organizations like Cognizant that genuinely strive to make a positive impact. 

But there is still so much to do. More doors to open, more voices to be heard and more ladders to build. WEF Young Global Leaders gives me a platform to do that and I intend to bring what I learn back to the teams and communities I serve.  

Because the future I want for my nieces and nephew and for everyone like them won’t happen on its own. It happens when we collectively decide to build it.

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