Leading through change: Sue Houghton at the Women Unlimited Leadership Summit

Leadership doesn’t follow a single path – and at the Women Unlimited Leadership Summit in Sydney, that message was front and centre. With speakers including Former US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, the event brought together a powerful mix of voices from across business, sport, policy, and global affairs.

Among them was Sue Houghton, CEO of QBE Australia Pacific, who joined the conversation on the future of leadership. The stories shared were bold, personal, and deeply varied, offering a moment to pause and reflect.

“Leadership today demands more than just direction, it calls for curiosity and adaptability,” she said. “Hearing the journeys of the women around me – their honesty, their resilience – reminded me how powerful shared experience can be. I left feeling energised, and more certain than ever that leadership is about creating space for others to thrive.”

Ms Houghton’s own path began in an unexpected place, and that’s something she embraces.

“My degree is in History, and here I am having been a CFO and now a CEO,” she shared. “People are often surprised by that, but I draw on my background in history every day. It shapes how I lead – through storytelling, understanding human nature, and navigating change.”

Resilience emerged as a defining theme throughout the Summit: a quality deeply embedded in QBE’s culture and one Ms Houghton sees as essential to leading through uncertainty. 

"Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about staying grounded when things shift, and helping others do the same. It’s something I’ve had to learn throughout my career, and something I try to model. Because when the road gets bumpy, people look to you - not for all the answers, but for steadiness.” 

A powerful moment came when the panel discussion turned to change fatigue and the quiet myths that can linger inside an organisation long after a moment has passed. Ms Houghton spoke candidly about the importance of rebuilding trust by reshaping internal narratives, especially those rooted in legacy setbacks.

“I often ask people if they were here during the last big change project. And even those who weren’t can still tell me the stories of what didn’t work,” she said. “These narratives can linger and become part of the culture. To move forward, you have to rewrite them, and that means offering new proof.”

Inclusive leadership isn’t a just a corporate statement at QBE, it’s the standard. By elevating diverse voices and creating space for shared leadership, the organisation is building a culture where people can grow and lead with confidence.

Ms Houghton spoke to the importance of women in leadership and the responsibility that comes with being in a position of influence.

“I hope to give visibility to women in leadership,” she said. “Not just to be seen, but to inspire others to effect change beyond the boundaries of their role.”

That influence, Ms Houghton noted, extends beyond gender equity. Her focus is on helping to shape the future of the insurance industry.

“We’re facing some of the biggest challenges our industry has ever seen, and we won’t solve them in isolation. It’s going to take collaboration, courage, and a willingness to lead differently.” 

Leadership, she added, is not about solving everything alone, it’s about creating momentum that others can carry forward.

“You can’t change the world in the limited time you have. But you can nudge it in a direction and influence the people around you to take the baton next,” Ms Houghton said.

“Having a solid team behind you, and believing in what you’re doing, gives longevity to what you choose to do today as a leader.”