For aspiring leaders, especially those feeling trapped in traditional career paths, remember this: your most significant contribution might lie outside your comfort zone. Listen to that quiet voice calling you towards something greater. It might just lead you to your life’s most important work
In this week’s edition of Leadership Playbook, we sat down with Diana Horvatovic, CEO of St. Basil’s NSW/ACT, to hear about her inspiring transition from corporate finance to leading change in aged care.
Her journey reveals a deep commitment to purpose, showing how one person’s shift in path can ripple out to touch many lives. Through their conversation, Diana spoke with openness and conviction, sharing lessons that feel both grounded and uplifting. Her reflections offer young readers a window into what it means to lead with heart and make a difference.
Diana’s career started in a world of numbers, where success was measured in balance sheets and forecasts. “Numbers used to be my world. I was good at what I did, navigating the complex world of corporate finance with precision and skill,” she recalled. “But beneath the surface, a quiet restlessness was stirring, a longing for something more meaningful.” In finance, she built a strong foundation, mastering skills like strategic thinking and problem-solving. Yet, despite her achievements, she sensed something was missing, a gap between her work and the impact she wanted to have.
When asked what led her to aged care, Diana described a search for something deeper than career milestones. “For many, career transitions are often prompted by external circumstances such as new opportunities, market shifts, or personal ambitions. My journey was different. It wasn’t about climbing up the corporate ladder; it was about finding genuine meaning,” she explained. That inner restlessness became a guide, drawing her to a field where she could champion the dignity of older Australians, a cause she felt called to embrace.
Looking back on her finance days, Diana recognized their lasting influence. “My professional path began in the fast-paced world of finance. I thrived in that environment, where success was measured in metrics, financial forecasts, and bottom lines. The financial sector equipped me with invaluable skills, including analytical thinking, strategic foresight, and a results driven mindset. These skills later became indispensable in my transition to aged care,” she said. But success alone didn’t fulfill her. “Despite my professional achievements, something felt incomplete. While finance had its impact, it lacked the direct, human-centered purpose I was craving,” she admitted, pinpointing the moment she began to seek a new direction.
A calling to care
This wasn’t just a career move. It was a calling
The opportunity to work in aged care came at just the right time. “I was searching for avenues to create impact when the government first called for passionate individuals to improve aged care,” Diana shared. “Even before then, I had realised that our elderly deserve more than just care. I have always believed that those who have contributed so much to our society deserve to live with dignity, respect, and joy. The idea of advocating for older Australians resonated with me. My career in aged care started with a single thought: The elderly deserve the best.”
As a new mother, the decision carried extra weight. “At the time, I was a new mother of twin daughters, and this career move felt personal. Here was a chance to transform not just an organisation, but to fundamentally reimagine how we care for our most vulnerable communities. This wasn’t just a career move. It was a calling,” she reflected.
Entering aged care was a reality check for Diana. “My first role in aged care was as a regulator, working with non-compliant homes to improve standards. It was confronting,” she admitted. “I saw facilities struggling with governance, staff stretched beyond capacity, and residents not receiving the care they deserved. But I also saw potential, the ability to create better systems, nurture stronger teams, and ensure that aged care homes weren’t just meeting minimum standards but delivering exceptional care.” Her finance background gave her a lens for systems, but her government role reshaped her priorities. “Finance gave me the tools to understand complex systems, but my transition into government reshaped my perspective. Working in the Department of Health and Ageing, I saw firsthand how policy decisions impacted individuals in profound ways. It was no longer about financial models. It was about people, their quality of life, and the dignity they deserved in their later years. That was when I realised my true passion lay not in spreadsheets but in ensuring people received the care and support they needed,” she explained.
When St. Basil’s reached out, Diana saw a chance to lead with impact. “When I was approached to join St Basil’s as a consultant, it wasn’t about another professional challenge. It was about potential, the potential to create meaningful, lasting change,” she said. “I knew it would be one of the greatest challenges of my career. The organisation was at a critical juncture, facing significant compliance challenges that required urgent attention. But beyond governance and operations, the real work would be rebuilding trust, trust with residents, families, staff, and regulators. I stepped into this role not just as a CEO, but as a leader determined to restore confidence, compassion, and a sense of purpose within the organisation.” Her focus on trust became the heartbeat of her leadership.
Leading with soul
Leadership is more than strategy and decision making; it is about emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to connect with people
For Diana, leading is about more than strategies or checklists. “True leadership means being present. I make it a priority to walk through our facilities, engage with residents and staff, and understand their experiences firsthand. Real change doesn’t happen from behind a desk, it happens through listening, learning, and acting with purpose,” she added.
“Leadership is more than strategy and decision making; it is about emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to connect with people. Numbers and compliance matter, but at the heart of transformation are the individuals, staff, residents, and families, whose lives are directly impacted,” she emphasized. Staying connected to those she serves is central to her approach.
Diana’s vision reaches beyond her organization, aiming to inspire others, particularly women. “Beyond driving organisational transformation, I believe in paving the way for future leaders. I want to show my daughters, and aspiring female leaders, that with determination, courage, and hard work, they can break barriers and make a lasting impact,” she said.
“This is why I continue to advocate for greater female representation in leadership, particularly in industries where it is needed most.” She also acknowledges the dynamic nature of her field. “Aged care is an industry in constant evolution, with increasing regulatory demands, workforce challenges, and the pressing need for innovation. At St Basil’s, we are expanding our services, improving dining and community engagement, and ensuring that our care model continues to evolve,” she noted.
At its core, Diana’s work is driven by a deeper mission. “But for me, this journey is about more than strategic growth. It is about making a lasting impact,” she reflected. “When I first stepped into this sector, I knew that aged care needed more than policies and procedures, it needed leadership driven by purpose. Today, I remain committed to that mission, ensuring that every resident in our care feels valued, respected, and truly at home.” Her commitment feels like a promise kept through years of dedication.
As their conversation closed, Diana offered wisdom for those feeling stuck. “For aspiring leaders, especially those feeling trapped in traditional career paths, remember this: your most significant contribution might lie outside your comfort zone. Listen to that quiet voice calling you towards something greater. It might just lead you to your life’s most important work,” she urged. Her path from finance to aged care stands as a testament to the power of purpose, a story we hope will spark young readers to dream boldly about their own journeys.
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