About Arna

Arna Jade is an award-winning business strategist, gender equity advocate, and workplace well-being champion. With over two decades of experience spanning business transformation, digital strategy, and inclusive leadership, she has built a career focused on driving meaningful change in organisations and industries worldwide.

As the founder of multiple management consultancy firms and tech startups, Arna has established herself as a force in business and social impact. She was the winner of the prestigious 40Under40 award and 30Under30, recognising her contributions to leadership, innovation, and advocacy. Under her guidance, Soto Group was named Best Brand & Marketing Strategy Agency in Victoria in both 2024 and 2025, cementing its reputation as a leader in strategic growth and branding.

Arna’s journey into business began at an early age. By 15, she knew she was destined to be an entrepreneur, and by 20, she was already a sought-after business transformation specialist, advising companies on improving operations, accounting, and management systems. However, as a young woman in male-dominated fields such a tech, finance, banking and oil & gas, she faced constant challenges – having to prove her worth during her early years. Rather than backing down, she built a career on defying expectations, solving complex business problems, and helping companies scale sustainably.

Her experience extends across diverse industries, spanning technology, FMCG, sustainability, pharmaceuticals, sports nutrition, healthcare, professional services, blockchain, cryptocurrency, banking, big data, mining and oil & gas (to name a few!) with a particular focus on stress reduction, mental health in the workplace, and advocating for gender equity, diversity and inclusion. Her advocacy work has led her to senior leadership roles in not for profits and boardrooms, ensuring that systemic barriers for women and minorities are dismantled, not just discussed.

Leading Southern Asia’s Largest Data Migration Project
Arna’s expertise in digital transformation and complex data strategies led her to work on Project RILMINISCE – Southern Asia’s largest data migration initiative with Reliance Oil & Gas in India. Tasked with overseeing the build of a bespoke data centre on site at the Reliance compound in Belapur and seamless migration and restoration of critical infrastructure data, she played a pivotal role in ensuring operational continuity for one of the region’s largest energy companies.

The scale and complexity of this project demanded a deep understanding of seismic data, data security, risk management, and strategic execution. Working alongside cross functional teams across India, Australia and beyond, Arna helped drive efficiencies, modernise legacy systems, and implement best practices for data governance. Her ability to bridge the gap between technical execution and business outcomes proved instrumental in the project’s success, reinforcing her reputation as a leader in high-stakes digital initiatives.

Driving Impact Through Strategic Grant Funding

Arna Jade’s ability to navigate complex funding landscapes has delivered transformational financial support for organisations and businesses. Her expertise in grant writing, funding strategy, and government advisory has unlocked millions of dollars in resources for initiatives that drive gender equity, innovation, and economic growth.

As part of her work with Women in Technology WA (WiTWA), Arna led an unprecedented funding strategy, securing more grant funding in a single year than the organisation had received collectively in the previous 20 years. Her work helped WiTWA scale its impact, expand its programs, and drive systemic change for women and minorities in STEM.

Beyond advocacy organisations, Arna has played a critical role in national funding allocations, working directly with both the WA State and Federal Governments in grant assessment and funding distribution. She has been responsible for placing over $40 million in funding to Australian businesses, particularly in the startup and medical sectors, ensuring that high potential companies receive the financial backing needed to scale, innovate, and succeed.

Her deep understanding of business viability, commercialisation pathways, and economic impact makes her a trusted expert in evaluating and directing investment into initiatives that create long term value for industries and communities. Whether advocating for gender equity programs, supporting emerging medical breakthroughs, or helping startups secure capital, Arna’s strategic approach to funding ensures that resources are allocated where they drive the greatest impact.

Resilience & Advocacy in Business
Despite her professional successes, Arna’s resilience has been tested in profound ways. Throughout this time her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and four of her siblings faced a rare incurable tumour disorder and her father suffered a catastrophic stroke and she found herself balancing high pressure business leadership with personal caregiving. These experiences deepened her commitment to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, shaping the human first approach she brings to her consulting work today.

Her international career has taken her from Australia to New York, Miami, India, Panama and beyond, working with global businesses, high profile entrepreneurs, and even celebrities. She is certified in Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing, further enhancing her expertise in navigating regulatory and financial complexities.

Recognised Leadership & Impact
Arna’s influence extends beyond business; she is a mentor, speaker, and advocate who challenges traditional leadership models. Whether she’s consulting for corporations, mentoring the next generation of leaders, or driving equity initiatives, Arna remains steadfast in her mission: to create workplaces and industries where people can thrive – not just survive.

ARNA JADE HAS BEEN FEATURED BY: