2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
A trailblazer in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, Roslyn Taylor is a visionary leader with a proven track record of founding and directing successful ventures. With a diverse portfolio spanning multiple industries, she has garnered recognition for her expertise in financial management, business consultancy, and energy efficiency solutions.
As the driving force behind Sums and Solutions Pty Ltd and Australian Sun Energy Pty Ltd, Roslyn Taylor has established herself as a dynamic entrepreneur. Her proficiency as a registered BAS tax practitioner and specialisation in accounting software and processes have been pivotal in providing comprehensive services, including BAS/IAS lodgments, payroll management, and startup support. Recognized as a Xero Certified Advisor and MYOB Professional Partner, Roslyn Taylor is committed to delivering tailored training and support, empowering clients to harness the full potential of these platforms. Co-founding Australian Sun Energy Pty Ltd in 2009 alongside her husband, she has played a pivotal role in advancing energy efficiency solutions, catering to clients both domestically and internationally.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Roslyn Taylor is deeply passionate about mentoring and uplifting women in business. Through her impactful workshops on financial literacy and mentorship programs, she has empowered countless women to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence and resilience. An esteemed member of the National Rural Women’s Coalition Muster Alumnae, Roslyn Taylor is dedicated to bridging the gap for women in rural and regional areas, offering invaluable insights and support through online workshops and mentorship initiatives.
With a steadfast belief in the transformative power of women’s entrepreneurship, Roslyn Taylor continues to champion inclusivity and diversity, envisioning a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive in business and beyond.
// Favourite inspirational quote
Keep Your Face Always Towards the Sunshine, and the Shadows Will Fall Behind You – Walt Whitman
// Let’s get to know you
I embarked on my professional journey at the age of 18 with ANZ Bank, where I spent a decade refining my skills and cultivating a strong foundation in finance and administration. After seven years of dedicated service, I took a hiatus to focus on raising my three children, a fulfilling endeavor that lasted nine years before returning to ANZ Bank for an additional three years. Eager to explore new horizons, I transitioned into the small business sector, embracing diverse roles ranging from Office Manager to Financial Controller. Fuelled by a thirst for knowledge and a belief in the transformative power of education, I seized every opportunity to expand my skill set, completing a Diploma in Business and a Certificate IV in bookkeeping.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the dissolution of my marriage, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of financial independence and professional fulfillment. Armed with the expertise garnered throughout my career and academic pursuits, I ventured into entrepreneurship in my late 40s, establishing my own business.
The journey to independence was not without its obstacles, but with resilience and determination, I persevered. Balancing the growth of my business with part-time employment, I steadily built a client base until I achieved self-sufficiency. A fortuitous meeting with my current husband led to the inception of a new business venture. Embracing the burgeoning era of social media, we launched our company in 2009, leveraging digital platforms to establish an online presence in an unconventional landscape.
Our decision to focus on environmentally sustainable solutions proved prescient, as a Melbourne Distributor offered us the opportunity to sell evacuated tube solar hot water systems, laying the foundation for our company’s success. Today, my husband and I operate our businesses seamlessly from home, harnessing the power of technology to overcome geographical limitations and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Our journey exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless opportunities afforded by entrepreneurship, inspiring others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
In the coming year, my primary focus will be dedicated to driving the growth and innovation of Australian Sun Energy. With a concerted effort towards launching new products, we are excited to introduce Hoya Ondol, a revolutionary underfloor hydronic heating system, to the Australian market in 2024. As the Australian Distributor for this game-changing technology, we are poised to redefine comfort and sustainability in homes across the country.
At Australian Sun Energy, our commitment to combating climate change drives us to continuously seek out new products and solutions that will make a positive impact. With this ethos at the forefront, we are actively scouring the globe for innovative technologies that align with our mission of environmental stewardship. To support our expansion and showcase our latest offerings, we are in the process of developing a new website and enhancing our presence on social media platforms. With these initiatives underway, we anticipate a surge in sales in the coming months as we connect with our audience and share the benefits of our cutting-edge solutions.
As we embark on this journey of growth and progress, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Australian Sun Energy. Together with our dedicated team, we are committed to driving positive change and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
What sets me apart as a woman to watch is my unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in everything I do. While I may be a quiet achiever, my passion for making a positive impact in my community and beyond drives me to continuously strive for greatness. Through both my businesses, I am not only creating tangible solutions to real-world challenges but also inspiring others to embrace sustainability, financial literacy, and empowerment.
I am passionate about renewable energy, solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, technologies that reduce reliance on fossil fuel and combat climate change and I enjoy promoting these advancements through my social media pages.
// What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
In 2024, I am eagerly anticipating the global shift towards environmental sustainability. I am particularly hopeful about the initiatives being spearheaded by our government to combat climate change. As I closely follow these developments, I am eager to explore how my companies can actively participate in these efforts, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
Additionally, I am excited about the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure across the state. This year, I am looking forward to purchasing our first electric vehicle, aligning with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing clean energy solutions. Furthermore, I am thrilled about the advancements in emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence. One innovation that has captured my attention is ExBert AI-Powered Work Intelligence. This cutting-edge practice management system is poised to revolutionize my accounting business, safeguarding and empowering my bookkeeping team. With its AI-powered alerts and monitoring capabilities, ExBert promises to enhance efficiency, ensure data integrity, and optimize team performance, enabling us to accomplish more with precision and efficacy.
In essence, 2024 holds promise for significant strides in environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and business efficiency. I am eager to embrace these opportunities, leveraging them to drive positive change and propel my companies towards continued growth and success.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
Empowering and uplifting South Australian women and girls is crucial for fostering a more equitable and prosperous future. I believe we are currently failing in the education of money management. Financial Literacy should be added to the primary and secondary school curriculum. By starting early, we can instill fundamental money management skills and habits from a young age. We need to offer workshops, seminars, and online resources specifically tailored to women and girls, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial products. Make these resources readily available and easily accessible to all members of the community.
Advocate for government initiatives and policies that promote financial literacy, such as funding for educational programs, partnerships with financial institutions, and incentives for schools to prioritise financial education. By investing in financial literacy education, we can equip South Australian women and girls with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions, build financial security, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society for all.
Get in touch with Roslyn:
LinkedIn: Roslyn Taylor
Website: www.australiansunenergy.com.au & www.sumsandsolutions.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
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