Liberty Network Services broker Zayna Chhaya discusses how helping others keeps her motivated
Zayna Chhaya (pictured)’s journey into mortgage broking stemmed from a desire to turn her life around.
Like many women in finance, Chhaya was juggling the intense workloads that come with a demanding corporate career, all the while staying on top of family responsibilities.
Lacking fulfillment in her role and facing burnout, Chhaya received the right suggestion at the right time – why not give mortgage broking a shot?
“It sparked something in me,” Chhaya says of that moment. “Out of curiosity, I decided to explore it and soon realised the incredible impact I could have on people’s lives. Helping someone secure a home or reshape their financial future felt meaningful in a way I hadn’t experienced before, and that purpose is what drew me in.”
Take the reins she did - today, Chhaya is her own boss as a mortgage broker under the Liberty Network Services (LNS) brand, where she guides clients through what is usually the biggest financial decision they’ll ever make in their lives.
“Whether they’re managing debt, purchasing their first home, upsizing, downsizing or investing, I help them leverage lending as a tool to move forward,” says Chhaya. “My focus is on empowering my community to make confident, informed financial choices.”
Three years into her high-stakes career change, Chhaya says her greatest motivation “is the fulfilment that comes from helping others”.
She explains: “I always prioritise doing the right thing for the client, because when the focus is genuine service, success naturally follows.
“I’m also fortunate to have incredible support from LNS, my Network Sales Manager Clara Sciarretta, and fellow Liberty advisors. Knowing I have a team I can rely on gives me the confidence to tackle challenges and keep moving forward.
“My husband and I also set clear personal goals. This keeps us accountable and aligned on the lifestyle we’re working toward, which gives me daily purpose and drive.”
The importance of wellbeing
While a world away from her previous life in corporate finance, there is no denying that mortgage broking is still a stressful, demanding role that can take its toll.
Chhaya has navigated these challenges by prioritising her wellbeing, incorporating self-care, healthy eating and consistent physical activity.
“I’ve also learned to open up more about my challenges instead of carrying them alone,” she says. “Sharing my thoughts with the people I trust has helped me feel supported and lighter, which allows me to be more present for others. These shifts have genuinely improved my happiness and resilience.”
Chhaya also remains invested in the local community through her involvement in BNI − a global networking organisation centred around supporting local businesses and giving back.
She also partners with homelessness support network Orange Sky alongside other Liberty Advisers in Western Australia.
“Being a part of these initiatives helps me stay connected to my community in a meaningful way,” Chhaya says.
Chhaya has found that helping others – whether through her job or through the community – has supported her growth as a person.
“I’ve gone from being quiet and unsure of myself, to finding my confidence and voice,” she says. “I’m grateful for every opportunity that has contributed to that, whether it’s being a guest speaker on a podcast, speaking on a panel at the LNS conference, presenting at events, or taking on leadership roles within BNI.”
She gains great satisfaction from helping clients who have been turned away by others; in return, she is rewarded by her clients’ trust and loyalty, “which to me is the greatest measure of success”.
Looking ahead to 2026, Chhaya “will be doubling down on what I do best while bringing in support to create greater efficiencies and stronger processes”.
After three years of steady, strategic growth, “I’m ready to elevate the business to the next level, to better serve my clients and to move closer to my personal goals”, she adds.
Lifting all ships
Chhaya admits that she has been fortunate to have strong support networks in her professional and private spheres, but she would like to see these support networks more present across the wider industry, particularly for women who often have the cards stacked against them.
“I believe greater support systems are essential to help more women access the fulfilment, balance, and long-term growth this industry offers,” she says. “When organisations create these structures, it opens the door for women to take chances, invest in their own development, and uplift one another along the way.”
LNS has been no slouch in this regard – in a broking industry where female representation has stagnated at less than 27%, the group has achieved a network percentage of 36%.
“This shows what’s possible when systemic support and individual ambition work hand in hand,” says Chhaya.
