Talk about compound interest - Investing in yourself pays the highest returns.

The number of views on YouTube videos about the hottest cryptocurrency to invest in; the emphasis on ETFs; the sprint to purchase assets. I caution we're overlooking the most important investment we can make: ourselves.

Becoming a CEO at 30 wasn't a fluke, although I feel humbled every day to be in the position I'm in. I don't talk about my education experience or my dedication to learning much because it's just inherent in me; I believe being a lifelong student is not a choice but a necessity. But the less sexy side is that, for a decade, I passed on dates and drinks as I like to put it and got real close and personal with large textbooks, post-it notes, podcasts, supervisors, and non-aesthetic online courses with a myriad of tech issues. I divvied up my money - some for studying, some for living, and the rest to purchase a home eventually and invest in the stock market. The payoff? A diverse range of skillsets, appreciation for various areas of work, a well-rounded understanding of business ethics and decision-making, major self-confidence, more awareness than most, and the wisdom to know I have a hell of a lot to learn. A World Bank study found that each additional year of education raises earnings by an average of 10% per year globally - more for women.

So what have I invested in? Besides my two rescue pups, a few holidays (usually small) per year, a bit too much takeaway coffee, and an over-priced apartment which I rent, here's what I've invested in in just over a decade:

• Bachelor of Science (International Business) - the degree that brought me to Australia

• Grad Cert in Management - formalising what I learned in practice

• Master of Education (Educational Research) - to deep dive into the gaps in sexuality education

• Sexology units (Buehler Institute, US) - niche but deeply aligned with my purpose

• Business Analyst short course (RMIT) - because strategy and systems matter

• Tennis & Muay Thai coaches - discipline, embodiment, and mental toughness

• Regular psychologist appointments - she's my guru, emotional clarity and resilience

• Mentorship - guidance and a sounding board as I navigate

• A lifelong dog trainer - dog chewed up the wall? They know best

• ~40 books/year - a self-paced MBA in life, leadership, and humanity

• A whole lotta listening and creating podcasts - the best way to learn is to be so clear you can teach it

I still remember that least semester of college when I was finishing my undergraduate degree. I studies 6 classes/units and held down 2 jobs. I graduated with minimal debt.

Research shows women are less likely to invest in formal career development unless it’s explicitly required, often citing guilt or the belief they "shouldn't need it." Yet those who do invest report higher confidence, better decision-making, and more satisfaction with life direction. I'm telling you, the top priority in your investment strategy should be YOU - and I don't hear enough people saying it. The earlier you invest in an index fund, the more time it has to grow.

Every course I took, every book I finished, every awkward first lesson or expensive session - it didn’t always have an immediate return. But it compounded. And now, when I sit at a table with government, board members, or my own team, that investment shows up as presence, readiness, and resilience. I still remember the sessions I had with my psychologist who helped me not only clarify my salary expectations in a role that I loved but wasn't seeing potential for progression in, but open up my eyes to the possibility of other work which led me to the mental health space. I jokingly - but literally - say she made me $70k extra per year. See what I'm saying about ROI?

I recognise my privilege. Studying costs tremendous time and money. But we can learn in ways that are cost-effective and many times free - from each other, from elders in the community, podcasts, books, online content, and now AI (although yes, please check facts). You don't need to do it all at once, and you can keep investing in your crypto while you look after you. You do need to start. I can't stand when I hear people in their 30s or even 50s talk about a degree or skillset they wish they had explored. We are LIFELONG learners. And now you can circle back to that learning with more excitement and clarity than you may have had in your 20s. The more you invest, the more options you have. And options = power.

I didn’t become a CEO at 30 by accident.I became a CEO at 30 because I treated myself like the asset I planned to lead with. The ROI? Still growing. But the best investments are.