Since graduating with an honours science degree in pure mathematics 30 years ago, Jan Swinhoe has blazed an enviable path through the actuarial, superannuation and banking worlds and is now relishing multiple board roles.

Looking back, the 61-year-old says one of the low points in her career was when she gave birth to her twins, Eloise and Charlie, in her early 40s, just a year after she had her first child, Catherine.

"I absolutely adored them so I put them first and put myself last, but in hindsight I wasn't coping well, I was getting up at five and not eating anything until lunch or even mid-afternoon," said Ms Swinhoe, who was once general manager of Westpac Private Bank.

Company director Jan Swinhoe experienced greater stress and anxiety after she had children. Credit:Wolter Peeters

"Once I had my twins, we went from an easily manageable life to a very out-of-control life ... it was the first time I had felt things were out of my control and it made me stressed and anxious."