Meet Nicole Hatherly
An award-winning brand and leadership strategist, value communicator, international keynote and leading expert in 'branding humans' (humanely 😉), supercharging thought leadership and professional profiles. For over 30 years, I've driven growth and impact for iconic brands and organisations like CommBank, CommSec, Foxtel, Woolworths, Grant Thornton, TikTok, and Electrolux, to name just a few.
My real magic is transforming hidden gems into industry stars. It's my mission to guide high performers to ditch the invisibility cloak and step into their full power by aligning their vision, articulating their value, and amplifying their voice with authenticity, impact and influence.
Through my signature True North Activation frameworks and dynamic speaking style (think wisdom meets warmth meets let's-do-this energy), I've empowered thousands of professionals, executives, and academics to own their space, their stage, and their story.
As an Industry Fellow for Innovation Central Brisbane (a partnership between Cisco and QUT), I've designed and delivered game-changing programs in 'Activating Thought Leadership' for Professors and Associate Professors because expertise is too brilliant to keep hidden!
Audiences rave about the way I turn complex concepts into mic-drop moments and spark the mindset shifts and strategic moves that create lasting influence and legacy.
As an Accredited Professional Speaker and Board Director of Professional Speakers Australia, I'm all about sharing the skills, secrets, and strategies that experts like you need to communicate your genius with clarity, confidence, and serious impact.
I also design, develop, and deliver female talent leadership programs within corporate to raise the voice and visibility of the incredible women we have in our teams, ensuring their leadership makes a difference.
My work delivers impact and influence within corporate teams by activating personal brands and elevating team brands. This drives cohesion, collaboration, and collective genius, which is especially crucial in today's hybrid workforce environment.
So, if you want teams and individuals to stop playing small, start making waves, and leave an unforgettable mark on the world, I'm here to help. Let's activate authority and skyrocket success together!
My Why
As a seasoned expert in corporate training and development, I specialise in designing and delivering bespoke programmes that address the unique needs and goals of your organisation. My approach blends cutting-edge strategy, real-world application, and deep human connection to create lasting transformation at both the individual and organisational levels.
What sets me apart is my ability to align personal growth with business impact, ensuring that every programme delivers measurable ROI. I don't just train - I activate potential. I equip your teams with the mindsets, skill sets, and action plans they need to skyrocket their performance, exceed their KPIs, and contribute to your company's success in powerful new ways.
Whether you're looking to develop your female leaders, enhance your team's digital capabilities, or solve your organisation's most pressing challenges - I'm your strategic partner. Let's work together to unleash the full power of your people and take your business to new heights.
Deep down, I've always been moved by the untapped potential hiding in plain sight. You know those moments when you meet someone brilliant who's practically invisible in their industry? It breaks my heart.
Seeing the spark ignite when a professional finally recognises their value gets me out of bed every morning. There's this beautiful transformation that happens – I can actually see it in their eyes – when self-doubt dissolves and confidence takes its place. That moment when they think, "I actually have something important to say, and people need to hear it." It's pure magic.
I remember struggling to articulate my own value early in my career. I watched others with less expertise get opportunities I'd missed simply because they could tell their story more effectively. When I finally cracked that code for myself, doors started opening everywhere. Now, nothing gives me more joy than helping others unlock those same doors.
This work isn't just about creating better brands – it's about creating better leaders who shape industries, transform communities, and leave legacies that matter. When the right voice connects with the right audience, real change happens. That's the ripple effect I live for.
My Accomplishments
Developed and executed high-impact brand strategies for powerhouse organisations including CommBank, CommSec, Foxtel, TikTok, Woolworths, Grant Thornton International, and Electrolux.
Created groundbreaking 'Activating Thought Leadership' programs at Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB) at Queensland University of Technology that were formally recognised at the QUT Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium for raising the visibility of female academics.
Achieved accreditation as a Professional Speaker with Professional Speakers Australia, recognising excellence in keynote development and delivery.
Appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Professional Speakers Australia National Board (2025), helping shape the future of professional speaking across Australia.
Served as an Industry Awards Judge for prestigious programs including Women in Finance Awards (7 years), Asia-Pacific Business Awards - Stevie® Awards (3 years), and Australian Digital Technology Awards (3 years).
Transformed the professional profiles of hundreds of executives, academics, and thought leaders, helping them secure speaking engagements, media opportunities, and leadership positions.
Designed and delivered female talent leadership programs that measurably increased the visibility and promotion rates of women in corporate environments.
Successfully led teams and drove growth for over two decades in senior management and executive roles, including 10 years in Financial Services as an Executive Manager.
Fun facts
I once trekked through the Himalayas for 12 days, reaching Everest Base Camp—a journey that taught me more about perseverance and finding your "True North" than any business book ever could!
I've shared speaking stages with Arianna Huffington, Seth Godin, and Brené Brown, but still get just as excited about speaking to a room full of passionate emerging leaders.
I started my professional career as a cheerleader for the NRL before becoming an executive leader—now I channel that same energy into cheering on other executives to reach their full potential.
I'm an avid collector of unusual metaphors and analogies—I believe complex ideas become simple when wrapped in the right story, and I've been known to find brand inspiration in everything from mountain climbing to beekeeping.
When I'm not elevating brands, you'll find me hiking trails across the globe, challenging myself physically while finding mental clarity and fresh perspective.
How I can help
Female Talent Leadership Programmes - Empower the incredible women in your organisation to step into their full potential, raise their voice and visibility, and make a transformative impact as leaders.
Activating Personal Brands for Influence and Impact - Guide your team members to develop authentic, powerful personal brands that amplify their influence, build trust, and drive meaningful results for your business.
Digital Skills for Influence and Impact - Equip your workforce with the critical digital skills they need to communicate, collaborate, and lead effectively in today's hybrid work environment.
Executive Coaching for High-Performance - Provide your top talent with transformative coaching experiences that unlock their full potential, sharpen their strategic skills, and elevate their executive presence.
Solving Wicked Problems for Organisations - Tackle your company's most complex challenges with innovative solutions, strategic insights, and game-changing frameworks that drive real results.
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.
