Award-Winning Strategist Nicole Hatherly Named Inaugural Industry Fellow at Innovation Central Brisbane
Building on Success
Nicole’s appointment comes after a year of impressive achievement. In 2024, she co-designed and successfully delivered two flagship programs: the ICB Digital Skills for Impact and Influence Program and the Women of Cisco: Female Top Talent Program ANZ. These initiatives built upon her 2023 pilot thought leadership program with QUT’s Centre for Future Enterprise and her well-received presentation at QUT’s Gender Equity Diversity Inclusion Symposium.
“Nicole’s unique combination of extensive commercial experience working for some of Austalia’s best known brands including Commonwealth Bank and Foxtel, combined with her deep industry expertise and academic insight makes her the perfect fit for our first Industry Fellow position,” said Gemma Alker, Director of Innovation Central Brisbane. “Her programs have already demonstrated significant impact in empowering professionals to thrive in the digital economy.”
Transformative Programs
The Digital Skills for Impact and Influence Program has already upskilled more than 50 professionals, academics, and students in its initial run.
The comprehensive curriculum helps participants:
• Articulate their unique value in the AI era
• Develop a compelling Digital Value Proposition
• Create influential online personal brands
• Raise their executive profiles
• Leverage LinkedIn to its full potential.
Meanwhile, the Women of Cisco Top Female Talent initiative engaged 24 of Cisco’s brightest female leaders across Australia and New Zealand through a two-part leadership program. Participants enhanced their digital skills through a four-week masterclass before engaging in a high-energy hackathon at ICB. This was followed by a 10-week sprint where teams developed digital prototypes addressing the challenge: “How might Cisco lead digital inclusion by 2030?” The program culminated with teams presenting their solutions to Cisco’s ANZ Vice President and senior leadership team.
Looking Forward: 2025 Programs
Building on this momentum, Nicole has designed two exciting programs that ICB will roll out in 2025:
- 1. ICB Digital Skills for Impact and Influence One-Day Masterclass – An intensive introduction to developing digital presence and influence
2. ICB Digital Leadership Program – A comprehensive six-week program for professionals seeking to elevate their digital leadership capabilities
“These programs are designed to equip participants with the practical skills and strategic mindset needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape,” says Hatherly. “I’m thrilled to continue this journey with Innovation Central Brisbane and help more professionals articulate their unique value in meaningful ways.”
Register Now
Registrations for the 2025 programs are now open. As ICB continues to drive innovation and connection across sectors, Nicole’s appointment as Industry Fellow represents our ongoing commitment to delivering programs that are driven by market demand and create real-world impact.
For more information about upcoming programs and how to register, visit www.icentralau.com.au/brisbane or contact innovationcentral@qut.edu.au
Connect with Nicole:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicolehatherly Instagram: @nicolehatherly_
About Nicole Hatherly
Nicole Hatherly is an award-winning global brand and business strategist, international keynote speaker, and thought leadership specialist with over 30 years of experience transforming how executives and organisations articulate their unique value in an increasingly digital world.
As the founding director of Brand True North, her expertise spans brand strategy, business acumen, executive presence, personal brand, thought leadership development and digital influence.
Nicole’s corporate background, spanning 24 years in financial services, executive leadership roles, and her board director role, informs her practical approach. She’s an accredited professional speaker, facilitator, and executive coach known for her energetic delivery style and ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies.
With qualifications in business, marketing, finance, and communications, Nicole continuously invests in advanced professional development in digital transformation, AI strategy, and leadership.
As an Industry Fellow, Nicole bridges the gap between academic insights, industry intelligence, and real-world applications, empowering professionals to navigate digital disruption and position themselves as leaders in their fields.
