MQ Incubator Lunch & Learn | People First, Growth Always

In this Lunch & Learn session, Leanne will dive into how intentional People & Culture strategies can become a startup’s ultimate competitive edge — shaping not just teams, but long-term success.

Drawing on her extensive experience in HR and leadership, Leanne will share practical insights and real-world examples to help founders and startup leaders build thriving, values-driven organisations from the ground up.

You’ll learn:
• How to hire for values and culture-add — not just skills — to create teams that are aligned, innovative, and resilient
• The role of leadership in shaping behaviours and embedding company values from day one
• Practical strategies for engaging, developing, and retaining top talent in fast-moving, high-growth environments
• Common culture and hiring traps that can slow momentum or damage trust — and how to avoid them

Whether you’re making your first hire, growing a small team, or looking to strengthen your culture as you scale, this session will equip you with tools and strategies to build a workplace where people love to show up and perform at their best.

Leanne Isabella is a passionate People & Culture leader at Hysata, driving initiatives that put people at the heart of innovation. With a background in building high-performing, values-driven teams, she focuses on shaping culture as a foundation for growth and success. Leanne thrives on helping startups scale sustainably by fostering environments where people feel empowered, connected, and inspired to do their best work.

This is a hybrid event held in-person and online via Zoom. The meeting link for those who wish to join online will be sent in your confirmation email.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Incubator team at incubator@mq.edu.au.

Please BYO lunch.