Meet Heather
Composed, principled and balanced. These are the words my fellow board members use to describe me. As a firm and effective Chair, I’m also lauded for having the right balance of ‘head and heart’. A visionary, strategic thinker – with genuine concern for human, social and environmental factors.
My core expertise areas. My driving passions.
Legal, risk and governance
My prominent profile and expertise in the risk and governance space is backed by a 30-year-long legal career.
I have advised an array of organisations on their governance strategies – and chaired several Audit and Risk Committees.
These diverse roles have armed me with deep industry insights and highly transferrable skills in the risk and governance space.
Philanthropy & community
With rich knowledge of legal and governance structures that support philanthropic activities, I’ve advised some of Australia’s signature philanthropy funds.
One personal highlight was my role as a founding member of Women & Change – Queensland’s first giving circle.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with indigenous communities in both formal and volunteer/pro bono roles. This is a reflection of my commitment to reconciliation with First Peoples and highlighting their capacity for whole community benefit.
Business transformation
I am passionate about and highly attuned to the powerful intersection of leadership, technology and transformation.
Having completed executive education courses at Harvard and MIT, I am well-versed in emerging tech from a larger global perspective.
In recent years, I have honed my expertise in business transformation for specific industry sectors including healthcare and community services.
Women in change and leadership
Throughout my career, I have championed and advocated the role of women in change and leadership.
Formally recognised by ‘Women in Law, the next 100 years’, I mentor professional women through a range of formal and informal programs and initiatives.
These have included the QUT Fostering Executive Women program, WiT (the peak industry body for women in technology and life sciences) and the Women of the World Festival.
Key qualifications & accreditations
Bachelor of Laws
1988
Graduate Certificate in Business: Philanthropy & Non-profit Studies
2008
Strategy for Health Care Delivery
2019
Women in Leadership
2011
Digital Business Strategy: Harnessing Our Digital Future
2020
Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation & Application
2020
Internet of Things: Business Implications and Opportunities
2020
Key career milestones
1988
Admitted as Solicitor (Supreme Court Qld and High Court of Australia)
1989
Appointed to Partner at Nehmer McKee and Partners (Townsville)
Later endorsed as Accredited Specialist (Family Law)
2006
Accepted role as Senior Lawyer at McCullough Robertson Lawyers (Brisbane) – specialising in aged care and not-for-profit
ACQUIRED FIRST SIGNIFICANT BOARD ROLE
2010
Appointed Partner at McCullough Robertson Lawyers
Led the establishment of McCullough Robertson Foundation
CONTINUED TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL BOARD ROLES ACROSS SECTORS
2017
Established Watson Advisory and Consulting Pty Ltd
CONTINUED TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL BOARD ROLES ACROSS SECTORS
2020
TRANSITIONED INTO A FULL-TIME BOARD FOCUS
Awards & recognitions
2011
Recipient of the
Laurie Cowled Women in
Leadership Scholarship
Harvard Business School’s Women in
Leadership Program
2012 & 2013
Finalist (2012) and winner (2013)
Euromoney LMG Australasian
Women in Business Law Awards
Corporate Governance category
2016
Finalist
Inaugural Lawyers Weekly
Partner of the Year Awards
Pro bono category
2014-2019
Best Lawyers Australia
Non-profit / Charity Law category
2012 – 2020
Ranked as ‘Leading’ and ‘Recommended’ (Qld)
Ranked as ‘Recommended’ (Australia) – 2017
Australian Health and Aged Care
Lawyer category
Doyles Guide
2016
Ranked in
Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide
2017, 2018 and 2019 as
Band 1 Lawyer
Charities practice area
How to get in touch
If you would like to express your interest in relation to a board role, you can call me on 0412 871 825 or send an enquiry