“True leadership is about creating an environment where every individual can access the tools they need to succeed - without discrimination and with full respect for the diverse perspectives they bring to the table”
- Hacia Atherton, CPA, MAPP
I am Hacia Atherton, a celebrated international keynote speaker, visionary consultant, executive coach, and determined advocate for psychological wellbeing in the workplace. With a storied career that transcends the boundaries of finance, education, and applied positive psychology, I am dedicated to catalysing profound change in industries where it is needed most.
My journey has been marked by profound challenges and remarkable victories. Before a near-fatal equestrian accident in 2017 threatened my mobility and tested my spirit, I was an elite dressage rider, rigorously training with the goal of competing in the World Equestrian Games. This accident during a training session not only put a halt to my athletic career, it also cast serious doubts about my ability to walk again.
Despite facing significant challenges, my journey taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and determination. Drawing upon the same inner strength that propelled me in sports, I emerged from this experience walking and discovered a renewed sense of purpose. This life-changing event ignited my passion for empowering individuals and organisations to attain optimal levels of psychological wellbeing and cultivate inclusive cultures rooted in respect and equality.
My vision is to foster organisational environments where every individual feels a profound sense of belonging, with equitable access to opportunities, resources, and rights, free from any form of discrimination.
My background as an elite athlete has instilled in me a mindset focused on excellence, discipline, and continuous improvement - qualities that I bring to my roles as a leadership speaker, consultant, and coach. This perspective allows me to effectively guide and inspire others to overcome their own challenges and excel in both their professional and personal lives.
Coming from a family of changemakers, the Atherton legacy in Australia dates back to before the federation, deeply rooted in the skilled trades. My great-great-grandfather, Fred Atherton, was instrumental in establishing the Master Plumbers Association in 1891, laying the groundwork for what would become a longstanding family involvement in pivotal societal developments. Additionally, my great-great-great-grandfather, Sir Henry Pakes, known as the ‘Father of Federation,’ was crucial in uniting the colonies to form the Australian Federal government.
This rich heritage fuels my connection to skilled trades and my work with the Atherton family’s company, a leader in manufacturing sterilisation equipment and infection control products. Having firsthand experience on the factory floor, I've seen the impact of skill shortages in critical trades, from welding to tool making, shaping my approach to workplace transformation.
Driven by my desire to contribute to my family's legacy and foster greater gender diversity within skilled trades, I focused my efforts on industries like construction and manufacturing. In 2020, I founded the Not-for-Profit organisation Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT), dedicated to championing diversity and wellbeing within these sectors. EWIT's mission is ambitious: to elevate the current 3% representation of women in skilled trades in Australia to 30% by 2030. Through advocacy and the cultivation of inclusive cultures that embrace diversity and prioritise psychological safety, EWIT aims to create environments where every individual can thrive.
This rich heritage fuels my connection to skilled trades and my work with the Atherton family’s company, a leader in manufacturing sterilisation equipment and infection control products. Having firsthand experience on the factory floor, I've seen the impact of skill shortages in critical trades, from welding to tool making, shaping my approach to workplace transformation.
"An idea can revolutionise the world, provided you have the bravery to bring it to life." - Hacia Atherton
I am honoured to have been awarded the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Award in Victoria for Accelerating Women and to be recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Construction. I have shared stages with global business luminaries such as Jeremy Piven, Tommy Hilfiger, and Derik Fay, influencing countless professionals through my compelling keynote speeches, in-depth consulting, and transformative coaching.
Whether you are looking to inspire your team, redefine your organisational culture, or empower your leadership with actionable insights, I invite you to partner with me. Together, we can forge pathways to success that are both innovative and progressive while being inclusive and psychologically enriching.
Elevate your event and empower your audience with transformative insights by booking me, Hacia Atherton, for your next speaking engagement.
Let’s inspire change together and create workplaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can genuinely flourish.
With deep roots in pioneering leadership, Hacia holds a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from The University of Melbourne, specialising in Positive Organisational Scholarship and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA). Her career is marked by a transformative approach to executive coaching, where she expertly blends academic knowledge with practical applications to enhance leadership excellence.
Read more
