Kirsty Leigh is a dedicated people and business manager, author, and sustainability advocate with a rich and varied career spanning over 30 years in and around the hospitality industry. While she often describes herself as a “jack of all trades,” her work reflects a deep commitment to improving triple bottom line outcomes—balancing economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social impact.

Kirsty’s journey began on the front lines of hospitality, spending 15 years in cafés, bars, and kitchens before pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Management in Sustainable Development at the University of Queensland. This academic foundation led her to London, where she worked with non-profits on initiatives that helped hospitality businesses reduce costs through sustainable practices.

Returning to Australia, Kirsty contributed to the Queensland Government’s ecoBiz program, until departmental changes shifted her path. She then joined Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative (NCEC), initially as a café manager, where her values aligned perfectly with the Co-op’s mission to create meaningful employment for people often excluded from traditional workplaces. Since then, she has grown into the role of Operations Manager, where she continues to wear many hats: from HR and marketing to finance, contract management, and even IT support.

Kirsty brings a grounded, hands-on approach to leadership, always striving to uplift others while navigating the complexities of social enterprise. Her days are dynamic and unpredictable—just the way she likes them. Outside of work, Kirsty is a proud mum of two, a spare-time dreadlock locktician, and co-author (the recipe sections) in The Community Builders Journal—a publication designed to inspire grassroots change. She draws inspiration from the belief that meaningful change starts with everyday actions and committed communities.