Mindy Woods on Culture and Leadership

Key Lessons from our first F2F TEKWOMEN Lunch & Learn

At our very first F2F TEKWOMEN Lunch & Learn, we had the privilege of hearing from Bundjalung woman, chef, entrepreneur, and “Native Food Queen” Mindy Woods. What followed was not just a story about food or business, it was a lesson in leadership, culture and community that every one of us in Agrifood-tech can take forward.

The theme: work, life, culture, inseparable

Mindy reminded us that career and life are not two separate boxes. Her journey from physiotherapist to MasterChef to award-winning restaurateur showed that adaptability, curiosity and courage to pivot are as important as any business qualification.

Lessons for women in business

• Lead with community, not competition. In a male dominated industry, Mindy chose not to compete with other women but to reach out, mentor and lift them up. “When women collaborate and share resources, we unleash our superpower,” she said.

• Draw on intergenerational wisdom. Whether from aunties, mentors or global icons like Christine Manfield, leadership is strengthened by asking questions, listening deeply and carrying forward lessons from those who came before.

• Back yourself, even when it feels imperfect. Courage and integrity, not polish, often open the biggest doors.

Culture and community as business foundations

Mindy Woods

Mindy’s restaurant Karkalla was never just about food, it was about embedding First Nations culture, ingredients and stories into the heart of Australian dining. For her, food is a vessel of connection: “When we eat together, we are family. When I cook for you, you are my mob”.

She reminded us that the Agrifood sector in Australia is sitting on a treasure trove of ancient knowledge. Sixty five thousand years of native foods, aquaculture and regenerative practices that must be recognised, celebrated and built into our collective future.

Useful tools for every professional

• Adaptability: Careers rarely move in straight lines, agility is strength.

• Empathy: Listening with heart builds trust in teams and communities.

• Holistic vision: Physical, emotional, cultural and financial wellbeing are intertwined.

• Sustainability and stewardship: Looking after land and water is not optional, it is our responsibility to future generations.

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A call to action

Mindy’s words left us with a powerful reminder. Our lived experiences, whether as mothers, migrants, founders or farmers, are not side notes to our careers. They are our equity. The skills we carry from every chapter of our lives, resilience, negotiation, creativity, adaptability, are not only valid in the workplace, they are essential.

As we continue to build the F2F TEKWOMEN community, we hold this as our goal. To lift each other up, to celebrate our strengths and to support one another across all career stages and pathways. Because when we do, we all rise stronger together.

We look forward to continuing these conversations at the next F2F TEKWOMEN Lunch and Learn in November, with details to be announced soon.