Meet Jess: The HR Leader Shaping Murdoch Webster's People-First Culture
We're thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jess for October’s Brilliant Bio! Jess is a key figure at Murdoch Webster, and founder of Positive HR, where she continues to lead initiatives that redefine employee experience.
Introduction
Meet Jess, the driving force behind the vibrant workplace culture at Murdoch Webster. With her deep commitment to nurturing talent and fostering positive environments, she’s continually redefining how businesses approach employee experience, blending her leadership expertise with a passion for people-focused growth.
Dive into Jess’s journey and see how she’s shaping the future of HR at Murdoch Webster!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your journey to Murdoch Webster?
My journey has always revolved around people and leadership. I founded Positive HR to change how we think about human resources and employee experience—focusing on understanding people, building strong workplace cultures, and leading with empathy. When I had the opportunity to get involved with Chris and Murdoch Webster, the business and Chris’ values deeply resonated with me. It was the perfect alignment with my passion for leadership, human potential, and fostering growth within organisations. Joining Murdoch Webster has allowed me to bring all those aspects together to create a lasting impact.
What were some significant life experiences that led you to where you are now?
A key turning point was starting my own business. It forced me to learn fast, fail fast, and adapt quickly. Every challenge—from scaling Positive HR to working across industries—has given me the resilience and insights I apply daily. Another pivotal moment was understanding that leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes, but empowering others to reach their full potential. That’s been central to how I work with teams and clients like Murdoch Webster.
What do you value most about being part of the Murdoch Webster team?
It’s the shared commitment to excellence and partnership. At Murdoch Webster, we value collaboration and take a balanced approach to every challenge. There’s a sense of accountability and shared responsibility that I admire. Everyone on the team brings unique strengths, and together, we’re constantly evolving to stay ahead of the curve. It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of a team that not only works towards protecting and transforming businesses, but also cares deeply about the people within them.
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I realised the power of helping people find their purpose through work.
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I’d be a travel blogger exploring hidden corners of the world.
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Start a foundation to support women in leadership, or fund training for schools to better support neurodivergent children, and donate to causes promoting mental health.
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I call it butterfly pasta (most refer to it as a bow tie). Ever since growing up, I thought it was a pretty butterfly.
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"Recharge Day"—everyone takes a day off to focus on self-care and relaxation.
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Definitely dogs, I have four! 🐶
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I’d be running a boutique resort somewhere on the beach, helping people unwind.
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Seeing how a great workplace culture can transform people's happiness and productivity.
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I was obsessed with Care Bears.
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I would tie a lolly snake in a knot with my mouth, or just cheer everyone else on.
Life at Murdoch Webster
Q: What's your favourite office snack, and how does it fuel your cybersecurity success?
Almonds and dark chocolate Lindt balls—it’s the perfect combo of energy boost and focus without the sugar crash.
Q: What's the most memorable team outing or event you've had at Murdoch Webster?
We love to get together. Our BCNA event a few years ago at Glasshaus was fabulous—it was great to connect with the team while supporting an incredible cause.
Q: How do you think cybersecurity experts will work together with artificial intelligence in the future to tackle cyber threats?
AI will become an essential partner, predicting and counteracting threats in real time while cybersecurity experts focus on more strategic problem-solving and ethics around data protection.
Q: Imagine a day in the life of a Murdoch Webster employee 10 years from now. How do you envision it?
It’s a mix of hybrid working from anywhere in the world, using advanced AI-driven tools to monitor and counteract cyber threats before they even become an issue, while staying connected through virtual collaboration spaces that feel as real as being in the same room.
Q: What's the go-to playlist or song that gets your team in the zone for tackling cybersecurity challenges?
I’m all for '90s pop hits! 🎸💥
