This Week's Spotlight - Keryl Neville, CEO of LEAD
- Rana Kordahi
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
This week we shine the spotlight on Keryl Neville, CEO of LEAD.
Recognised as an inductee into the DEA Hall of Fame in June 2026, Keryl has been honoured for her long‑term and outstanding contribution to the disability employment sector, an acknowledgement reserved for leaders whose dedication has helped shape the sector and elevate its impact nationally. This achievement reflects the very foundations of her career.
With a career shaped by a lifelong connection to the disability sector, Keryl’s journey into Employment Services has been driven by a genuine passion for helping people achieve meaningful employment and greater independence.
Her leadership is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and a strong belief in bringing out the best in people. From supporting job seekers to empowering teams, Keryl’s experience has given her valuable insights into what makes Employment Services both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Check out her responses below and enjoy the knowledge, perspective, and inspiration she shares.
1. How did you get your start in Employment Services?
Working in the disability industry seemed like it was inevitable for me. My mum worked in this area and so this was always part of my life, from childhood babysitters who had a disability to living for a period at an institution as a teenager while my mum was employed as the site manager. Despite being pointed towards a job involving food by my Nan, a chance, bungled school work experience placement had me spend a week in the Dubbo Hospital Occupational Therapy Department. It was then that I decided this was to be my future. My final work placement of this degree was with the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services (CRS) being my first exposure to the employment services area. I loved it!
2. What advice would you give to leaders who carry a lot on their shoulders, managing people, processes, and systems all at once?
I have lots of advice but I would encourage leaders to be their authentic self. The people you are leading need to believe and trust you. Be consistent in the decisions you make. One of my favourite murals I saw on a wall in Canberra once contained the statement "Indecision is a decision". I reflect on this a lot and the ramifications that indecision can have on getting things done in efficient ways.
If you are after some ideas regarding turning employee's talents into performance, then I recommend the book - First Break All the Rules. This book discusses the Gallup Q12. These are 12 simple questions which can guide areas of focus to get the best out of your people. At LEAD we ask staff to tell us how we are going in relation to these questions every year. My personal favourite which I have found has a significant bearing on my feelings about my work is - do you have a best friend at work.
Work life balance is important. I like to make clear loud declarations when I am leaving the office at a reasonable time. Going to watch the kids play soccer, ducking past the hairdressers to get rid of those pesky greys or wondering what interesting concoction I can make out of my very empty fridge for tea tonight. Getting the best out of people at work requires them to be their best when not at work. Model behaviours you want from your team. Let them know that you are supportive of them living life to the fullest, balancing work and life.
"Getting the best out of people at work requires them to be their best when not at work. Let them know that you are supportive of them living life to the fullest, balancing work and life."
3. Employment Services is incredibly rewarding, but the first year can take real resilience. What advice would you give to a new employment consultant starting out?
Be inquisitive and listen. We are blessed in this sector to have many people who have dedicated careers over a long period, and what's more they are typically willing to share ideas. You do not have to be the sole person generating ideas for what's next with the people you are working with. At LEAD we have a very strong "kitchen table" mentality. Get together and brainstorm. Feed off the people around you.
"You do not have to be the sole person generating ideas for what's next with the people you are working with...Get together and brainstorm. Feed off the people around you."
4. Can you share a memorable moment when something you did, a conversation, piece of advice, or action, made a positive difference to a staff member, peer, or job seeker?
I remember a day when I really understood the importance of what we do to support people and the impact this can have on their lives - I was sitting in my office when a woman we had just helped secure a job arrived approximately two hours early for her first day at work.
We had sat her at our table in our kitchen area to wait until it was a better time to set off for her new role. She loudly announces to the room. "I'm 46 years old and this will be my first paid job ever". Her gratitude, excitement and grace having finally secured a job after more than 20 years of trying was very moving. It is these simple reminders that stay with me.
5. What surprised you most about working in Employment Services once you were actually in the role?
What surprised me most was the degree of impact a single person can have when they genuinely want to help.
I came into the role understanding the process. What I did not fully anticipate was how rarely people in difficult circumstances had experienced someone who simply did the right thing - followed through, took ownership, and stayed committed without cutting corners.
When you approach this work that way, people notice. Not because the bar is high, but because consistency and genuine care are rarer than they should be.
That realisation changed how I approached everything. Extreme ownership is not a management principle to me, it is the difference between someone getting a real outcome and being processed through a system. There needs to be a less risk averse mentality and more willingness to foster innovation, flexibility and creativity.
"There needs to be a less risk averse mentality and more willingness to foster innovation, flexibility and creativity."
6. What keeps you motivated in this industry, even on the hard days?
This one is simple, the people. Our jobs are different every day and we get to hang out with incredible, amazing people. What else could you want from a job?
Connect with Keryl Neville on LinkedIn
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