Interview
Janice Elsley
Australia
Janice Elsley is a recognized voice in leadership and organizational change, drawing from her background as an executive, author, and podcast host. With her skills, she built Harissa Business Partners to help leaders lead with clarity, accountability, and purpose.
1 Congratulations on your achievement in the Noble Business Awards! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role, as well as your business or organization?
I’m Janice Elsley, a leadership and change expert, author, podcast host and founder of Harissa Business Partners. My work is dedicated to helping leaders and organizations break away from outdated, fear-driven models of leadership and instead embrace human-centered, sustainable approaches that allow people and businesses to thrive and unlock human potential.
2 Winning such a prestigious award is a milestone for many. How did you feel when you first learned about your win, and what does this recognition mean to you personally or professionally?
When I first found out, I felt honored and grateful. Personally, it affirmed that the path I chose—leaving behind broken systems and building something new—was the right one. Professionally, it gives me a larger platform to show leaders that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of people’s wellbeing.
3 What inspired you to submit your entry for this competition, and what aspects of your submission made you feel confident it could stand out?
I wanted to showcase the tangible impact of human-first leadership on culture, retention, and performance. The results we’ve achieved—such as reducing staff turnover from 43% to 8%—demonstrate that real transformation is possible, and I believe that story would resonate strongly with the judges.
4 Is there a particular moment in your career or business journey that you consider a turning point? How did it shape your path to this achievement?
A defining moment was when I was ousted from an executive role after successfully leading a cultural transformation. Instead of being discouraged, I used it as a turning point to create my own path. That moment gave me the clarity to build Harissa Business Partners and commit fully to reshaping leadership.
5 Were there significant obstacles you faced along the way, and how did you or your team overcome them to reach this success?
Yes, resistance to change is always the biggest obstacle. Many leaders are afraid of new ways of working. Overcoming that required patience, data-driven evidence of results, and building trust step by step. My team’s persistence and belief in the mission helped us keep moving forward.
6 Winning is often just the beginning. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your business goals or inspire others in your industry?
This award provides visibility, and I intend to use it to amplify conversations around conscious leadership. It’s also an opportunity to connect with other changemakers and organizations who are ready to lead differently and make a sustainable impact.
7 Participating in awards can be a learning experience. What do you think is the greatest benefit of entering competitions like this?
The process forces you to reflect on your journey, articulate your impact, and celebrate progress you might otherwise overlook. It’s also an excellent way to benchmark your work against international peers.
8 Is there someone in your team or organization whose efforts played a significant role in this achievement that you'd like to acknowledge?
I’d like to acknowledge my core team, who continue to support this mission with passion and dedication. Their commitment to delivering high-quality programs and supporting leaders makes our work possible.
9 The business landscape is ever-changing. What trends or developments do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you or your business preparing to adapt?
We’re seeing a major shift towards prioritizing mental health, wellbeing, and purpose in the workplace. Technology is also reshaping how we lead teams. At Harissa, we’re integrating neuroscience and emotional intelligence into leadership development, ensuring leaders are prepared for these realities.
10 Looking back at your journey, is there any advice you would give your younger self or someone just starting out in your industry?
I’d tell my younger self: don’t wait for permission to lead with authenticity. Trust your instincts, even when it feels risky, because authenticity will always outlast fear-based leadership.
11 For those who are considering to enter, what advice would you share about crafting a strong submission or maximizing their chances of success?
Be clear about the impact of your work and back it up with measurable outcomes. Judges want to see not just good ideas, but evidence that those ideas are driving real results.
12 What’s next for you or your business after this recognition? Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or goals that you would like to share?
We’re expanding our leadership programs internationally and building partnerships to bring human-first leadership into more organizations. My focus is on scaling this impact while ensuring the work remains personal, authentic, and transformative.
13 Lastly, is there anything you’d like to share with us or the business community? Perhaps a final reflection, message, or insight?
Leadership is not about titles or power; it’s about creating environments where people feel valued, seen, and able to contribute fully. If we want workplaces and communities to thrive, we need leaders who are willing to be both strong and human.
