Known to many simply as Sel, Sue-Ellen Watts has continually disrupted the HR industry since her career began over 17 years ago.  

Launching Brisbane-based HR business wattsnext in 2007, Sue-Ellen has been on a steep learning curve to say the least. The business was opened just before the 2008 global financial crisis with no business plan, no financial backing, no local connections and a newborn baby!
 
Today, Sue-Ellen leads a team of forward-thinking and results-driven HR ninjas who strategise, innovate, engage and get things done. She now has a true understanding of what it takes to grow a business and has only grown her love and passion for entrepreneurialism.

Sue-Ellen is proud to have been recognised as a finalist in Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Awards and named Owner Manager of the Year at the Australian Institute of Management Awards. This is despite lacking official qualifications, and dropping out of University three times.

Outside of wattsnext, Sue-Ellen is involved with two startup businesses. The first, Scrappi, is a reverse incubator which enables ‘intrapreneurs’ to be part of the world of entrepreneurship. She also co-founded zzoota, which predicts environmental hazards.

Despite not finishing her formal tertiary education, Sue-Ellen has a deep love of learning and is a professional development addict. She has built her business prowess from external sources including many hours of coaching, mentoring, courses, workshops, conferences and networking events. Sue-Ellen now sits on the board of the Entrepreneurs Organisation and the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce. In both positions her focus is on the growth of entrepreneurs.

This committed business owner is a proud mother to three sons who are learning a lot about resilience, gratitude, never settling and striving for their dreams with everything they have.