Yvette Gray(Opens in a new tab/window) has been the NRFC's Chief People and Culture Officer since August 2025. Yvette has a wealth of experience in large and small organisations – from startups to ASX50 companies – across a wide range of industries.
We sat down with Yvette to find out more about her role at the NRFC and how she's working to ensure that the NRFC's people, culture, and organisational capability support its long-term success.
Can you tell us about your role as Chief People and Culture Officer – what are your key responsibilities and focus areas?
My role as Chief People and Culture Officer is incredibly varied and I get to do what I enjoy most which is the opportunity to work with everyone across the NRFC, as well as with a broad range of external stakeholders, to create great employee experiences while meeting financial and operational needs.
At its core, my role is to ensure that our people, culture, and organisational capability support the NRFC’s strategy and long-term success. We have recently been working on the evolution of our strategy, and our people are a critical enabler of it. I work closely with leaders across the organisation to translate that strategy into the workforce priorities, capabilities, and ways of working we need for the future.
Over the past 12 months, the NRFC has grown significantly, so a key focus has been supporting that growth and ensuring everyone is aligned around our purpose, goals, and priorities. It is also about creating the conditions for our people to perform at their best – building an inclusive environment where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas, test different perspectives, and contribute fully.
Another important area of focus is strengthening our employee value proposition so that we can attract and retain the right people. That includes investing in learning and development, building skills and capabilities, creating meaningful career opportunities, and ensuring our people are fairly recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make.
Ultimately, I see my role as both a strategic advisor and a practical business partner – helping the organisation anticipate what it will need, supporting leaders to make good people decisions, and ensuring our people and culture remain a source of strength as the NRFC continues to grow and evolve.
What makes working at the NRFC a unique career experience?
It has to be the opportunity to see a clear and tangible connection between the work we do and the impact it creates. There aren't many organisations in Australia where people can genuinely say, “what we do makes a difference,” and point to real evidence of that difference. The capital we invest almost always acts as a catalyst for further investment, creating a multiplier effect. It helps build Australia’s manufacturing capability, supports new industries and innovation to come to life, and contributes to the creation of jobs and opportunities.
Being part of an organisation with such a strong sense of purpose – and seeing the outcomes of our team's work – is incredibly rewarding. In fact, it creates a real sense of pride knowing we all contribute to something that has lasting significance for Australia.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career journey so far?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a career that has spanned the energy and pace of start-ups to the scale and complexity of ASX50 organisations. Along the way, I’ve worked in banking and financial services, infrastructure and property, professional services and consulting businesses, as well as the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Each experience has given me a different perspective on organisations, leadership, and what helps people do their best work. Becoming an accredited coach a few years ago was a natural extension of my journey. It strengthened my ability to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and help people build the confidence and clarity to move forward.
I’ve also had the privilege of working in global roles, collaborating with people and teams around the world. Those experiences broadened my thinking in ways I could never have anticipated and, when I reflect on those opportunities, I still pinch myself!
Highlights in my journey have always been linked to the brilliant people I’ve worked (and still work) with – leaders and colleagues who've challenged me, stretched my thinking, and helped shape how I work today. It’s fair to say it's definitely been a fun ride so far!
What is the best piece of professional advice that you’ve received?
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” For me, that doesn't mean being fearless, it means being willing to take a risk, step outside my comfort zone and put myself forward – even when I do not feel completely ready or 100% certain of the outcome.
Sometimes women, in particular, hesitate to back themselves or pursue an opportunity unless they feel they meet every requirement. In my own career, the times when I have pushed through that uncertainty have often been the most rewarding. Sometimes they have led to new career opportunities, and at other times they have resulted in valuable feedback, fresh perspectives, or insights that have helped me grow.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I once had a night out with Prince Harry while celebrating an England Rugby World Cup victory – which gives away just how long ago that was! It was certainly a memorable evening and not something I ever expected to be able to say.
When you are not working at the NRFC, how do you like to unwind and recharge?
I'm originally from the north of England and grew up on the beautiful Northumberland coast so in my spare time I like to keep active and spend time outdoors under the big blue sky we have here in Australia. I’m a bit of an F45 fan, and I also love walking, being in nature, and spending time by the ocean. There’s something about being near the water that helps me slow down, reset, and recharge.
I also really enjoy discovering new places and making time for the people who matter to me. Some of my favourite moments are simply being around a table with good friends, sharing delicious food and drinks, having a laugh, and enjoying each other’s company. For me, the combination of movement, nature, connection, and some downtime is the perfect way to recharge.
If you'd like to connect or learn more, you can reach out to Yvette via LinkedIn(Opens in a new tab/window).