DISSH-ing the details on leadership, motherhood and Queensland’s next generation
Lucy Henry-Hicks couldn’t attend last year’s InDaily Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards because she was home with her young children — but says the recognition became one of the most meaningful moments of her career.
Lucy Henry-Hicks was at home with her two young children when she found out she had won the Inspiring Female Leader Award at last year’s InDaily Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards.
While other finalists gathered at the awards dinner, held at Howard Smith Wharves, to celebrate the state’s emerging business leaders, the CEO and creative director of Australian fashion label DISSH was navigating a very different reality – one familiar to many modern founders balancing ambition, leadership and family life all at once.
“At the time my children were two years old and nine months old, and I actually couldn’t attend the awards night because I needed to be home with them,” Henry-Hicks says.
“In many ways, that moment perfectly summed up the season I was in – building a business while raising young children – which made the recognition feel even more meaningful.”
For Henry-Hicks, who has grown DISSH from a Brisbane boutique into an internationally recognised label, leadership has always centred on creating a brand women can relate to.
“I lead across both creative and strategic direction of the brand,” she says. “My focus is building a global brand that women genuinely connect with – through product, storytelling and experience.”
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Known for its minimalist aesthetic and elevated wardrobe staples, DISSH has built a loyal following in Australia and overseas, establishing itself as one of the country’s standout fashion success stories.
Still, Henry-Hicks says recognition like the 40 Under 40 Awards offers something many founders rarely allow themselves: a moment to stop and reflect.
“It honestly felt very surreal,” she says. “As a founder, you spend so much time focused on the business, the people and the constant moving parts that you rarely stop to reflect on what’s been built along the way.”
Her nomination itself carried special significance. “I was nominated by Nadine Moore, chief growth officer from Children’s Hospital Foundation, which felt incredibly special,” Henry-Hicks says.
“Through our work with the foundation over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the impact Nadine and her team create firsthand, so to be recognised by someone I admire so deeply was very meaningful.”
That recognition – particularly for women balancing multiple roles at once – is something Henry-Hicks believes is critical in today’s business landscape.
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“Representation matters,” she says. “Seeing women lead businesses while also navigating motherhood, creativity, ambition and life in general helps expand what leadership can look like.
“I think younger women need to see that success doesn’t have to fit one mould.”
Now, with nominations open for the 2026 InDaily Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards, Henry-Hicks is encouraging emerging leaders across the state to put themselves forward – or nominate someone they admire.
The annual awards celebrate Queensland’s rising entrepreneurs, executives and innovators across industries including retail, hospitality, health, technology, professional services and the creative sectors. Beyond commercial success, the program recognises leadership, innovation, resilience and community impact.
For Henry-Hicks, one of the lasting impacts of the experience was the reminder of the validity of her vision.
“More than anything, it reinforced the importance of continuing to back the vision,” she says.
“It also opened up some really valuable conversations and connections, but I think it mostly gave me a moment to pause and reflect on how far the business and I had come.”
As this year’s search begins for Queensland’s next generation of leaders, Henry-Hicks says awards like 40 Under 40 play an important role in recognising the often-unseen work behind successful businesses and organisations.
“Awards like this are important because they recognise the people behind the business, not just the outcome,” she says.
“There are so many women quietly carrying leadership, family, and responsibility all at once, while also trying to create meaningful impact through their teams, communities or broader industry.
“I think celebrating that matters.”
Nominations for the 40 Under 40 Awards close on Tuesday 2 June, 2026. Nominate someone or submit your application today.
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