Keisha Leon
Director, Leon Design
Keisha Leon is a proud Waanyi and Kalkadoon woman and the director of Cause/Affect, a social impact creative agency, delivering meaningful and relevant communication solutions through a diverse lens, that we know has the chance of driving real change.
Keisha has had a successful career in design and creative direction in both agency and client-side environments, combining her proven professional knowledge with a strong sense of social responsibility. Her next step is to better model projects and work spaces for diverse voices to better approach social impact communications.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I always felt like there wasn’t a space for First Nation designers in the industry, and the desire to carve a better pathway led me to where I am, and guides where I am going.
What was your journey and where are you headed in your career right now?
From humble beginnings as a sole trader (Leon Design) in 2019, to crossing over to a business (Cause/Affect) in 2023; it has been challenging and rewarding. I am in the process of growing Cause/Affect, while trying to balance family, grief and work – which is not easy!
Your favourite food for thought
Books
I don’t read many business books to be honest, but know these are good value: The E Myth, Start with Why, We Need New Stories (not so much work related, but very good).
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
Again, my podcast choices are around emotions, history and social justice. I like podcasts like This American Life, RadioLab, Australian Design Radio, ABC Conversations, ListenAble, to name a few.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Diversity
- Making a difference
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My family and partner are all such big inspirations in various ways, as well as my biggest supporters. The struggle they have endured towards their success has always made such an influence on how far you can go.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I want to help in any way possible to make sure future creatives are empowered to make the right choices in their career pathways, and feel like they have people in their corner cheering them on.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Asking powerful questions
- Collaborative
- Empathic
- Non-judgemental
- Willing to be vulnerable
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD and VIC – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!