MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

MEMBER PROFILE - ALISSA ANDERSON

Chief Operating Officer, MinterEllison

Deputy Chair, HR Minds

HRMinds Board Member since 2019

Alissa has built her career at the intersection of people and performance. With experience across media, telco, and law, she is passionate about creating workplaces where people thrive and businesses succeed. Her focus is on influence, adaptability, and delivering real impact.

How did you get into HR?

I’ve been fascinated by the link between people and performance from an early age. Both my school work experience placements were in HR roles, and that early exposure sparked a passion that has stayed with me. This link is also critical in my current Chief Operating Officer role.

Did you start your HR career in the legal, or move into it from another industry?

I started in media and telco before moving into law as an HR Manager. I enjoy working in law firms. They are often steeped in tradition, so driving change requires creativity, patience, and a good sense of humour.

A career lesson that you’ll never forget?

The best business and people outcomes happen when the right voices are in the room to create and make decisions. Diversity of thought and collaboration aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for solving complex problems and driving sustainable success.

What advice would you give to an HR professional starting their career?

Be curious. Build relationships. Understand the business. One of the most important things you can do is understand your stakeholders—what matters to them and the levers that drive the business. That’s how you influence and progress.

Understanding and supporting leaders to be adaptive is essential; there is rarely a situation where the path to your destination is known. Understand the “producer-leader dilemma”—the challenge of balancing delivering work with leading people. Our stakeholders face this daily, and our ability to empathise and guide them through it is critical.

What do you see as the biggest emerging issue for HR practitioners in law firms?

AI and technology disruption. These changes demand a rethink of roles, skills, and how we create value for people and clients. The good news? Lawyers are exceptional at asking great questions, which makes them ideal partners for AI.

Who do you follow for inspiration?

Adam Grant – for generosity, rethinking, and psychological safety
Jim Collins – for timeless lessons on going from good to great.
Brené Brown – for leadership with heart.
Heidi Gardner – for her focus on collaboration to boost client value and firm profitability.

And I love podcasts. In addition to true crime, I listen to Fear and Greed – my daily go-to for business news and The AI Daily Brief.

7. How do you balance work and life?

I start most mornings (except Tuesdays!) with Pilates, HIIT, or strength training with my girlfriends. It’s my non-negotiable and sets me up for the day. Add family, friends, and the occasional Netflix binge—and I am happy!