Gretel Wilson (EC 2011) is the CEO & Co-Founder of the Brisbane-based startup Casu. She graduated from The University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Journalism & a Bachelor of Communications in 2013.
After working in advertising in Sydney for over three years, Gretel moved to New York and worked for the startup Morning Brew where she was one of the company’s first employees. Here she got a taste of building something from the ground up, and she refined her sales and marketing skills. Returning to Australia, she wanted to up-skill and completed her Juris Doctor (post-graduate law) at the University of Sydney. During this time is when Casu was born, a marketplace app connecting casual job seekers, with businesses in need of workers.
Have you faced any barriers throughout your career because of your gender?
I think the gender barriers that have existed for me are more so the inherent gender stereotypes and expectations that can exist. So in that way, I experience barriers like all women, but I feel fortunate that no barrier has stopped me in my tracks. In saying that, I think where gender expectations can create real career issues is when trying to juggle motherhood and work. I don’t have kids, but I have seen close friends and family grapple with this dilemma of how to manage this exciting stage of life, without forfeiting a hard-earned career.
The idea of “having it all” seems outdated and too simplistic. New and progressive solutions are needed if women are to have meaningful, decision-making positions in the world.
What advice would you give to young women navigating their own journeys today?
Actions will always trump words so let your work do the talking. But be confident in what you do. Confidence doesn’t always equal being the loudest in the room, but it means having the ability to speak up for yourself and putting your opinion forward when you think it adds value.
Equally, it means having the confidence to hear when you’re wrong or have made a mistake so that you can truly learn from clever people who have already walked on the path you’re travelling.
What does success mean to you, and has this evolved over time?
Success means achieving goals I’ve set for myself. What has evolved over time, and what will continue to evolve, is exactly what those goals are. I have goals right now that are quite clear, having launched a business and knowing how many customers we need to achieve success.
But long term, health and happiness is number one. What will equal health and happiness for me, through my lens right now, is having built a business and life that I can be proud of.
What do you hope the next generation of females at Emmanuel will achieve?
Continuing all the existing Emmanuel traditions that should be celebrated – loyalty, togetherness, fun, success and incorporating new traditions as the college evolves with the times.
What is your favourite memory during your time Emmanuel College?
Oh so many, but the recoveries after the college balls have to be right up there. Maximum silliness and fun, minimal cares in the world.
In 2025 Emmanuel College is celebrating 50 years since women were admitted to the College. If you know of an inspirational female-identifying alumnus, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at alumni@emmanuel.uq.edu.au.
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