One to Watch finalist Spotlight: Kalani Moss
When Kalani Moss saw an opportunity to improve the way projects were planned and delivered, she didn't simply identify the problem—she built a solution.
A finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award, proudly supported by HR Legal, Kalani has established herself as a thoughtful leader who brings together innovation, governance and collaboration to strengthen decision-making and deliver lasting organisational improvement.
As Projects and Innovation Manager at Casino Food Company, she works across innovation, capital investment and operational improvement, helping transform ideas into projects that create value across the business.
One of Kalani's most significant achievements has been developing and implementing a structured project management framework that changed how capital projects are assessed, prioritised and delivered.
Before the framework was introduced, projects often progressed through informal processes with inconsistent oversight and limited commercial visibility. Working closely with leaders across the business, Kalani developed a practical system aligned with executive and Board decision-making requirements, creating greater transparency and consistency throughout the project lifecycle.
Over time, the framework has become embedded in the organisation's approach to project planning and delivery. It has strengthened governance, improved strategic planning and created greater confidence in the way projects are evaluated, prioritised and delivered across the business.
Introducing a new way of working was not without its challenges.
Initial feedback highlighted concerns around additional processes and change management. Rather than viewing the resistance as a setback, Kalani used it as an opportunity to refine the framework, simplify the approach and build confidence across the organisation.
"Reflection was critical, I came to understand that the resistance was not about me, but about navigating change, building commercial confidence, and adjusting to a higher level of governance transparency."
That experience shaped her approach to leadership.
"Leadership requires conviction, adaptability, and separating personal emotion from organisational progress particularly when long-term discipline feels uncomfortable in the short term."
Supporting others has become an important part of Kalani's leadership journey.
After becoming the first person in her organisation to complete the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Agribusiness Leadership Program through a competitive scholarship, she encouraged a colleague to apply the following year. By sharing her experience, providing structured feedback and helping strengthen their application, she supported them to successfully join the 2026 cohort.
Within her role, Kalani also works closely with operational teams and executive leaders, helping people develop ideas, build stronger business cases and contribute confidently to strategic discussions.
"Leadership is not defined by title or age, but by being authentic and advocating for others."
Kalani is equally passionate about contributing beyond her organisation.
She has supported AMPC's More to Meat campaign, represented the industry at the Parliamentary Friends of the Red Meat Industry in Canberra, participated in national innovation forums and featured in a Landline segment highlighting artificial intelligence in meat processing. She also regularly welcomes students through industry tours, sharing the diverse career opportunities available across Australia's meat industry.
Looking ahead, Kalani believes greater collaboration across agriculture and food processing will be critical to addressing shared challenges around sustainability, workforce capability and innovation.
"When we shift from protecting knowledge to sharing insight across the value chain, innovation accelerates and risk is distributed more effectively."
Although she initially expected her time in the meat industry to be temporary, Kalani found an industry that values resilience, innovation and continuous improvement.
Today, she is passionate about encouraging others to discover the same opportunities.
"I want young people to see this industry not as a fallback, but as a meaningful and rewarding career path worth choosing."
We congratulate Kalani on being named a finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award and look forward to celebrating alongside all finalists at the Australian Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on 28 July at the RACV City Club, Melbourne, where the winner will be announced.
Celebrate with us in Melbourne
Kalani is one of five outstanding finalists in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award. You can catch up on our 'Spotlight Series' here.
The winner will be announced at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on Tuesday, 28 July, at the RACV Club, Melbourne.
Join industry leaders from across the meat and food supply chain for an evening of networking, thought-provoking insights from the 2026 Gender Representation Report and the celebration of women helping shape the future of our industry.
Tickets are on sale now.
One to Watch Award Proudly supported by HR Legal
HR Legal is proud to support the Meat Business Women One to Watch Award, recognising emerging female leaders across the meat and food supply chain.
The latest Gender Representation Report highlights that women represent just 32% of the meat and poultry workforce, reinforcing the need for targeted action to strengthen the leadership pipeline.
At HR Legal, we partner with manufacturing and supply chain employers to build compliant, high-performing workplaces and address workforce challenges practically. Supporting initiatives like the One to Watch Award helps recognise potential early, invest in emerging talent and build a more sustainable, future-ready industry.
