Closing the gap in commercial leadership roles

Our First Nations Insights event series, sponsored by ANZ, centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, deepens our understanding of Indigenous cultures and best practice in attracting, retaining, and promoting Indigenous talent in the workplace.

Corporate Australia has an opportunity to invest in First Nations leadership that’s commercially grounded, culturally strong, and unapologetically strategic – and for First Nations professionals to be equipped with the skills and networks to step into executive or board roles rather than be pigeonholed in Indigenous-facing roles.

DCA CEO, Catherine Hunter (she/her), facilitated a rich and candid dialogue with our panel of leaders who shared their comprehensive approach to creating commercial leadership opportunities for First Nations people. Panel speakers included:

• Brad Welsh (he/him), a proud member of the Muruwari tribe from north-western New South Wales, founder and CEO of Mawal.
• Bronwyn Dodd (she/her), a proud Ngarrindjeri woman from South Australia, sits on the DCA Board of Directors, and is currently participating in the Mawal Leadership program.
• The Hon Prof Kristina Keneally AO (she/her), CEO of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and respected leader with a career spanning public service, sport, media, academia, and the not-for-profit sector. Throughout her career, she has shown a strong commitment to Indigenous affairs and has served as a valuable mentor to Brad.