Business In Colour: Recent Episodes
Div Pillay & Sadhana Smiles
Business In Colour is a podcast that inspires, empowers and mobilizes leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity. Hear our stories so that you understand our journey, our experiences and our wants. We bring to you leaders who are doing incredible work in this space. We know this work is not easy, we know the challenges leaders face. Our hope is that by listening to the leaders on the Business In Colour podcast, you make a commitment to act for positive change. Our businesses must reflect the colours of the communities we work and live in.
In this episode, Sadhana and I talk to two remarkable women — Charmaine Panickar and Krystin Low — the worthy winners of the Business in Colour 2025 Collective Impact Award, on behalf of AGL Cultures.
Charmaine and Krystin are both Melbourne-based in-house lawyers at AGL, and the Co-Leads of AGL Cultures, one of the company’s employee-led inclusion networks, championing cultural awareness, anti-racism and belonging across the organisation.
Charmaine was born in Singapore to Indian and Chinese parents, before her family moved to Queensland in 1999. Krystin was born in Malaysia and is a first-generation Australian whose childhood moved between Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur, sparking an interest with place, language and code-switching, and how they shape who we are.
Together, they bounce off each other with such warmth that we simply couldn’t separate them. We talk about belonging as the everyday outcome of inclusion rather than a box to tick, the quiet cost of assimilation and of softening our accents and identities to fit in, how the next generation is redefining cultural identity on their own terms, and why “progress over perfection” and a strong collective voice are how real, lasting change gets made – even when the tumultuous local and global contexts try to pull us apart. Listen towards the end, as Charmaine and Christine focus on how staff led networks can influence dialogues on safety and taking a duty of care approach.
It’s a generous, insightful and deeply human conversation — so let’s get into it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of business in colour, I had the absolute privilege of introducing a woman whose name alone tells you who she is. Azadeh means freedom. Dastyari means those who lend a helping hand. Born during the Iranian Revolution, raised in Blacktown, Western Sydney — she embodies her name.
Azadeh will tell you she’s an accidental academic. But there is nothing accidental about what she has built. Professor Azadeh Dastyari is the Director of the Centre for Western Sydney and a Professor of Human Rights Law at Western Sydney University. She has held appointments at Harvard Law School, Georgetown University, and the European University Institute. We are proud to say that Azadeh was unanimously chosen by our independent judging panel as the winner of the Business in Colour Research Excellence Award.
In this episode, Azadeh takes us deep into Western Sydney — a region where 75% of people have a parent born overseas, where more than 100 languages are spoken. There is untapped strength in this community and Azadeh is working to shine a light through her work and her research. In this episode she shows us what is at stake when we get this wrong in our workplaces, our institutions, and our communities – when we don’t value and recognise this strength in diversity.
Azadeh also speaks directly to women of colour in this episode— to those who code-switch, who carry a lot in different work and home spaces, those who question whether they belong. Her message is both a challenge to leaders and a gift to multicultural communities and professionals.
This is a conversation about racism, rights, resilience — and the quiet, radical act of solidarity. We are so honoured to bring to you, the authentic and purpose led leadership voice of…Professor Azadeh Dastyari.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sadhana and I sit down with someone who has been in this fight long before diversity and inclusion became a corporate buzzword — and who is very much still in it.
Malini Raj grew up as one of the only culturally diverse kids in her school, she longed for swapping her curry for a veggie-mite sandwhich and she watched her father change his name just to get a job in Australia. Malini went onto spend two decades in financial services — often the only woman of colour in the room. But instead of leaving, she started noticing. Noticing who wasn’t at the table. Noticing which voices weren’t being heard. And then doing something about it.
Today, Malini is the Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance — a national initiative making sure multicultural women are not just part of the conversation, but central to the decisions that shape Australia’s future.
In this episode, we get into the $9 billion productivity problem hiding in our skills recognition system, why opening your network is not enough, and what it really takes to keep pushing for change over decades — including the story of a corporate hijab that started with one colleague and ended up shifting multiple workforces.
She’s also our Business in Colour Award exemplar winner — and honestly, after this conversation, you’ll understand exactly why.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour, I talk with Dr. Chrischona Schmidt — an arts professional, researcher, and fierce advocate for First Nations cultural expression, who has spent more than 18 years working alongside community to elevate First nations arts and storytelling.
Chrischona is the Manager of Ikuntji Artists, an Aboriginal-owned art centre based in Haasts Bluff, 230 kilometres west of Alice Springs — and one of the most socially conscious, community-driven organisations we’ve had the privilege of spotlighting. I first met Chrischona through the Telstra Best of Business Awards, and her story left the judging room in complete silence — in the best possible way.
In this conversation, Chrischona takes us behind the scenes of Ikuntji — from the women-led movement that began long before the art centre formally existed, to the creation of a powerful living archive: 26 films in language, told by the artists themselves. She also shares the impact of helping return thousands of archival photos to families, so people could finally see images of their parents and grandparents for the first time.
A jam-packed episode with an extraordinary storyteller and ally — and a reminder that art isn’t just something we wear or display… it’s legacy, voice, and strength.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who cares about community, culture, and ethical engagement — and don’t forget to follow Business in Colour for more conversations like this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour, I talk with Nyachan Nyak — the visionary founder and CEO of the Nas Recovery Centre, and a purpose-led leader transforming mental health and substance use support for African communities through culturally tailored care and lived experience leadership.
Nyachan holds a Master’s degree in mental health and a bachelor’s degree in Community Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs. She’s also a certified suicide prevention and intervention skills trainer, and advises government through multiple committees on evidence-based suicide prevention strategies.
But what makes Nyachan’s story unforgettable is how she tells it — with honesty, clarity, and joy. She arrived in Australia in 2002 at just 11 years old, after living in refugee camps, and she speaks powerfully about resilience, belonging, racism, and the strength of community — and why she’s committed to bringing people “home” through healing.
Nyachan takes us behind the scenes of the Nas Recovery Centre — from free counselling, justice programs for young people in custody, outreach work with Victoria Police, rehabilitation pathways, and collective healing sessions grounded in culture and dignity.
We are so grateful for her wisdom, and her reminder that in mental health, slowing down and listening well can change lives — and even generations.
If this conversation resonates with you, please share the episode, leave a review, and follow Business in Colour — it helps us bring more powerful stories like Nyachan’s to the communities who need them most.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour we talk to Dr Ashna Basu who is a psychiatry advanced trainee in Sydney. She sits on the Board of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and is the Chair of the Young branch of the Medical Women’s International Association. Ashna has previous experience in management consulting and governance, and advocates for equity in health and society nationally and overseas. In 2024 she was invited by the President of the United Nations General Assembly to speak at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York and in the same year was awarded the Ministry of Health’s Achievement in Health award at the NSW Young Achievers Awards. Now you know why we had to have her on Business in Colour.
This episode is jam packed with gold both personally for people of colour, women and for employers. We talk about health system challenges, like supply, demand, access, resourcing and our often low societal will to change and advocacy for others in health. What sticks with us is Ashna’s analysis of women, especially ethnic women – how we are so often the care-givers, not the receivers of care; how women tolerate lots of pain across their life-time and how society reinforces how pain for women is normal. Some really poignant messages and calls to action right across this podcast – we hope you listen and make a list of areas to have a courageous conversation in your workplace. Please enjoy the trailblazer, change maker, Dr Ashna Basu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour I talk to Donna DeZWart who is an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in consulting and the education sector, including 10 years as a CEO in the for-purpose sector. Donna leads Fitted for Work that specifically focusses on the employability of women through its range of programs and welcomes into their safe spaces nationally all women, non-binary, and gender-diverse jobseekers. Under Donna’s leadership, Fitted for Work has built two successful social enterprises, which she talks to in this podcast. In 2024 Fitted for Work was the winner of the Victorian Telstra Business Award – Accelerating Women and this is where I met amazing Donna in the National rounds, as a judge. In this podcast, Donna gives us a window into her personal story, and her professional journey – she shows us her social heart and commercial mind. She is incredible and so is Fitted for Work.
We both have a clear call to action from an economic perspective for businesses who should be looking to partner as part of their ESG or gender equity commitments – Did you know that a vulnerable woman can take up to 18 months to find her way back into employment - with Fitted For Work’s intervention, this can take just 77 days. Tell me you don’t want to align with that kind of measurable Impact. Please enjoy the purpose-lead - leader, dynamic, Donna De Zwart.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sonia Sarangi is a registered Architect – the first Architect on Business in Colour – Sonia is the co-founder of Andever, a Board Member at ArchiTeam and Ausdance Victoria…a mentor to many and a Mum of two. She is the daughter of South Asian immigrants to the Middle East who then undertook her own migration journeys to Singapore and finally Naarm /Melbourne. The duality of being an insider-outsider as a result of these multiple journeys is one that has deeply shaped her and her practice and this shows in this episode of the way Sonia things inclusively. Sonia’s portfolio – both overseas and locally – cuts across Residential and Commercial and encompasses many project scales. She generously shares many other firms who are putting inclusivity at the heart of what they do, building for dignity and respect in both social housing and other builds. In this episode, we move through a lot – from the design of spaces today and what is missing from an inclusivity perspective; the realities of the lack of representation and unearned privilege in those who lead the design of residential and commercial builds. She calls out how we shape buildings that eventually shape us, as communities. Please enjoy the innovative thinker and change agent, Sonia Sarangi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of business in colour we interview Krushnadevsinh Ravalji [Kano as he is popularly known] who is the founder of Third Culture Australia and Youth Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. As a passionate advocate for D&I, Kano works to empower young people and multicultural communities nationwide. His dedication to equity has earned him accolades such as the VicHealth Future Changemaker Award and Wyndham City’s Young Citizen of the Year. In this episode, Kano generously shares his experiences of racism as a young migrant person in school and how this led him to start Third Culture and to advocate for young people. He provides some great advice for those young people wanting to engage safely and for business leaders also who need to meaningfully engage with young people. We talk business, politics, community, leadership and what the education systems need more of. Hear why Kano describes young people as knowledge brokers and why he implores us all to connect through our differences. Please enjoy the optimistic and inspirational Kano – Krushnadevsinh Ravalji.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we connect withPrabha Nandagopal who is an award-winning human rights, discrimination lawyer and advocate, having worked for over 18 years in a variety of areas from business and human rights to asylum seeker and refugee policy. She is the founder of Elevate Consulting Partners and SafeSpace@elevate, which she established to support and strengthen the work of organisations committed to positive social change. In this episode, Sadhana and I talk to Prabha about her growing up years, her early influences in a gender equal home and being the only person of colour at school. We talk about key topics like psychosocial safety, positive duty, respect at work legislation, how immigration and the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees is used politically. We centre the conversation on Prabha’s work in the last 18 months to influence leaders in the board room and at executive tables to think proactively to prevent sexual harassment. We talk about the change in mindset, courageous actions, and committed investment that leaders need to protect workers today, to future proof safety. Please listen to and connect with the fierce and fabulous Prabha Nandagopal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour, Sadhana and I talk with Dr. Suji Sanjeevan, a Melbourne-based doctor turned ambiance innovator, who masterfully blends science, artistry, and creativity. She is a graduate of King’s College London, beginning her career in policy development and research at leading institutions, including the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. In 2015, her career took a transformative leap, when she co-founded Light & Glo Designs alongside her husband, Dr. Sanjeevan, an allergy specialist.
Their Australian fragrance house operates through two visionary arms: LIGHT + GLO, celebrated for its premium home and personal fragrances, and BrandScent, a pioneering scent marketing agency specialising in bespoke olfactory branding. Did you know that 60% of our emotions are driven by scent? Suji shares the science behind scents, their experience on Shark Tank, building a business from scratch with just $237, the challenges and hurdles to keep the business going – a behind the scenes in business - we don’t offer hear. We are so grateful for her honestly and even more so when she shares a bit more about herself, her SriLankan heritage, the expectations and pressure from culture and family and the impacts to well-being, finding your voice and what success truly means for culturally diverse individuals without socio-cultural norms. A jam packed episode with an outstanding, human centered, authentic leader, Suji Sanjeevan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sadhana and I speak with Sisonke Msimang who is a renowned writer, speaker and facilitator. Her work is focused on race, gender and power. She’s been a columnist with the Guardian, written for a range of international publications and served as program director at the Centre for Stories. She is also the author two books - Always Another Country: A Memoir of Exile; and Home and The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela. In this episode, Sisonke generously shares her upbringing, leaving and returning to South Africa as a young adult and her journey to Australia. We talk frankly about how race and racism is so coded, how people are often in stealth mode when mentioning racism, we talk about fragility, courage and gratitude and how we can turn the value of mateship in Australia, into something that unites us. Please enjoy this intelligent conversation on race from one of Australia’s best writers and storytellers, Sisonke Msimang.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we talk to Peter Malley who generously shares his journey to becoming a disability advocate, drawing from his own lived experience. Peter has been a consulting traffic engineer for 20 years with a passion for master planning and lending his transport engineering expertise to large-scale developments. He has contributed expert advice to a range of significant projects including town centres, residential subdivisions, mixed-use developments, healthcare, and educational facilities throughout his career. In 2020 Peter was involved in a cycling accident that left him a paraplegic which has led to a newfound focus on identifying accessibility gaps in our environment. Through this new perspective on life, Peter has become aware of areas that require renewed focus on the design, mobility, safety and independence elements within community and residential infrastructure to ensure they meet the needs of those with disabilities. Please enjoy the authentic and generous leader, Peter Malley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we speak with Hacia Atherton, founder and CEO of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), is a pioneering advocate for gender equality and psychological wellbeing in Australia's skilled trades. Under her leadership, EWIT aims to boost female representation in the trades from 3% to 30% by 2030. Hacia is well recognised, being a celebrated winner of the Victorian Telstra Business Award for Accelerating Women. Hacia gives us so much in this interview, her personal journey of knowing and embracing pain to find her purpose; her practical tools to focus her mind and body; her business growth and impact strategies and way more. What is magnetic about Hacia is her authenticity, her vulnerability and personal power to reframe herself and the agenda for gender equity in trades and positive, psychologically safe environments. Hacia is a force of nature and a force for good. Tune into this positive psychology, almost masterclass-like episode with the formidable Hacia Atherton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode I speak with Rugare Gomo who is a high performance life and business coach, speaker, author, lawyer, podcaster, Zimbabwean Australian who lights up this episode and the world with his infectious zest for life. Rugare has such positive mental models that he generously shares all throughout this episode…He can and has navigated barriers and hurdles because he is clear about living his dream and creating his own path. In fact he has generously written a book about this life and it has been a full life, from his parent’s values and life lessons in Zimbabwe to the 16year old young person coming to Australia on his own; to his education journey and becoming a lawyer; to discovering his sexuality; starting the Gomo Foundation for girls education; to almost being bankrupt and turning this around… to being a successful business owner, defining his impact and success on his own terms. Rugare shows us how to unlock our personal power, he has done this countless times in his big beautiful life and this is what makes his an effective coach to others. Grab a copy of his book, available everywhere on Amazon – “Dreams Forging my own path.” Thank you Rugare for calling Australia home, giving us the incredible gift of your voice and the power to imagine infinite possibilities for ourselves.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we speak with Rachel Castelino who is the founder of Blume Prebiotic Tonic), a company dedicated to promoting gut health through delicious prebiotic beverages packed with natural ingredients and plant fibre. Rachel educates us in this episode about the difference between probiotics and prebiotics and unsung hero of our body – the gut – how gut health is linked to mental health, skin health, and more. What we learn is that Australians don’t get enough plant fibre and we just don’t have anything quite like Blume on our grocery shelves – pay attention to the sugars and other nasties you might be consuming. Rachel’s founder story is incredible, it started with her own health journey, needing more gut microbiome’s and not finding anything on Australian shelves, she got started in her own kitchen during Sydney’s lockdowns in 2021. Blume is now in Harris Farm Markets, WH Smith stores and other independent stockists. In this episode we also touch on the children of migrant’s and being risk averse often naturally because of all the struggles migrant parent’s go through to give children a head start. Rachel is inspiring in what she calls her “beginners mindset of being an entrepreneur”, as she had no manufacturing or supplier networks and no food science background. She is the customer always, which we love. Please enjoy the courage, care and curiosity of Rachel Castelino and head to the website, drinkblume.com.au or follow on Instagram, drink.blume
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we speak with Min-Shi Michelle Lim, a former professionally trained ballet dancer, who uses her behavioural psychology and neuroscience background in the diversity, equity, inclusion and ethics space. She is well regarded for her advocacy and practitioner experience, named as one of the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian Australians.
In this episode, Michelle shares openly and generously about her health journey and the impacts it has had on her as a young person and well into adulthood - including coming from a lower socio-economic background. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, from culturally diverse targets and how to implement them; career options and decisions for women of colour and how this changes at different life stages; how we talk or don’t talk about racism in the workplace; organizational risk and more. Michelle has two calls to action, that are sharp and clear, one for us all to lead no matter what our title is and another for senior leaders and organisations to embed diversity, equity and inclusion into the core of the business and to see the risks of not doing so. Thank you Michelle, you have influenced us to take our places to build a kinder, more safe, equitable world. More power to you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour, I talk to Uppma Virdi who is a trailblazing female entrepreneur. Just when her legal career in a disruptive start-up was about to take off, she made the decision to run her own business called Chai Walli. She built this business from the ground up, making it her and her team’s mission to preserve the Indian culture of teas and spices…by bringing the most authentic chai blends to the Australian market. In this episode I explore Uppma’s personal and professional journey, her thoughts on decolonizing chai, bringing back the ayurvedic value and her leadership principles – listen out for her 3 sustainability levers and her views on how to sustain purpose and passion over time. Some outstanding achievements Uppma has been awarded include being listed as a Forbes 30 under 30 in Retail and E-Commerce, CNN’s 40 under 40, Business Woman of the Year by the Indian Australian Business Community Awards, featured as a Woman to Watch by the Project on Channel 10. Hop onto the website chaiwalli.com.au buy some authentic chai – I have already – and engage with the brand, there are Chai Masterclasses for teams, ways to create your brand’s unique chai blend and more – please enjoy the warmth, ingenuity and strength of Uppma Virdi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour, Sadhana and I talk to Jacinta Whelan, a partner with Watermark Executive Search. Jacinta is an award-winning author, thought leader and popular speaker on the concept of Interim Executives, Portfolio Careers and future ways of working. She leads the Melbourne office of Watermark and has over 25 years’ experience starting and leading Interim businesses in Hong Kong, New York and Australia. This episode is a must listen for both candidates and organisations wanting to understand the talent market, what an interim appointment really means and how to make considered decisions about your own career journey. We unpack concepts like Buy, Borrow, Build and how soft skills are now known as Power Skills – thank goodness; the myths about interim roles in terms of quality, cost and process and of course Watermark’s 10 year record of collecting data on Board Diversity. Listen to Jacinta’s gold in this episode and get a hold of her book, The Rise of the Interim Executive. You owe it to yourself to at least consider it. Thank you Jacinta for your foresight and generosity as a leader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour we talk to Miriam Weir who is one of four Directors and co-owners of Mumamoo, a premium, scientifically designed, grass-fed, cows milk product. Proudly South Australian owned and Australian made. They are the National Winner 2024 Accelerating Women’s category of the Telstra Best of Business Awards. Along with Charlotte Chambers, Belinda Humphris and Kristina Scutella, Miriam is leading the charge on changing the narrative of feeding journey’s against some significant barriers: like not being able to advertise infant formula; midwives not able to recommend formula; and The World Health Organisation recommending breastfeeding. It is not hard to imagine a parent’s fear and anxiety with the judgement and pressure to choose just one way to feed. What is clear from this conversation with Miriam is that Mumamoo is pro breastfeeding whilst also offering parents choice in a safe product. The figures are startling, whilst almost 95% of parents initiate breastfeeding by 6 months onwards about 85% are changing to formula fully or in combination with breastfeeding. Listen keenly if you are an employer, if you are parent or a care-giver – as Miriam gives us the data, the science, the entrepreneurship, the health, the socio-economic reasons why Mumamoo is leading the way. Thank you Miriam for your leadership voice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour Sadhana and I talk to Lee Goddard
who was appointed as the inaugural Executive Director and CEO of the Australian Missile Corporation. He is also a Non-Executive Director of AUSTAL and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, and an Advisor to the Minderoo Foundation. Prior to assuming his current industry roles, he was dual appointed as Commander, Maritime Border Command and Operation Sovereign Borders, responsible for the law enforcement and operational oversight of Australia’s maritime economic and security zones, this preceded by; a two-year secondment into the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet. On promotion to Commodore in late 2014 he assumed the role of Commander Surface Fleet, commanding 18 major warships. Impressively, he has Commanded warships and joint-agency Taskforce's at every senior Navy rank… from Commander to Rear Admiral. He continues to serve as an active reserve officer following 34 years full time service up until January 2021, and is currently leading the CDF Inclusive Leadership Review. In this episode we delve into Lee’s deep experience and views on gender equality, absent leadership, inclusive leadership, ethical leadership and active followership. Lee gives us rare and meaningful examples of humanistic and authentic leadership. Please enjoy the wisdom and generosity of Lee Goddard.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour, Sadhana and I talk with Colin Mackey, a mining engineer and procurement executive who has recently returned to Australia from living and working in Serbia. Colin shares the influence of his upbringing in the UK and his time working on major construction projects. We are lucky enough to have Colin walk us through his decision making, leadership and management approach of how he built a diverse team - how he persisted and motivated them.. and others to realise the benefit of diversity through respect and inclusion everyday. He has some gold phrases like, “Filtering out the Shit” and “Act on Values, Kindness, Wise Optimism and a Very Clear vision”. Other noteworthy accomplishments are: Colin has also made significant change alongside Indigenous suppliers in the procurement process that continues to deliver quality partnerships in the mining sector. AND Colin is also a board director at Inobat, an innovative battery manufacturer. Please enjoy this authentic leader and his generous sharing of how to truly include and value diversity. Thank you Colin Mackey for lending us your leadership voice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Business in Colour Sadhana and I chat to the inspiring Rosie Thyer Rosie is the chairperson of Culture Spring, a youth-led social agency that aims to transform organisations, institutions, and workplaces to make them more inclusive and culturally safe for Australia’s young multicultural community. Rosie taught me the distinction and benefit of youth led initiatives rather than just occasional youth advisory and in this episode we explore the many ways in which younger people need to be engaged, involved and take their place to lead from the front.
Rosie has extensive experience working in local government, evaluating council engagement with young people as well as advocating for equity and equality within academic settings. She also works for the Victorian Multicultural Commission in their Multicultural Youth Network. Her work was acknowledged by Darebin City Council, when she was named 'Young Citizen of the Year 2022'.
She is studying a Bachelor of Law (Honours) and Global Studies at Monash University and hopes to incorporate social justice and human rights with policy reform in the future. Our today and tomorrow is bright with leaders like Rosie in it – please enjoy the charismatic, Rosie Thyer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tricia Malowney is a disability and gender advocate. She calls herself an accidental advocate and credits her mother for her can-do attitude and confidence. We talk about the slow progress for disability in Australia, compared to the UK. Some of the reasons Tricia cites are: the flaw in the ABS data, low funding, the low or emerging understanding of invisible disability; how many people look at what people with a disability can’t do, as opposed to what they can do…and much more. She asks us to not speak for people with a disability but to ask why aren’t people with a disability in the room and to work through allyship and advocacy to include their voices . Please enjoy the charismatic, intelligent, funny [she is a comedian as well!]…changemaker, Tricia Malowney.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma Olivier is the founder and CEO of Twenty Percent, a Disability Advisory working with Corporate Australia. With over 30 years of consulting experience and born without a left hand, she understands from her own lived experience the challenges and opportunities of having a disability in the corporate world. This episode is packed with practical guidance to start and progress the conversation in your organisation on disability inclusion. Why is Emma’s organisation called Twenty Percent, well I wonder if you know that 4.4 million Australians live with a disability—that’s 20% of our population. We unpack through our conversation, why organisations and leaders might be fearful of starting and to that Emma says don’t let perfection stand in the way of good. We talk about visible and invisible disability and she leaves us with 3 clear calls to action. One, To ask the question of why you don’t have representation of people with a disability at your decision making tables, as they are definitely your customers and in the communities you serve. Two, Believe people when they tell you what they need – don’t make the well intended assumption for them and 3. To people living with a disability, tell your story – don’t let just a few popular, high profile people living with a disability be the only voices that your leaders and organisation hears. Such sound advice from the empowered Emma Olivier, who is changing the conversation. Jump onto her website, www.twentypercent.au for more details.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Morley Muse is a Chemical, Environmental and Renewable Energy Engineer with expertise in waste-to-energy generation, wastewater treatment, renewable hydrogen generation, biofuels production and energy transition including storage, transmission and waste heat reuse. She has worked across academia, government, and industry including in consulting and construction.
Among her various work and accolades are: being a board director with Women in STEMM Australia, being appointed as an ambassador for CSIRO's Innovation Catalyst Global, and being an Advisory Group Member of the Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM Program with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. As the co-founder of iSTEM Co, a research, consulting, and talent-sourcing business that enables employment for women in STEM, Morley continues to encourage women, including women of colour and women from CALD backgrounds to further their careers in STEM. iSTEM Co. was nominated as a finalist for the 2022 Women in Digital awards and was a Merit award winner at the 2023 Tech Diversity awards for the business category. This year, the iSTEM Group launched DEIR, a recruit-tech platform that eliminates recruitment bias for women in STEM. DEIR has also received recognition in STEM and won the Lift Women Social Impact Award. In this episode she weaves in the intersectionality of women of colour in STEMM. Please enjoy this powerful episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lisa Martello is a construction project Director with a depth of experience leading high-profile rail, engineering, demolition, and construction projects in the UK and Australia. Think…bridge upgrades, tunnel ventilation projects, stations, and structures. She is also a Board Director and Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Portfolio for the National Association of Women in Construction in Australia. And a Professional Mentor for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Follow her Instagram profile “catching bees” it is laugh out loud funny and real as she talks about gender equality, racism, workplace cultures and more. In this episode, we are privileged to have Lisa share two casual racism moments. She walks us through in detail, the range of emotions, quick decisions and navigation - A must listen for all people to understand the long lasting impact of a moment in time. She shares her advocacy in the construction industry from the gender pay gap to suicide rates and why she thinks leaders in Australia aren’t moving the dial. She leaves us with two punchy messages as people of colour, be prepared to take the opportunity especially when you are likely underestimated and use your hypervisibility. This rings true for Sadhana and I, we have used both techniques successfully. Please enjoy the energy and expertise of this authentic change maker, Lisa Martello.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Angela Pippos is a Journalist, TV Presenter, Radio Personality, Documentary-maker, Author and more. In this episode, Angela shares her early love of sport, being a middle child, her parent’s influence growing up in a Greek-Australian family in Adelaide. She reflects on her father’s start - cleaning the floors and being a Props Boy at Channel 7 to a Producer, Director and part of the management of Channel 7 and 10 in Adelaide. She recounts being the first in her family to go to University, her start at the ABC as a researcher, her time on live television, her advocacy of feminism through politics and sport. Talking about multiculturalism and how the Howard government set us back, she says, you should not change what you eat, your name or who you hang out with to belong in Australia. She talks passionately about women’s safety, women’s economic equality, the national plan for violence against women and children – how we need more than just the will but the investment and action for gender equity in all spaces. Angela talks about how - The personal is the political for her and how she has transformed her advocacy and impact using her wonderful skill as a communicator, giving voice to and for others. She says: You have to be noisy and fight for change. Please enjoy the charismatic and courageous, Angela Pippos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Payne is the CEO and Founder of The Pink Elephants Support Network. After experiencing her own pregnancy losses she identified a gap in terms of emotional support for couples experiencing early pregnancy loss & fertility challenges. Did you know that 100 - 150,000 women and their partners in Australia experience the heartbreak of losing a baby during pregnancy, often under 12 weeks?
In this episode, we are privileged to hear Sam and her advocacy journey to normalise pregnancy loss; to ensure no one walks this journey alone. She shares the issues of a lack of research, data, false narratives, cultural taboos, and profound silence. Follow and support the Miscarriage Rebellion podcast, and the #leaveforloss and #countourbabies movements and plenty more on www.pinkelephants.org.au. Sam and the team have provided multiple ways of us all to amplify their message. We love her call to action, Invoke Empathy, Insight Action. Please enjoy the courageous leadership of Sam Payne, winner of the Women’s Agenda 2023 Agenda Setter Award.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meggie Palmer who is the Founder of PepTalkHer, an app that empowers women to track their achievements. Meggie and her team work with ASX and Fortune 500 companies to close the gender pay gap. She is a Queenslander based in New York. She is also an accomplished as she calls it, Recovering Journalist, with a career spanning, Channel 10, CNBC, Dateline and SBS. In this episode, Meggie recounts the moment she realised as a journalist that she was underpaid compared to her male counterparts. She recounts her experience and how confronting it was and how she was given two options to quit or fight the case in court. That moment sparked the change that Meggie is leading today with the PepTalkHer app, download it today and listen to the episode to hear to how the app can benefit you as a woman. We raise in the conversation, how beneficial this app is to the confidence and evidence gathering for women who experience intersectional negative impacts, like First Nations women, women of colour, women with a disability. Meggie also calls on male allies to amplify achievements of women; to raise questions about pay gaps and to work to close them. Her call out for us all is to step into our political power at work and to Pay the Power forward. Please enjoy the magnetic Meggie, a game changing leader and advocate for pay equity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Embodied leadership is a powerful approach that sits at the intersection of body awareness, emotional intelligence, and nervous system regulation.
Today, we’re so driven by our heads, that we’ve forgotten how to listen to our bodies, which is where our power comes from.
This disconnect is underpinning our mental health woes, stress, burnout and exhaustion as ambitious leaders and individuals.
By activating body awareness, we can build energy, lead with understanding, and become internally aligned.
Saru Gupta shares with us her own journey and what embodied leadership means
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Shireen Morris is a lawyer and an expert in constitutional reform and Indigenous constitutional recognition with Academic publications on constitutional law, racial discrimination and native title. She is also an actress, singer, songwriter and lyricist. Shireen is of Indian Fijian heritage, born in Melbourne to migrant parents. This episode is special because we have Shireen give us a fact-based approach to understanding what the Yes referendum is all about and we have a special co-host in Nevani Pillay [Div's daughter], stepping into Sadhana’s shoes - just for this episode. Shireen recounts the conversation with Noel Pearson that got her the role at the Cape York Institute where she spent 7 years leading the Indigenous constitutional recognition policy development. In this episode Shireen addresses some of the misinformation and fear tactics that is around, shares with us that over 80% of Indigenous Australians back a YES vote and she shares the actual proposed words to be used if the constitution changes. Please read the following:
2023 Referendum
Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
1.There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
2.The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3.The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachelle Towart OAM, is the Managing Director of Australia’s First Indigenous Executive Search Company, Pipeline Talent. https://www.pipelinetalent.com.au/
As a 100% Indigenous-owned business certified by Supply Nation, Pipeline Talent understands not only the importance of implementing a rigorous process to source and select candidates with the capability to excel in executive roles – but also a support framework to set them on the path to success. Rachelle’s goal is to place an executive into an ASX listed company – we hope that is not in the too distant future. In this episode, Rachelle shares with us the state of the market from a candidate perspective - with the no. 1 reason to move being Financial incentives; to the changing demand from organisations to attract and select Indigenous executives for the right reasons – not just a tokenistic appointment. We talk about the need for clear, affirmative decisions to attract Indigenous executives and support, coaching and feedback required for that executive to thrive. We ask Rachelle about her reflections on the Yes Referendum – we talk about the education piece, about our collective futures, about the implications of a no and what we lose as a nation.
She refers us to Tanya Hosch’s address have a listen here:https://fb.watch/nsvxS4Ehtw/ Please have a listen to this powerful address also.
Rachelle shares with us that her philosophy in life comes from the song by Chumbawamba - "I get knocked down, but I get back up again, you are never gonna keep me down". It captures her sentiments for what might happen if we get a No from the referendum and her advocacy for Indigenous executives to have a seat at the table. Thank you Rachelle for your leadership and courage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our 100th episode of Business in Colour is with Yasmin Poole, a public figure in Australia and globally known for her youth advocacy and activism.
Through this episode, we get a window into Yasmin the person and where this advocacy was born. She recounts being a busker at the age of 8; the GFC’s impact on their family business; her mother's story shaping her own story and finding her voice on issues of racism, sexism and classism. She recalls her reaction to Julia Gillard becoming Prime Minister, draws us into the National Press Club where Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame shared their sexual assault experiences; she shares her thoughts on Australia’s immaturity on gender intersectionality and as well as the barriers for young people in politics and in board rooms. She implores on us all to embrace our story, fearlessly to speak truth to Power. Please enjoy a leader of our time, Yasmin Poole.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yemi Penn is a Nigerian, British-Australian leader who has a portfolio career – she is an author, TedX speaker, Mechanical Engineer, PhD candidate, Consultant, business owner and serial entrepreneur. She talks about being okay with failure and really giving herself the permission to dream and execute ideas – something interestingly - we both found outside of our home countries. You will hear Yemi’s journey of discovery to find her voice and to use it to empower others. We talk about those moments many people of colour have experienced when they are a minority in numbers in the room and Yemi wonderfully makes the distinction – not being a minority in Power, but just in numbers – love this distinction. You know those moments, when someone refers to visiting your home country or having a friend who is from your home country or liking the food from your culture. Yemi shares some key techniques of understanding your body and mind’s reaction, finding your superpower of reading the intent [she beautifully calls it the intuitive library] and coming up with a ‘clap back’. Yemi shares a sneaky peak into her PhD topic of Trauma and how we hide it, share it, understand it, and how we can transform pain into power if we learn how to. She shares that traumatic events in our lives ultimately shape how we show up in the world, whether it be at work or at home. Time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and bring a little humanity back into the spaces we operate. Thank you Yemi is was such a pleasure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Priyanka Ashraf is an ex-lawyer turned technologist building an anti-racism tool called Maya Cares (launched 2023) supporting the mental health & wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Black and Women of Colour (WoC). She is also the Founder and Director of the Creative Co-operative working closely with the startup community through the program Anyone Can (launched in 2022), supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Black and WoC startup founders and operators to not just access, but advance in the ecosystem Priyanka is listed as one of the Top 100 Innovators in 2022 by The Australian and was a recipient of the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards - Entrepreneur of the Year 2021. In this episode, Priyanka shares how her father beat poverty to become the High Commissioner in Australia, and how she watched other’s reactions to a brown man having power. Priyanka lives by a value her parents instilled of “paying it forward” and she describes how she is using her unearned privilege. We are lucky enough to hear her Founder’s moment, 1 week prior to George Floyd’s death, in a supermarket where she experienced racism – it was a catalyst moment for Priyanka to make scalable change and she has done just that in an incredibly short period of time. Through her advocacy and programs, she teaches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Black and Women of Colour to realise their power in business and collectively they are closing the intersectional and intergenerational gap in the business community. Jump onto thecco.com.au to find out how to get involved. Please enjoy the powerhouse, Priyanka Ashraf.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jenifer Lee is the Founder of Wildly Strong, and winner of the Telstra Best of Business Awards for ACT, 2023. Jenifer is an industry-leader in women’s body transformation and lifestyle coaching and in this interview you will know why her approach is so different. She is on a mission to educate, empower and equip women with everything we need to know to change our minds about our body and with that she often sees client’s bodies change to match their healthier minds. She works from the inside out so that the change is lasting. This interview is like a Masterclass in women’s fitness and how we fuel our bodies - as Jenifer shares her knowledge generously… awakening us to the truths about some of the fads, marketing spins and quick fixes that promise everything in 12 weeks. Getting unwell, made her realise and value the foundations of health: Strength, Nutrition and Mindset – a powerful and long-lasting combination. Jenifer offers online and face-to-face coaching to educate women on deprogramming from the diet culture, so many fall prey to. Head to her website: www.jeniferlee.com.au and check out her program and amazing free resources. True to her inside out health philosophy, Jenifer says, “Our biggest struggles carry within them our greatest gifts. Thank you Jenifer making a difference to others daily. Please enjoy this educational BIC podcast, with the incredible Jenifer Lee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison is an endo-gynaecologist, pelvic floor and reconstructive specialist. Fariba and her practice, FBW Gynaecology Plus was named the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards National; Accelerating Women and Championing Health Winner. Fariba also founded Desert Flower South Australia, which supports survivors of female genital mutilation [FGM] and gender-transitioning women. Dessert Flower offers free FGM reversal surgery. Fariba is an exceptional doctor and human being and this episode will draw you in as she generously shares her father’s execution escape in Iran, how their family fled in a garbage truck and survived; her medical studies in Germany before coming to Australia to learn English and eventually finding love. Fariba recalls how fighting for a patient’s life led her to innovating with PRP therapy and how she has fought for marginalised women to have access to culturally safe and holistic care. Fariba is on a mission to reframe how we talk and invest in women’s health. Fariba’s approach as a medical practitioner starts with connecting with the individual and their story, she says her whole team practices – FAHM – which means Understanding in Arabic – something we can all do a little more of – thank you Fariba for reminding us and being the exceptional human being that you are - you make migrant women and all women proud.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mani Thiru blends her love for space and satellites with poetry, writing, bharathanatym and more. She is a fierce advocate for women and indigenous peoples to participate in STEM. She is the winner of the Women’s Agenda, Emerging Leader Award and Stevie Awards, Female Entrepreneur of the year. In this episode, Mani takes us on a journey through her life from the UK to Sri Lanka to Zimbabwe to NZ and Australia. Mani shares beautifully how for many people of colour, books are an escape and education is a window to better opportunities. This episode is an education piece in itself as Mani gives us a lesson on the space economy and how much it is already part of our everyday life, from farming, to risk mitigation of fires and floods, to ubers and our everyday banking. Mani speaks passionately about women and especially women of colour in STEMM, how we might be super critical of ourselves and we might believe sometimes we are not good enough. She powerfully recounts her journey of being pushed to the front, even when she felt not ready, stumbling in the front and being encouraged to get back in front again. This is the essence of her call out to you, the audience, mentor, support, sponsor a women of colour in your space today. Mani, you are a star that shines bright for so many of us, thank you bringing space a little closer to us all. Please enjoy the magnetic, Mani Thiru.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Captain Mona Shindy was born in Egypt in 1968 and migrated to Australia with her family at the age of three. Her 32 year Royal Australian Navy career saw her serve on a number of the nation’s most technologically advanced warships which took her to all corners of the world. She saw active service at the commencement of the IRAQ conflict in 2003. Utilising her extensive array of leadership, technical, change management and business competencies she has led many organisations through significant business and cultural reforms.
Mona Shindy is a highly respected strategic leader. In this conversation she shares stories of from her childhood, working in male dominated arena's, balancing career and family and the challenges of diversity and inclusion.
She was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2015 for contributions to cultural and business reform initiatives she championed for Defence. Her career achievements as well as her considerable community service activities were recognised when she was named the 2015 National Telstra Business Woman of the Year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Natassia Nicolao is the CEO and Founder of Conserving Beauty. Div first met Natassia as the Victorian State Winner, Telstra Best of Business Awards in the Accelerating Women Category. Div judged her at the Nationals and she wowed as judges. Here is an under 30, biochemist who leveraged the technology from water soluble bandages for burn victims to bring us water soluble make-up wipes – yes you that's right, she brought this to the beauty industry and in a big way. Did you know that two thirds of the global population are expected to be living in a water-shortage by 2035?
This is why Natassia’s waterless and water conservative product range is so critical in making its mark – Conserving Beauty is one of only four Australian brands carried by MECCA. I am hooked on the products, knowing that my investment in my skin does not have to come at the expense of the planet. Conserving beauty products tracks its water footprint and is transparent about it – how many of your current products can boast this? Give it a go, the links are the show notes or head to a big MECCA store in your area. We are privileged in this episode to get to know Natassia’s why, how she manages to keep her momentum and set boundaries – she explains why No is a full sentence! …. She is simply an outstanding social impact leader of our time, please be inspired by the powerful and purposeful, Natassia Nicolao.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emily Unity is a well-known mental health advocate, a software engineer and a creative designer. Emily has won a range of awards and we are so proud to be in conversation with them: to name a few of those Awards: 25 Under 25 Winner, named by the Future Minds Network; Multicultural Honour Roll, 2022; Mental Health Advocate of the Year, 2021. Check out their website: emilyunity.com to see their outstanding portfolio career and range of roles including board roles and committees. Emily leverages their lived and living experiences as a queer, disabled, and neurodiverse young person from a refugee and migrant background in such a unique way… – you will be drawn into this interview in so many ways – from Emily’s authenticity… to their self-leadership in finding their own voice… and using their voice to advocate for others. In this interview Emily talks about the pressure that comes with expectations from family to be the person they want you to be versus the person you are hiding or finding. This interview meanders beautifully and interestingly through topics of managing mental health day to day; finding certainty in code; holding boundaries; equalising playing fields; machine learning holding our biases; how to run a portfolio career and how to advocate strategically to create outcomes and impact. Emily gives us hope for our collective futures, they are already leading in spaces that most executives today find challenging and complex. We say more power to you Emily, we wish you scalable impact that fulfils you and the financial reward that goes with it. Please enjoy the formidable and authentic leader , Emily Unity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tigist is an Ethiopian who was born in Sudan and came to Australia as a child under the humanitarian program. Her parents named her Tigist which means patience, after a family friend shared that Tigist is the patience her parent’s needed to have hope for the future. You will hear Tigist’s heartfelt recount of her Mum’s strength and determination from Ethiopia to Sudan, to Adelaide to Melbourne. Professionally, Tigist is a trained counsellor and has experience working in the public and private sector, including advisory roles in various levels of government. Tigist has strong grassroots connections with diverse communities, with expertise in workforce development and consulting. Tigist leads Pola Practice together with Nasalifya Namwinga – tune into Nasalifya’s business in colour episode if you haven’t already. In this episode, Tigist gives us a rare window into how she rediscovered and owned her identity. From trying to erase herself to occupying her rightful place in spaces, Tigist has so many vignettes of stories in this episode that many people of colour and others will relate to. An added bonus is Tigist’s explanation of burnout and its three dimensions. A must listen for all leaders, especially with the inclusion of psychological health in the OHS or WHS legislation across states in Australia. Tigist is an impressive counsellor and leader, grounded in systemic change making. She shares as her callout – if enough spider’s cobweb’s come together, they can trap a Lion. Find out what she means, in this moving episode – Please enjoy the powerful and patient, Tigist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nasalifya Namwinga was born in Zambia, she left at the age of 11 with her family and lived in the UK and then New Zealand. She completed her schooling and tertiary education in New Zealand and is a senior clinical psychologist. She worked across a number of clinical and non-clinical settings before founding Pola Practice in 2018. In this episode, Nasalifya shares her parent’s and her story of leaving and finding communities, and the shifts ethnic people navigate as parent and child relationships change. Nasalifya shares the gender and racial barriers in the education system with the 4 father’s of psychology and the assumption that as a therapist she would serve white clients initially. One of the few options available for Nasalifya to work with people of colour back then, was to work in the justice system. This led Nasalifya to develop her own models of Culturally Responsive Practices, which she now drives as part of Pola Practices critical services. She shares poignantly in her call out, “no one is coming to save us, we have to save ourselves”. Nasalifya is leading the change she wants to see in the community and in business. Please enjoy the charismatic change leader, Nasalifya Namwinga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Ray is an advocate for Equality and Change, an Author and Speaker, well known for his contribution to the gender equity conversation from a Solo Dad’s perspective. In this episode, Michael shares his journey into fatherhood later in life, becoming a solo dad while his daughter was still young and being her sole parent ever since. Michael shares some startling statistics like 1 one in 5 single parent families are single dad households, the fastest growing single family households in Australia AND 80% of workers in Australian workforces are fathers. We learn in this podcast through Michael’s lived experience how much of the narratives we hold is generationally gendered, like, “mother knows best”, “women are naturally better nurturing leaders”, “men don’t speak about their emotions or mental health”. This is a must listen podcast if we are to truly understand gender equality, Michael will get you to think and rethink your deeply held gender stereotypes. His call to action for the diversity and inclusion space is The Power of the And. Tune in to find out why his thinking is critical to your business’s inclusion journey. Please enjoy the unique, engaging and impactful voice of Michael Ray.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Graeme Beardsell, CEO of Fujitsu, Asia Pacific, a global technology, digital transformation business. Graeme takes us through his growing up years, the influence of his parents, leaving school in 6th form, turning down a job in IT, his start in IBM and move to Asia, where he spent 20 years living and working. Graeme has some keen insights that you will want to tune into about Australia 20 years ago and now. What we love about Graeme is his bravery to listen to the truth and see the opportunity, decide on the change, lead the change and follow through, failing and learning fast. He closed the gender pay gap within 6 months of being CEO, women at Fujitsu are paid 5% more, isn’t that fabulous, makes up for those underpaid years. He combined Community Giving, Environment, Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Affairs and People Culture divisions into the Office of Purpose, People and Culture, with an Executive who reports directly into him. How cool is that. Graeme’s call to action for leaders, is “you have 2 ears and 1 mouth do less transmitting, and more receiving”. Dive into this episode, listen and re-listen, I know you will want to. Please enjoy the transformational and humanistic leadership of Graeme Beardsell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vincent Nair is the Executive Chair & CEO of Smartech Business Systems. Born in Fiji his parents migrated to Canada. He shares with us his journey to Australia and the commitment Smartech has to people around diversity and inclusion
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest in this episode is Helen Brown who is the founder of Bisnis Asia and the Communications Lead for the Australia-Indonesia Centre. Helen is the former Indonesia foreign correspondent for the ABC and has a stellar 25 career in journalism, covering heart wrenching stories like the Bali 9. In this episode, Helen shares being the first in her family to obtain a University education, how a 3 month stint to prove herself as a foreign correspondent in Indonesia became a pivotal moment in her career and life. Helen generously gives us a window into society and business in Indonesia from her own lived experience and shares how and why Australian businesses should explore opportunities in Indonesia and across Asia. What Helen shares is perfectly applied to the way we need to think about inclusion and how it happens day to day. Her focus is on opening your heart and mind, preparing to do things differently, taking time to invest in building a trusting relationship and respecting every voice. Please enjoy the heart and head leadership of, Helen Brown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest today on Business in Colour is Sharmini Wainwright who is an experienced Managing Director with over 20 years in the talent space, leading the Michael Page and Page Group brands across Australia and Hong Kong. A former Chartered Accountant, Sharmini is currently the, Co-Head of the Page Group business in Australia. In this episode Sharmini recounts her upbringing, early influences from her parents and sister, especially her mother’s courageous move at 19 to come to Australia and her mother’s sage advice of, “see the opportunity and seize it”.
This episode is gold for candidates, hiring leaders and HR professionals, as Sharmini gives us a snapshot of the changes in the Australian talent market – we talk talent trends, flexible working, DEI and Sustainability as talent attractors, creating connection across 3 generations under one roof and how to look for potential in an interview rather than trap the conversation in the past. Sharmini generously shares her own reflections as a leader in business, often being the only woman in the executive circle and, nurturing her style and confidence. Sharmini is just magnetic, she leads with optimism, empathy, openness and clarity, please enjoy the leadership voice of, Sharmini Wainwright.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jason is the founder of Supawear and 2Eros. He is a designer, diversity champion and entrepreneur.
11 years after he founded the business Jason started to produce sustainable swimwear made from plastic bottles. Yes you heard it right, it takes about 10 plastic bottles to make 1 budgie smuggler and they have repurposed over two hundred and forty thousand bottles.
We learnt much more about men’s underwear in this conversation, things like stretchable, roomier pouches and curve technology. I have to say we did encourage Jason to start producing underwear for women as well.
As the son of refugee parents, who literally hustled for business when they arrived here not knowing any English, he grew up in western suburbs of Sydney facing not just discrimination but also struggling with his sexuality
He went to the extent of creating a whole different identity right down to different names for different set of friends.
Jason wasn’t just hiding from his parents and friends, he also felt that he couldn’t be the face of his company for fear that because he was Asian it would impact the success of the business.
We unpack so much in this podcast, from business to identity to coming out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest in this episode is Zii Nzira, who is currently the Co-CEO of Multicultural Arts Victoria. Having migrated to Australia from Zimbabwe in pursuit of an education in I.T, Zii has been able to evolve and establish a creative practice, under the name ZIIMUSIC. Through this he has not only managed to launch a multidisciplinary practice, but has also been able to create platforms and opportunities for individuals within his community. Hear Zii’s story from, lessons from his parents to, IT aspirations to becoming an Arts and Business Leader and Entrepreneur; how he describes the push and pull in his heart and head when he enters traditional white spaces and how he navigates this daily by designing and creating a future for himself and others. He gifts us a history lesson in how art became commodified and commercialised, a perspective that everyone should hear as the balancing act continues between the creator and consumer of Art. Hear his call to action at the end to leaders when designing how things should be… he says we should really consider how things are and were. Please enjoy the servant heart leader, Zii Nzira.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest in this episode, is Sarah Ibrahim, who is a mother of two, Principal Solicitor of Central Lawyers assisting small to medium businesses, with commercial law, Founder and Executive Director of The Racial Justice Centre, and Workplace Facilitator and Speaker. In this episode we learn about Sarah Ibrahim’s background, born in Cairo, migrating to Australia when she was 3, growing up in Western Sydney, becoming a commercial lawyer and having a social impact with racial justice. What we did not record in the podcast is the conversation which I feel is so important to capture – the cost to women of colour who are business leader’s and who are advocating for racism to stop – we often become defined by the advocacy which is often unpaid labour which ripples onto the loss of commercial activity, we would have gained, if we were not so loud. Think on that. We are more than the issues we advocate for. Sadhana, Sarah and I have a rich discussion about why we don’t have a national, business, community conversation about race in Australia yet and Sarah gives people of colour some powerful advice – You are enough, don’t shrink or expand to fit in, don’t let anyone tell you, you are too much or not enough of something. You are Enough. Use this conversation to spark a conversation in your circle on the 21st of March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and beyond. Please enjoy the charismatic, Sarah Ibrahim!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest today on Business in Colour is Nassim Khadem, who is an award-winning journalist, reporting on business news across online, radio and TV for the ABC. Nassim began working as a journalist with The Age in 2003, including being the newspaper's economics correspondent. Before joining the ABC, she worked in various business reporting and editing roles for Fairfax Media's BRW magazine, The Australian Financial Review and as deputy business editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
In this episode, we learn about Nassim’s growing up years, her father’s foresight to come to Australia, her parents backing to pursue journalism, when likely… other migrant parents preferred a legal or medical pathway; her take on fitting in and code-switching from her younger self to now. Nassim shares her career story which showcases her navigation through obstacles, her hard work ethic, her ability to influence her own path and engage mentors and allies strategically. She wraps this up in some really great advice at the end. What will move you in this episode is Nassim’s recount of her journalism work on Iran, she has an authentic and humanistic voice in this space and we are grateful for her advocacy for stories that just wouldn’t have been heard or told without journalists like her. Please enjoy and follow the courageous storyteller and leader, Nassim Khadem.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we celebrate International Women's Day and head off to our various events, consider the theme for this year. #Embraceequity.
I see equity not as something we need to embrace as a nice to have, but as a fundamental human right.
We shouldn’t have to fight for equity, or justify it, it should be a given. Equity is about the financial, emotional, and physical safety of women.
When we consider the safety of women in Australia Simone O'Brien's story is one we all need to hear. She is one of the most courageous person we know
In 2012, Simone suffered a horrific domestic violence attack at the hands of an individual who would not take no for an answer.
It started with emotional and psychological abuse, stealing, and insults and It ended with Simone being beaten with a baseball bat to within inches of her life.
She has lost eyesight in her right eye and her sense of smell, her skull is currently held together with screws and titanium plates and The ripple effect on her children has been unimaginable.
Simone however is a very determined woman and with the support of family, friends, doctors and nurses and multiple ongoing operations she today shares her journey, and raises the awareness of domestic violence
She hopes to give victims strength to get out of violent relationships
We talk to Simone about red flags, what we should be on the lookout for, not ignore them and maybe chose to remove ourselves from that situation.
Simone hopes to have at a national level what in the UK is known as Clare’s Law which is about domestic violence disclosure.
Today in Australia on average 1 woman a week is killed in Australia by her current or former partner
Over 60% of women experiencing violence from a current partner are working
1 in 6 women have experienced abuse before the age of 15
This is an issue we all need to be involved in, to understand better, to push for change so that it is not left up to the victims and survivors to make a difference
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode features Aseel Tayah who is a leading practitioner, creative producer and the founder and CEO of Bukjeh. Her work is deeply committed to making social change through the arts, culture and education. This Melbourne Based-Palestinian artist is, the eldest of 5 children and was taught by her father – a Professor in science to ask why and to say no before yes. In this podcast we talk about Aseel’s journey transitioning from Pharmacy to the Arts, how she made political art in her home country that led her and her husband to Australia. Since arriving here, Aseel has not stopped making an impact. Aseel gives us something extra special at the end of this podcast, don’t miss this and the incredible leadership and personal power of Aseel Tayah.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anyier Yuol is a human rights and diversity, equity & inclusion activist. She is the Founder and CEO of Anyier Model Management and the Founder and Chair of Lead Beyond Education & Miss Sahara. Her numerous awards include; a Young woman of the West 2020 (highly commended); PhD scholarship at Western Sydney University 2019; Zonta International District 24 Women of Achievement Award 2019; Professional and Academic Excellence Award, a celebration of African Australian Inc. 2019; Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2018 and more. Anyier has been interviewed on SBS, ABC TV and Radio, and local news. In this episode, Anyier shows us how to navigate a system fraught with bias and barriers, with curiosity and courage - she shows us how to model the change we all want to see, a fairer and more respectful Australia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest in this episode is Ilanit Bard who is an outstanding leader and innovator in the food service and fine dining industry. Born in France to a North African Mother and a Middle Eastern Father, she says, fitting in, has always been her priority growing up. In this episode we talk to Ilanit about her career transitions from developing corporate travel software; to polishing plates and cutleries at the lower ground of the Crown casino, surrounded by immigrants, and learning English from them; to General manager of Lume restaurant in South Melbourne; to two impactful entrepreneurial ventures that have lifted communities. The first being Soigné Hospitality (Soigné is French for meticulous), where Ilanit supported restauranteurs with recruitment and training to switch operations and cope during the global pandemic. The second being Thick Accents project; a nomadic pop-up event that put the spotlight talented migrant women working hard in the shadow in the food industry. For Ilanit, The Thick Accents wasn’t just a project. It was therapeutic. It helped her to get comfortable within herself, and as she says, for the first time in 34 years, own her story as a migrant. Not letting clichés and stereotypes dictate who she is. Her advice to migrant women: “You are your ancestors wildest dreams”, drawing from the poem by Darius Simpson – Ilanit reminds us to value who we truly are and remember our unique heritages. Please enjoy the courageous, generous leader, Ilanit Bard.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wanitha Tanasingam has a unique ability to help people expand perception beyond preconceived notions using 'FoodPrints'.
Cross-cultural connections between peoples, cultures and history. Through food and cooking, she builds mindfulness around nourishing oneself, one’s community and world - drawing out analogies to broader social, environmental, and business issues. Please enjoy the magnetic Wanitha Tanasingam.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sadhana and I are reflecting on 2022 and have chosen 5 top picks from the year to re-air across December. This episode is with the magnetic Jahin Tanvir, CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, 3-time TEDx Speaker, a Keynote Speaker & MC, UNICEF Young Ambassador, Young Australian of the Year, Finalist 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians 2022. He reminds us that our identity is our superpower and demonstrates through his story, how we should value it. As we move into 2023 and strive for better in diversity and inclusion efforts, we can't forget to value ourselves, and our identity - no one should have the power to disempower us. Please enjoy the leadership voice of Jahin, Tanvir.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sadhana and I are reflecting n 2022 and have chosen 5 top picks from the year to re-air. This episode is a standout and feels a little like our piece of recording history. We interviewed Zoe Daniel a Teal Independent candidate in March 2022 this year ahead of the May 2022 election and it is so wonderful to see her use your voice in our Parliament in her seat. In this episode she reminds us how to find our voice and use it to make change from where we stand. She said, poignantly, ‘If not us, who? If not now, when?’, which became her campaign slogan. Catch her in this episode and also on her Find Your Voice Podcast. Thank you Zoe, it is wonderful to reflect with you on where you were then and where you are now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sadhana and I have picked 5 episodes as our topic picks for 2022 that will re-air through December. They capture our core messages to the business community and people everywhere about valuing and including difference. This episode with Kemi Nekvapil talks about Power - how we give it up, how we lose it, how it is taken from us, how we reclaim it. Kemi is a highly respected executive and personal coach, she has created a five-step process to guide other women to build their power and transform their lives through the principles of Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality and Responsibility. (POWER). Soak this episode up and follow Kemi' work.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Soak up the amazing Paula Kruger, she is warm, funny, smart and vivacious. She is currently the Talent Manager at the ABC. We learn about her Fijian, German, Australian background and how she has embraced all parts of her being and belonging. Throughout this conversation, we hear Paula’s self-leadership, how she feels the fear and runs towards it anyway, creating new pathways for herself and others. We talk about code-switching, earning your opportunity when there is an absence of opportunity, cultural humility, how culture is being, and there is a joke about the relatedness of parsley stuck in your teeth and committing a microaggression. She asks us all to think of diversity as not a problem, but diversity as something to spice up the soul. We agree wholeheartedly, please enjoy the magnetic Paula Kruger.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dianne McGrath is one of Australia’s leading sustainability experts, holds three degrees in sustainability including a PhD, and is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.
She has lived her life challenging what others thought impossible, whether that was to live a year with no single-use plastics, prepare for a fully-sustainable one-way mission to Mars, choosing to circumnavigate our planet to help protect our oceans – our future, cycle extreme distances, sail gale storms in a tall ship in the Southern Ocean or biohack her body and mind to become Dianne 2.0. Dianne is nothing if not resilient! Dianne takes us behind the scenes in the preparation for the mission to Mars, how they designed for diversity and included all voices. Enjoy!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ashara Wills is a multicultural professional who has worked through the ups and downs, curves and corners of being queer from a young age. She has established a strong foundation of support through her family, friends and networks whilst also surrounding herself in the community services sector.
Ashara has always been an advocate of the LGBTIQA+ community by engaging in meaningful conversations passing on knowledge, consulting with the community and continually embracing differences.
Ashara Wills is passionate about developing outside the box engaging educational training programs, working in environments that create holistic, healthy and substantial changes. Please enjoy Ashara Wills.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode we interview Michelle Loader, Managing Director of Fisher Leadership who cares as much as about the individual's diversity as she cares about the organisation as a whole, including the Board. We ask her the tough questions about why leaders are so slow in making progress on gender, culture and other diversities; and what she is doing about it. We talk about her views on capability, merit, and more. She introduces us to her thinking on why partnership is the new leadership and what that truly means. Catch Michelle Loader on all things talent, leadership and more. Enjoy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine starting an AFL team with no funding, no coach and no experience. It takes a strong woman who’s not afraid to break all the rules to tackle a task this insurmountable. It takes Amna Karra-Hassan. The Founder and President of the Auburn Giants Australian Football Club, Amna Karra-Hassan has pioneered programs for women of minority communities in Western Sydney. As a woman and a Muslim, her road to greatness wasn’t an easy one. But Amna derives her strength from adversity and uses her influence to change the conversation on intersectionality, inclusion and gender parity.
An active leader in the community, she’s also worked for the Australian Federal Police and previously served on numerous government boards. Amna Karra-Hassan also delivers Cultural and Religious Education (C.A.R.E) Workshops for engaging with Muslim communities. Enjoy this episode, and learn how to mobilise allies practically - Amna shows us how in her story-telling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Manjula O’Connor is a psychiatrist with special interest in migrant women’s mental health, complex trauma and family violence. She is Hon Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Psychiatry University of Melbourne. She was conferred Adjunct Professor University of New South Wales Department of Social Sciences in 2021. Manjula Chairs Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Family Violence Psychiatry Network.
In the early 2010s a spate of domestic violence-related murders in the Victorian Indian community compelled Manjula to investigate the causes of patriarchal abuse in South Asian families.
As a practitioner with many decades experience in the field, Manjula questioned whether a better understanding of history and culture could help these communities implement measures to prevent family violence.
But the most powerful lessons came from those she met through her practice - survivors of transnational abuse and of sexual and dowry exploitation.
This is an important conversation to have with Manjula.
In Australia one woman a week is killed, sadly despite all the work that has been done in this space the impact is not being seen.
As the number of migrants from India increase in Australia we will start to see an increase in issues such as dowry abuse.
An important conversation and Manjula has committed so much of her life to fighting the battle of behalf of many women.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Manjula O’Connor is a psychiatrist with special interest in migrant women’s mental health, complex trauma and family violence. She is Hon Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Psychiatry University of Melbourne. She was conferred Adjunct Professor University of New South Wales Department of Social Sciences in 2021. Manjula Chairs Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Family Violence Psychiatry Network.
In the early 2010s a spate of domestic violence-related murders in the Victorian Indian community compelled Manjula to investigate the causes of patriarchal abuse in South Asian families.
As a practitioner with many decades experience in the field, Manjula questioned whether a better understanding of history and culture could help these communities implement measures to prevent family violence.
But the most powerful lessons came from those she met through her practice - survivors of transnational abuse and of sexual and dowry exploitation.
This is an important conversation to have with Manjula.
In Australia one woman a week is killed, sadly despite all the work that has been done in this space the impact is not being seen.
As the number of migrants from India increase in Australia we will start to see an increase in issues such as dowry abuse.
An important conversation and Manjula has committed so much of her life to fighting the battle of behalf of many women.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode we interview Ariel Weindling who is an employment lawyer and Founder of NotMe Solutions – a practical and empowering tech solution to prevent and address negative behaviours at work, bringing transformational change to the old way of reporting and complaints handling. With the rate of whistleblowing in the Australian media of misconduct, sexism and racism, with women marching for safer spaces and to have a voice; and with Kate Jenkins - Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s 55 recommendations to Parliament – business leaders, boards and shareholders should be thinking, what can we innovate in this process of reporting, how can we know early before harm happens? Well we talk about these complex issues and more with Ariel. We talk about the Me Too movement’s impact in the US, we compare and contrast the progress overseas versus Australia on these issues and the adoption of innovation, and we talk about corporate courage. Ariel’s call out to leaders, is less words, more action and we couldn’t agree more. Please enjoy the brave and bold leadership of Ariel Weindling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do Branson, Bridgeton & Ms Marvel have in common, well you will have to tune into our conversation with the fabulous Shivani Gupta to find out.
Shivani is a Mental Wellness Expert, Speaker, Author and Mentor and is obsessed with everyone having tips and strategies to manage their mental wellness. Shivani has suffered sexual abuse, racial abuse and discrimination in her life. As she navigated through these challenges, she created rituals and systems to help her survive and thrive in both business and in life.
In this podcast we talk to Shivani about the move to Australia from India, the racism she faced that made her not want to be Indian and in the process she lost some of her heritage. Shivani shares her rituals and how we need to tune into the messages from the universe. A wonderful message in this podcast from Shivani is "there is no other authority higher than yourself"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michelle Gibbings is an author of 3 books, Dare to Lead coach, Global Keynote Speaker, and is on a mission to help leaders, teams and organisations create successful workplaces.
Comfortable with getting uncomfortable, Michelle is at the forefront of creating workplace success by helping people embrace the unknown and fall in love with change.
We talk about how we make assumptions based on past experiences on how things should be, stereotype views we may have and her own personal experience around this.
Being exposed to different cultures enriches how we think, problem solve and build relationships. When you come from a world where have a narrow view, you are missing out on great experiences and also will end up having a very narrow frame of reference from which to make a difference. Diversity of thought means you get better decisions.
If you want to be a great leader you need to deliberately seek out people from different background to you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Mimi Kwa set out to change the world, journalism was her weapon of choice, and it has taken her further than she could ever have dreamed, to become the first Asian heritage female on Channel Nine, anchor news to 40 countries, and interview significant decision makers and notable figures from around the globe.
In Mimi Kwa’s memoir House of Kwa, published by Harper Collins 2021, she writes about her deeply personal journey of childhood trauma, as well as her Chinese father's large family of 32 brothers and sisters and her mother’s schizophrenia. For all the thousands of interviews and stories Mimi has told, her own multi generational sweeping family saga is undoubtedly among the most compelling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we interview the brave and bold, Mallika Raj, who is the engagement lead for the Australian Labour Party, ACT Branch, the National Chair for the Young Leader Chapter for the Australia India Business Council and the owner and Founder of SAMA Health and Wellbeing – SAMA meaning Bodily Equilibrium or Homeostasis. I know you will feel this peace and grounding when you hear Mallika, she exudes this – she is clear about her purpose, passion and places she wants to make scalable impact. In this episode, we talk about her role as Engagement Lead, in the Labour Party, her reflections in the lead up, during and post the elections, representation in politics, what it feels like to be a young, Indian woman in politics, how she has had to carve her own path separate from her father, how she founded her business at 19, and her comments around the Australia-India business relationship. Mallika has some mic drop phrases that tell you what to expect in this episode, like: "Fall down 8 times, get up on the 9th"; "You are product of who you surround yourself with" and "People will see through you when you don’t have a genuine purpose". Please enjoy the authentic leadership of Mallika Raj.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we interview Koon Lai, whose energy and passion is just infectious. She has led some pretty major client transformations during her time as a PwC Director, but what is clear is how she had led her personal and professional transformation. This is what makes Koon a powerful executive coach, she has the lived experience to give to her clients. Koon shares how she felt an Invisible wall in Australia and how she used her cultural strength and communal spirit to make herself more visible. Koon connects her thinking on individual and organisational shifts… to be more inclusive around the concept of The Tempered Radical – find out what she means by this, she explains it beautifully with plenty of examples. Hear also about code switching, how Koon has an allergic reaction when others say, all you have to do is speak up…how we fear the risk of rejection and exclusion and can become self-critical, losing our confidence. There are so many aha moments in this episode, but the one that just fills us with a renewed sense of strength and pride is when Koon says, when referring to migrants: “We are the Majority” and Sadhana and I concur that we need a majority mindset and a revaluing of our identity and cultural strength. Thank you Koon for reminding us, please enjoy the brilliant thinking and compassionate leadership of Koon Lai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The bazaars of Mumbai taught a young Veena Sahajwalla that there is value in trash. Veena was the NSW Australian of the Year 2022...and in her acceptance speech she acknowledged those who traded in the bazaars of Mumbai....
"The award was a recognition that waste as a material, if it's valued, could have big positive consequences. We wouldn't throw it away, we would re-manufacture things, we'd pay fair wages to people."
She invented Green Steel which she describes as the "holy grail" formula by using coffee waste instead of coking coal.
Veena is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and innovator who is revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials’. As Director of the Sustainable Materials Research and Technology Centre at UNSW, she has built a world-class research hub. Sahajwalla leads a highly innovative research program that fosters innovation and promotes collaboration with industry to ensure that scientific advances in sustainable materials and processes are readily translated into commercially-viable environmental solution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we talk with Alicia Vrajlal who is the Culture Editor at Refinery29 Australia and the Founder of the blog, Draw Your Box. This interview was so wonderfully warm and educative as Alicia offers her story of navigation and sense-making with her identity, facing into the many judgements from others: not Indian enough, not Fijian enough, not Australian enough. This resonates with Sadhana and I, as we have also faced into these judgements and emerged stronger and clearer, just like Alicia, with who we are. Professionally, Alicia gives us a window into how pop culture shapes our thinking and how inclusive we are as a society – we discuss Neighbours, Melbourne Fashion week and Alicia’s red carpet experiences, where she has often been the only or one of two Indian women. It is a story of moving into spaces, like media and entertainment where traditionally women like us have not belonged, a story many of us can relate to. Alicia shows us it is possible to have a voice in these spaces or to create the space, like she has with her blog. Please enjoy the courageous leadership voice, of Alicia Vrajlal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Please enjoy this conversation with the co-hosts with the most-est, Div Pillay and Sadhana Smiles, as they celebrate their 60th episode. This is a reflective piece about how the podcast started, the impact the podcast is creating, with a little insight into how the co-hosts think on contemporary topics of inclusion in the workplace. Listen to their 'ask' or call out at the end for sponsorship - please flood their direct message box on Linkedin with offers to support them with your organisation's brand! This is role-modelling being brave and bold, in asking for what you need to progress. Please, like, share, subscribe and give them a rating and comment. Connect with them on Linkedin and tune into the next 60 episodes of Business in Colour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we talk with Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Indian-Australian filmmaker, film producer…and Founder and Director of Mind Blowing Films – a distribution company. Mitu’s story is one of creating choices, seeing possibility and choosing deliberately. She is a natural story-teller and you will be drawn in with her words and how she weaves in contemporary dialogues on diversity and inclusion. She generously walks us through the Indian film industry, its size, its reach, its impact and its growth globally. We talk about her own career journey, as a successful, award winning film director and producer in India to... not being able to get a call back for jobs in 2002 from employers in the film industry in Australia. Her first job here was cleaning tables at the Crown. We are lucky to hear first hand of her influence and impact to bring Indian film into the mainstream with a deal with Hoyts. Yes, she is the leader responsible for this. Mitu is unstoppable in her pursuit and life's work to create a platform for diverse voices to be heard in the mainstream. She is a trailblazer and a visionary, please enjoy the outstanding leadership voice of, Mitu Bhowmick Lange.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jahin Tanvir, is a leader and an advocate for marginalised young people. At 21 years of age, he shows us that leadership is not age dependent - you can lead yourself and others at any point in your life. He is reflective, deeply self-aware, disciplined, shows a vulnerability and strength that many take years to develop and master. He asks us to see our identity as our superpower, to strive for the extraordinary every day, to be obsessed with a problem enough to work with others to solve it. His passion is infectious, as he talks about BREATHE his social enterprise providing public speaking education to multicultural communities in cities and regional and remote areas. We learn that 3 out of 4 people are afraid of public speaking and talk about the real challenges for those public speaking in a language that is not their first. Hear Jahin’s top 3 pieces of feedback when public speaking and his call to action to mentor and support a young person. Please enjoy the energy and leadership of Jahin Tanvir.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we interview Hussain Ali who is an engineer and finance leader. We first came across his profile in an article in The Age about managing a career and parenthood and I found his words refreshing. We think you will too as in this podcast he shares his reflections on transitioning out of the workforce onto parental leave and back into the workforce – a voice of a father that you don’t often hear. We hear first hand about the conversation with his partner before their son was born and how workplace systems supported their transitions, and how some health, child nurse and vaccinations services are still gender biased – for example, Hussain faced the question of whether his wife should be the primary contact on his son’s file. We delve practically into the decisioning and choices with taking parental leave, both the internal fears about the backlash to careers, the reality of the way the system works and how leadership behaviours play a part. Hussain shares a unique perspective on his journey of parental leave and transitioning back from a skills and personal development lens. This is a valuable insight to both individuals and employers. Listen out for his advice at the end, about making choices and playing the long game. Please enjoy the generous and reflective leadership of Hussain Ali.
In this episode we speak to Anubha Sahasrabuddhe who is the Chief Marketing Officer at Lion Beverages. Anubha is a transformational leader with global experience with brands like Mars-Wrigley and The Coca-Cola Company and we are so glad to have her back in Australia, to create a culture of inclusion for consumers and customers. This episode is packed with frank career and leadership advice and in true marketing style there are phrases that Anubha spins that will stick with you, like: “Breaking the Mould”, “Be Curious – Make it More About Others than Yourself”, “Grudging Respect vs Earned Respect”, “Diversity & Inclusion Beyond Gender”, “The Power of the AND in D&I”, “ Progress Over Perfection”, “Don’t worry too much about yesterday, care about the Future”, “Recruit for the next generation of consumer and the next generation of talent with the same focus”, “Gain insight through human truths”. You will have to listen to this episode to decode these gems and more. Please enjoy the energy and visionary leadership of Anubha Sahasrabuddhe – thank you for shaping our tomorrow now.
In this episode we interview Rana Hussain, a diversity inclusion leader, presenter and broadcaster, and one of the very few women of colour working in sports administration. Rana’s positive energy and determination is felt right throughout this interview. It really hits me after finishing our conversation, what Rana is really going up against – she is going after diversity change in the sports industry….it is Australia’s brand globally and is still male dominated in its leadership, despite the many women stepping into CEO roles. She is a woman of colour boldly going forward and we love the way she breaks down the way she influences to get action – she talks about influencing Board Chairs, supporting CEO’s one on one, having the business case ready, going after the structure and systems, and leveraging targets and quota’s. We hear of Rana’s lived experience, how her parents supported her to take the good from her Australian, Indian and Muslim identities and hold it all at once. How she learned early on to participate in spaces seemingly alien to her, like sports and to make her mark. Listen for when Rana, smartly turns the tables on us – Sadhana and I find ourselves answering Rana’s questions! Her message to woman of colour – “Its okay to break the rules” and to CEO’s of sporting organisations, “Be Bold in your leadership”. Please enjoy the trailblazer, Rana Hussain.
In this episode we talk with Dr Michelle Rodrigues, an award-winning dermatologist with globally renowned expertise. She is the Founder and Director of Chroma Dermatology, Australia’s first dedicated dermatology centre for pigmentary disorders and skin of colour. Michelle walks us through reflections of being a first generation Australian, a daughter to Indian immigrant parents and how their experiences became her own and propelled her forward. She gives us an insight into the medical sciences and health care world. We learn how bias is baked in, from the lack of representation of people of colour in cases medical students study, to visuals and language in books, to the limited research and evidence. Michelle, has been working at every angle to build the knowledge and capability of her peers, to influence investment in research, to influence the education system and pharma businesses. She explains the term cultural humility and her examples of what this means…goes to the core of the gaps in our healthcare system, much of which was not built for people of colour… Michelle is leading a transformation and you will be hanging of her words in this episode. Please enjoy the visionary leadership of, Dr Michelle Rodrigues and get behind her dermatology centre, Chroma Dermatology. www.chromaderm.com.au
In this episode, we talk with Sally Bruce, COO and CFO of CultureAmp, the world’s leading employee experience platform. She was also the ex CEO of AMP Bank and ex CFO, Business and Personal Banking at National Australia Bank. Sally begins this podcast by sharing her background from a small country town, being the youngest of 6, and having a role-model in her mum being a small business owner She describes her father as a raving feminist. She reflects deeply about her father’s disagreement that a women’s fate should be determined by the man she married and how he schooled his four daughters that they were more than the relationship they were in. A standout part of this episode is when Sally practically walks us through the moment when women or anyone of difference has the courage to speak up and get’s treated by the rest of the room, as if the question was rhetorical. Sally shares some gold advice on how to influence allies in these moments. An added bonus is a window into inclusive boardroom conversations. We also squeeze in topics like, intersectionality, psychological and physical safety and the shared rage that that there are only 2 women of migrant backgrounds as CEO’s of ASX listed companies. If it all seems a little too much, Sally brings us all into a pragmatic space – she shares - Use the power at the level you have it. We can all certainly begin here, please enjoy the outstanding leadership voice of, Sally Bruce.
In this episode we interview, Marjan Khalidi who is a currently in the management consultancy space and recently is a qualified Career and Life Coach. What is so powerful in this interview is the level of deep introspection, and goal setting, that Marjan has led for herself. She walks us through her life journey as a 20 day old refugee in the arms of her professional parents as they made their way from Kabul to New Delhi to Australia in the late 80’s. She talks about the feeling of hopelessness and hope in watching 20 years of progress in health, education and employment for both men and women in Afghanistan collapse overnight in 2021. This will resonate with so many of us who play tug of war with our hearts and minds, in two countries we love, our homelands and Australia. Marjan, powerfully gives us her story of being a single mother for the last 5 years and how she has not only survived but thrived. There is so much in this interview for professional women from ethnic backgrounds and their allies and advocates in the workplace. My two favourite quotes from Marjan, [and there were many to choose from], are: Turn your pain into Power and Don’t let anyone dim your light. Please enjoy the lived experience and authentic leadership voice of, Marjan Khalidi.
In this episode, we host the fabulous, Mariam Veiszadeh, who is the inaugural CEO of Media Diversity Australia. Mariam walks us through her parents journey from Afghanistan, how it feels to begin again in a new country, giving up past lives and accomplishments. This interview is special, as Mariam gives us a rare inside view of the mental, emotional and physical toll of advocacy that comes with being a visible and vocal, migrant, Muslim woman of colour. Mariam talks about not only having a fan base but a troll base, and she chillingly recounts the kinds of threats she has endured. Mariam also shares her story of reclaiming and restoring her mental health through pragmatic decisions, she talks about, “what can I talk off my plate’. Changing gear, we talk about her role as CEO of Media Diversity Australia and she reminds us of why we need this so badly, with her phrase, “Media is a megaphone for culture”. Listen to her call to action at the end for allies and advocates not to wait to have skin in the game and the concept of "critical yeast" - you will have to listen in to understand more. Please enjoy the courageous, visionary leadership of, Mariam Veiszadeh.
In this episode, we host the incredible Antoinette Lattouf, co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, fellow 100 Women of Influence, writer, author, journalist from SBS, ABC, Channel 10 and more. What we talk about in this episode is sobering, Antoinette gives us an inside view of how, as women of colour, we have to do more, in this gender equality space, to be seen, heard and to create impact - we hold down jobs, take care of families, create communities, side hustles – we are change makers. We talk genuinely about the emotional labour that comes with it, the many moments of feeling like an imposter, and how we push through for the greater good, sometimes as the expense of ourselves. Of course, we had to talk about the media shaping our national conversation, what it is like to be the only or one of the very few women of colour journalists. Listen in for the practical pieces of advice Antoinette provides to women and to allies and advocates alike. One that stands out for me, is “Find your audience”. Please enjoy the courageous and compassionate leadership voice of Antoinette Lattouf.
In this episode, we host the incredible Kim Rubenstein, law professor, author, human rights advocate and an independent candidate for the Senate, in our upcoming election in Australia. In this episode, we hear about Kim’s upbringing, her Jewish identity, her early voice in standing up for herself and others. She explains what she means by active citizenship, what our government is missing to serve us as people, and what has driven her to stand as an Independent candidate. This podcast is informative, on citizenship and migration law, and is inspirational – Kim shows us how to lead advocacy and change. What sticks with me and I know it will, with you, is Kim’s reflection that our systems are built with who we are not, rather than who we are. Please enjoy this episode, filled with hope for the future, with the charismatic, Kim Rubenstein.
In this episode, we speak to Zoe Daniel who is the Independent candidate for Goldstein, in Australia's upcoming election [May 2022] and an award winning journalist. We talk about her growing up years, connection to horses, her decision to choose to write not become a vet, the support from female leaders and journalists throughout her career, her 4 years at the White House covering the election of Donald Trump and now her position as an Independent candidate. What is clear from this interview with Zoe is her passion to serve others, to manage her own fears of the unknown because she focusses on the potential positive outcomes of putting herself through hard things. She steps into the work, removes the mental blocks and gets to heart of what people need to live better futures. This interview is packed with practical examples of pushing through pressure, finding your voice and creating a vision. Thank you Zoe doing the work to find your voice to amplify ours. Listeners, please soak up the accountable and authentic leadership of Zoe Daniel.
Diana Sayed, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights. In this interview you will hear Diana’s strength and advocacy for gender equality, domestic violence, social justice and human rights. She is intelligent, carries global knowledge, she is savvy, articulate and we could have talked with her for hours. She walks us through her personal story as a refugee, from her parents courageous journey from Afghanistan to Delhi to Australia, growing up in Perth, realising her aspiration of being a human rights lawyer to her CEO role. We loved Diana’s catch phrase of not needing to be a model migrant, sticking to a lane – but respectfully challenging, advocating and envisioning a better Australia. Please enjoy this passionate and purposeful leadership of Diana Sayed.
Del Irani, was one of the main anchors on Australia’s national TV morning show, “ABC News Breakfast.” From 2013-2016, she was one of the creators and the anchor of the award-winning talk show, “#TalkAboutIt.” She was also Fact Check Anchor for RMIT ABC News in 2017 and 2018. Del currently anchors "EY's Real Time Business" produced by Reuters Plus and she's the host of “Deeper Look from New York” on NHK World-Japan. Del started her career in journalism as field producer, traveling and living in many different countries including Bermuda, Panama, Belgium and Dubai. She immigrated to Australia from Mumbai with her family when she was 8 years old. After growing up in Sydney, Del completed her degree on a scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley. In this episode, Del talks to us candidly about her career journey, navigating barriers and representation in the media. Del is as magnetic in this episode as she is in on live TV, please enjoy her wise words and warmth.
Susan Carland is a well known Australian academic, author and television presenter best known for her ongoing media presence speaking on her academic speciality of women in Islam. In this episode, Susan shares openly how she went about her decision to convert to Islam; we talk about how there are extremists in every religion; about how Muslim women scholars are leading conversations about gender equality and Islamophobia in Australia. Susan shares three great strategies for women breaking barriers and barriers in the workplace. She talks about seizing opportunities, outsourcing your self-esteem, and failing and learning fast. Please enjoy, the insights on self-leadership from Dr Susan Carland.
Abiola Ajetomobi is a social innovation strategist and NFP executive leader. Abiola's work and passion isabout forming creative and sustainable people-centred solutions to advance social and economic agency. Abiola leads in various capacities of influence and transformational change. She is currently the Director of Innovation Hub at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), a Board member of Plan International Australia and Chair of the Impact and Influence committee at Plan. She also Co-chairs The United African Farm and Joy Way Widows Foundation and is a founding member of the Women of Colour Melbourne Collective. Abiola's centres her efforts in spaces where her lived experience expertise can complement her skills and knowledge to bring about lasting social change. Please enjoy the magnetic leadership voice of, Abiola Ajetomobi.
Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey is a globally recognised authority on Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. He is also the host of The Element of Inclusion; a weekly podcast that informs and educates using applied research and thought leadership. This episode is jam packed with perspectives from Jonathan that will make you pause and rethink your position on diversity and inclusion in the workplace – listen out for why Jonathan thinks D&I is a grudge purchase, how he explains 'ethnic penalties', how we compare and contrast the D&I landscape in Australia and the UK. Please enjoy the passionate and purposeful thought leadership of Dr Jonathan.
Welcome to Season 3 of Business In Colour. We have an incredible line up of leaders for you to connect with this season. To kick us off is the amazing Kemi Nekvapil.Kemi Nekvapil knows the feelings of fear, vulnerability and powerlessness. Growing up in foster care, many times she had the doors to validation and opportunity closed to her because of her race and gender. Learning to make her own choices and use her voice without apology were her first steps towards a bold, purpose-filled life.Now a highly respected executive and personal coach, Kemi has created a five-step process to guide other women to build their power and transform their lives through the principles of Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality and Responsibility. (POWER) Drawing from her personal lived experience and work with clients, Kemi deconstructs traditional power paradigms; explores why, as women, we so readily give our power away; and shows us how to reclaim our power, and all that’s possible when we build a power-fueled life.Kemi Nekvapil is one of Australia’s leading credentialed coaches, She has studied leadership and purpose at The Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan and trained with Dr Brené Brown to become a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, and hosts the number one ranking podcast The Shift Series - which is now in season 3. Join us in this powerful conversation with the incomparable Kemi Nekvapil
Prue Gilbert founder of Grace Papers shares with us her journey to founding Grace Papers. Launched in 2015, Grace Papers is a social change business leveraging technology to drive gender equality. It is a coaching tool offering advise on negotiating parental leave and flexible working conditions for both men and women. Earlier this year, Div and I appeared on Prue's International Woman's Day Panel and there were a number of questions that we were not able to answer. Towards the end of the podcast Prue takes over hosting and asks us some of those unanswered questions.
Shantelle is a proud Barkindji woman/warrior, born in NSW, mother to four kids, a 3 x world champion, entrepreneur, role model, story teller, survivor. Shantelle has faced many challenges and has risen from each one a stronger woman. In this podcast she openly shares her journey, how she felt as a fair skinned aboriginal woman who felt uncomfortable in her own skin, she could either be black or white but not both!One of 18 siblings she grew up fighting, however it was severe post natal depression after the birth of her twins that lead her to martial arts. Shantelle is raw and open in this podcast about her experiences and how it has made her the woman she is today. You can hear the warrior in her towards the end when we talk about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Regardless of what life has thrown at her, Shantelle has always had purpose, today she is committed to championing the rights of First Nations People. She is one of the most courageous people we know...
This podcast touches on suicide, mental illness, depression, if you or someone you know needs help please contact Lifeline on 131114 or Beyond Blue on 1800512348
Rosie Wheen is the CEO of WaterAid and Non-Executive Board Director at The Australian Council of International Development. In this episode we talk about her formative education experience in Hong Kong, her entry into aid work and her journey into senior leadership. She talks genuinely about not making it to the CEO role in her first attempt and her learning, positioning and success in her second attempt. It is the kind of story you don’t hear often from C-suite leaders – how they got there. We talk about privilege and how to use it for others and we learn about the privilege of having water, sanitation and hygiene in our country. Did you know that 785 million people don’t have clean water close to home, 2 billion people don't have a decent toilet of their own? Think about living through a pandemic under these conditions and hear our collective call to action: Donate to WaterAid: www.wateraid.org/au. Please enjoy listening to the authentic, resilient and game changing leadership of Rosie Wheen.
Mannie is also the Principal Lawyer and Co-Founder of Vision & Regal Group (VRG), an innovative disrupter in the legal industry, being one of the only law practices in Australia that places intersectionality at the core of its work. She passionately advocates for marginalised communities, regularly appearing on various media panels and programs, like The Drum, Q&A, Law in Colour to provide a voice to those who are often absent from our complex judicial system. She has been named as one of Melbourne’s most influential lawyers by the Herald Sun, and is also a finalist of Women of the Future 2021, a Women’s Weekly initiative celebrating the incredible social impact of young women in Australia. This interview filled Sadhana Smiles and I with hope for the next generation of women leaders,. Mannie is a lawyer with a humanistic touch, she is making change in the system, so it creates a more fair and equal society for all of us. Please enjoy the charismatic, Manmeet Kaur Verma.
Deepak-Raj Gupta has been many 'firsts' in his lifetime. Deepak was the first person of Indian origin to run in an ACT election, under the Australia Labor Party in 2016. Deepak, was sworn in, in July 2019, becoming the first Indian-born person to hold the position of a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian Capital Territory. In this episode we cover a lot, from Deepak-Raj's background, journey into Australia, career trajectory, pathway into politics and his experiences in parliament. We talk about representation in politics, how we can't wait our turn anymore, how multicultural people are ready now to have a voice in decision making that affects their lives and future generations. Please enjoy this impactful servant leader, Deepak-Raj Gupta.
Naomi Steer is the Founding Director of UNHCR Australia. UNHCR raises funds to support international humanitarian work. We talk to Naomi about what lead her to UNHCR, the work that is done by her teams at ground level. Keep in mind, Naomi's team are the ones left behind when everyone else has left - they are incredibly brave humans. Naomi shares her experience in refugee camps and her thoughts on the Australian refugee program. There are over 82.4M people who are displaced in the world (UNCHR Global Stats 2020) and the number of people forcibly displaced around the world has doubled in the past decade and if this trend continues this number will hit 100M. The worlds worst affected is Syria with 13.5M displaced, Colombia has 8.3M, 80% of those displaced in Afghanistan are women and children. Displacement of humans is the cause of our time with conflict being the key reason why people are forced from their homes. The incredible work that the teams with UNHCR do needs your support. You can donate via the UNCHR website -www.unrefugees.org.auNaomi Steer is an incredible woman who has spent her life in service of others and all I can say is thank you to her and the UNCHR team.
Ro Allen is the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner. Sadhana and I loved this authentic conversation with Ro and we left inspired, hopeful and confident that Ro is leading the right conversations about human rights in Victoria. Ro comes at this work, through leveraging their lived experience, but also creating space for other voices to be heard. Prior to joining the Commission, Ro served as the inaugural Victorian Commissioner for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, Intersex and Queer Communities. Ro walks us through their journey and it is a powerful one. What impressed us, was Ro's demonstration of equity, sharing they had no fear to step aside for others. Please enjoy this wonderful leader amongst us, fighting for a more fair and equal Victoria.
Steph Cousins is the Co-CEO of Talent Beyond Boundaries - if you have not heard of them, jump onto talentbeyondboundaries.org and hit the employer button or job seeker button. Right now there are 30 000 talented refugees and other displaced people waiting to migrate on the basis of their skills to secure their futures. What Talent Beyond Boundaries has done in Australia, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, the UK and the US is improve the pathways for people entering countries and match talent to demand, for businesses. In Australia, people enter on a PR status and are hired for competence and the value they can bring. Hear how Steph has led herself and her team in this humanitarian space for over 15 years and how she ensures dignity and respect for the people Talent Beyond Boundaries supports. Please enjoy the compassionate and courageous leadership of Steph Cousins.
Tasneem Chopra OAM is Cross-cultural Consultant, Board Director and popular expert commentator at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Tasneem is the inaugural 2021 Ambassador for Women of Colour, Australia. In 2020, Tasneem was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for her efforts in championing diversity and has also been named an Anti-Racism Champion by the Australian Human Rights Commission. In this conversation we talk about her parents, her upbringing, her time in Darwin, Bendigo and her love for Melbourne. We also pack in what it feels like to be different and to value that difference; how people in power need to stop hash tagging and start doing the work; how cultural diversity represented needs to be business as usual; our Nation's response to the Afghanistan crisis and much more. Please enjoy this heartwarming conversation, with the powerhouse, Tasneem Chopra.
Laura Berry is the CEO of Supply Nation, which provides Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous businesses. You can search by business name, product, service, area, or category. Jump onto supplynation.org.auThis is more than just corporate social responsibility - did you know for every $1 of revenue, Indigenous Certified Suppliers generate $4.41 of social return. That means your dollar is working 4 times harder when you spend with Indigenous businesses. This just makes good business sense. In this episode, we hear Laura's personal and career journey and how she found her way to Supply Nation. She is formidable and what Supply Nation does is impactful - changing lives, organisations and the economy for the better. Please enjoy this equitable and inclusive leader, Laura Berry.
Powerhouse woman Mathuri Santhi-Morgan is our guest today. Like many of us she wears several hats - corporate life, family, political activism and founder of Girls Rising Up. Global, Intercultural, Resilient, Loud and Strong (GIRLS) Rising Up, is a movement to give intercultural women and girls visibility. She started it up when her own daughter experienced the "otherness" because of the colour of her skin. Born in Malaysia of Sri Lankan heritage, Mathuri shares the story of how her father encouraged her to leave and make a home in Australia for the sake of her future and that of her children. Mathuri shares the identity crisis many migrants go through, where we are constantly having to find ways to mesh our lived experiences and make it part of our identity. She is very clear about who is and her purpose. She shares with us how she got here. I love how determined she is on speaking up and having a voice. "Every time I am shut down, I will keep speaking up". When we all speak up it creates a path to diversity and inclusion. Mathuri constantly asks herself the question - who am I diverse from? Is this an easy way of labelling us? How can a blended society, which is where we are heading have labels? A better term is perhaps intercultural, one society that identifies with a myriad of cultures. Div and I loved talking to Mathuri and we committed to starting a "National Bindi & Sari Day"... a day where we proudly wear our bindi and Sari's. Because like many of you we too have opted out to wearing them...:-)
Christina Hobbs is the co-founder of Verve Super, a super fund that is committed to empowering women and is Australia's first ethical super fund founded by women for women.Why is this important? Women retire on 47% less super than men and this impacts our ability to retire well, make the right investments, perhaps live independently or even achieve all of our potential.Christina is committed to building the financial power of women and at the same time ensuring that the funds are invested ethically.Prior to founding Verve Christina worked for the United Nations for over a decade as the financial expert in war torn Iraq and Syria and had a short political stint.We talk to Christina about what women need to pay attention to; to ensure that they retire well.
Maritza is the producer and host of her own show, The Things You Can’t Un-Hear, which has consistently been rated in the TOP 20 Self-Improvement podcasts in Australia and she is Co-Founder of Conscious Conversations Australia, an organisation that creates tools for workplaces, schools and individuals to enhance human connection. Maritza is also the producer of Business in Colour! We are so proud to have her in our corner to help us get diverse stories out into the world. Maritza has her own powerful story and it is one about finding yourself. She reminds us to do just that - communicate with ourselves, she says, "be clear on who you are, before you say or do anything”. Please enjoy, the magnetic, Maritza Barone.
In this episode, we talk to Niki Vincent who is the Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector. Her words cut to the chase, she is calling for real change with gender equality in the public sector and she has the influence to do it in Victoria with the Gender Equality Act (2020); and indeed nudge other states, the private sector and NFP's. 350 defined entities in the public sector need to comply with the obligations of the Act and this brings them to the precipice of change. Niki says, 'be open, don't be afraid to look and understand the data, just begin'. A blueprint to begin, is on the website: www.genderequalitycommission.vic.gov.au, jam packed with free templates, guides and toolkits. Niki is wonderfully genuine, powerful and vulnerable, honest and open - she is a natural at leading and inspiring positive change in others. Please enjoy this educative, heartwarming and gutsy conversation, with the magnetic, Dr Niki Vincent.
In this episode of Business in Colour, we bring you a different kind of leadership - the grassroots and community leadership of Melissa Monteiro, who is the CEO of the Community Migrant Resource Centre and the author of The Girl from Mumbai - please grab yourself a copy here: https://www.melissamonteiro.com/ Melissa walks us through her journey from Mumbai to Australia and how she has along with others, created impact on individual lives and advocated for change at a systemic level through strategic relationships and Board roles. She shares some gold advice too, for women of colour charting their leadership journey, around strategic positioning, environmental scanning and creating influence. Her call to action for others looking into the worlds of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, is to choose love not fear. Please enjoy the humanistic grassroots leadership of, Melissa Monteiro.
Caitlin Figueiredo (“Fig-ar-ey-do”) is a proud multicultural woman, social entrepreneur and activist. At 22 she was listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30. She currently sits on three United Nations Task Forces and was named an Obama White House Changemaker for Gender Equality by Michelle Obama and a Queens Young Leader. A globally renowned gender equality activist, Caitlin is ranked alongside Gloria Steinem and Chelsea Clinton, as an influencer to 18.5 million women from over 196 countries. Sadhana and I were in awe of her accomplishments, but also warmed by her grounded sense of reality. She makes us hopeful for what this generation of leaders can do. Please enjoy listening to Caitlin Figueiredo.
Have you ever wondered who the next generation of politicians will be and will we attract talented young women given the current landscape? In this podcast Div and I speak to Lucy Skelton, a remarkable young woman who is determined to become a politician. She already has an outstanding resume. Founding her first business at the young age of 15, starting an online student voice network group at 17, she cares about social justice and environmental issues and is focused on creating the change she wants to see.We talk to her about "why politics" a question I think her parents have asked many times, what its like working in Parliament, does she feels safe, who are her political mentors, and what she thinks about the current crop of politicians.She shares with us her vision for the Student Voice Network and how businesses can be involved and engage with her group globally.Div and I have no doubt that Lucy will end up in politics, she is fearless, enjoys the debate and is confident.Like us I have no doubt at the end of this podcast you too will go "WOW" and be grateful for young women like Lucy who have the courage to step up and be as determined as she is to be a future leader of Australia.We wish Lucy all the best and look forward to following and more importantly supporting her journey.
Coretta Bessi is the Chief Procurement Officer at Westpac and she has been a seasoned C-Suite and executive leader in procurement for large, prominent brands. Coretta shares how impactful procurement can be in business and socially - we love how she describes the profession - she clearly loves what she does - it is passion and purpose aligned. Coretta opens up and shares some of her personal story and we promise you, it is one you won’t expect...looking at where she is today. It is a reminder to find the diversity in everyone. Coretta has some gold, practical advice for women managing their career and salary negotiations. Both Sadhana and I wish we had some of this advice early on in our careers. Coretta is a true advocate for all women and in recent years she has become more public and clear about the need to champion CALD women. She has used her sphere of influence to make real change for individuals and organisations she has led, and is a stellar example of advocacy in action. Please enjoy the commercial head and social heart of Coretta Bessi.
Steve Vaid is the Director of Customer Services, AMP Australia and the only man of colour at this level at AMP. Steve unpacks his Persian, Pakistani, Indian, British roots and lets us in on a little unknown fact, his name is Steve Raj, Vaid - we are sure AMP colleagues are going to have fun with this. Steve grew up in Coventry and describes it as a tough place to grow up, as an Asian kid in the 80’s due to racism. His father’s background in the union and his schooling environment taught him how to navigate racism early on. Steve shares his Right to Left thinking which is very human centric, both for the customer and the employee. Steve is on his journey to making change for people of colour in his sphere of influence, we are looking forward to what he will do next. We love that he made this commitment in our interview. Please enjoy this big hearted, inclusive executive, Steve Vaid.
Shanthi is the Head of Campaign & Strategy at Adore Beauty, Australia’s leading online beauty retailer. In this interview, Shanthi shares her parent’s migration story to Australia in the 80’s and being the only brown skinned family in the area – she talks openly about the isolation, the resilience, how it felt being called the ‘N’ word, how the perception of beauty was different for an Australian South Asian girl and how the love from her parents and siblings ground her always. Shanthi’s story is one of an independent, inclusive, innovative thinker who brings others along the journey with her. Please enjoy this emotional and inspirational interview with the change-maker and hope generator, Shanthi Murugan. Also, if you believe that Australian beauty should be for everyone, check out and sign the petition that Shanthi is championing: https://www.globalshades.org/sign
Donald works for, global #4 law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia specializing predominantly in commercial matters. His duties also include business development work at Jaramer Legal, Australia’s first national Indigenous law firm. Donald has been many firsts in his lifetime, from being the Youngest serving senator in the history of Kansas, through to being the First African American Study Body President in his University’s 100 year history. Donald shares some gold advice the first from his grandfather - “Get all you can and can all you get” - you will have to listen in to hear what he means; and his advice for people of colour and others - “Lean in and take off the armour. Have a candid conversation”. Please enjoy the warm, smart, funny and unstoppable change maker, Donald Betts and look out for his podcast, https://greenlandthepodcast.com/
Matt is the Chief Information Officer of mebank. He is an experienced CIO with brands like iiNet and Westfarmers. Matt has been a champion of diversity and inclusion across his career and shows this in practice in his thinking and his actions. He has recently stepped up to be the sponsor of Reconciliation Action Plan work at mebank and we got him thinking in this podcast about the challenge for women of colour in IT in the workplace. Matt has always been open to challenge and is not afraid to learn from others. His openness and vulnerability with people are his strength. Please enjoy, the very pragmatic and inclusive, Matt Toohey.
Preeti Bajaj, is the CEO of the Adecco Group ANZ, the world’s leading HR solutions partner, and MD of Modis Australia. Preeti describes herself as proudly Indian, Proudly Australian and Proudly Global, and she brings all of it together in the unique way she leads and challenges, people and the sector, to drive for a more sustainable tomorrow. In this podcast Preeti shares her start in Australia, in 1998, with a one-way ticket from India and $700 to her name; to where she is now. She shares three main takeaways from her leadership journey - you will have to tune in to hear what they are – please enjoy the trailblazer, Preeti Bajaj.
Ben Hill is a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer and is currently, Marketing Director at Mars Wrigley. Ben unpacks his story for us from a personal perspective, marrying his Sri Lankan partner and learning how to cross-culturally navigate his own inclusion being the first white person to enter this close-knit Sri-Lankan family. He talks about his early career, through to his leadership journey and shares why he is an advocate for the multicultural consumer. Listen in for his “inside out and outside in” perspective on leadership; and for his predictions on how brands will need to change, to affect and respond to social movements, much like they did to the BLM movement. Ben raises the question: Are leaders deliberately connecting to society as it is today or are they connecting with a society they grew up with 20 years ago? What a great question. Please enjoy the consciously deliberate, marketing executive, Ben Hill - making inclusion matter for employees and customers.
Mariam is the Co-Founder of MoneyGirl, an AFR 100 Women of Influence and was recognised by the Foundation for Young Australians as a Young Social Pioneer. Mariam’s energy is infectious. When you listen to this podcast, you will know how Sadhana and I felt - hope for the future. We take a reflective journey into Mariam’s growing up years in Pakistan and why she left at 19 to move to Sydney. Fast forward to the present, Mariam shares with us the motivation to start Money Girl and her expert insights into young people of colour’s attitudes and relationship with Money. Mariam’s journey to find her voice and then use her voice to help others is impressive – please enjoy the formidable Mariam Mohammed.
Tony Walker, CEO of Ambulance Victoria, talks with us about how he has led himself, his team, his workforce and influenced the Board to bring about true change in the toughest of times, the bushfires, during COVID, dealing with harassment and mental health issues. Tony is experienced, having three decades of working in a range of senior clinical, operational and leadership roles within the ambulance sector. But what sets Tony apart is his ability to test and challenge himself and continuously learn - he has a transformational leadership style and is human centric in his approach – he talks about listening, being vulnerable, and embracing discomfort, in order to keep progressing. Hear his call to action for other leaders to measure and improve with regards to Diversity and Inclusion. Please enjoy Tony Walker, one of the most respected and courageous leaders of our time.
Lynn Bonner talks to us all the way from Atlanta, in the United States – she is the Vice President of Agile and Business Transformation at the US Bank – let’s just appreciate that for a moment – a woman, a women of colour and a woman of colour in tech. Lynn is also the Founder of the Action Leadership Lab – where she coaches and mentors people to hold their space and transform themselves. Lynn’s energy is infectious and she leads from the front in everything she does. Lynn packs in heaps of practical strategies for women of colour and allies – I promise you, you will feel the need to grab a pen and paper. Listen to her call to action at the end and what it means – she calls it, “Each one, help one” - it captures the legacy Lynn is building and leaving behind. Please enjoy trailblazer, Lynn Bonner.
This is Entsar Hamid, what a powerhouse leader and one of the very few females of colour in senior leadership in State Government. She is named as one of the Top 50 Women in the Public Sector 2018, is currently the Deputy President of the IPAA (Victoria) and a Board Member of Gender Equality Victoria. Entsar opens up to us about her parents and their courage, reinvention as part of their family's story, assimilation vs. integration; micro-aggressions vs. racism both in Australia and the US; and more. Here us as 3 brown women talk about our role-plays for racism - how we arm ourselves and our children with the language and tools to deal with racism in places we live and work.
We have all just celebrated International Woman's Day across Australia. To Mark this day we are sharing our conversation with the delightful Tarla Lambert. A self confessed political junkie, writer and fierce advocate for equality.Tarla is the co-owner & editor in chief of Women’s Agenda and like many of us felt that the Choose to Challenge theme this year was hard to connect with. We have been challenging on many fronts for many years and the movement on change has been too slow. Women’s agenda has shared many opinions this week on this theme.Tarla has a rich heritage, her Malay Indian grandmother was known to ride in Jags and live in mansions.Tarla shares with us her challenges growing up as a mixed race child, how she connects with her heritage today and how glass jars that spices are kept in seem to be the thing of south East Asian women the world over.We discuss how the mainstream media in Australia lacks diverse voices and a shortage of women, which impacts on how the news is reported.Women's Agenda is creating a pipeline of diverse talent through its awards, something that many businesses are simply not doing.We discuss how we need more "Truth and Authenticity" from our leaders world over and the importance of owning our heritage and sharing what the barriers are and the support needed to break these down.I do love her line "If you think it is political madness gone mad you are missing the point". Get with the Program.We nearly named this episode "made more dosa's" - to find out why you will need to listen to ourconversation with the delightful Tarla Lambert.
Adam Fennessy, is the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner. Adam has over 20 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels, including serving as Secretary (CEO) of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning. In this conversation, Adam bravely navigated conversations with senior leaders, and confronted organisational processes as one of the first male senior leaders to request part time work in his previous workplace, years ago. He has gone onto challenge other males to walk the talk. He puts it perfectly – Being a Champion of Change is a verb, not a noun - we have got to act! Please enjoy this heart warming interview with the courageous, Adam Fennessy.
Vivienne, Chair of the Victoria’s Multicultural Commission takes us also through reflections of her role as Chair during the bushfires, covid responses, the lockdown towers – we loved her leadership advice – “step out, step up and step in”. Vivienne has the perfect mix of lived experience, corporate and public service that gives her the character and competence to lead and influence authentically. Vivienne is laser focussed on creating a Victoria where everyone can fully participate – no matter their background, religion or identity. Get behind Vivienne, her purpose and passion is infectious.
Helen Kapalos has had many roles in her career Broadcaster, Filmmaker, Communications Specialist, Board Director, Chairperson but in this interview, she presents herself, her beliefs, her values, her passions and her purpose. She shares her views on media ethics, how the media is really a medium to tell good stories and how of late, the media has failed the community in many respects. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, enjoy Helen and tune in for what she means when she says, "The Clearest Person Wins"
Daizy Maan, is a force to be reckoned with. She currently leads the Australian Digital Job Accelerator which helps young people use their skills freelancing. She is the founder of the Australian South Asian Centre where she operates Australia’s first wellness space dedicated to culturally diverse women. In this interview, Daizy takes us through her personal journey working through finding her voice and shows us how we can help others find theirs. She shows us how to make change and use your sphere of influence. She is an inspiration to us all, especially to young women.
Our conversation today is with Michelle Winzer the ex-CEO of Bank of Melbourne.She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and another absolute powerhouse woman.She was one of three female CEO’s in our banking sector and what I love about Michelle is that she wore her heart on her sleeve, something that wouldn’t have been easy.I love how she believes that it is important to pay forward the support we get as women and it is important to look out for each other, and ensure that we bring others along with us. Michelle does this by helping several young women by mentoring and coaching.I met Michelle when I joined the Bank of Melbourne Diversity Council and I have watched firsthand how she influenced the culture and leadership.She learnt what not to do or be from some of the worst leaders she has worked with, she has advocated for culturally diverse men and women into leadership roles. She knows it is right for that person and it is right for the organisation.To quote Michelle… "It is important to see the whole of what the person offers the organisation, the value and contribution they can make". "This goes a long way to break down self imposed bias and perhaps unconscious bias at an organisational level".What I found interesting was that Michelle was never encouraged to focus on education or have a career. All of this drives self-doubt, imposter syndrome, not having support and all of this connects her to many women from culturally diverse backgrounds.I asked her if she thought we would see another woman CEO in the banking sector anytime soon and and her answer sadly was no due to lack of talent pool and you can see this with the recruitment practise over the last 6-12 months has been all men. She feels we have gone backwards to the 80’s and 90s… a sad place to find ourselves.Michelle is a wonderful advocate and ally, I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Irene openly shares with us her experiences growing up in Australia, challenges she faced and how by choosing to work offshore first actually made her more competitive and attractive to one of the top 4 accounting firms back in Australia.Like many of us from culturally diverse background, Irene has experienced her fair share of bias, both conscious and unconscious.What I love about Irene is she has the confidence to call it out.She shares with us her positive experiences with allies, many of whom opened doors for her.I love her answer to the question, why do leaders need to focus on diversity…Now you will need to listen to the podcast to hear her whole answer but as a teaser one of her comments was around how leaders can come and go but customers, who come from all different backgrounds will stay if they have a connection to your brand.She shares with us why diversity and Inclusion needs to be measured, targets set and the messaging on the importance of D&I is top down.Irene, like many of us, is disappointed with the representation of women at ASX level, however agrees we also need to measure women's success at C-Suite level across all sectors not just ASX.I have known Irene now for many years, she is driven, successful, and an absolute powerhouse.
This episode kicks of Season 2 of Business In Colour. We have had some wonderful feedback from you post our launch late 2020. Thank you for your support. Please continue to subscribe and share with your tribe. We are thrilled to have the Hon Philip Dalidakis open Season 2 for us. Philip is a former member of the Victorian Government, he is a strong advocate for multiculturalism and diversity in business. He is unafraid to challenge the status quo, he says what needs to be said and believes that the bias we have are learnt behaviours therefore can be unlearnt. Philip is a migrant, his father is Greek and mum is Jewish, they joined us for the recording of this podcast and it was wonderful to see them so proud of their son. He connects with both the Jewish and Greek cultures and has great pride in his dual heritage. Philip shares the story of how 8 days after his grandparents got married his grandfather was taken to a concentration camp - Dachau, leaving his grandmother to fend for herself. They arrived in Australia via Shanghai. (listen to the podcast to find out how!)We talk to Philip about Australia day and how he believes that we do need to consider finding a new day that we can all settle on as a Country. Until then it is important that we acknowledge the atrocities that were committed against our First Nations People. Alongside this it is also critical we rewrite the constitution and take into account First Nations People. We can't change our history, we have to acknowledge it and we can learn from it. Div and I loved talking to Philip, we didn't want to end the interview. We know you will love listening to him as much as we enjoyed interviewing him.
Dirk Smith is an Executive Leader with over 27 years of experience leading large, complex infrastructure projects. He puts his engineering mind to D&I with his interest in data, evidence and measurement. Dirk comes from South Africa and recalls how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped to heal a nation and reflects on his own experience as a white man coming to terms with his own values and identity during this tumultuous time. Dirk’s message is clear and poignant for Australia, as we look forward to 2021 – confront the truth and do the right thing. We hope you carry this message into your conversations.
Scott Tanner is a strong ally who walks the talk when it comes to diversity. During his time as CEO for Bank Of Melbourne he successfully set up a multicultural program that focused on the voice of the customer - internally and externally. He only ever had four people between him and the customer so was very connected to the outcome the customer wanted. He has worked in diverse organisation's where the stale, pale male does not have a monopoly. Diversity is how an organisation gets talent and is then able to scale and compete globally. What gave me goosebumps in this conversation is when Scott says " Diversity is a philosophy".....this is something perhaps many leaders should consider. This is a wonderful interview with a leader speaks from the heart and his passion for diversity and doing the right thing is seen in the work he has done and continues to do.
While hosting a panel, Angela had an "aha" moment, recognising that the panel was in no way a reflection the community. This lead to Angela making deliberate decisions on the make up of her team, the stories written, the women quoted.Angela is a leader who is very intentional about diversity. As one of the few women in Australia who heads up a media business she is ensuring that Women's Agenda's voice is one that captures the voices of the community.When we consider mainstream media in Australia, it lacks diversity, the alternate view point. Diversity is critical because we are influenced by what we see, read and hear, media shapes our conversations, beliefs, opinions and knowledge. A diverse media team will report stories differently and this matters.Angela Priestley is the Founding Editor of Women's Agenda, and now heads up the publication's parent company Agenda Media. She's a journalist and editor turned media entrepreneur and business owner.
Emma Isaacs leads from the front and with heart, vulnerably, powerfully, progressively. We talk with her from her home base in LA, in a raw interview about George Floyd's death, the BLM movement and the impact on the world and in our personal lives. Emma is an active ally and advocate who says, "we are all learning as we go, we don't have all the answers, but...I am committed as a leader to making an impact".Emma Isaacs is founder and global CEO of Business Chicks, and the author of the book Winging It. You can find out more about Emma here: www.emmaisaacs.com
Welcome to Business In Colour, hosted by Div Pillay & Sadhana Smiles. In this introduction episode we'd love for you to get to know who we are and what inspired us on this journey to share these important conversations with you. Our producer & fellow podcaster, Maritza Barone joins us for episode 1. Business in colour is a podcast that inspires, empowers and mobilizes leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity. Hear our stories so that you understand our journey, our experiences and our wants. We bring to you leaders who are doing incredible work in this space. We know this work is not easy, we know the challenges leaders face. Our hope is that by listening to the leaders on the Business In Colour podcast, you make a commitment to act for positive change. Our businesses must reflect the colours of the communities we work and live in.You can find out more about us here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/https://www.linkedin.com/in/divpillay/