Sorry Day is an invitation to reflection and action.
To Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people,
I say sorry for taking your children.
I say sorry for taking your land.
I say sorry for not offering equal opportunities to your People.
I say sorry for the systemic issues we haven't been able to address yet.
I say sorry for not having closed the gap earlier.
What if we connect more with you, the custodians of the land? Which possibilities and opportunities would emerge?
For a mindful and authentic leadership style to emerge in this Country, I believe we need to connect with the custodians of the land on which we live and lead. Finding inspirations from First Nations' people to solve our common yet most crucial issues.
I firmly believe that better understanding and respect for indigenous cultures develop an enriched appreciation of Australia's cultural heritage and lead to reconciliation. This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation. This is also fundamental to the development of the Australian identity that we all contribute to shape and model.
How to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in our work?
Fostering caring curiosity
Setting a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels heard is a good start. We share deep feelings more consciously and understand the impact our behaviours have on others. We care and are genuinely curious about the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australians. We learn about perceptions and worldviews.
Bringing authentic indigenous ways of listening, sharing and learning.
As I see it, it must be at the origin of each work and go beyond acknowledging the Country. A powerful way of incorporating Indigenous perspectives is to consider working with frameworks that enable every leader to experience an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander way of doing things. For example, in our Authentic Women Empowerment program, we practice yarning circles as an excellent tool for bringing authentic indigenous ways of listening, sharing and learning.
Creating the container for people to reflect and change how they see the world
In another leadership program I run, we create the container to foster meaningful conversations. We ask ourselves how do we make this experience work for everyone. This simple question enables participants to ask themselves how investing in their development as emerging leaders could positively impact First Nations People.
Allowing simple and easy solutions
Sometimes, it's as simple as asking people on which land they sit and which Aboriginal community group they want to acknowledge and honour. Bring it to consciousness and let
A human-centred approach to problem-solving
When we co-design effective and practical solutions with people impacted by the change, we challenge the norms and ensure systemic issues are addressed, inclusive of all.
Meaningful connections
Who do you find inspiration from? Who do you connect with? I'm lucky to catch up with my friend Seona (when she isn't busy supporting organisations on their indigenous cultural awareness journey). She is an inspiration to me. I admire her passion and willingness to make an impact. I deeply listen to the stories she tells as a learning opportunity to bridge the gap.
To all First nations People, I acknowledge your legacy and embrace your wisdom. Mindful of the energy of your land, I feel grateful for your profound spiritual connection to land. I'm thankful for how much your care for our environment. I admire your strengths and honour your vulnerability. I listen to your voice and deeply connect with your heart. I'm sorry for the mistakes I've made and probably will make along the way; I'm still learning every day and wish we could do more.
I say sorry for taking your children.
I say sorry for taking your land.
I say sorry for not offering equal opportunities to your People.
I say sorry for the systemic issues we haven't been able to address yet.
I say sorry for not having closed the gap earlier.
What if we connect more with you, the custodians of the land? Which possibilities and opportunities would emerge?
For a mindful and authentic leadership style to emerge in this Country, I believe we need to connect with the custodians of the land on which we live and lead. Finding inspirations from First Nations' people to solve our common yet most crucial issues.
I firmly believe that better understanding and respect for indigenous cultures develop an enriched appreciation of Australia's cultural heritage and lead to reconciliation. This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation. This is also fundamental to the development of the Australian identity that we all contribute to shape and model.
How to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in our work?
Fostering caring curiosity
Setting a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels heard is a good start. We share deep feelings more consciously and understand the impact our behaviours have on others. We care and are genuinely curious about the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australians. We learn about perceptions and worldviews.
Bringing authentic indigenous ways of listening, sharing and learning.
As I see it, it must be at the origin of each work and go beyond acknowledging the Country. A powerful way of incorporating Indigenous perspectives is to consider working with frameworks that enable every leader to experience an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander way of doing things. For example, in our Authentic Women Empowerment program, we practice yarning circles as an excellent tool for bringing authentic indigenous ways of listening, sharing and learning.
Creating the container for people to reflect and change how they see the world
In another leadership program I run, we create the container to foster meaningful conversations. We ask ourselves how do we make this experience work for everyone. This simple question enables participants to ask themselves how investing in their development as emerging leaders could positively impact First Nations People.
Allowing simple and easy solutions
Sometimes, it's as simple as asking people on which land they sit and which Aboriginal community group they want to acknowledge and honour. Bring it to consciousness and let
A human-centred approach to problem-solving
When we co-design effective and practical solutions with people impacted by the change, we challenge the norms and ensure systemic issues are addressed, inclusive of all.
Meaningful connections
Who do you find inspiration from? Who do you connect with? I'm lucky to catch up with my friend Seona (when she isn't busy supporting organisations on their indigenous cultural awareness journey). She is an inspiration to me. I admire her passion and willingness to make an impact. I deeply listen to the stories she tells as a learning opportunity to bridge the gap.
To all First nations People, I acknowledge your legacy and embrace your wisdom. Mindful of the energy of your land, I feel grateful for your profound spiritual connection to land. I'm thankful for how much your care for our environment. I admire your strengths and honour your vulnerability. I listen to your voice and deeply connect with your heart. I'm sorry for the mistakes I've made and probably will make along the way; I'm still learning every day and wish we could do more.