New Indigenous Business Australia Director Bronwyn Dodd brings a wealth of experience to the role, but still sees listening and learning as vital aspects of the job.
The Ngarrindjeri woman from South Australia has more than 20 years of leadership experience across banking, housing, health and community services.
She was previously National General Manager of Indigenous Banking at Westpac and Executive Director of Customers and Services at the South Australian Housing Authority.
"This appointment brings together the experiences that have shaped my career," Ms Dodd told The Indigenous Business Review (a National Indigenous Times publication).
"I have had the privilege of leading across banking, government and the not-for-profit sector, always with a focus on creating better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"Throughout that journey, I have seen the transformative impact that economic participation can have for individuals, families and communities. I accepted the Minister's invitation because I believe I can contribute that experience to an organisation whose purpose aligns so closely with my own values."
Ms Dodd her priority as a new IBA Director, her "priority is to listen, learn and contribute thoughtfully alongside the Chair, my fellow Directors and management".
"I am particularly focused on supporting IBA's strategy execution, drawing on my experience across banking, government and governance to help strengthen opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through business, home ownership and investment," she said.
"My role is to provide strong governance, strategic oversight and constructive challenge, while supporting IBA to deliver meaningful and lasting economic outcomes for the communities it serves."
Ms Dodd told The Indigenous Business Review "economic empowerment is one of the most powerful drivers of self-determination".
"IBA plays a critical role by creating pathways to business ownership, home ownership and investment, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples build wealth and create opportunities for future generations," she said.
"Those outcomes strengthen not only individuals, but families, communities and, ultimately, the Australian economy."
She said the narrative around Indigenous business in Australia needs to shift and recognise the significant role First Nations enterprises play in the overall economy.
"I would like to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses viewed not through the lens of disadvantage, but as an important contributor to Australia's economy," Ms Dodd said.
"We have exceptional entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators who deserve equitable access to capital, procurement opportunities and markets.
"More broadly, I hope we continue to build an Australia where economic participation is genuinely inclusive, where First Nations businesses are recognised for the value they create, and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have every opportunity to succeed on their own terms."
Upon announcing the appointment of Ms Dodd and the two other new IBA Directors, Jessica Bulger and Krista Dunstan, federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said their "diverse and extensive experience will support the important work of IBA and the self-determination and economic empowerment of First Nations families and communities".
