A national leadership program has welcomed its 10th group of participants, bringing together 51 Indigenous leaders from 26 organisations across Australia.
The Executive Indigenous Leadership Program is delivered by the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW and aims to strengthen leadership skills, cultural connection and participants' ability to create change in their workplaces and communities.
More than 330 Indigenous leaders have taken part in the program since it began.
The latest cohort started its journey through a yarning circle, where participants were able to share stories and begin forming connections with one another.
They also travelled to Cockatoo Island for a cultural immersion experience focused on culture and leadership.
As part of the opening stages of the program, the group worked together on a collective artwork representing each participant and the shared learning journey ahead.
The program combines Indigenous and western approaches to leadership through practical and experience-based learning.
A key part of the course is the theme of Walking in Two Worlds, which encourages participants to examine Indigenous leadership, identity and the different perspectives which can shape their own leadership style.
The 10th cohort also reflects the strong alumni network developed during the program's first decade.
A number of former participants have returned as faculty members and now help design and deliver the course alongside AGSM's Indigenous Programs team.
Several members of that team are also graduates of the program, giving them a personal understanding of the experience and challenges faced by participants.
Stacey Sheather, who completed the program in 2025, said it had a significant impact on her career.
Ms Sheather is the Assistant Director of the First Nations Team within Consumer Compliance Strategies at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
"Participating in EILP was one of the most transformative experiences of my career," she said.
"The program uniquely weaves cultural strength, leadership excellence and personal growth, creating a space where I felt genuinely seen, supported and challenged.
"Learning alongside brothers and sisters across 32 organisations in my cohort deepened my understanding of the power of shared experience."
New scholarships provided by KPMG, Atturra and Asuria are also helping more Indigenous leaders take part in the program.
The additional support is expected to increase access and allow people from a wider range of organisations and backgrounds to participate.
As the program enters its second decade, it will continue to provide a space for Indigenous leaders to build their skills and develop networks across different organisations and industries.
