CS Energy's Principal Cultural Heritage Specialist Brendan Church has helped develop an award-winning global leadership program aimed at increasing First Nations representation in senior corporate roles.

A proud Barkindji man, Mr Church has spent more than 25 years working with First Nations communities, specialising in cultural heritage and developing initiatives that strengthen relationships and create opportunities.

His work has focused on building partnerships with First Nations communities and identifying opportunities beyond traditional cultural heritage responsibilities.

"What I'm most passionate about in cultural heritage work is building strong relationships and finding opportunities beyond the traditional scope of cultural heritage," Mr Church said.

"I enjoy working in the grey areas and thinking a little differently about how we can create value together."

Mr Church helped establish the First Nations Global Leadership Program in response to the underrepresentation of First Nations people in senior corporate leadership positions.

The program was developed in partnership with the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales Business School.

It combines leadership education, cultural identity and Indigenous ways of knowing to help participants develop skills and confidence to lead in corporate and cultural environments.

Between 2022 and 2025, more than 70 participants from around the world graduated from the program, establishing an international network of First Nations leaders.

Mr Church highlighted the relationships established through the program and the opportunities it created for participants.

"Seeing First Nations and Indigenous leaders from different regions come together, learn from one another and build such a strong community was incredibly special," he said.

"I'm proud of the connections that I was able to establish between First Nations leaders from across the world, and how they used their experience in the program as a stepping stone to their next chapter."

The program received international recognition earlier this month, winning a Gold Award at the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) conference in Dublin.

Mr Church also presented at the conference, outlining the program's development and achievements to an international audience.

The conference provided an opportunity to promote First Nations leadership and encourage greater investment in Indigenous leaders across corporate organisations.

"The EFMD conference was a terrific opportunity to highlight the value of First Nations leadership and the unique perspectives, experiences and strengths that Indigenous identity brings to the workplace," Mr Church said.

"Through this program, we've seen how embracing culture and identity can strengthen leaders, build connections and create positive outcomes for both individuals and organisations."

Mr Church is now applying his experience in relationship-building to his role as Principal Cultural Heritage Specialist at CS Energy.

His work involves strengthening relationships with Traditional Owners and increasing understanding of cultural heritage responsibilities across the organisation.

He considers listening, open communication and developing long-term relationships essential to protecting cultural heritage.

Mr Church also emphasised the importance of recognising that cultural heritage remains significant long after energy projects have been completed.

"Cultural heritage plays a critical role in the energy industry," he said.

"While projects are temporary in nature, cultural heritage remains long after those projects have ended.

"It's not just about protecting heritage today, it's about helping future generations maintain their connection to Country and culture."

Mr Church believes responsibility for protecting cultural heritage should extend beyond specialist teams to employees throughout the organisation.

He encourages people to learn about cultural heritage, listen to First Nations perspectives and understand its importance for future generations.

"The more people understand the importance of cultural heritage, the more they recognise that it isn't just the responsibility of a specialist team, it's everyone's responsibility," he said.

"Taking the time to understand the importance of cultural heritage and listening to First Nations perspectives helps build greater awareness, respect and better outcomes for everyone."