The AGSM @ UNSW Business School, in partnership with the Elevate Reconciliation Australia (RAP) Group, yesterday launched the 2018 Emerging Indigenous Executive Leaders Program (EIELP) in Melbourne.
The AGSM @ UNSW Business School, in partnership with the Elevate Reconciliation Australia (RAP) Group, yesterday launched the 2018 Emerging Indigenous Executive Leaders Program (EIELP) in Melbourne.
The ground-breaking EIELP focuses on developing the next generation of Indigenous leaders. It is designed to break the diversity "glass ceiling" and bring more Indigenous Australians into the C-suite. The program is delivered by the AGSM and offers a variety of experiential learning experiences including online and classroom course work in Melbourne, Sydney, and Uluru.
Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine said "We know that greater diversity across all parts of a business creates stronger companies in the modern 21st century, and none more so than at executive and board levels. The EIELP aims to support the growth of talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to enter Corporate Australia's Boardrooms and C-Suites, to build an Australia where reconciliation is everybody's business."
Aaron Clark, Director of the Korin Gamadji Institute at Richmond Football Club said "Participation in the inaugural 2017 Emerging Indigenous Executive Leadership Program, played an important role in the developing my leadership skills and challenging my mindset, particularly from a strategic business perspective. The networks I have made throughout the course have also been invaluable."
The EIELP is a nine-month program where participants will undertake executive learning modules focusing on strategic thinking, leadership and identity, innovation, personal effectiveness and communicating with influence. Participants will also be individually mentored by senior executive leaders within their respective organisations. Indigenous leaders, but also for the value it will bring to Australian organisations.
"Last year 15 emerging indigenous leaders graduated from the EIELP. Several have already been promoted and all have action plans for career advancement. This is encouraging progress that we can and will address the diversity and inclusion gaps in Australia's C-Suite and boardrooms," said Nick Wailes, Director of AGSM and Deputy Dean of the UNSW Business School. "The AGSM, along with our corporate partners, particularly those involved in Elevate RAP, are committed to developing the leadership potential of indigenous Australians."
The EIELP launched last year and was originally developed by Elevate RAP member National Australia Bank in partnership with AGSM, with strong support from Richmond Football Club, Crown Resorts, AFL, Broadspectrum, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the Australian Government Department of Human Services and Reconciliation Australia.