In this episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, Lauren Eyles speaks with Cherie Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of an arts and education consultancy, Speaking in Colour, about creating a legacy and engaging with Aboriginal communities and culture.

They discuss Cherie's life and business journey as a Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman, the legacy that she is creating and what she is most proud of.

Lauren asks Cherie for her advice to leaders who are wanting to commence a journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on behalf of their organisation. The conversation explores how to proceed, things to consider and impactful ways that organisations can partner with Aboriginal-owned businesses to support self determination within communities.

They discuss what a Welcome to Country means, its significance to Cherie and how to deliver a personalized Acknowledgement of Country with heart and cultural sensitivity rather than reading a script.

The conversation also explores how perspectives and priorities can change when you enter your 40s, seeing your life as an emerging story that you are author of and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth.

Sound Bites

"We need to have brave conversations."

"It's all about perspective."

"Success looks different for everyone."

"I feel like I belong."

"We need to teach people about culture."

"It's important to acknowledge Country."

"Cultural sensitivity is key in business."

"We need to create quick wins."

"It's about reciprocal relationships."

"Be brave to back yourself."

"We can rewrite our own story."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Legacy

01:08 Cherie Johnson: Connecting Culture and Community

02:23 The Genesis of Speaking in Colour

06:11 Transformations in Business and Life

12:45 Understanding Welcome to Country

24:33 Guidelines for Acknowledgment of Country

32:19 Creating Quick Wins in Relationships

34:03 Building Sustainable Relationships with Aboriginal Businesses

36:47 The Importance of Self-Determination in Business

38:54 Strategic Approaches to Reconciliation

40:30 Mapping Opportunities and Risks

42:57 Understanding Organizational Culture and Timing

46:01 Pride in Personal and Community Achievements

51:12 Leadership and Growing Other Leaders

56:00 Survival Tips for Women in Leadership

01:00:10 Embracing Change and Redefining Success

Bio: Cherie Johnson

Cherie Johnson is the Founder and Managing Director of Speaking in Colour, an arts and education consultancy, connecting people, educators and businesses with Aboriginal culture.

Cherie is a Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman, and is an active member of the Awabakal Community in Newcastle.

A highly regarded lecturer in Aboriginal culture and education at the University of Newcastle, Cherie is also completing a PhD, researching “the effects of urban Aboriginal Women coming to culture and its importance” today.

Cherie is a woman of many talents, including business, dance, art, speaking, and she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Teaching.

You can connected with Cherie via:

LinkedIn

Speaking in Colour website

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

leadership, legacy, Aboriginal culture, business transformation, welcome to country, acknowledgement of country, cultural sensitivity, education, community engagement, Speaking in Colour, Cherie Johnson, minimal viable products, reconciliation, community engagement, self-determination, leadership, strategic planning, Aboriginal businesses, stakeholder relationships, personal growth, women in leadership