Move over, boardroom blokes, a new generation of First Nations business leaders is coming through, and they’ve got their eyes on the corner office.

Mawal, founded by Brad Welsh, has just launched a world-first leadership program designed to lift Indigenous representation in senior corporate roles. The initiative comes with 60 full scholarships backed by some of the country’s biggest names in business.

Indigenous leadership backed by the big end of town

The program has heavyweight support from BHP, Soul Patts, Ampol, Jarden and Indigenous Capital Limited, along with academic backing from the University of Sydney and the UNSW Business School.

Mawal founder Brad Welsh, the first Aboriginal CEO and Managing Director of an ASX-listed company, says it’s time to move beyond symbolism and into serious commercial leadership.

“For a culture to thrive, it must be able to manage capital and risk, which is what our people have done for 65,000 years,” Welsh said. “Mawal is preparing Indigenous Australians to do exactly that — lead the balance sheet, not just NAIDOC Week celebrations.”

Building a ‘commercial generation’

Welsh says the program marks the next wave of Indigenous reform.

“The 1967 generation delivered recognition, and the 1990s generation delivered accountability. It’s time for a commercial generation that owns, manages and grows assets for the future.”

Participants will take part in an intensive leadership pathway that includes:

Executive-level mentoring from some of Australia’s most respected business leaders

Indigenous-led AI learning programs to develop leadership, financial management and decision-making skills

Real-world exposure to the challenges of managing technology and balance sheets at scale

Supporting indigenous leadership

Todd Barlow, Managing Director and CEO of Soul Patts, said his company was proud to be part of the initiative.

“At Soul Patts, we believe leadership should reflect the full breadth of Australia’s talent,” he said. “Mawal’s program is a bold and necessary step toward building Indigenous representation in senior executive roles. We’re proud to support an initiative that equips First Nations leaders to shape strategy, drive performance and lead with commercial impact.”

Sarah Rennie, co-CEO of Jarden, shared the sentiment. “At Jarden, we believe diverse leadership strengthens organisations and creates better outcomes,” she said. “Partnering with Mawal allows us to contribute meaningfully to closing the representation gap in corporate Australia while supporting emerging leaders who will shape the future of business.”

Roger Allen, Director of Indigenous Capital Limited, said the initiative made economic sense.

“Activating the Indigenous estate isn’t just social progress — it’s a productivity imperative for the nation. Mawal is developing investment-ready leaders who will translate cultural capital into commercial capability and long-term economic value.”

Aiming for Australia’s first Indigenous ASX100 CEO

Welsh said his mission is clear: to help create Australia’s first Indigenous ASX100 CEO.

“It’s not just about access — it’s about agency,” he said. “We want to see Indigenous Australians leading major businesses, not just being part of them.”

Applications for the first intake are now open, with Indigenous professionals invited to apply for a place or one of the 60 scholarships at mawal.com.au.

Corporate leaders — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — are also encouraged to get involved as mentors and help shape the next generation of executive talent.

“Our people have been managing resources and communities for tens of thousands of years — it’s about time the corporate world caught up,” Welsh said.

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