The Indigenous Board Member Journey: Advice and Insights with Kyol Blakeney | Ep. 126

In this essential and powerful episode, I am joined by Gomeroi man, Kyol Blakeney, who generously shares his profound insights into navigating the world of governance as an Indigenous leader. Kyol provides a candid look at the experience of "walking in two worlds"; from his personal journey transitioning from a small home community to joining several prominent Boards, and reveals what true inclusion requires.

This conversation is a crucial call to action for every Director and Executive committed to creating genuinely diverse Boardrooms.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Unseen Hurdles: Kyol details the unacknowledged barriers that Indigenous aspiring Board Members face, including the constant, exhausting pressure to justify one's position and the systemic issue of tokenism.
• Covert Racism in Governance: Why relegating Indigenous Board Member's professional skills (like finance or education) solely to Indigenous-specific portfolio matters is a form of covert racism that stifles their full contribution.
• What Boards Get Wrong: How existing Boards often unknowingly hold back Indigenous candidates, and the concrete steps they must take to move past the fear of "doing it wrong" through active recruitment and meaningful engagement.
• Beyond the Checklist: Kyol offers a nuanced perspective on whether every Board needs a First Nations person, stressing that the inclusion must be strategic, purposeful, and essential for any organisation engaging with Country or community.
• Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Kyol's powerful recommendations for Indigenous individuals looking to join Boards: prioritise building deep, genuine relationships, never stop learning, and be ready to share your cultural knowledge to ensure that all can "walk together" in the future of governance.

Useful Links or Mentioned Links

Kyol Blakeney on LinkedIn

2025 Watermark Board Diversity Index

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