In this inspiring episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, host Lauren Eyles speaks with Cherie Johnson, a proud Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman and the visionary founder of the arts and education consultancy, Speaking in Colour. This is a must-listen for any female leader who wants to create a meaningful legacy and learn how to genuinely contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

Cherie shares her personal and professional journey, detailing what it truly means to build a business that reflects your values and what she is most proud of. She offers powerful, practical advice for leaders and organizations looking to begin their journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This conversation explores the difference between a scripted land acknowledgment and a heartfelt, personalized Acknowledgement of Country. Cherie explains the significance of a Welcome to Country and how to engage with Aboriginal communities and culture with respect and authenticity. Learn how to foster reciprocal relationships and why partnering with Aboriginal-owned businesses is a powerful way to support self-determination.

Key Discussion Points

Leading a Legacy Business: Cherie's journey of creating a business that is not only successful but also a vehicle for cultural pride and community empowerment.

The Reconciliation Journey: Practical, actionable advice for leaders and organizations on how to respectfully and effectively begin their journey towards reconciliation.

Authentic Cultural Engagement: Understanding the importance of a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, a Welcome to Country, and other ways to engage with Aboriginal culture.

Embracing Your Story: Insights into personal growth, changing priorities in your 40s, and the power of rewriting your own life 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

Reconciliation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Cherie Johnson

Women in Leadership

Female Leadership

Cultural Competence

Legacy

Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome to Country

Self-Determination