If you’re interested in learning how to drive positive change in a really meaningful way within your organisation, you are going to get so much out of this episode today. I’m thrilled to be speaking with Dixie Crawford today, a Barkindji woman and the founder and managing director of Nganya, a consultancy specialising in cross-cultural leadership and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) development and implementation for Australian corporate and government agencies. 

Dixie is deeply committed to making a difference in how Aboriginal people are heard and understood. Her passion is helping others to understand the cause of barriers that impact thinking and doing when it comes to engaging with and creating opportunities for First Nations people and communities to thrive.

In this conversation, Dixie shares powerful insights and practical tips on how you can engage with First Nations people in a meaningful way and how a Reconciliation Action Plan in your organisation can be a vehicle to genuinely support reconciliation. We talked about the four pillars of reconciliation plans, the importance of having uncomfortable conversations, and the very first step change leaders must take before facilitating any conversations with others. Dixie also shared her advice on the three steps you must take to start driving positive change through your Reconciliation Action Plan. 

We talk about the critical importance of self-reflection for change leaders and how understanding our own biases, motivations, and limitations is fundamental to effective leadership in reconciliation efforts. It’s about embracing those uncomfortable conversations and leaning into vulnerability as an opportunity for growth. 

Dixie also shares a reminder that our job as leaders isn’t to have all the answers. Our role is to facilitate meaningful conversations and navigate difficult topics such as unconscious bias. We talk about how demonstrating commitment and leading by example are crucial elements of this step.

The insights that Dixie shares in this episode are so valuable, not only in the development of meaningful Reconciliation Action Plans but also for effective leadership and engagement within any transformation program. The key takeaway is that change leaders should approach this work with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to self-reflection. By doing so, they can raise the standard of their organisations and contribute to positive change and reconciliation with First Nations communities.

LINKS

Connect with Dixie Crawford:

Website:https://nganya.com.au/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dixie-crawford-680b85118/

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation-action-plans/

Connect with me: 

Download my ChatGPT Cheat Sheet here!

Website:            https://www.everchange.com.au/

LinkedIn:            https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatebyrne