Leadership Program Applications - OPEN
Raise the ceiling and advance your career.
Step into roles where decisions – and capital – are made.
Mawal is launching a world-first leadership program to develop a new generation of Indigenous Australian business leaders.
Our ambition is bold: to help develop Australia’s first ASX100 Indigenous CEO and normalise Indigenous leadership in roles with real commercial accountability.
The program is backed by leading companies including BHP, Soul Patts, Ampol, Jarden, and Indigenous Capital Limited, as well as Sydney University, and is supported by Senior Academic Advisors at UNSW Business School.
“This is the next wave of reform for Indigenous Australia. The 1967 generation delivered recognition, and the 1990s generation delivered accountability. Now it’s time for a commercial generation that owns, manages and grows assets for the future.”
How Mawal is Different
Commercial first: We’re preparing our leaders to pursue roles with material financial and commercial accountability.
Executive and board trajectory: We’re building our leaders towards occupying C-suite and board roles, not just positions of influence.
Real world exposure: We’re connecting our leaders with mentors and career sponsors from the world of business and commerce.
Founder and CEO Brad Welsh has firsthand experience not only of what it takes to be a CEO, Managing Director, and Board member of ASX-listed companies as an Indigenous Australian, but also of the barriers that organisations and Indigenous professionals face along the way.
Who Should Apply
You’re motivated to advance your career and you’re on one of these paths currently:
You are currently employed in a full time or part time role in a company or organisation; OR
You are an entrepreneur or budding entrepreneur who has started or wants to start your own business.
What You’ll Experience
Network with Australia’s leading corporate figures and businesses
A state of the art 12-month learning journey with practical development, mentors/sponsors and Indigenous-led AI coaching.
The full program offering is detailed here.
Quick checklist before applying:
✓ Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; AND
✓ Have career aims for senior leadership/decision-making; AND
✓ An entrepreneur with your own business; OR
✓ A budding entrepreneur with future plans for your own business; OR
✓ Currently employed full-time or part-time in a company or organisation.
Unsure if you’re eligible? Reach out for a chat.
Entry Types
Scholarships are funded by one of our program partners. If awarded, you won’t pay fees, but you’ll be asked to meet participation and progress guidelines set by the sponsor and Mawal. (e.g., participation and progress). Scholarships are limited and not guaranteed.
Scholarships
Program fee: AUD $4,500 + GST, payable at program commencement. This may be paid by you or your employer (invoice available). Places are limited and not guaranteed.
Full-fee
Note: Please indicate your entry preference in your application. If you apply for a scholarship but are not awarded one, you can opt to be considered for a full-fee place. Scholarships are awarded at key intervals throughout the year; full-fee places are available for immediate or flexible commencement.
Key Dates
Applications Close: 15th December 2025
Program Starts: February 2026
Ready?
Please have one referee ready, including their name, mobile number, and email address.
It takes just 10–15 minutes to apply.
Partner with Mawal as a Mentor or Career Sponsor
Help raise the ceiling and build the next generation of Indigenous Australian business leaders.
We’re inviting leaders with proven experience in business or commercial leadership roles to guide Indigenous talent on their journey (eg. C-suite executives, board directors, managing directors, general managers, founders, Partners/Practice Leaders, or senior leaders who have exposure to the balance sheet).
You’ve held P&L and/or balance-sheet accountability and can translate commercial decisions into teachable moments.
You can open doors to networks, stretch opportunities and real-world exposure.
You believe in Mawal’s vision: normalising Indigenous leadership in roles with real commercial accountability.
Why You?
Unsure if you’re eligible? Reach out for a chat.
Ways to Contribute
Mentor (development guidance): structured conversations on leadership, judgement and commercial craft.
Career Sponsor (advocacy and access): credible introductions, visibility, and support for advancement.
Time Guide
~ 1-4 hours per month across 12 months (flexible)
Sign Up Now
Ready to raise the ceiling and not just the floor? It only takes around 5 minutes to sign up.