Amanda Healy, CEO and Founder of Kirrikin and Founder of Warrikal, on leveraging entrepreneurship to connect and support Indigenous artists and communities.

This episode celebrates Indigenous women in business with host Liandra Gaykamangu, proud Yolngu woman and founder and creative director of Liandra Swim and guest Amanda Healy, CEO and Founder of Kirrikin. Amanda talks about leveraging entrepreneurship to connect and support Indigenous artists and communities by drawing deep connections to country through fashion, leading by example, and encouraging us all to be fierce.

 

Key Insights

(02:39) How did Amanda start her leadership journey?

Amanda started her career in the mining industry. In the late 80s, during her time at BHP, she secured her first leadership role. She ended her time at BHP working in Canada in the remote Northwest Territories as the manager of HR and Community. From there she worked at Argyle Diamonds for a few years, but found it hard to manage as a single mum, so she decided to start her own business, Max Engineering.

(10:55) How does Amanda invest in others and communities through her businesses?

Kirrin and Warrikal support the community in different ways. Kirrikin began as a way to fill a hole in the market, but soon became a way to support community members by engaging Indigenous artists to create designs. Kirrikin also provides artists with structure on their arrangements. Warrikal funds scholarships for kids to schools with boarding capabilities.

(27:14) What tool can Amanda share to the audience to add to their Leadership Toolbox?

Amanda shares the importance of leading by example. She would never ask someone to do something that she can’t or wouldn’t do. Amanda also advises, just do your best. Be you. Do the best that you can do and show others that it’s possible.

 

Important Resources and Links

If you’d like to learn more about how CommBank is supporting the growth of women in business visit https://www.commbank.com.au/women-in-focus.html  

Host of this special episode of Leading Women podcast, Liandra Gaykamangu, is the Creative Director and Founder of Liandra Swim. She fuses her Aboriginal culture with her work, which allows people, from all walks of life, to authentically engage, celebrate and connect with Australian Indigenous culture through fashion. If you’re interested in learning more about Liandra, visit her profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liandra-gaykamangu

The Leading Women podcast is proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Bank.  The series is produced by Nicole Hatherly, recorded at RadioHub Studios with post production by Cooper Silk and Iain Wilson.

 

Things you should know:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised this podcast may contain conversations about deceased persons. Discretion is advised.

Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.