Indigenous Impact Weekly
Celebrating Leaders and Changemakers
We’re thrilled to feature Drew Mayhills. As the Chief Learning and Development Officer at the Australian Institute of Management Western Australia (AIM WA), Mayhills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and training solutions.
In this week’s interview conducted by Georgia King, Digital Content Coordinator at Garlett Group, we dive into a transformative leadership program for First Nations professionals called Beediyar.
Beediyar: A Transformative Leadership Program for First Nations Professionals
Drew Mayhills, Chief Learning and Development Officer at the Australian Institute of Management Western Australia, leads the design, development, and continuous improvement of education and training solutions for a diverse range of clients.
With a background spanning education, psychology, business, technology, and the arts, Drew brings a unique, multidisciplinary perspective to AIM WA’s work. The Institute offers a broad range of training programs, events, and leadership initiatives designed to build leadership, management and workplace capability at all levels.
Launched in February 2024, Beediyar—meaning “Boss” or “Leader” in the Noongar language—is AIM WA’s groundbreaking leadership initiative specifically designed to elevate First Nations professionals into senior executive and board-level roles. The 12-month pilot, concluding in May 2025, addresses the significant underrepresentation of First Nations leaders at senior levels.
Beediyar was developed in response to the underrepresentation of First Nations professionals in executive roles, board positions, and senior leadership. “The program is about fast-tracking First Nations professionals into leadership positions, recognising both the systemic barriers that First Nations people face and the immense talent they bring,” Drew explains. “We want to support these leaders in achieving their professional aspirations and contribute to a more diverse and representative executive landscape.”
A key differentiator of Beediyar is its co-designed approach. Developed over several years in partnership with experienced First Nations leaders, the program is deeply rooted in cultural responsiveness. Central to the pilot program’s success is the Beediyar Advisory Committee—a group of six highly respected First Nations leaders who, in addition to providing ongoing guidance on cultural matters, have been directly involved in program facilitation, mentorship and coaching participants.
Measurable Impact and Early Success
Nine months into its pilot, the program is already delivering tangible outcomes. Beediyar’s 21 participants have secured board positions, earned promotional positions, stepped into senior leadership roles, and taken on new challenges. While the program provides the structure, it is the dedication and commitment of the participants that has driven these achievements.
Beyond individual success stories, Beediyar is fostering a powerful sense of collective strength. “When you bring together 21 exceptional leaders in a program like this, there’s an undeniable synergy,” Drew shares. “Participants champion each other’s success, provide support, and celebrate wins together. It has been deeply rewarding watching this cohort become a true community of leaders, trusted colleagues and dear friends over the course of the program.”
“We’ve been very fortunate to have highly engaged corporate sponsors who have played a critical role in helping us to launch the pilot program. Their involvement has been invaluable, offering the cohort opportunities to engage with a diverse range of industries and gain real-world experience through site visits and CEO shadowing.”
Overcoming Challenges with Cultural Sensitivity
Like any ambitious initiative, Beediyar has faced challenges. One ongoing priority is ensuring that AIM WA remains culturally responsive and avoids its own unconscious biases. “We are constantly sense-checking ourselves as an organisation,” Drew explains. “That’s why the Beediyar Advisory Committee is so crucial—they help us stay on track and ensure we maintain the cultural integrity of the program. We can ask difficult questions of each other and discuss sensitive topics with complete confidence that we have the relationships and shared vision in place to do that.”
Another challenge lies in the diversity of leadership experiences among participants. While some are already in senior roles, others are on the cusp of executive leadership. To address this, Beediyar offers a high degree of personalisation. Participants are paired with executive coaches—both First Nations and non-Indigenous—and have access to AIM WA’s full suite of training courses via an exclusive Gold Pass, allowing them to tailor their learning journey to their unique needs.
Lessons for Aspiring Leaders
For those aiming for executive roles, Drew shared three key pieces of advice:
- Clarify your purpose – “Give some thought to precisely why you want to lead. If you’re pursuing it purely for the title or status, that probably won’t sustain you through the challenges. But if you’re driven by a genuine desire to serve and contribute, that’s a strong foundation for meaningful leadership. Have an honest conversation with yourself.”
- Learn from others – “Seek out leaders you admire and ask them about their journeys—their challenges, their lessons, and what they wish they had done differently. Most leaders are willing to share valuable insights that can help you navigate your own path.”
- Develop leadership qualities before the title – “You don’t need to be in a leadership role to begin your leadership journey. Demonstrating integrity, reliability, and a willingness to learn will set you apart and create organic opportunities for advancement.”
Drew’s own career path has been anything but linear. “My journey has looked more like a squiggly line than a straight path,” he reflects. “Before joining AIM WA, I juggled multiple roles across different industries. There was no predefined roadmap, but each experience contributed to my growth.” His key takeaway? “There’s no single playbook for success. The most effective leaders embrace opportunities as they arise and remain open to unexpected possibilities. Programs like Beediyar provide the support and encouragement that aspiring leaders need to write and share their own leadership stories.”
Beediyar is more than just a leadership development program—it’s a commitment to actively reshaping the leadership landscape in Western Australia and beyond. Through cultural authenticity, personalised development, and collective empowerment, it is creating lasting impact.
For more information on the program, visit www.aimwa.com/beediyar.
Left to right: Beediyar program participants and Emma Garlett, Director Garlett Group facilitating a media and communications masterclass with Beediyar participants