What does it mean to decolonise the health system? How do we shift from a system that wasn’t built for First Nations communities to one that recognises, respects, and integrates Indigenous knowledge and leadership?

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Ngaree Blow, a proud First Nations woman and a leader in public health, medical education, and Indigenous health advocacy. We explore her journey into medicine, the challenges she faced as an Indigenous medical student, and the systemic barriers that continue to impact First Nations health outcomes.

Dr. Blow shares her vision for a healthcare system that is truly inclusive, where Indigenous ways of healing are valued, where representation in leadership drives better policy, and where First Nations communities no longer face the same health inequities that have existed for generations.

We also discuss It’s a Mob Thing, her grassroots initiative that empowers Indigenous communities through culture and storytelling, and the upcoming It’s a Mob Thing Festival in Geelong on March 15.

This conversation is about leadership, systemic change, and the power of representation. If we want a better, more equitable future, we need to start by listening to those who are leading the change.

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Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s achievements, we hear inspiring stories, and we applaud progress. But at our current pace, gender parity is still 130 years away—which begs the question: are we actually moving forward, or are we just talking about it?

This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action," and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Penny Locaso, whose latest research in her white paper Hidden Figures: Where Are All the Female Experts? exposes a critical barrier holding women back—their reluctance to own their expertise.

We unpack the four key themes from her research, from the "ick" factor of the word expert to the invisible checklist women feel they have to complete before they step forward. We explore how fear of judgment, lack of visibility, and outdated leadership norms continue to sideline highly capable women—and why it’s time for leaders to take responsibility for creating a system where expertise isn’t just recognised, but actively elevated.

This isn’t just a conversation for women. It’s a call to action for every leader, every organisation, and every decision-maker. If we truly want gender equity, we can’t just celebrate IWD—we need to use it as a moment of accountability. Penny shares powerful yet practical ways for leaders to step up, including one of the simplest but most impactful actions: publicly recognising and naming the expertise of the women around you.

It’s time to stop talking about change and start driving it. If you’re serious about shifting the dial on gender equality, this is the episode you need to hear.

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What makes you optimistic? It’s a question Victor Perton, founder of the Centre for Optimism, asks everyone he meets—and in this episode, he shares why infectious optimism is the key to great leadership, resilience, and joy. Optimistic leaders inspire confidence, drive innovation, and create cultures where people thrive. They see opportunities where others see obstacles and bring out the best in their teams, even in challenging times.

From his family’s incredible refugee journey to shaping leadership narratives across the world, Victor’s passion for optimism is magnetic. He dives into how small habits—like asking "What's been the best thing in your day?"—can transform workplaces, politics, and personal lives. If you’ve ever needed a reason to embrace optimism, this episode will leave you inspired to find the joy in every moment.

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