Jenni Walke
Professional Summary
Jenni Walke is an accomplished business consultant and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in leadership, business strategy, and coaching. As a proud First Nations Aboriginal Bundjalung woman, she has dedicated her career to driving meaningful change through innovative solutions, cultural engagement, and sustainable business practices.
Jenni is the founder of Elephant in the Room Consulting, First Nations Strategies, INDIGImesh Pty Ltd, and BImpact Collective, where she leverages her expertise to empower businesses, enhance Indigenous engagement, and champion inclusive strategies. Her work spans diverse sectors including government, military, corporate, construction, mining, and resources, establishing her as an influential advocate across the broader business sector.
Key Expertise
Leadership and strategy development: Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing transformative strategies that drive growth and success for organisations of all sizes, from small enterprises to national corporations.
Cultural engagement: Recognised specialist in Indigenous engagement, cultural competency training, and procurement strategies, delivering powerful outcomes by integrating First Nations knowledge and perspectives.
Capability building: Extensive experience in delivering dynamic workshops and programs that empower businesses and individuals to build skills, enhance capacity, and achieve their full potential.
Sustainability and social impact: A passionate advocate for sustainable practices, leveraging Indigenous knowledge to create innovative, ethical, and impactful environmental and business strategies.
Professional Experience
Corporate and Community Engagement
- Partnered with leading organisations such as Anglo American, Thiess, NSW Government, BMD Group, Schneider Electric, Shell/QGC, and CBRE to design and implement employment pathways, procurement strategies, and capability-building programs that drive impactful outcomes for First Nations communities.
- Delivered comprehensive cultural awareness programs for government agencies and major corporates, fostering inclusive, culturally informed workplaces and strengthening organisational capacity for effective Indigenous engagement.
Indigenous Business Development
- Empowered the growth and development of over 40 Indigenous businesses, including Malu Ventures, Copperhead Industrial, Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation, and Two Point Co, by providing tailored strategic guidance, mentoring, and access to new opportunities.
- Facilitated workshops and capability-building programs across regions, focusing on critical areas such as marketing, business planning, and tendering to equip First Nations business owners with the tools to succeed.
Thought Leadership and Advocacy
- Acted as a facilitator for Supply Nation’s corporate supplier diversity and First Nations training programs, offering actionable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by both Indigenous businesses and buyers.
- Championed inclusive policies and practices by collaborating with government and private sector stakeholders, driving equitable access to opportunities and strengthening representation for Indigenous businesses.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Partnered with businesses to integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices into sustainability strategies, helping organisations balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
- Developed frameworks for social license and future-proofing operations with a focus on long-term community benefit.
Export Award Winner, Indigenous Exporter of the Year 2024
- Recognised for advancing Indigenous business opportunities internationally and sharing cultural knowledge across borders.
Vision for Impact
Jenni is deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments, driving sustainable growth, and empowering businesses and communities to reach their full potential. She has a proven track record of addressing key challenges, such as:
Equitable Access to Opportunities: Advocating for policies and initiatives that ensure Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs have access to resources and opportunities, particularly in large-scale projects and procurement processes.
Enhancing Cultural Understanding: Delivering cultural competency training and promoting First Nations representation in decision-making processes, creating inclusive workplaces and amplifying Indigenous perspectives.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: Championing the integration of Indigenous knowledge into business strategies to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, strengthening organisations’ social license and long-term impact.
