Our story

Monash Business School and the William Cooper Institute pay respect to all Ancestors, Elders and all Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which Monash University operates and delivers the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership. We are committed to the continuation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems and cultural practices. We honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Monash University has the longest history of engagement in Indigenous higher education in Australia. We’re proud of this legacy, but we can and must do more.

The William Cooper Institute and Monash Business School jointly offer a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership (MoIBL) – a transformational leadership program for Indigenous Australians designed to strengthen Australia’s Indigenous workforce in public, private and community sectors.

Launched in 2021, the program equips Indigenous business leaders with advanced executive skills and knowledge to navigate complex business landscapes using a unique combination of Indigenous and Western perspectives.

Through this innovative course, we’re cultivating the next generation of Indigenous business leaders to shape a positive future for Indigenous Australia.

Learning from an Indigenous perspective

The Master of Indigenous Business Leadership is co-directed by Katrina Johnson, proud Gooreng Gooreng woman and Senior Lecturer; and Professor Nicholas McGuigan, Director, Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion.

The program is co-designed and led by Indigenous business leaders, Elders and academics.

Our alumni

MoIBL alumni are now returning to the program as Indigenous business experts, sharing how they’ve used their learning to build multi-million dollar ventures supporting self-determination and financial independence.

Alumni and current students are also stepping into state and national roles leading Treaty and justice for Indigenous peoples.

"This course has helped me drive my organisation in terms of governance and strategy while bringing the board and staff along for the journey.”

– Karl Briscoe, CEO National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP). Master of Indigenous Business Leadership Alumni 2023

"This program has given me a deeper understanding of the business world and highlights how Indigenous Australians can contribute to the global economy and build wealth to break the poverty cycle.”

– Kyra Galante, First Nations Participation Director, Worley. Master of Indigenous Business Leadership Alumni 2023