Highlighting the importance of multicultural workplaces

Nora Fraser is the Founder of The Multicultural Professional Network (MPN). As a leading advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the workplace, she empowers diverse talent and collaborates with organisations to optimise talent acquisition. 

The Multicultural Professional Network is a social Enterprise established with the purpose of promoting mutual respect and social Inclusion between all groups of people in Australia. Their vision is to highlight the importance of hiring, retaining, nurturing and upskilling multicultural talent including executive sponsorship. Read on for our interview with Nora!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

I have spent most of my career as a People & Culture Leader, with substantial experience in both the private and public sectors. Throughout my career, I have played key roles in implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives for global organisations across Australia, Europe, and the UK. 

My choice to be an advocate was intentional. I found a space for myself and decided to step into it after observing gaps that were often overlooked. Working within some of the top global organisations, I saw how decisions were made without a genuine understanding of different perspectives, revealing a pressing need for change. I noticed how the approach to DEI had become performative, focusing on outcomes without truly considering inclusivity, lived experiences, or intersectionality. I grew increasingly frustrated with organisations making decisions for diverse talent or defining what makes their organisation inclusive themselves.

What does this role mean to you?

Being a social entrepreneur is immensely rewarding. Founding The MPN, a planet- and people-first verified social enterprise, allows me to merge my passion for DEIB with my professional expertise. Our social enterprise supports professionals and addresses intersectional barriers in the workplace, creating opportunities to make a positive social impact.

To further these efforts, I established Equi Consultancy Partners to secure The MPN’s financial independence. Dedicated to reshaping DEIB strategies, we provide tailored solutions to empower organisations and drive positive change. We work closely with clients to bridge gaps, create inclusive workplaces where individuals can thrive, and help them attract, hire, and retain diverse talent while fostering a sense of belonging and authenticity.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

My commitments include public speaking, investing, mentoring, and giving back. Most of my day involves working as a People & Culture Leader, collaborating with leadership teams to define and implement people priorities. My EA keeps me organised so I can focus on my goals. I adjust my weekly plans as needed for ongoing projects.

I also set aside time for mentorship and coaching, which is fulfilling as it supports others’ growth. In the evenings, I attend networking events or speaking engagements on DEIB topics to stay connected and expand my knowledge

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

One of my biggest career challenges has been ensuring alignment with our organisation’s values. To tackle this, I openly discussed our purpose and goals to align stakeholders with our vision. I built strong relationships with key decision-makers to ensure they understood the impact of our work. I focused on collaborating with individuals and organisations that shared our commitment to creating inclusive environments. This approach established a supportive team that champions our initiatives. Through persistence and proactivity, I strengthened our work’s foundation and achieved meaningful results

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career? 

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to trust my instincts and embrace new opportunities, even when they seem challenging or outside my comfort zone. I would also encourage myself to be my own cheerleader and celebrate my achievements along the way. Building a network of sponsors and seeking diverse experiences has been invaluable to my growth. Reflecting on my progress helps me appreciate the journey and stay motivated for the future

How do you unwind after work?

I unwind after work by immersing myself in nature, reading, and travelling. Being outdoors helps me relax and clear my mind, while reading opens me to new ideas. Travelling refreshes me and exposes me to diverse cultures and experiences