Creating a world where everyone can meaningfully participate

Dr Tanya Finnie is a global cultural strategist with expertise in building meaningful relationships and inclusive spaces. As a multi award winner, who worked on every continent, Tanya brings global experience pertaining to culture and diversity. Tanya is this weeks Pro Bono Australia Change Maker!

She is a multi-award winner, TEDx speaker, certified Global Goodwill Ambassador and voted as one of Perth’s Top 100 Small Business Influencers. She is a long-standing mentor
for UWA postgraduate students and a mentor to CALD communities on boards via the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI). She is also the founder of the two-day Diversity and
Inclusion Summit. Read on for our interview with Tanya!

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

My career trajectory has been a rich journey that blends academia with real-world experience. Starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, I immersed myself in various cultures, traveling across Africa and living with local communities to understand their unique perspectives. This on-the-ground experience, combined with advanced studies in Human Resources, Adult Learning, and eventually a PhD in Cultural Leadership, equipped me with the tools to become a global cultural strategist. As the founder of RedHead Communications, I now lead a boutique consulting firm that specialises in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). My journey is defined by a commitment to leveraging cultural intelligence (CQ) to create more collaborative and inclusive teams worldwide.

What does this role mean to you?

This role is deeply personal and represents a culmination of my life’s work in cultural exploration and education. It’s about more than just consulting; it’s about driving meaningful change within organisations by helping them harness the power of diversity. Through RedHead Communications, I’ve been able to create executive development programs that are not only impactful but also sustainable. The role allows me to blend my passion for cultural intelligence with practical solutions that help organisations thrive and individuals belong. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the direct impact of my work, whether through the successful collaborations I facilitate or the innovative solutions that emerge from diverse teams.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

My typical days are a blend of strategic consulting, creative program development, and interactive training. Some days are dedicated to meetings where I collaborate with clients to assess their organisational needs, followed by the design of customised executive development programs. Other days involve facilitating workshops or delivering keynote speeches, whether at remote mine sites or large conferences. In these settings, I engage with participants through activity-based learning and team-building exercises. I also make it a point to check in with my staff and interns regularly to ensure that everything is on track and to provide guidance as needed. This helps maintain alignment across the team and ensures that our collective efforts are contributing to the overall success. Additionally, I spend time mentoring and consulting, ensuring that the solutions I provide are not only effective but also aligned with the cultural values of the organisation. My day is centred on translating theory into practice, ensuring every interaction yields actionable insights and meaningful change.

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

The biggest challenge I’ve encountered is the deep-seated resistance to change that often accompanies efforts to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Overcoming this challenge requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach to cultural change. I’ve developed a methodology that involves thorough cultural assessments and the creation of tailored, interactive training programs that resonate with all levels of an organisation. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of diversity and inclusion, such as increased innovation and profitability, I’ve been able to shift mindsets and create lasting change. This approach has not only helped me overcome resistance but also strengthened my resolve to continue this important work.

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

I would tell my younger self to embrace uncertainty and view challenges as opportunities for growth. It can be lonely running your own business and the path to becoming a global cultural strategist was not always clear, and there were moments of doubt. However, every experience, whether a success or a setback, contributed to my understanding and expertise in cultural intelligence. I would also advise myself to prioritise building strong relationships and partnerships early on. The power of meaningful connections cannot be overstated; they open doors, provide support, and offer diverse perspectives that enrich both personal and professional growth. Cultivating these relationships with authenticity and mutual respect can significantly impact one’s ability to influence and drive change. Lastly, I would encourage myself to stay passionate and curious, as these qualities have been the driving forces behind my success. Trust in yourself is key to long-term success and fulfillment, and pushing the status quo is not a bad thing—it’s often where real growth and innovation begin.

How do you stay motivated to work in this field?

Motivation comes naturally when you are passionate about the impact your work has on others, which doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes cry on my pantry floor. Seeing the positive changes in organisations and the increased collaboration within diverse teams fuels my drive. Additionally, I’m motivated by the continuous learning opportunities that this field offers. Whether it’s exploring new cultural contexts or developing innovative training methods, there’s always something new to discover. My motivation is also sustained by the feedback and success stories from clients, which reaffirm the importance of the work I do. Knowing that my efforts contribute to more inclusive and effective workplaces keeps me inspired and committed to this field.

How do you unwind after work?

After a busy day, I unwind by diving into a good book, which allows me to escape into different worlds and perspectives. On weekends, I find relaxation and a sense of accomplishment in refurbishing furniture—a hobby that lets me blend creativity with hands-on work. I also love to indulge in good food and wine, exploring different cultures through new restaurants. The theatre is one of my great passions; there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a live performance to rejuvenate my spirit and inspire new ideas. In fact, I’m about to publish a book that I hope to turn into an action-based play. Additionally, sitting with my fourteen-year-old on the couch to watch a movie is one of the simple pleasures that warms my heart and brings a sense of balance to my life.

What was the last thing you: Watched, Read, & Listened to?

I recently watched ABC’s MS Represented with Annabel Crabb, a raw account of politics from a female perspective, marking Australia’s first female parliamentarian’s centenary. As a fan, I often draw on Crabb’s insights in my work, particularly on gender and leadership.

I enjoy a mix of fiction and non-fiction on my bedside table. Recently, I read Bitch by Lucy Cooke, a zoologist challenging outdated notions of femininity with examples from the animal kingdom. I also read Lola in the Mirror by Australian author Trent Dalton, a gripping novel about a nameless girl navigating love, homelessness and danger in Brisbane.

I listened to the Classroom 5.0 podcast by Mariane Power, exploring the future of learning, work, and leadership with a focus on inclusivity. It’s particularly relevant as I prepare for a Summit where Mariane Power will speak. The podcast offers cutting-edge insights for creating a diverse, equitable world.