LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship

The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG (he/him) is an international jurist, educator and active advocate for human rights including women, young people and sexual minorities. When Mr Kirby retired from the High Court of Australia in 2009, he was Australia’s longest serving judge. He has served in many international and United Nations positions and is a patron of The Pinnacle Foundation.

Paul Zahra is a chief executive officer, non-executive director, board and company advisor, and one of Australia’s most influential diversity advocates. A leading force in the Australian retail industry for over 40 years, Paul’s corporate roles have included chief executive officer and managing director of ASX-listed, David Jones Limited, CEO of the Australian Retailers’ Association, as well as senior leadership roles at Target Australia and Officeworks Superstores. He served as chair of the board of directors of The Pinnacle Foundation from February 2016 until October 2021, after joining the board in June 2015. He is honoured as The Pinnacle Foundation’s founding chair and is a Cornerstone member.

Alan Joyce AC was chief executive officer & managing director of the Qantas Group from 2008 until 2023. He previously served as founding CEO of Jetstar for five years from 2003, establishing its operations in Australia and Asia. Alan was recognised as one of the world’s most influential gay business leaders for two years running in the OUTstanding / Financial Times list of “Top 100 Leading LGBT Executives”. He is a patron and Cornerstone member of The Pinnacle Foundation.

Meg O'Neill is chief executive officer and managing director of Woodside Energy and has 27 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry, working in the USA, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Prior to joining Woodside, Meg held the position of vice president, Africa for ExxonMobil Development Company based in Houston, where she was responsible for ExxonMobil’s major projects across Africa, including Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania and Mozambique. Meg is on the boards of West Australian Symphony Orchestra, APPEA, AMMA, GLX Digital and the University of Western Australia Business School.

This program is designed for mid- to senior-level LGBTQIA+ leaders with at least 10 years of professional experience and a minimum of 5 years in management. It would also be highly beneficial for those transitioning from technical roles into leadership positions, or those preparing to take on board responsibilities.

We welcome leaders from all sectors - whether you're in the corporate world, not-for-profit, government, or any other industry - who are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive change.

Additionally, allies working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), talent management, or leadership development who are committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion are encouraged to apply.

The program will run from 9 am – 5 pm at our Sydney CBD Campus, with evening events including a welcome dinner, a celebratory dinner to close the program, and hosted networking opportunities to facilitate community building and collaboration and strengthen inter-industry networks.

Places are limited and early application is encouraged. Applications are assessed by our admissions panel and offers are made on a rolling basis to suitable candidates.

We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for more information about these please contact business.execed@sydney.edu.au.