Div Pillay
CEO; Founder
Div Pillay
She/Her
CEO; Founder
Mind Tribes; Culturally Diverse Women
Div Pillay is a diversity and inclusion practitioner, leader, researcher and advocate with over 20 years of experience in gender, race and cultural inclusion. Born, raised and educated in South Africa, Div carries with her, her lived experience of racial segregation. For the last 11 years, Div has researched the covert nature of negative behaviours at work, as experienced by women, migrants, refugees and asylum seeker professionals.
Backed by her behavioural science and economics background, Div has worked with boards and executive teams in large private and public sector entities to realise long lasting change. Div leads award winning diversity and inclusion consultancy MindTribes, and social enterprise Culturally Diverse Women. Both businesses were recognised by Westpac in their Top 200 Businesses of Tomorrow for social impact.
Div is a Governor of Victoria at the American Chamber of Commerce, Australia; a Board Director at VicHealth; and Chair of the Workforce Committee. In 2018, Div was named one of the 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review. In 2021, she was listed by the AACSB; the world’s largest business-education alliance, as one of the 25 Global Influencers in Social Impact. In 2023, Div was selected as a Top Linkedin Voice for Gender Equity in Australia. In 2024, she was listed as one of the 124 Impactful Asian Australians, by the Asian Australian Alliance.
Div also co-hosts the popular podcast, ‘Business in Colour’ and is regularly invited by the media to contribute as an industry expert on equity and inclusion.
SESSIONS
Day 1
11:40
How-To Leadership Toolkit
Our "How-To Leadership Toolkit" sessions consist of two focused 30-minute sessions. Bring your questions and leave with actionable strategies as you’ll work with seasoned leaders and peers to tackle key leadership challenges.
Personal Leadership
1. How to overcome self-doubt, build confidence and develop a strong executive presence?
Louise Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Aurecon
2. How to balance ambition and well-being to avoid burnout and sustain long-term success?
Deb Cownley, Head of Operational Services – Energy, John Holland
3. How to cultivate strategic thinking and business acumen to secure executive support for initiatives?
Clare Douglas, CEO, Healthy Ageing, Mercy Health
4. How to effectively negotiate for a promotion and ensure you're paid what you're worth?
Div Pillay, CEO, MindTribes; Co-Founder, Culturally Diverse Women
Team Leadership
1. How to accelerate the inclusion and diversity of women in male dominated industries?
Ashley McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, CEOs for Gender Equity
2. How to support and faciliate return to work?
Krithika Hansen, Chief People Officer, TelstraSuper