Leadership is about courage, unity and hope even when the road gets hard.
Thomas Mayo is a leading voice in human rights advocacy and an award-winning author.
A Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander, he came to public prominence when he co-led the high-profile campaign for Australia’s Voice referendum, speaking with thousands of Australians about the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Thomas is recognised as one of Australia’s leaders in Indigenous rights and works with schools, community groups, corporates and government to achieve justice, recognition and equity for First Nations peoples. He is on several boards including the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
An accomplished orator and storyteller, Thomas has written seven books including the ‘Voice to Parliament Handbook’ which was voted the 2024 Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) as well as Social Impact Book of the Year and Non-Fiction Book of the Year. His latest book “Always Was, Always Will Be” is a practical guide of hope and inspiration after the referendum. Thomas regularly writes for publications including The Monthly, The Guardian and Koori Mail.
A proud father of five children, Thomas’ book “Dear Son: letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons” has been adapted into a critically acclaimed play which has shown in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Starting his career as a wharfie, Thomas has held several leadership positions at the Maritime Union of Australia and is currently Assistant National Secretary.
Talking Points
The Courage to Lead: Turning setbacks into success
This keynote helps redefine strategic failure: reframing public and organisational setbacks as the ultimate testing ground for resilient leadership.The Courage to Lead: Turning setbacks into success
It helps audiences with tools for managing high-stakes pressure: a strategic look at navigating challenging issues, providing frameworks for keeping teams motivated amid polarisation.
It was also guide them on transitioning from reaction to action: guiding an organisation past major set-backs or issues to focus on long-term strategy, steady execution and collective consensus.
Thomas will also unpack the courage of inclusive leadership: why enduring leadership requires the vulnerability to deeply listen to dissenting voices, absorb criticism, and intentionally adapt strategic pathways without compromising the core mission.
Finally he will explore navigating the long game: using organisational stamina to map out complex social, cultural, and corporate progress with clarity of purpose.
Key takeaways:
• Stamina in crisis - practical strategies for maintaining executive focus and team morale.
• The power of grassroots alignment- building team cohesion and alignment through consensus.
• Strategic flexibility - how to handle heavy scrutiny, pivot under pressure and lean into uncomfortable conversations.
Fire in our Bellies: Igniting hope for our shared tomorrow
In this Keynote Thomas addresses cynicism and resistance in workplaces and communities to build momentum, show up and create a fairer society. He explains how to encourage truth-telling in every day spaces - the creation of anchors to effectively quieten divisive noise to embrace new avenues of co-operation.Fire in our Bellies: Igniting hope for our shared tomorrow
Thomas shares a blue-print for inclusivity to build powerful alliances.
Key takeaways
- Practical strategies for keeping your inner motivation alive, even when progress feels slow
-How to use authentic storytelling, deep listening and activism to bring communities together
- Gain insight into building coalitions through practising generosity of spirt that invites others in rather than calling them out
Generosity of Spirt: a blueprint for social and emotional connection
In this Keynote Thomas unpackes moving to collective well-being through prioritising emotional safety and mental wellbeing as a community duty. He dismantles the weight of trauma and silent suffering and demonstrates how building deep alliances actively heals people and communities from the ground up.Generosity of Spirt: a blueprint for social and emotional connection
Key takeaways
-A communal approach to prevention
-Tools to facilitate safe, deep listening and collective communication
-Insights to create alliance building and networks
Beyond the Mirage: facing the reality of race in modern Australia
In this Keynote Thomas dismantles the cult of forgetfulness to examine cultural blindspots. He will spotligh how fear and "punching down' erodes social cohesion and reimagines a true blue Australian identity where justice and equality is for all.Beyond the Mirage: facing the reality of race in modern Australia
Key takeaways:
-Recognising and being able to challenge structural patterns
-Navigating racial vitriol and responding with strength and warmth
-Taking active responsibility for change at home, work and in the community
Video
Democracy in the Age of Doubt: Strengthening the Collective Spirit of a Free Nation | Nelson Mandela Lecture delivered by Thomas Mayo
Democracy in the Age of Doubt: Strengthening the Collective Spirit of a Free Nation As the world becomes more polarised, democracies are struggling to maintain the values that have made them strongholds of fairness and equality. More than ever, Australia must reassess the foundations it stands on. Join leading Indigenous and human rights advocate, Thomas Mayo, as he explores the steps we must take to prepare for the storms that threaten our island nation. As apartheid in South Africa came to an end in 1994 and Nelson Mandela’s vision of equality captured the world’s attention, Mayo began his working life as a wharfie - later rising to become one of Australia’s most prominent voices for justice and equality. Mayo argues Australians have a choice to address historic and contemporary threats, and defend the hard-fought gains and freedoms of modern democratic life. This lecture is presented as part of the Nelson Mandela Lecture series, which promotes the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, and the importance of truth and reconciliation. Following the lecture, Thomas will be in conversation with acclaimed Australian journalist and media freedom advocate, Peter Greste.Thomas's presentation was incredibly insightful, powerful, layered and I loved the structure and the way it linked. It was beautifully done. ... keep reading The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, Adelaide University
