From potlucks to power: Moving beyond cultural celebrations into influence

Cultural celebrations at work have their place. They bring people together, spark connection and make culture visible by starting a conversation. But once the food is packed away and the room empties out, what’s actually changed? 

That is the gap that we keep seeing. Visibility is not the same as influence. For many organisations, cultural diversity initiatives can stop at awareness - with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and cultural networks too often seen as organisers of events rather than influencers of change. 

From Potlucks to Power is a candid conversation about what it takes to move beyond celebration into influence, credibility and organisational impact. 

Join Div Pillay, CEO of MindTribes, alongside leaders who have done this work and done it well. Together, they’ll share what’s actually involved: what’s worked, what’s been hard, and what it really takes for cultural diversity work to move from talk to action.

Together, they’ll unpack what real impact looks like, how to build credibility with senior leaders, and how cultural diversity initiatives can influence strategy, decision-making and business outcomes. 

Whether you lead an ERG, are trying to drive cultural diversity and inclusion at work, or simply want to move the conversation forward - this is a conversation about what comes after awareness - and asking who gets heard, who gets influence and what it takes to create lasting change.

This event is part of Careers in Colour’s Alliance Program, which brings together ERG leaders and cultural inclusion advocates across organisations and sectors to share experiences, build connections and learn from one another.

If you have any accessibility requirements or any other suggestions, please list these in the registration form or email careersincolour@gmail.com.

To ensure this event is financially accessible, we have opened up options to purchase a 'pay it forward' and set aside a few tickets at a discounted price. Please contact us at careersincolour@gmail.com if this is this may be relevant to you. 

About Careers in Colour

Careers in Colour supports people of colour in their careers by running community initiatives that provide pathways to effect positive change in their own careers, workplaces, and broader society.

Our philosophy is rooted in transformative equity and particularly focuses on underrepresented and marginalised communities with intersecting identities. We aim to do this by providing opportunities for leadership, community and connectivity, while mobilising advocates around issues that affect people of colour in the workplace and push for structural change.

We acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded lands of the Gadigal, Dharug, Wurundjeri, and Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We acknowledge Traditional Owners across the continent and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community.

About MindTribes

MindTribes is a leading consultant and practitioner in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Australia.

Established in 2012 under the leadership of Div and Vick Pillay, MindTribes has since grown into an award-winning diversity and inclusion management consultancy, specialising in race & cultural inclusion.