Intercultural Foundations Masterclass

With Tavale Ilalio from Mahana Culture

In a world shaped by complexity and diverse worldviews, cultures of integrity, empathy and emotional wellbeing are more essential than ever to organisational success.

Indigenous knowledge systems offer profound wisdom in cultivating self-awareness, relational care, and systems thinking. Here in Australia, we stand on over 60,000 years of evidence-based cultural practice—rich with insights into how we build inner strength, nourish collective spaces, and collaborate with dignity.

The challenges we face today call for a new kind of leadership—one that brings different knowledge systems into dialogue.

This one-day masterclass is grounded in Mark Yettaca-Paulson’s Intercultural Framework and guided by Polynesian principles. Through immersive exercises, Indigenous wisdom, and collective dialogue, you'll develop the skills to navigate complexity with clarity and compassion. Together, we’ll explore how to create cultures of collaboration and belonging—where innovation flows from connection.

Tavale Ilalio will lead us through ancient frameworks and contemporary strategies for intercultural leadership—offering pathways to lead with integrity, respect, and transformative impact.

This masterclass is for:

Leaders and facilitators working across cultures or complex systems
Professionals in government, business, philanthropy, or social impact engaging with diverse communities
People involved in First Nations, Pacific peoples partnerships or community-led initiatives
Anyone seeking to develop a more relational, culturally attuned leadership practice

Learning Skills and Content

You’ll gain:

Understanding of Va - a Polynesian term for the relational space that connects all things, and practical skills for tending this space to allow innovation, and authentic connection
The Intercultural Framework (ICF), a practical model created by Mark Yettica-Paulson for moving through diverse collaborative contexts with integrity, skill, and mutual respect
Techniques for approaching collaborative challenges with cultural humility for pragmatic and human-centred solutions
Frameworks for recognising and honouring different knowledge systems whilst building shared understanding

Personal and Professional Transformation
You’ll come away with:

Greater self-awareness and cultural humility, recognising your own assumptions, cultural lens, and how these shape your worldview
Tools for empathy and relational skill when leading across diverse teams and communities
Strengthened ability to navigate complexity, hold space for difficult conversations, and remain present through discomfort
Agency to create collaborative spaces that honour diverse knowledge systems, build trust, creativity, and allow innovation to flourish
Sense making real-world challenges within a supportive learning community

Actionable insights and a peer network to support your continued journey in collaborative, culturally responsive work

Meet Tavale Ilalio

Tavale is the founder of Mahana Culture and a Faculty of Small Giants Academy. An organisation whose purpose lies in the awakening of cultural dignity for all and building tools and capacity to navigate the complex space of difference in people, culture and systems. Born in Samoa, raised in New Zealand, grew up in California and now settled in Naarm (Melbourne),

Tavale's navigation of his own identity has been a very conscious one which has allowed him to build a shared language, understanding and set of tools to navigate his own space. Mahana was founded with the intention to support others in this readiness and preparation before we enter into the often challenging work of cross-cultural and cross-difference spaces. A husband, a father and passionate about family and community, Tavale comes with a unique lens on how we do this work which always starts with an exploration of one of the most challenging cultures of them all, our own.

This masterclass is part of our Reimagining Business series - four
in-person sessions to explore what it means to lead with empathy, courage and adaptability in your organisation and business.

Additional Information

The maximum group size for this masterclass is 30 participants.
The masterclass will be held at Small Giants Academy's headquarters in St Kilda, The White House. Please arrive at 9am for a 9:30am start.
You'll be nourished with morning coffee and tea, a seasonal lunch, and snacks throughout the day.

If you have any questions, please email us at events@smallgiants.com.au

Thank you for supporting Small Giants Academy, a not-for-profit organisation and an ACNC registered charity.