Mission
Provide emerging leaders from multicultural communities with opportunities to learn, collaborate, grow and express themselves through a multifaceted program under the tutelage of experienced mentors.
About Investing In Greatness
Thoughtful, committed people changing the world.
Since 2016, IIG has enriched and empowered multicultural young leaders so they can influence the systems that shape their communities. Our alumni continue to mentor, partner and build ventures that uplift those around them.
Who we are
Investing In Greatness (IIG) enriches and empowers young leaders from multicultural communities. Through our assistance, we expect these leaders to grow into decision-makers who address complex economic, social and environmental challenges in Australia.
IIG was born from the lived experience of young leaders navigating systems not designed for them. With guidance from mentors including Dr Jim Rawson OAM and Dr Matthew Turnour FAICD, the founders built an enterprise where emerging leaders access governance knowledge, networks and support that would otherwise be out of reach.
Read the full storyMilestones
2016 — First spark
Community fundraisers and storytelling projects highlight the need for governance and mentorship.
2018 — Founders meet advisors
A facilitated session at the Australian Institute of Company Directors brings together advisors and twelve young leaders to co-design the inaugural Professional Development Program.
2020 — Public events scale
IIG hosts networking nights and development sessions, attracting hundreds of attendees each quarter.
2021 — Cohort One graduates
Our first cohort completes the Professional Development Program and steps into alumni leadership across the community.
2023 — Cohort Two graduates
Members co-design projects with partners, expanding IIG’s reach across education, entrepreneurship and community wellbeing.
2024 — Cohort Three graduates
Graduates return as mentors, facilitators and storytellers, multiplying IIG’s impact across Australia.
Today — Collective impact
With new cohorts joining each year, the IIG movement grows through alumni, advisors and partners committed to investing in greatness.
What guides IIG
Vision
Be the go-to enterprise for motivated leaders from multicultural communities who want to learn, grow and inspire.
Purpose
Enrich and empower future leaders so they can influence decisions, champion their communities and design sustainable change.
Values
- Service to others
- Initiative
- Accountability
- Self-growth
Professional Development Program
A private 12-month experience for vetted individuals who align with IIG’s culture, values and commitment to community service.
The program is intentionally small—8 to 12 members supported by six advisors—so every participant receives personal attention. Together we explore:
- Mentorship One-on-one matching with senior professionals based on interests and goals.
- Governance course Fundamentals covering director responsibilities, risk management and financial statements.
- Monthly board meetings Immersive, board sessions where members contribute to strategic conversations.
Program essentials
- Duration: 12 months with monthly board meetings and additional extracurriculurs.
- Investment: Free to join, with a $150 AUD auxiliary cost payable at commencement. Talk to us if sponsorship support is required.
- Benefits: Mentorship, skill development, networking, personalised guidance, resources and exposure.
- Publicity: Participation implies consent for photography or videography for documentation and marketing. Opt-out is available on request.
- Support: You can reach us at admin@investingingreatness.com.
Structure & community roles
Directors
Provide strategic leadership and governance. Directors keep IIG compliant, mission-aligned and financially accountable while guiding risk management and long-term vision.
Operations team
Graduates and values-aligned professionals oversee day-to-day delivery of programs and events. Their expertise spans law, finance, entrepreneurship, public speaking, HR, PR and media.
Advisors
Highly experienced professionals with decades of leadership experience who mentor members, design sessions, open networks and serve as sounding boards.
Cohort members
Values-aligned participants selected for leadership potential and commitment to community. They engage in governance training, collaborative projects and ongoing mentorship.
Advisory community
Purpose-led advisors, a dedicated governance trainer and an active alumni network ensure IIG remains future-fit.
Current advisors
- Dr Jim Rawson OAM — scientist, executive and long-term mentor investing in the lives of others.
- Helen Winter — legal, insurance and risk specialist guiding member wellbeing and compliance.
- Wedzerai Garwe — financial planner supporting members to build strong financial foundations.
- Greg Ewing — Queensland State Manager, Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Governance training
Dr Matthew Turnour FAICD, Chairman and Director at Neumann & Turnour Lawyers, facilitates the AICD governance course delivered to IIG cohorts. With nearly 40 years’ experience across business, government and the for-purpose sector, he equips members with charity law, compliance and director responsibilities.
The Australian Institute of Company Directors generously provides course materials and ongoing support to IIG.
Connect with Dr TurnourPast advisors
We honour the advisors who helped establish and grow IIG:
- David Martin
- Evelyn Omala
- Jeremy Walker
Expectations & code of conduct
We uphold a professional, inclusive and accountable environment for everyone connected to IIG.
- Active participation Attend scheduled sessions, communicate absences in advance and come prepared with questions and reflections.
- Professional conduct Represent IIG with integrity across in-person, digital and social media interactions; respect confidentiality and data privacy.
- Collaboration Engage respectfully, contribute to planning and take ownership of responsibilities without the need for reminders.
Code of conduct highlights
- Treat others with dignity, respect and fairness; avoid discrimination, bullying or harassment.
- Disclose conflicts of interest promptly to directors or the operations team.
- Use IIG resources responsibly and only for authorised activities.
- Maintain professionalism online; obtain consent before sharing identifiable content.
- Never attend IIG duties under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
- Breaches may result in warnings, suspension or removal from the program.
Overview of IIG programs
Professional Development Program
A 12-month leadership initiative for vetted cohort members focused on governance, leadership and strategic thinking alongside mentors.
Learn about the journey
Networking Nights
Quarterly public events connecting professionals, alumni, advisors and supporters. Over 1,300 attendees have joined to date.
Reserve a spot
Development Sessions
Topic-specific workshops open to the public, delivered by experienced professionals and designed to offer practical, actionable skills.
Register interest
Partner with us
Help us build the next chapter of IIG
We are excited to journey with mentors, partners, funders and emerging leaders who believe in multicultural excellence.