Diversity in action: Bwe Thay

Bwe Thay’s journey highlights the value of diversity in Australian boardrooms. He advocates for boards that reflect the communities they serve, arguing this leads to better decisions and innovation. Bwe’s message is clear: diversity isn’t just ethical—it’s strategically advantageous. He emphasises that seeing diverse leaders today inspires future generations, underscoring the far-reaching impact of inclusive leadership in shaping Australia’s corporate landscape.

Walk into any boardroom in Victoria, and you might wonder if it truly represents the community it serves. That’s something Bwe Thay, Deputy Chair of Victoria’s Multicultural Commission and GOTAFE board member, wants us all to consider. His journey from refugee to board leader offers a compelling argument for diversity in leadership.

“Fifty percent of Victorians are of multicultural background, or at least have one parent born overseas,” Bwe points out. It’s not just a statistic for him – it’s a reality that should be reflected in boardrooms across the country.

Bwe’s path to leadership wasn’t straightforward. Even with a board position under his belt, he knew there was more to learn. That’s when he discovered The Observership Program, an initiative that connects diverse talent with board opportunities.

“It was an eye-opener,” Bwe recalls. “The program didn’t just teach me skills. It completely changed how I saw governance, especially in the not-for-profit sector.” But it wasn’t just about what he learned – it was about how he was treated.

During his time as an Observer with a host organisation, Bwe experienced something remarkable. “They didn’t just let me sit there silently,” he says, leaning forward with enthusiasm. “I was right in the thick of it, sharing my views in the middle of board discussions. It felt like I truly belonged there.”

This experience drove home a crucial point for Bwe: diversity in leadership isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about bringing fresh perspectives to the table. As he puts it, “Boards need to reflect the communities they’re trying to serve. When they do, decisions are better, ideas are richer, and innovation thrives.”

Bwe’s appointment to the GOTAFE board in 2022 reflects the Victorian Government’s commitment to diversity, but his contributions go far beyond demographics. His unique life experiences and sector knowledge have proven invaluable. While diversity may have opened the door, Bwe’s active engagement and multifaceted talents have enriched the board.

For boards looking to stay relevant and innovative, initiatives like The Observership Program are a goldmine. They offer access to a pool of diverse, board-ready talent – people with real-world experience and fresh ideas, ready to make an impact.

Bwe’s journey offers a wake-up call for boards across Australia. “If you want to be relevant to the communities you serve,” he challenges, “this is your chance to bring that diverse lens to your table.” It’s not just a nice-to-have – it’s a strategic advantage in today’s world.

To those from multicultural backgrounds eyeing board positions, Bwe’s advice is simple: “Now’s your time. If you want change, you’ve got to drive it.” And to boards still on the fence about diversity? His message is clear: “Don’t wait. Bring that diverse lens on board now, before you’re playing catch-up.”

In a rapidly changing world, can any board afford to ignore this wealth of diverse talent? As Bwe wisely notes, “You can only be who you can see.” By opening boardroom doors to diverse voices, we’re not just making better decisions today – we’re inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

Bwe Thay’s story isn’t just about one person’s success. It’s a roadmap for organisations wanting to serve their communities better. By embracing diverse voices like Bwe’s, boards aren’t just changing who sits around the table – they’re transforming what they can achieve and how they impact society.

The lessons from Bwe’s journey are more relevant now than ever. For boards, the question isn’t whether they can afford to embrace diversity – it’s whether they can afford not to. After all, true diversity in leadership isn’t just fair play – it’s how we build a stronger, more innovative, and truly representative future for all Australians.

Find out more about Board Search

Board Search connects you with diverse, pre-vetted young professionals from The Observership Program, offering fresh talent to strengthen your board and promote corporate diversity.

To enquire about Board Search, email boardsearch@observership.com.au

Connect with Bwe on LinkedIn