Last month, NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire participated in an international delegation of MBEs and corporate members to New Zealand and Australia to create greater economic opportunity for minority entrepreneurs in the region. Below she shares her reflections on the trip.
On Aug. 29, as I sat at the front table of the Supplier Diversity Awards Gala in Brisbane, Australia, I felt a wave of inspiration. The gala, held as part of Supply Nation’s Connect 2024 event, celebrated the 15th anniversary of advancing Indigenous businesses through entrepreneurship and supplier diversity. The room was alive with energy — CEOs, ambassadors, ministers, entrepreneurs, supplier diversity leaders, buyers, and honorees from across Australia gathered in a space that was both majestic in décor and electric in atmosphere.
Amidst this grand celebration, a familiar face emerged from the crowd. It was Michael McLeod, the CEO of Message Stick Group, and a name synonymous with the birth of Supply Nation. As he approached, memories of our first meeting in 2007-2008, when I served on NMSDC’s international committee for Dell Technologies, came rushing back. Back then, McLeod had come to the United States to study the NMSDC model, with a vision of replicating its success for the Indigenous community in Australia.
A Visionary’s Journey in Australia
McLeod’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In 2001, under the visionary leadership of Harriet Michel, NMSDC launched the “Global Link” International program. The program had three main objectives: to facilitate global expansion for MBEs, to aid corporate members in their global supplier diversity endeavors, and to collaborate with international NGOs to share best practices in empowering underserved communities through entrepreneurship and supplier diversity. This initiative laid the groundwork for what would become a global movement.
Inspired by this model, McLeod took the insights he gathered back to Australia, leading to the establishment of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council (AIMSC) in 2009, which later evolved into Supply Nation in 2013. Today, Supply Nation has 820 corporate and government members, 5,000 verified businesses, and a government policy of 10% spend with Indigenous businesses. As McLeod recounted his efforts to answer his prime minister’s call for better collaboration and economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians, I was reminded of the incredible impact that one leader’s vision can have when combined with government support and a commitment to economic inclusion and community empowerment.
A New Chapter with Amotai in New Zealand
Ten years after the formation of Supply Nation, Amotai, a supplier diversity organization in New Zealand, was born. Their mission — to connect Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses with corporate and government buyers — was inspired by the success of their “tuakana” (older sibling), Supply Nation. It was clear during our visit that the seeds of change planted by Michel and her team in the United States and by McLeod and his team in Australia, had crossed oceans and continents, fostering economic inclusion wherever they took root.
On Aug. 19, I arrived in Auckland with a small group of NMSDC-certified MBEs, corporate members, and partners to support Amotai’s 5th anniversary annual conference: the 2024 Amotai Navigate Summit. This event, New Zealand’s premier gathering for diverse businesses, procurement professionals, and innovators, was a testament to the growing impact of supplier diversity in the region. At the summit, NMSDC and Amotai announced a formal partnership to share best practices and promote our common mission of accelerating our MBEs’ growth worldwide.
A Mosaic of Cultural Respect and Economic Progress
Throughout our journey, from Auckland to Sydney and Brisbane, we were greeted with a profound respect for tradition and heritage. Every occasion began with a recognition of the traditional owners of the land, acknowledging their enduring connection to land, waters, and community. This respect for Indigenous cultures resonated deeply with me, as it mirrors the values of unity and honor that I hold dear.
In Brisbane, we signed an important MOU with WEConnect International, led by Elizabeth Vasquez, who has been a driving force in empowering women-owned businesses globally. This partnership reinforces our commitment to a global, intersectional approach to growing underserved businesses. Collaborating with organizations like WEConnect International, Supply Nation, and Amotai, we are reminded that our mission to foster inclusive economic growth knows no borders. The progress these partner organizations have made over the years is a powerful testament to the impact of collaboration and shared vision.
Inspiring Moments and Endless Opportunities
One of the most memorable moments of the trip was seeing First Nation leaders from across the globe united by a common purpose. On stage and off, figures like Chris James from The National Center For American Indian Enterprise Development, Amanda Smith from the Native American Business Association, Cassandra Dorrington from Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Development Council (CAMSC), Anna-Jane Edwards from Amotai, and Kate Russell from Supply Nation inspired us with their dedication to economic empowerment.
Our journey concluded with an insightful networking brunch at EY Brisbane, where our global partners and I shared our key takeaways from this trip including the endless opportunities for MBEs to grow through global partnerships. I am particularly proud of the two MBEs on this trip who were inspired to aim for $100 million in revenue, driven by the potential they witnessed during our mission.
A Heartfelt Thanks and Looking Forward
I want to express my deepest gratitude to our international partners—Amotai, Supply Nation, and WEConnect International — for their warm hospitality and collaboration. A special thank you to our corporate members, Amazon, EY, Accenture, and others for hosting us and reinforcing the significance of equitable and sustainable business practices. And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Chevron for sponsoring my trip and making this incredible experience possible.
As I reflect on our trip, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our mission. The journey of building an inclusive global economy is far from over, but with the support of our partners and the dedication of our team, I am confident that we will continue to make strides towards a prosperous future for all.
Learn more about NMSDC’s Global Link program here.
