By Colette McEntee, an Executive Lead within the IPS Consulting Team  
As someone who has always held creativity and innovation at the heart of who I am and what I love, it’s joyful to realise there’s a whole day dedicated to this! The United Nations established World Creativity and Innovation Day  in 2017 to recognise the power of  creativity and innovation in driving human development across cultures, technologies, and systems. 

I hold these things dear and am lucky that so many people I get to work with every day share the same passion. This passion manifests in really different ways, and really different forms. In the lead up to World Creativity and Innovation Day, I’ve been able to take a bit of time to explore the topic in conversation with a few of my colleagues: Melinda Ely, Karen West and Marlon Motlop. 

What I learned, is that for all of us, creativity shapes how we show up in the world. Whether we’re designing a project, facilitating strategy sessions on Country, performing slam poetry, carving gifts for Elders and friends, making music, playing major festivals, or exploring the intersection of theatre and artificial intelligence -it isn’t something we switch on and off – it drives how we think, work, and connect.
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From improvisation to intuition, from stillness to systems thinking, we’ve been talking about how creativity shapes the way we engage with clients, communities, and complex challenges. We spoke about innovation being something deeply cultural, relational, and responsive. It’s about listening, adapting, and creating with purpose – and doing so in ways that honour both old and emerging ways of being.

Creativity as Expression and Healing

For Marlon, creativity and innovation are more than tools – they’re expressions of self and healing. “It’s how I process, challenge and reframe,” he shared. “It helps me connect with my inner child, with habits I’ve inherited or built from lived experiences – some beautiful, some traumatic.” In spaces and systems and ways of life shaped by government systems or Western expectations, innovation becomes essential – not to replace or change cultural ways of doing, quite the opposite. I have learned from Marlon and many others that innovation can be about finding ways to keep culture strong and present, and to make sure we find new ways to practise culture and remember who we are at our core. 
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Both Mel and Marlon expressed this so beautifully, with Mel sharing that “creativity and innovation, to us, are grounded in culture, connection, and community. It’s about listening deeply, respecting the wisdom that’s already there, and being open to new ways of doing things—especially when they come from unexpected places.” 

And for Marlon, “Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the way we communicate. Sometimes it’s about transforming systems to work for us, not against us.”

The Balance Between Old and New

That balance – of holding onto the foundation while moving forward – came through strongly in our conversations. Cultural knowledge systems, ways of knowing and being, are not static. They adapt, evolve, and breathe. Personally, my fascination with the intersection of old and new has always fuelled my creative brain. 

For Marlon, the answer might lie in remembering that “Our foundations haven’t changed, but the way we move has. And we need to keep checking in – is this still true to who we are? Is it helping our people?”

For Mel, “It’s not just about thinking outside the box, it’s about asking whose box we’re in, and who built it in the first place.”

Karen added: “It’s universal – during the creative process we must always ask ourselves: whose voice is this? Is it my voice or a construct? Does this idea represent who I am now, or am I echoing a version of myself that’s moved on, that’s no longer relevant?”

Creativity as Conversation

Karen offered another fascinating lens, describing creativity as a kind of conversation – one that requires both input and output. Reflecting on a time when she needed to increase her ability to handle and manage change, she reflected that “I took an improv class to build my adaptability,” she said. “It taught me how to really listen, to respond in the moment, to play with the unexpected. That’s a huge part of how I work now – staying present, agile, and responsive.”

That sense of responsiveness resonated through our conversations. We are constantly responding – to clients, to context, to community. Creativity helps us meet the moment, in the moment. 

And innovation isn’t just about shiny new ideas. Sometimes, it’s also about responsibility.  Marlon put it so well - “In our work, we can’t take the opportunity to innovate for granted. We have a responsibility to use our position well, to create in ways that help our people. That deserves respect.”

Stillness, Focus, and the Space to Create

Something that we all spoke about was the quieter side of creativity – the importance of stillness, focus, and space. “I’ve learned I need stillness to create,” Karen said. “That’s when the ideas come. It gives me a singular focus – a moment to be with one thing fully. That’s good for my wellbeing, but also for the work.”

 I love that! I find it so hard to make space for that stillness, when life and work are so busy, finding stillness feels like another job! But when I do, I am absolutely definitely at my best across all areas of my life. As Karen said, “creativity is the antidote to busy-ness.”

Mel finds creativity in the quiet moments too, “yarning with Elders, written ideas in a notebook, or even out on Country, where you feel space to think clearly. It’s not always big or loud, but it’s always present. Creative practice gives us room to breathe, reflect, and stay connected to why we do what we do.”

On Reflection 

On World Creativity and Innovation Day, it has been so joyful to take time to consider what that means for me, and what it means for some of the amazing people I get to work with. Creativity helps us listen, adapt, evolve, and lead. It allows us to honour the old while shaping the new. And it shows up in in quiet, singular moments of inspiration and reflection as well as in big, bold change and innovation.

For me, creativity is something I sense and feel. It’s intuitive and systems-based. My brain is like a web of ideas that’s constantly changing as new synapses and patterns are formed. I feel my way through situations and look for patterns – connections between things that don’t seem linked at first. That’s how I make change: whether as an ally, a leader, or as a Mum. Not by breaking the system, but by collecting inputs and shifting it from within.

I am proud to lead with creativity – in my life and in my work. But, more than that I am so proud to work with such incredible colleagues, friends and communities around Australia to consider how we can honour old ways while creating change and impact. How we can innovate without severing ties that ground and connect us. I reckon it’s a pretty cool way to apply creativity and innovation. 

Building on our celebration of International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of strong female mentors through the inspiring journey of Danie Zappa, a proud Noongar Wardandi woman and a trailblazing leader in our community. 

Danie Zappa's career is a testament to the profound impact that mentorship can have on personal and professional growth. With a Bachelor of Social Science in Indigenous Services from ECU, Danie has always been driven by a deep understanding and appreciation of her Aboriginal community, culture, and history. Her journey began in the Australian Public Service, where she spent 17 years working in various roles, including Indigenous Cultural Awareness Facilitation, mentoring, technical training, and leadership. 

Throughout her career, Danie has been guided by strong female mentors who have played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership style and career trajectory. One of her lifelong mentors has been a constant source of honest feedback and support for over 30 years. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping Danie navigate the challenges of her career and personal life, providing her with the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. 

Another significant mentor in Danie's life is Jahna Cedar, who has been a champion of career succession and planning. Jahna's mentorship has helped Danie develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in her roles and take on new challenges. Julie Hillier, another mentor, has provided invaluable leadership and life skills, creating a reciprocal relationship where both have learned from each other. 

Danie's leadership style is deeply influenced by these strong female mentors, compelled by the instinct to pay it forward. She values honest feedback and continuous learning, which she incorporates into her own mentoring relationships. Danie is passionate about the importance of having more First Nations people in leadership roles and is committed to making a difference by promoting gender equality and cultural diversity.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we recognise the importance of strong female mentors in empowering women to achieve their full potential. Danie Zappa's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated and passionate mentors can have on their mentees, fostering a culture of support, growth, and empowerment. ​

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, IPS Management Consultants proudly celebrates the achievements of Julie Hillier, Co-CEO of IPS, a leader who embodies the #AccelerateAction theme through her dedication to empowering women in leadership.
With a career spanning over two decades across the corporate, oil and gas, and consulting sectors, Julie has broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries, proving that authentic leadership and collective empowerment drive meaningful change.

Leading with Passion and Purpose (know your why!)
Julie’s journey began as a young professional in HR and leadership development at Shell, where she worked across Gas Plants and offshore oil rig facilities—an environment she describes as a sometimes harsh and tough training ground as a young female leader”. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her belief that women do not need to take on male-dominated norms to succeed.

“Authenticity is key. If we take on attributes that are not naturally ours, we can’t sustain them. Strong leadership is about heart and backbone—staying true to who we are while standing firm in our convictions and being appropriately assertive when needed.”

From her early days working globally in Europe, Indonesia, and the United States, to leading large-scale change management projects in Singapore, Dubai, and Australia, Julie has continuously championed women in leadership and driven systemic change in organisations.

Championing Women and Inclusive Leadership
As an advocate for gender equity and mentoring future female leaders, Julie is committed to creating spaces where women support and uplift each other.

“When women hold each other up and work collectively, we create something incredibly powerful. It’s not just about fixing women or ousting men—it’s about building inclusive systems where everyone thrives. We need other women and men as allies.”

Her leadership at IPS extends beyond corporate influence, including her work as the first female President of the Collie Chamber of Commerce in its 70-year history and her co-founding of an Aboriginal youth charity. Additionally, she leads Tennis Australia’s Women in Leadership program, now in its third year, ensuring the next generation of female leaders has access to leadership tools, strategies, mentorship and growth opportunities.

 The Time for Action is Now
Julie is a firm believer that discussions on gender equity must translate into immediate, tangible action.

“We don’t need more data to tell us that there is an equity problem. We know it. Now, let’s get on with it. Let’s accelerate action and create truly inclusive workplaces, communities, and a nation.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Julie’s leadership serves as an inspiration for women across industries. Her message is clear:
Be bold. Be authentic. And take action today with heart and backbone.

​In celebration of International Women's Day, we are proud to share the inspiring journey of Katie Clarke, a remarkable leader at IPS. Katie's path to leadership is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and the unique skills she has honed throughout her diverse career.

Katie's journey began in Dubai, where she spent 11 years as a hairdresser. During this time, she discovered the importance of connecting with people from various backgrounds and cultures. Her ability to engage with clients, find common ground, and make them feel comfortable became the foundation of her exceptional people and communication skills.

Upon returning to Australia, Katie pursued an Indigenous apprenticeship with Services Australia. However, she quickly realised that her true calling lay elsewhere. It was at IPS that Katie found her place, initially joining as an Executive Assistant. Her potential was soon recognised, and she was given the opportunity to speak at an International Women's Day event in 2018. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her transformation into a dynamic leader.

Katie's leadership style is characterised by her authenticity, empathy, and unwavering support for her team. She is known for her straightforward yet caring approach, always ready to protect and guide her colleagues while allowing them to grow independently. Her journey has not been without challenges, as she has had to navigate societal perceptions of what it means to be a leader and confront her own doubts about her capabilities.

Mentorship has played a crucial role in Katie's development. She credits Julie Hillier, IPS Co-CEO, as one of her biggest mentors and cheerleaders. Julie's belief in Katie's potential and willingness to entrust her with significant responsibilities have been instrumental in shaping her leadership journey. Additionally, Katie draws inspiration from Katina Law, the other Co-CEO and Founder of IPS, who has demonstrated immense strength and resilience in advocating for First Nations people.

Katie's advice to other women aspiring to leadership roles is to remain true to themselves. She emphasises the importance of embracing one's unique personality and strengths, rather than conforming to traditional expectations of leadership. Katie's story is a powerful reminder that authenticity and the ability to connect with people are invaluable qualities in a leader.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, Katie Clarke's journey serves as an inspiration to all. Her story highlights the significance of diverse experiences and the impact of strong mentorship in shaping effective leaders. At IPS, we are proud to have Katie as a part of our leadership team, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success.