Episode Seven: Leadership without Power
In this episode of Settle Down, the Aunties dive into Indigenous leadership: the good, the hard and the deeply complicated. What starts with laughter and venting about frustrating moments quickly unfolds into a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead with community, not ego.
From navigating the weight of representing your people in every room, to challenging western ideas of power and hierarchy, the hosts share honest stories from their own businesses and lives. They unpack concepts like servant leadership, relational accountability and the constant tension between profit and purpose — while keeping it real about burnout, boundaries and the pressure to “hold it all together.”
The conversation also takes a sharp turn into the systems that are supposed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs, but often don’t. From barriers to government contracts to “pay-to-play” certification models, the Aunties speak candidly about access, inequity and why being “at the table” still feels out of reach.
Grounded in humour, honesty and powerful cultural teachings, this episode is a reminder that Indigenous leadership isn’t about power, it’s about people, purpose and planting seeds for future generations.
So settle in… and settle down.
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