About
The Carnaby program is for those who are keen to commence their journey to the boardroom and understand what is required to be successful.
The program comprises four workshops plus two individualised mentoring sessions to equip participants them with the knowledge, inside information and confidence to achieve their goals, whether now or in the future. The program concludes with an invitation only cocktail party.
In addition to the program, we create a network of supportive peers, as well as providing opportunities to connect with colleagues and create a community of excellence within the alumni group which continues supporting those on the journey to the boardroom.
We partner with strong brands who are committed to helping us achieve our vision.
Through this, we aim to create a pipeline of talented professionals, preparing them for board roles and supporting them to achieve their career potential.
Inspiration
The Carnaby Black Cockatoo is a much loved and iconic Australian bird. They are renowned for flocking together and for their distinctive voice, or call.
Now listed as an endangered species, government, industry and the community are working together to enhance their habitat and nurture their recovery.
The Carnaby Black Cockatoo inspires the work of Carnaby by reminding us of the strength of networks, as well as the importance of collaboration and proactively working to create environments where people can flourish.
Board
Carnaby’s founding partners are Bronwyn Barnes, Suzanne Ardagh and Daniel Smith.
Suzanne Ardagh AM
Suzanne is a Chair, Non-Executive Director and Executive with broad strategic and international experience across a range of industries. Her governance expertise has been developed over 20 years in the international education sector, membership associations, not-for-profit and commercial sectors.
Suzanne was the former WA State Manager with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and in this role she established AICD’s international division in South East Asia.
Suzanne currently leads the Board Advisory Services at Lester Blades, providing advice and support for Boards through recruitment, board reviews and governance advisory services. She is passionate about supporting other women and also devotes her time mentoring emerging and aspiring Directors through speaking engagements.
In a Non-Executive Director career spanning more than 20 years, Suzanne has served on boards in many sectors. She is Deputy Chair of WA Ballet and the St John of God Ministries Advisory Committee. Suzanne is also on WA Cricket Foundation Board and Chair of Stanley College, a dual sector international education provider. She is Patron of the WA Vietnam Business Council in WA.
Suzanne received an Order of Australia Award in 2024 for her distinguished services to business, the Arts and community.
Bronwyn Barnes
Bronwyn has extensive experience in Australian and overseas mining companies, ranging from BHP Billiton to emerging juniors, and including Director, leadership and operational roles. She has led major projects from exploration through to operation and connected the WA resources sector with international mining investment.
With over 25 years of board experience across a range of industries, including mining, agriculture, energy, community foundations and international trade and investment, Bronwyn is a passionate supporter of increasing the number of women in the board room, particularly within the junior resources sector.
Bronwyn is currently Executive Chairman of Indiana Resources Ltd, Non-Executive Chairman of Scorpion Minerals Ltd, Aerison Group Ltd, Finder Energy Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Synergy.
Bronwyn received the Outstanding Women in Resources Award 2015 from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA and was named Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources 2015 in the Women in Resources National Awards. She was a WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductee in 2019.
