Meet the leaders: Mundanara Bayles

Mundanara Bayles is the managing director and co-founder of the BlackCard. She’s also the founder of BlakCast, Australia’s first podcast network owned and led by First Nations people. Here, she reveals the one book she could read over and over again.  

Did you make a new year’s resolution and if so what was it?
To be more present with my kids and spend quality time with my husband who keeps everything going while I’m away most weeks.

What are you reading and or listening to at the moment?
Reading: Rachel Rodgers’ We Should All Be Millionaires. Listening to: 3% (they just won a couple of ARIAs).  

If you could re-read one book what would it be?
Anita Heiss’ Am I Black Enough for You? 

What is your favourite hotel and why?
Sofitel Darling Harbour – I love French food and champagne! 

Who do you admire and why?
My business partner Aunt Lilla Watson – the matriarch of our family. Her advice and guidance has helped me become a better woman, mother and wife.

What does a typical day look like?
Five to nine different meetings with staff and or clients, a plane to somewhere, a workshop and maybe a board meeting!

Do you have a favourite designer?
Haus of Dizzy.

What is the one thing you spend money on that could be considered an indulgence?
Louis Vuitton handbags.

What brings you joy?
My work! My community! My family!

Is exercise a must or a grind? How do you fit it into your lifestyle?
Exercise is extremely important to me. My husband and I do pilates and boxing classes at our local gym at least three times a week.

What do you hope people will remember about you?
That I lived my life to the fullest, I never forgot where I came from (Redfern, aka the Block) and always looked after my community – my success was their success!  

Who are three women you’d like to be in the room with when making a big decision?

1. Aunt Lilla Watson, BlackCard co-founder
2. Jamila Rizvi, FW deputy managing director
3. Leila George, my business manager