About Us
Our Mission
Innovating Leadership at the Confluence of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Strategy
At Secret Business, our mission is to revolutionise leadership by integrating time-honoured Indigenous wisdom with contemporary organisational strategies. We aim to cultivate leaders who are not only adept at navigating today’s complex business landscape but also deeply connected to enduring principles of community, sustainability, and ethical practice. Our programs are designed to challenge conventional thinking and inspire a new generation of leaders to lead success with courage, integrity, and respect for people and the planet.
Our Values
Integrity and Authenticity:
We are committed to honest and transparent practices, ensuring our actions consistently reflect our deep respect for the cultural knowledge we steward.
Sustainability and Stewardship:
We actively foster environmentally and socially responsible practices, contributing to sustainable development that honours the earth and its communities.
Inclusivity and Collaboration:
We value the power of diverse perspectives and collective action, which are essential for creative solutions and transformative change.
Excellence and Accountability:
We are committed to accountability while driving innovation and agility, empowering organisations to adapt to challenges and opportunities.
Meet the Team
Phil Thompson
Leadership Facilitator
Phil Thompson is a man of the Bidjara/Kara Kara peoples, with ancestral ties to Vanuatu through his mother’s lineage. As a Telstra Award-winning business leader and the co-founder of Native Secrets, Phil brings a wealth of knowledge in traditional land management and environmental conservation. His expertise extends to his role as an MBA facilitator and immersion leader, where he integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary leadership practices to foster sustainable and effective organisational management.
Rachel Abel
Responsible Leadership Specialist
Rachel Abel’s career spans the health, government, and education sectors, where she has excelled in creating multi-stakeholder environments that thrive on collaboration and innovation. As a leadership coach and MBA educator, Rachel specialises in responsible leadership, focusing on social impact and purpose-driven business strategies. Her extensive experience in managing divisional teams and multi-million dollar budgets equips her with the unique ability to transform theoretical knowledge into actionable, impactful strategy.
Uncle Peter Peckham
Senior Elder & Knowledge Holder
Uncle Peter Peckham, a respected Wiradjuri Elder from the Bogan River area in New South Wales, has dedicated his career to the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal culture. With extensive experience working with Primary Industries in Canberra, Uncle Peter has contributed to significant initiatives such as Feral Animal Control, Noxious Weed Control, and the Game Meat Industry, aiding Aboriginal communities across Australia. As the founder of “First Lesson Cultural Tours,” he offers insightful tours around Dubbo, Narromine, Dandaloo, the Warrumbungles, and Pilliga, sharing his profound knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal heritage and land stewardship. Uncle Pete is our guide in traditional knowledge.
Cherie Thompson
Co-Founder & Director of Native Secrets
Cherie Thompson, a Wailwan woman from Central Western New South Wales, is not only a co-founder of Native Secrets but also an innovative entrepreneur who has successfully blended traditional Aboriginal knowledge with modern business practices. Before entering the business world, Cherie spent 12 years as an early childhood and primary school teacher. She holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales. Her leadership at Native Secrets has earned her recognition as the Telstra Business NSW Winner for building communities, reflecting her commitment to creating products that are both culturally significant and sustainably produced.
Our Consulting Team
Beyond our four lead consultants, we have a dynamic team of additional consultants with specialisation in diverse industries. At Secret Business, our consultants hold a minimum MBA plus experience, providing a robust foundation in both academic and practical aspects of business leadership. This allows us to tailor our teams precisely to the needs of each project, ensuring that we bring the most relevant skills and insights to tackle the specific challenges and opportunities our clients face.
We Have
Worked With
