Leading through visibility

Meg Keneally
11:15am December 17 2024

David Camilleri. (Supplied)

Earlier in his career, David Camilleri couldn’t see anyone like him in a senior position.

“It would have made a big difference to me to have visibility of a senior leader who was part of the LGBTQ+ community or a visible ally.”

So, David resolved to be that person for those coming after him.

“What we say and how we lead is the difference, it’s not a nice to have, if we treat it like that, we don’t get anything done and nothing changes. As I’ve become older, I’ve made a conscious decision that it’s time for me to lead. Its important people understand they can be themselves at work, so I want to be visible.”

Westpac Pride is the Employee Advocacy Group which supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, whether it be through their work in Westpac or through volunteering their time outside of Westpac.

David has been an active advocate of Westpac Pride within his own business unit as well as a visible role model for young LGBTQ+ people within the corporate world. The importance of this can’t be underestimated.

Despite his seniority within the bank, he still manages to find time to volunteer and contribute to the execution of Westpac Pride’s strategy. On top of that, he’s just one of the nicest people you’ll come across.

For David, who doesn’t feel he’s a hero because “that label is for people who save lives”, part of being visible involves creating authentic connections.

“People learn from understanding – you can’t be passive in this space, it’s one or the other. My ask is to get to know each other on a more authentic level – open yourself up and leave it up to the other person if they want to do the same.”

One way David has built relationships was the creation of an Inclusion and Diversity playlist within the Risk function, with people adding their favourite music and explaining why they loved it as a conversation starter.

“I had been working with a senior leader who was part of the community for years before I realised that we only knew each other in a professional context, and I felt it was time to get to know each other as people, it really makes a difference.”

David mentors other LGBTQ+ people and works with a charity whose mission is to keep LGBTQ+ children off the streets. He has found his visibility draws others to him.

“People I don’t know come to me to talk about challenges they’re having with their kids, then there are people not yet out of the closet wanting to talk to a safe person, or people having confidence issues. I’m always happy to have a conversation, it’s part of being a leader.”

And David would also like to see more people realise the benefits of inclusivity.

“For me, people need to be inclusive in their actions and their words. It’s all about understanding that we have a diverse workforce, and that this is our strength.”

#WeAreWestpac #WeThrive

Meg Keneally

Meg is a writer who has worked for the Daily Telegraph and 2UE, and more recently has written for The Guardian Australia and The Australian. She has published two solo and four co-authored novels and co-edited an anthology. She is also a former editor of Westpac’s internal news channels.

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