Podcasts

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we’re joined by Uncle Lionel Dukakis, a Proud Gunditjmara Man and Managing Director of First Nations Traffic Management & First Nations Labour Hire Pty Ltd.

Born in 1962, under policies that denied First Nations people recognition as citizens and treated them as part of the fauna and flora, Uncle Lionel was not recognised as a human being under Australian law. As a member of the Stolen Generation, he was taken from his mother at just 18 months old, raised in foster care, and forced to start life at a disadvantage. Despite these hardships, he went on to create a thriving Indigenous owned business, helping First Nations workers gain employment and stability across the country.

🎯 Key Insights:

• Resilience in Business & Life: Despite the deep trauma of growing up disconnected from his culture and family, Uncle Lionel refused to let pain define him, choosing resilience over addiction. Today, he is a leader in Indigenous business, creating opportunities for First Nations workers across the country. But above all, he is a proud father and grandfather, with a big, loving family that keeps him grounded and inspired every day.
• Knowing Who You Are: He highlights how cultural identity plays a key role in negotiations, whether in business, community, or personal growth and why standing strong in who you are is non negotiable.
• Love as a Negotiation Strategy: At the core of Uncle Lionel’s work is love for family, for mob, for creating lasting change. He shares how love can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges and leading with integrity.

📢 Connect with Uncle Lionel’s Work
Support Uncle Lionel’s mission by following and engaging with First Nations Traffic Management & First Nations Labour Hire Pty Ltd.

🔗 Follow Uncle Lionel on LinkedIn: Lionel Dukakis