Welcome to my page
I write about the parts of life we usually keep tucked away. The messy family dynamics, the friendships that test your limits, the moments where you want to help so badly you end up carrying more than your share. I have learned the hard way that love without boundaries can turn into burnout, and that saving people is not the same as supporting them.
I live with severe heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, autoimmune pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes. Those words look clinical on a screen, but in real life they shape everything, my energy, my choices, my priorities, and my patience for what no longer matters. They have forced me to slow down and pay attention, not just to my body, but to the patterns in my life and the people around me.
My story is also carried by culture. Papua New Guinean roots and Torres Strait Islander strength have taught me about resilience, loyalty, and the quiet power of knowing where you come from. The ocean is a constant reference point for me. It reminds me that tides change, that storms pass, and that you can return to yourself even after you have been pulled in too deep.
This blog is my way of making sense of it all, in real time. If you are someone who loves hard, gives too much, or keeps showing up for people who are not ready to show up for themselves, you will probably see yourself in these pages. My hope is that you leave feeling less alone, more honest with yourself, and brave enough to choose a life that actually holds you back.
Discover a space dedicated to authentic storytelling, professional insights, and meaningful discussions led by Edward Solien, an advocate for Diversity, Equity, Justice, Inclusion, and Belonging. Whether you’re here to explore the personal journey of a proud Torres Strait Islander with deep roots in social justice and reconciliation or to gain professional insights on reconciliation leadership and strategies for equity and inclusion, you’re in the right place.
A Little Bit About Cultural Nexus Indigenous Corporation and Indigenous Job Match
If you do not know already, I created Cultural Nexus Indigenous Corporation because I wanted to influence change at a governance level.
Not the soft fluffy kind of change that looks good in a newsletter.
I mean real change.
The kind that challenges systems, shifts decisions, holds organisations accountable and brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices into the spaces where power actually sits.
CNIC was created from my lived experience, my culture, my frustration and my belief that social justice should not just be something organisations talk about during Reconciliation Week or NAIDOC Week.
It should be built into governance.
It should be built into employment.
It should be built into procurement.
It should be built into the way organisations make decisions that impact our people, our families and our communities.
Cultural Nexus Indigenous Corporation is Supply Nation Certified and 100% Indigenous owned and managed. For me, that matters because this work is not just professional. It is personal. It is cultural. It is community responsibility.
From CNIC, I created Indigenous Job Match.
Think of Indigenous Job Match like SEEK or Indeed, but Blak, culturally grounded and created for Blak excellence.
It is a place where employers can advertise roles and show Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers that they are serious about culturally safe workplaces, not just ticking a box.
It is also a place where our mob can search for opportunities with organisations that are at least trying to do the work properly.
Because let’s be honest.
Our people are not hard to reach.
Systems have just been hard to trust.
Indigenous Job Match was created to help rebuild some of that trust by connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates with employers who understand that culture is not a barrier to employment.
Culture is strength.
Culture is leadership.
Culture is knowledge.
Culture is excellence.
And Blak excellence deserves to be seen, supported and paid properly.
So when you see me sharing Indigenous Job Match, CNIC or the work I am building, please know it is bigger than a business.
It is about opening doors.
It is about creating pathways.
It is about social justice in action.
It is about making sure our people are not just included in systems, but helping shape them.
And if this work speaks to you, share it with your networks.
Share it with employers.
Share it with job seekers.
Share it with community.
Share it with the people who always say they want to do better but do not know where to start.
Because sometimes one share can put the right opportunity in front of the right person at the right time.
And that can change a life.
Make an impact today
Support Dignity Bags for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men
Your support can make a real difference. I create and distribute dignity bags for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in need, filled with essential items like underwear, toiletries, shelf-stable food, and other basics to support dignity and well-being.
Your donation goes directly towards sourcing and assembling these much-needed bags, providing immediate comfort and practical assistance to those facing hardship. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure these dignity bags reach those who need them most.
Thank you for supporting this vital initiative and standing with our community.
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Welcome to my page. I'm Eddie Solien, a Leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Lead and Reconciliation Action Plan Programmes passionate about driving organisational change towards more inclusive and equitable practices. Spearheading initiatives that make a tangible difference in embedding inclusive cultures within organisations.
My professional journey is deeply personal, shaped by significant health challenges, including severe heart failure with left ventricle dysfunction, atrial fibrillation with a 16% output reduction ejection fraction, Auto Immune Pancreatitis, and Type 2 Diabetes. These experiences have granted me resilience and a unique perspective on the importance of accessibility, healthcare, and workplace accommodations. As a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community and someone who identifies as Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean, I bring a multifaceted view to my work in social justice and equity.
In early 2023, I embarked on a blogging journey to 'brain dump' and transpose my thoughts and experiences onto virtual paper. This platform has become a space for reflection, sharing insights, and connecting with others on topics ranging from health challenges and identity to inclusion in the workplace. It's an extension of my commitment to social justice, offering another avenue to advocate for change and share stories that might otherwise go unheard.
With a background in human resources, I understand the intricacies of organisational dynamics and the critical role that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging principles play in creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. I believe in moving beyond policy to foster a culture that sees diversity as its greatest asset.
The imperative for genuine inclusion and equity becomes increasingly paramount as the world evolves. I am dedicated to leading by example, championing innovative strategies to break down barriers, and nurturing spaces where diversity is celebrated.
I invite you to connect and join me in this journey towards creating more inclusive, equitable workplaces and communities. Together, we can make a difference.
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Immerse yourself in heartfelt stories and reflections on culture, community, and social justice. Discover how lived experiences shape Edward’s approach to Diversity, Equity, and Belonging and learn from his journey towards reconciliation.
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Stay informed with practical resources, expert insights, and impactful discussions on reconciliation leadership, inclusion, and social equity. Join Edward as he explores how we can create more inclusive spaces and promote sustainable change across industries.
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The views, opinions, and content expressed in all articles, blogs, and other writings authored by Edward Solien are solely those of the author in their personal capacity and do not represent, reflect, or imply the opinions, positions, or policies of any organisation, employer, or affiliated entity.
By accessing, reading, or using the content provided by the author, the reader expressly agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Edward Solien, their heirs, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, expenses (including reasonable legal fees), or actions arising out of or related to:
1. Any reliance on the content provided by the author, including errors, omissions, or interpretations thereof;
2. The use or redistribution of the author’s writings for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial;
3. Misrepresentation or assumptions regarding the author’s affiliation with any entity, organisation, or employer.
The author disclaims any responsibility for third parties' interpretation or use of their content. All writings are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Readers are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, and the author assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on the material provided.
Articles
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When Blak excellence is constantly asked to carry culture, educate colleagues and make organisations look inclusive, the hurt runs deeper than another “quick favour”. Eddie Solien reflects on tokenism in the workplace, colonial load and why true reconciliation requires power, resourcing and respect, not performative gestures.