Discover what’s behind closed doors…
Our Story
In the 1980s, BCD Founder & Managing Director Donny Walford was climbing the leadership ladder in banking — and hearing, again and again, that her promotions had nothing to do with her ability. The whispers about why she was really getting ahead were as ugly as they were familiar.
Fast forward to today, and she's meeting brilliant young women facing the same insinuations. Others are told they're too young, too inexperienced, or too pretty for the role. The excuses haven't evolved. Neither has the bias underneath them.
"Promotion should never be about how many years you've clocked up or what you look like," Donny says. "It should be about the value you bring — whether that's with one year of experience or twenty."
Donny Walford FAICD
Founder & Managing Director
behind closed doors and bottomline
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That conviction is what led her to establish behind closed doors in 2008: a national community where women could build the networks, skills, and confidence that too many workplaces still weren't offering them. Donny watched smart, capable women get overlooked while employers complained about talent shortages — and set out to build something that judged potential on capability, not appearance, age, or gender.
Nearly two decades on, that's still the work. The best talent comes in every age, background, and appearance — and BCD exists to make sure that's finally reflected in who gets to lead.
What We Do
BCD provides structured Memberships,
Coaching and Mentoring, and Leadership Programs exclusively for women, nationally. Members are challenged, held accountable, and given the chance to share knowledge and experience — backed by unbiased, independent advice from their Coach, Mentor, Facilitator, and fellow Members.
Face-to-face and online options are available across three categories — Executives, Emerging Leaders, and Entrepreneurs — so you can find the right fit for where you are in your career or business journey.
Every BCD program has been developed, tested, and refined over years of real-world experience, giving us a deep understanding of the challenges women face and what actually drives performance. The result: outstanding leaders, sharper decision-making, stronger organisations, and a better bottom line.
Who We Are
Every member of Team BCD, from our staff to our Coaches, Mentors, and Facilitators, is genuinely invested in one thing: your success. When you rise, we count that as a win too.
BCD Team
Facilitators
Coaches and Mentors
BCD Partners generously provide venues and catering for our group sessions and Connexions Networking Events. We’re grateful for their support.
If your organisation would like to be part of the BCD network of partners, contact us today.
Our VisionOur vision is to establish greater than 40% female representation on Australian Boards and increase the number of women in leadership roles. We are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners to expand and scale their businesses by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and networks.
Our Goalbehind closed doors believes that by empowering women to achieve their full potential, we can create a more equitable and successful society. We aim to create a community of women who inspire and support each other to achieve their professional and personal goals and drive positive change in the business world and within organisations.
Our Values
Respect
We have due regard for others' feelings, wishes or rights. We ensure the work we produce is accurate and quality work
Integrity
We are honest, truthful and show a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. We always adhere to trust and confidentiality.
Genuine
We value ourselves and others, we are accountable and take responsibility for our mistakes, we avoid gossip, we continue to learn and we have courageous conversations. We are curious.
People-Focused
We provide excellence in customer service. We provide professional, timely, attentive, and energetic service to our stakeholders, ensuring their needs are met in a manner that reflects positively on the company. We support our stakeholders and act for their wellbeing and safety.
Fun
We laugh every day, and we enjoy each other's company. We work as a team with our employees and clients.
We would 🧡 to welcome you into our vibrant community of women.
