Karen Maher, an expert in workplace safety and culture, discusses the critical importance of building safe and inclusive workplaces. Maher shares her background, having experienced workplace harassment and bullying early in her career, which motivated her to specialise in this field.

Maher emphasises that the impact of poor workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, can be devastating, both for the individuals directly affected as well as the broader organization. She highlights common misconceptions, such as the belief that intent matters more than the actual impact of the behavior. Maher stresses that organizations have a duty of care to address these issues proactively, rather than reactively.

The discussion covers the concept of "psychosocial safety" - the need to ensure not just physical safety, but also psychological safety in the workplace. Maher outlines key elements that organizations should consider when developing anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies, such as clear definitions, reporting mechanisms, and support systems for affected employees.

Maher also emphasizes the critical role of leadership in setting the tone and modeling the desired behaviors. She shares success stories of organizations that have transformed their cultures by prioritizing respect, education, and a strong speak-up culture.

Looking to the future, Maher anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny and prosecution of organizations that fail to provide safe workplaces, particularly around psychosocial hazards. She encourages businesses to be proactive in addressing these issues, rather than waiting for something to go wrong.

Overall, the interview highlights the significant impact that workplace bullying and harassment can have, and the importance of organizations taking a comprehensive, preventative approach to building safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environments.

To find out more https://www.karenmaher.com.au/

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In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, we welcome David Knoff, Antarctic station leader and author of 537 Days of Winter. David’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the sheer mental fortitude required to lead a team through unprecedented isolation and extreme conditions. From managing resources and morale to navigating the mental toll of Antarctica's harsh environment—compounded by an unexpected pandemic lockdown—David shares powerful insights on crisis leadership and what it takes to keep a team motivated in the world’s most remote and challenging location.

Tune in for a unique conversation that delves into leadership, resilience, and the art of maintaining hope and connection, even when you’re far from home.

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In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Elliott Dellys — founder and CEO of Phronesis, Australia’s first B Corp-certified cybersecurity firm. A former intelligence officer turned entrepreneur, Elliott is leading a very different kind of security conversation — one grounded not just in technology, but in ethics, leadership, and culture.

Elliott believes cybersecurity is ultimately a people problem — and that the biggest risks we face aren’t just digital, they’re deeply human. From the rise of AI-powered cybercrime to the flawed systems that leave organisations vulnerable, this conversation goes far beyond firewalls.

We explore:

• Why groupthink is one of the most dangerous threats inside modern organisations

• How fear, conformity, and poor leadership compromise security and innovation

• The myth of “hacking” — and what most businesses get wrong about risk

• What it means to build a values-driven company in an industry obsessed with fear

• His bold take on why Australia won’t meet its 2030 cybersecurity goals — and what real progress would look like

Elliott also shares why he donates 10% of profits to social impact, why he built Phronesis around the Greek word for “practical wisdom,” and how philosophy remains his greatest leadership tool.

This is a conversation about courage, systems thinking, and the urgent need for leaders who can think beyond compliance — and lead with conscience.

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What if your brand had a signature scent that made clients feel exactly what you wanted them to feel — trust, luxury, energy, nostalgia?

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with doctors-turned-entrepreneurs Suji and Jeeva, co-founders of BrandScent, the game-changing business behind some of Australia’s most memorable branded fragrances. From maternity leave side hustle to Shark Tank and scent tech innovation, their journey blends science, storytelling, and serious startup grit.

We explore how scent influences behaviour, memory, and brand loyalty — and why scent might just be your most powerful (and overlooked) branding tool.

If you’ve ever said, “This place smells like success,” this episode is for you.

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Sami Makelainen is a global tech expert who’s worked across Finland, North America, and Australia.

With a background in computer science and a passion for understanding how technology shapes society, Sami brings a uniquely human perspective to some of the most complex conversations in tech today.

In this conversation we discuss:

The erosion of critical thinking in the age of AI
Why we should treat AI like a brand-new intern, not a CEO
Shadow AI, organisational risk, and how culture is being reshaped
Quantum computing, ethical tech, and the futures we're not planning for

This is more than just a conversation about emerging technology.
It’s a deep, honest look at how AI is changing leadership, communication, and the decisions that shape our world.

Get ready for a conversation that will challenge your assumptions, stretch your thinking, and reveal why the next decade may be the most transformative in human history.

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In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Jodi Geddes – co-founder of Circle In, keynote speaker, and a passionate advocate for caregivers in the workplace.

Jodi shares her remarkable journey of building (and selling) a global platform that supports working parents and caregivers across life stages – from parental leave to menopause and beyond. We talk about the reality of returning to work after children, what true empathy in leadership looks like, and how burnout can creep up on even the strongest among us.

Jodi opens up about her personal experiences with burnout, the power of vulnerability, and why creating a psychologically safe, family-friendly workplace isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. We also explore how leaders can role model care, build trust through storytelling, and rethink flexibility in a hybrid world.

This is a must-listen for leaders ready to embrace whole-person leadership and for anyone navigating the beautiful, messy juggle of career and caregiving.

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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What does it mean to decolonise the health system? How do we shift from a system that wasn’t built for First Nations communities to one that recognises, respects, and integrates Indigenous knowledge and leadership?

In this episode of Future Fit Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Ngaree Blow, a proud First Nations woman and a leader in public health, medical education, and Indigenous health advocacy. We explore her journey into medicine, the challenges she faced as an Indigenous medical student, and the systemic barriers that continue to impact First Nations health outcomes.

Dr. Blow shares her vision for a healthcare system that is truly inclusive, where Indigenous ways of healing are valued, where representation in leadership drives better policy, and where First Nations communities no longer face the same health inequities that have existed for generations.

We also discuss It’s a Mob Thing, her grassroots initiative that empowers Indigenous communities through culture and storytelling, and the upcoming It’s a Mob Thing Festival in Geelong on March 15.

This conversation is about leadership, systemic change, and the power of representation. If we want a better, more equitable future, we need to start by listening to those who are leading the change.

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Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s achievements, we hear inspiring stories, and we applaud progress. But at our current pace, gender parity is still 130 years away—which begs the question: are we actually moving forward, or are we just talking about it?

This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action," and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Penny Locaso, whose latest research in her white paper Hidden Figures: Where Are All the Female Experts? exposes a critical barrier holding women back—their reluctance to own their expertise.

We unpack the four key themes from her research, from the "ick" factor of the word expert to the invisible checklist women feel they have to complete before they step forward. We explore how fear of judgment, lack of visibility, and outdated leadership norms continue to sideline highly capable women—and why it’s time for leaders to take responsibility for creating a system where expertise isn’t just recognised, but actively elevated.

This isn’t just a conversation for women. It’s a call to action for every leader, every organisation, and every decision-maker. If we truly want gender equity, we can’t just celebrate IWD—we need to use it as a moment of accountability. Penny shares powerful yet practical ways for leaders to step up, including one of the simplest but most impactful actions: publicly recognising and naming the expertise of the women around you.

It’s time to stop talking about change and start driving it. If you’re serious about shifting the dial on gender equality, this is the episode you need to hear.

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