Podcast series

 
 

Breaking the Barriers: Gender Equality and Leadership with Catherine Fox

Join Rosie Wheen on Not In My Workplace as she dives into an enlightening conversation with renowned journalist, author, and gender equality advocate Catherine Fox. With six books and decades of experience at the forefront of conversations about workplace gender equality, Catherine shares her insights on bridging the gap between rhetoric and reality in addressing systemic sexism and fostering equality.

In this episode, discover how workplace cultures can shift from reinforcing norms or falling into inertia due to over-optimism to breaking barriers. The importance of power redistribution and why addressing sexual harassment requires intention and meaningful metrics. Catherine holds up examples of change in other arenas like women’s sport to galvanise our action to address the challenges faced by middle management and the dangers of over-optimism in gender equity discourse.

Whether you're a leader, a change-maker, or someone passionate about creating fairer workplaces, this conversation offers practical insights and resources to inspire action.

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Lets get practical – creating safe, equal and respectful workplaces with Cara Gleeson

In this episode of Not In My Workplace, host Rosie Wheen is joined by Cara Gleeson, Director of the Our Watch Institute. It’s a powerful conversation reflecting on how we create workplaces that are safe, equal and respectful. Cara shares insights from her work with diverse organizations including the Commonwealth Bank and the AFL and offers practical advice. She also helps us understand the legal obligations for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in workplaces in the Positive Duty Legislation.

Cara reminds us how the staggering scale of sexual harassment in workplaces across Australia whilst also showing us we have come a long way. Cara has some great examples and stories to show us the importance of building trust in our systems that respond to reports of sexual harassment, the importance of listening and believing your people and the ripple effect we can have when we focus on gender equality in our workplaces.

Cara gets practical as she explains intersectionality and how important it is to understand. She also has a really important message for effective work in this area – step away from addressing is as a compliance issue, embed it in your strategy and culture.

Join us as we uncover actionable strategies and stories of progress!

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Skye Charry shares experiences and stories that show insightful and practical ways to enact the Respect @ Work legislation from the bush to the city

In this powerful and insightful episode, Rosie Wheen speaks with Skye Charry about her extensive work in understanding and addressing sexual harassment in workplaces, particularly in rural and remote areas. Skye shares her personal journey, from growing up in rural Australia to becoming a lawyer and academic focused on workplace safety and dignity.

You will be left in no doubt that Sexual harassment is a choice and it thrives in cultures where it's normalized or tolerated, it is also preventable and this episode has many suggestions practical steps leaders can take.

Skye shares the 5 R’s framework for addressing workplace harassment: Review, Reflect, Rumble, Revise, and Repeat – which she may rename rhythm! This work is not set and forget it is about creating a rhythm. Rosie and Skye reflect on the power of listening and being ready for a report or concern to be raised – Skye shares some great examples and models of how managers or supervisors can respond when someone makes a report which Skye reminds us is a generous act and a vulnerable one.

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Engaging men in prevention and as allies with Professor Michael Flood

In this Not in My Workplace episode, host Rosie Wheen speaks with Professor Michael Flood, an internationally recognized researcher, advocate, and educator. Together, they explore the role of men in addressing gender inequality and sexual harassment in the workplace. Men can play a vital role in challenging sexist behaviors and norms, and in this episode, you will hear practical steps they can take to become allies and advocates.

 Michael reflects on the role workplaces can play in addressing gender inequality and shares his insights into how workplaces can foster safer, more inclusive cultures and provide research-based strategies. Some key takeaways include

·        Sexual harassment prevention requires more than one-off training sessions

·        The importance of whole-of-institution approaches to culture change

·        Leaders must take an active, genuine role in culture change

·        Small actions—like speaking up against inappropriate jokes—can create lasting impact

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The power of slowing down and cultivating inclusive workplaces with Nevo Zisin

In this thought-provoking episode of Not In My Workplace, host Rosie Wheen sits down with writer, speaker, and educator Nevo Nisin for a deep and insightful conversation about fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful workplaces. Nevo shares their perspectives on gender, identity, systemic change, and the importance of slowing down to create truly transformative spaces.

Nevo challenges traditional ways of thinking about diversity and inclusion, urging workplaces to move beyond performative measures and into meaningful, relational, and sustainable practices. With wisdom drawn from personal experiences, activism, and an ever-curious approach to life, Nevo provides valuable takeaways for all.

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Creating a Culture where empathy outweighs entitlement with. Chanel Contos

In this powerful episode of Not In My Workplace, host Rosie Wheen sits down with Chanel Contos, the founder of Teach Us Consent, Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Youth Advisory Council, and author of Consent Laid Bare.

Chanel shares the origin and impact of Teach Us Consent. What an inspiring journey in advocating for consent education. Hear more about the impact of her ground breaking petition and the structural reforms she has championed in Australia. It’s such a great example of how we can catalyse change!

The conversation explores how young people are reshaping workplace expectations. It also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of empathy over entitlement, and the leadership needed to create safer, more respectful environments.

Chanel provides actionable insights for leaders across all industries, emphasizing the power of accountability, bystander intervention, and workplace policies that genuinely support victim-survivors.

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Boardroom Leadership & Preventing Workplace Harassment with Helga Svendsen

How can Boards act as coaches that work with executive? How to nail a curious question that shines new insights on workplace safety around the Board table? In this episode host Rosie Wheen sits down with governance guru, facilitator and coach Helga Svendsen to unpack the vital role of boards in preventing and responding to sexual harassment in the workplace. With over 200 podcast episodes of her fabulous podcast Take on Board and her board experience, Helga shares how diverse, inclusive, and engaged boards can create safer and more respectful workplaces.

The conversation delves into the responsibility of boards under Australia’s Respect At Work legislation, the power of diverse decision-making, and how boards can proactively set the tone for workplace culture.

If you’re a leader, board member, or aspiring director, this episode is packed with insights on how governance can drive meaningful cultural change.

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Navigating our way towards safe and inclusive workplaces with Karina Noble

In this powerful episode of Not In My Workplace, Rosie Wheen is joined by the insightful and passionate Karina Noble. With a diverse career spanning multiple industries—from cafés and universities to non-profits and corporate settings—Karina brings a wealth of experience in navigating workplace cultures and influencing them. She shares her personal journey, including the challenges of ableism, sexism, and discrimination, and how these intersecting identities shape workplace experiences.

Karina and Rosie dive deep into:
✅ The impact of power dynamics and intersectionality in the workplace and life
✅ What a truly safe and inclusive workplace looks and feels like to Karina
✅ The hidden ways bias and systemic structures create barriers and how these can compound
✅ How to create environments that “crowd out” sexual harassment and discrimination
✅ Practical steps leaders and organizations can take to foster safety and accountability

This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to workplace safety, inclusivity, and meaningful change.

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Creating your North Star and how to get there: Driving Workplace Inclusion with Div Pillay

In this powerful episode, Div Pillay, a trailblazing advocate and diversity and inclusion leader.As the CEO of MindTribes Dive has applied her life experience of growing up under apartheid in South Africa to her work in Australia.  She shares invaluable insights on how organizations can foster diversity, equity, and belonging, and why cultural inclusion is the key to unlocking business success. Div shares the importance applying an ethical framework – purpose, principles and performance - to the Board and how that creates a north star. 

From personal experiences to industry-wide challenges, Div unpacks the barriers faced by underrepresented groups and offers actionable strategies for leaders looking to drive meaningful change. Reflecting on how lonely leadership can be and how hard creating change can be Div shares examples of what is working to address those challenges such as creating communities of practice. 

Div generously shares a range of brilliant resources

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Diversity and Inclusion, an invitation to all Tarang Chawla

Tarang Chawla says his name is one you don’t forget; his story is one you won’t forget and his voice is one we should hear more of.

Tarang is a speaker, writer, and Victorian Multicultural Commissioner. He co-founded Not One More Niki, a non-profit honouring his sister Nikita, who was murdered in 2015. A Monash academic, he hosted There's No Place Like Home and advises governments on family violence, men’s mental health, and gender equality. 

In this compelling episode Tarang shares his journey in advocacy and social change and what fuels him to sustain his work as a vocal campaigner against gender-based violence, and the challenges of navigating the public sphere while staying true to his mission.

From policy changes to cultural shifts, Tarang delves into how storytelling plays a pivotal role in mobilizing communities, influencing decision-makers, and inspiring action. Whether you're an activist, a storyteller, or someone looking for hope and change, this episode is packed with powerful insights and thought-provoking discussions.

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Leadership, Legacy, and the Long Game with Tanya Hosch

In this powerful episode of Not In My Workplace, Rosie Wheen is joined by Tanya Hosch, who has a long and distinguished history in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, advocacy and governance. She is also an incredible speaker and, in this episode, Tanya shares her journey from her early career in government in South Australia, her discovery of feminism through to shaping social policy at the AFL, Tanya shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey — and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

In this conversation with trademark warmth and wisdom, Tonya reflects on how boards and leaders can foster safer, more respectful workplaces. She shares practical examples of policies that work — like the AFL’s Respect & Responsibility Policy. Tanya also shares candidly about the emotional demands of leadership and the need for self-awareness and self-care. Through talking about her own experience as an Aboriginal woman who recently became disabled Tanya Tonya unpacks how overlapping identities can shape — and complicate — professional experiences. You will hear the love and passion Tanya has for the AFL and it is a privilege to have a behind-the-scenes look at how the AFL revamped its complaint processes to become more victim-survivor centred. Tanya reminds us how sport, often a mirror of society, can also lead the way in transforming it.

This is a must-listen for leaders, changemakers, and anyone committed to building inclusive, values-driven cultures.

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Identifying and using your Personal Power in the workplace  with Julia Banks

In this compelling episode, Rosie Wheen sits down with the formidable Julia Banks—author, leadership consultant, keynote speaker, lawyer, former Federal Government MP and former Federal Independent MP. Julia opens up about her personal and professional journey, from her mother’s influence on her fight for gender equality to navigating the highest levels of corporate and political power in Australia.

With warmth and candour, Julia shares deeply personal moments that shaped her values, including the promise she made to her newborn daughter to fight for equal rights, and her powerful resignation from the Liberal Party. Her reflections on personal versus positional power, the insidious nature of workplace harassment, and the importance of integrity in leadership are both insightful and galvanizing.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The difference between positional and personal power— how to understand it better and why the latter is essential

  • How gendered stereotypes still shape workplace dynamics and leadership narratives and our own internal narratives and critiques 

  • The critical importance of the Respect@Work legislation—and why implementation must be intentional and why we must continue to push for action

  • What boards and executives can do to embed safe, inclusive cultures in their organizations.

  • How to recognize invisible harassment and the risks of expecting women to carry the burden of "calling it out."

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