Harvey Weinstein and Brittany Higgins have one thing in common. They were at the heart of a movement to reform workplace safety and workplace culture and right at the centre of that process, was Kate Jenkins AO, one of Australia’s most prominent voices on workplace safety, sexual discrimination and culture.

Kate is the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission and has led some of the most significant reviews and inquiries in Australia, including the landmark Respect@Work report into workplace sexual harassment, the independent review into culture inside Federal Parliament, and major cultural reviews across sport, government and business.

Kate was also the Commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and is currently the Chair of the Australian, Sports Commission, Chair of Creative Workplaces Australia and President of the Australian Red Cross among other roles.

This conversation goes beyond headlines and policy settings, to explore what really happens inside organisations when systems fail, power is misused, and people do not feel safe to speak up.

James and Kate discuss:

• Why culture failures are rarely sudden — they often develop gradually over time

• The warning signs boards and executives frequently miss

• Why complaint systems can fail the people they are designed to protect

• The challenge of balancing performance, fairness and accountability

• What meaningful reform looks like after crisis or misconduct

• Lessons from reviews across Parliament, sport and major institutions

• Why workplace culture should be treated as a core governance and business risk

Kate also reflects on the human stories behind her work and what leaders can do to create safer, stronger and more respectful workplaces.

An essential episode for directors, executives, founders, HR leaders and anyone responsible for leading people.

Follow the show for more conversations with leaders who have learned through challenge, crisis and experience.

Website: https://jameshstewart.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-stewart-gaicd-83b46a9

Important Disclaimer: This podcast is provided strictly for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, regulatory, governance, employment, HR, financial or professional advice of any kind, and must not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining advice specific to your circumstances. The views, opinions and recollections expressed by guests are their own, based on their personal experiences at the time of recording, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any organisation past or present. References to individuals, institutions, events or reforms are general in nature and may be incomplete or subject to change.

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