She Has The Courage to Lead.
with
Allan Sicard & Michelle Boundy
The founder of She Inspires Me, Michelle Boundy is honored to partner with one of New South Wales’s most respected and highly regarded former Senior Police Officer, Allan Sicard for this very special podcast Series.
Our Story
This year our podcast will focus on Women at Work which was launched on International Women’s Day in 2024. The Women at Work initiative aims to educate, empower, and enhance the lives of women at work in this country, and our podcast interviews some of Australia’s most influential women. This has included Commissioners, Ministers, and high-profile women who are driving change in this county. Series Three (3) will be launched in mid-September and will celebrate some of Australia’s biggest names in Media, including award-winning Television Personalities, Reporters, and Journalists. You can review our podcasts here
About Michelle
Michelle is the founder of She Inspires Me and Women at Work. She has over 30 years’ of experience working in Governments supporting our communities most vulnerable. She has extensive tertiary education and is a Subject Matter Expert in Workplace Safety, Wellbeing, and Culture. Michelle has implemented two (2) wellbeing reforms across two (2) Governments winning multiple awards for her work in this area. She is passionate about educating, empowering and enhancing the lives of women at work and she is highly regarded and respected nationally for her strong advocacy for creating kinder and safer workplaces for Australian workers.
About Allan
Allan is a former New South Wales Police Force officer who served his community from 1980 to 2020 with the last 15 years as a Police Commander – Superintendent rank. He is widely recognised for his roles in 2 of Australia’s most significant terrorism-related incidents including the Mosman Collar Bombing in August 2011 and the Lindt Café Siege in December 2014. Allan is the Author of his new book called “The Courage to Lead - Resilience and Compassion in Police Command.” He is the host of the popular podcast series of the same name, “The Courage to Lead Interview Series” which has just celebrated its first birthday and 32 episodes. The podcast shines a light on leaders who empower others to create supportive and inclusive workplaces, environments, and communities so everyone can thrive. Allan is also a Leadership Coach and Speaker. I encourage you to review his remarkable career and the wonderful work he continues to undertake in our community on his website here: allansicard.com
She Has The Courage to Lead
Series Three (3)
Series Three (3) of She Has The Courage to Lead will commence in mid-September and are some of Australia’s biggest names in media and women’s safety in this country and their names will be released shortly
Podcast One (1)
Bridget Fair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Free TV Australia
Bridget Fair joined Free TV Australia as Chief Executive Officer in February 2018, having previously held a number of senior roles with Seven West Media responsible for corporate affairs, government relations, and business strategy. She has also worked with the ABC and SBS, and in private legal practice. Bridget is currently a Board Director for Women in Media and has served as the former Chairman of Screen Rights. She has also held positions as a Non-Executive Director of iSelect and a Director of OzTAM, Freeview and Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism & Ideas. Bridget’s inspiring story will be released shortly.
She Has The Courage to Lead
Series Two (2)
Podcast One (1)
Sapphire Parsons Workplace Lawyer at Macpherson Kelle
Sapphire works as a Senior Associate in Workplace Lawyer at Macpherson Kelley, in the areas of employment, discrimination, industrial relations, and psychological safety. As a survivor of domestic and gendered violence, Sapphire has transformed her pain into purpose, harnessing the power of education, advocacy, and collaboration with those who have the power to make the greatest difference. In recognition for her work in this space, in 2023, Sapphire was the Winner of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Award for Workplace Health and Safety.
She was also a Nominee for the National Protective Services Safety and Wellbeing in the Workplace Award which forms part of the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for Victoria. Sapphire was also selected as a Bond University Ambassador for their 2023 Giving Day. In 2022, she was the Winner of the Rising Star of the Year Award at the Women in Law Awards. She was also a Finalist for the Innovator of the Year and Women in Law Excellence Awards and was a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for Workplace, Health & Safety. You Can Listen to Sapphire inspiring story here
Podcast Two (2)
Asha Bhart OA, CEO of Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC)
Asha is a CEO of Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) and an Internationally renowned businesswoman whose passion for social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion fuels her everyday activities. Asha is the leader of a prominent Aboriginal Corporation in Western Australia. Under her stewardship, the organisation, known as SAC, spearheads initiatives encompassing affordable housing, employment facilitation, youth empowerment, suicide prevention, health advocacy, support for victims of family and domestic violence, as well as legal services. Asha's most notable accomplishment lies in orchestrating the expansion of family violence prevention legal services, thereby enhancing access to the justice system for Aboriginal individuals affected by violence.
As an Australian, Indian migrant woman at the head of an Indigenous organisation, Asha frequently walks the tightrope of successfully fusing the best of different cultures to develop solutions that deliver significant outcomes to the quality of life for some of our nations most marginalized people. Acknowledged for her extraordinary contributions to the fabric of Australian society with a Community Citizen of the Year Award in 2017, an Order of Australia Medal during the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours and an induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023, WA Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership in 2024. Her National and International Awards include the Gold Winner of a Stevie International Businesswomen’s Award, the United Nations Association of Australia WA Division – Gender Equality Promotion Award in 2023 and the WA Multicultural Award (Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award) in 2023. Asha is a shining example of the ways that culture and diversity can be embraced to make Australia a stronger place. You can listen to your incredible story here
Podcast Three (3)
Kylea Tink, Independent Federal Member for North Sydney
Kylea is a business leader, social advocate, and mum of three who has lived in the North Sydney area for over 15 years. In May 2022, she was elected Federal Member for North Sydney. As a community Independent, she is committed to listening to the people of North Sydney and advocating in Parliament. Before entering politics, she had a career in communications and campaigning. She is a former managing director of Edelman Australia, Chief Executive of the McGrath Foundation, and Chief Executive of Camp Quality. Kylea was one of the people who helped bring about the Pink Test, a cricketing fundraiser that raises awareness and money for the foundation, including significant grants from the government.
They also managed to gain partnerships beyond cricket, including a partnership with St George Illawarra Dragons in 2013. During her time as CEO the number of breast care nurses in Australia went up from four in 2008 to over 61 in 2011, and over 100 by the time she left the charity in 2014. Kylea was appointed CEO of Camp Quality in 2016, starting in the role in 2017. Under her leadership, the charity saw changes in its structure, including starting a Kids Impacted by a Carers Cancer (KICC) Camp, for children of parents diagnosed with cancer. In September 2021, Kylea announced her candidacy to run for the seat of North Sydney at the 2022 election. Kylea won the seat in May 2022, where the main focus of her campaign was climate policy and equality in society. In November 2022, Kylea tabled her first private member's bill advocating for cleaner, cheaper fuel, the Fuel and Vehicle Standards Legislation Amendment (Reducing Vehicle Pollution) Bill 2022. You listen to Kylea’s story here
Podcast Four (4)
Larissa Waters, Senator for QLD, Leader of the Australian Greens in the Senate
Larissa is an Australian politician and a member of the Australian Greens and has served as a Senator for Queensland since 2018. She previously served as co-deputy leader from May 2015 to July 2017 and again from December 2018 to June 2022. Larissa Waters is the Greens Senator for Queensland, co-deputy leader of the party, and leader of the party's Senate team. She is a spokesperson on women, democracy, and the public sector, and co-convenor of a cross-party parliamentary group on eliminating violence against women.
She’s a long-term champion of public accountability and her bill to establish a national integrity commission passed the Senate in 2019. Larissa made history in the 2010 federal election by becoming the first Queensland Senate representative for the Australian Greens. In 2017 she made history of another kind by becoming the first woman to breastfeed a baby in the Senate chamber. Larissa is an environmental lawyer. Before entering Parliament she worked in the community sector for eight years advising people on how to use the law to protect the environment. She is passionate about human rights, protecting the environment and public participation and accountability in government. You can listen to Larissa’s story here.
Podcast Five (5)
Gemma Acton, Director of News Operations | TV Presenter at 7 News
Gemma Acton joined the Sydney newsroom of Australia's Seven News as Network Finance Editor in 2017. Over the past 18 years, she pursued both creative and financial educational and career opportunities at institutions including Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, PIMCO, the Lauder Institute at the Wharton School and UCL. Her most recent role was as an anchor and correspondent for CNBC Europe based out of London. In her current role, Gemma covers business, economic and finance stories nationwide, with a particular focus on how developments are affecting Australian consumers.
She keeps a keen eye on the impact that the ongoing digital revolution is having on Australians' jobs, financial security and their everyday lives. Gemma gained her MBA/MA from The Lauder Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a CFA Charterholder. The Seven Network recently promoted Gemma to the newly created role of Director of News Operation as the media business rejigs its news department under the leadership of recently appointed Seven Network Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief, Anthony De Ceglie. You can her inspiring story on our podcast here.
Podcast Six (6)
Kerry Chikarovski AM Founder and Director of Chikarovski & Associates, former MP and leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party from 1999 to 2002, and author of "Chika" (2004).
Kerry Chikarovski is a prominent figure in the political and consultancy spheres, having founded Chikarovski & Associates, a government relations consultancy dedicated to facilitating change through effective policy communication and influence. Coming from a family deeply rooted in politics, Kerry's passion for making a meaningful impact has been evident since her formative years. During her time in politics, she made history as the first woman to hold the positions of NSW Liberal Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2002. Known for her unwavering commitment to championing women in public service, she introduced pioneering initiatives such as flexible working conditions and mentoring programs aimed at empowering women within the NSW public sector.
Following her political career, Kerry established Chikarovski & Associates in response to the demand from organizations seeking expert guidance to navigate government bureaucracy. Additionally, she holds various board positions, reflecting her dedication to sports and involvement in several esteemed not-for-profit organizations, including Adopt Change, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, and Our Watch. Kerry is a highly sought-after public speaker, offering her insights on television and radio and serving as a captivating host for corporate and charity events. Despite encountering the challenges of balancing her roles as a wife, career woman, and mother, Kerry has two grown children and four grandchildren. Her story is nothing short of powerful and inspiring, and we wholeheartedly encourage everyone to witness it. You can listen to her incredible story here