Welcome back to the DNA of Purpose podcast! After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to return for Season 6, bringing you the stories and insights of the world's most purpose-driven leaders. I'm especially excited about today's episode because we have the incredible Jessica Hickman with us.

As the founder and director of Bullyology and an advocate of The Upstander Movement, Jess is a global speaker and TEDx presenter who equips schools, workplaces, and community groups with the tools and strategies to create thriving, respectful environments free of bullying, harassment, and violence. The Upstander Movement is all about empowering individuals to speak out and take action against injustice and harm in their communities. 

Jessica is the acclaimed author of "The Bullyologist: Breaking the Silence on Bullying" and "The Upstander Leader: How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture," which has received prestigious awards, including the RDA - Australian Career Book Awards 2023, the UK 2023 Business Book Awards, and the Australian Business Book Awards for HR & Management.

Living in regional NSW, Jessica is passionate about regional and remote education. She serves as a mentor for Regional Development Australia, is a board member for Business Orange, and co-founder of Central West Inspired Women.

Today, we'll dive into Jessica's personal journey, the challenges she faced, and how she's turning bystanders and upstanders. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind bystanding, practical strategies for creating a culture of speaking up, and Jessica’s vision for the Upstander Movement. We'll also touch on her upcoming projects and talks, including addressing bystanding in business and the emergence of the Upstander Economy. 

Takeaways: 

• The power of one voice: Even in a world that is silent, one voice can be powerful in creating change and ending unnecessary human suffering.
• The bystander effect: People often choose to look the other way or diffuse responsibility when faced with uncomfortable or difficult situations, contributing to the perpetuation of harmful behaviours.
• Tall poppy syndrome: Australia has a cultural phenomenon where people tend to chop down those who excel or speak up, hindering progress and growth.
• The importance of upstanding: It is crucial to challenge the bystander effect and choose to be an upstander, speaking up against injustice and supporting those who are suffering.
• Addressing gender equality and domestic violence: These issues require awareness, prevention, and support systems to create a safer and more equitable society. Recognize the importance of shifting from being a bystander to an upstander
• Understand the four zones of the bystander model: unconscious, uncomfortable, avoidance, and upstander
• Explore the concept of the upstander economy and the bystander matrix
• Embrace qualities crucial for leaders in the upstander economy: empathy, ethics, equality, and humility
• Realise the power of one voice to change the world

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Power of One Voice

03:48 Personal Story: Workplace Bullying and Harassment

10:07 Tall Poppy Syndrome and Workplace Culture

14:32 Understanding the Bystander Effect

26:18 Advocating for Gender Equality and Addressing Domestic Violence

30:50 Inspiring Upstanders and Building Awareness

41:57 The Bystander Matrix: Ethical, Cultural, Social, Environmental

52:31 The Three E's of Leadership: Empathy, Ethics, Equality

55:46 Love and Compassion in the Workplace