World Changing Speaker

"Jessica was a guest speaker at one of our national lunch and learn sessions, discussing the subject of "Challenging the status quo, without fear of reprimand". It was an absolute pleasure to have Jessica give an inspirational talk to teams across Australia about her emotional journey. I would highly recommend Jessica to any organisation that would like an honest and sincere discussion on how to be an upstander and not a bystander. "
~ Director - Energy & Resources - KBR

The TEDx Talk

About Jessica

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, Jessica Hickman stands as a transformative leader and advocate for the Upstander Economy. As the founder of Bullyology and a globally recognised leadership coach, international speaker, and author, Jessica empowers individuals and organisations to reject passive bystanding and embrace proactive upstanding. Her work has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Exceptional Women in Resources and Minister for Territory Excellence in Leadership highlighting her significant impact on workplace culture and societal change.

Jessica’s books, “The Bullyologist: Breaking the Silence on Bullying” and “The Upstander Leader: How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture,” have garnered critical acclaim, including RSA – Australian Career Book Awards 2023, UK 2023 Business Book Awards, and the Australian Business Book Awards – HR & Management. Her expertise and dedication have positioned her as a sought-after speaker and trainer across the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, delivering tailored programmes that drive social, cultural, and environmental change within organisations.

In 2023, Jessica delivered a powerful TEDx talk titled “Why Bystanding Poses the Greatest Threat to Our World,” further cementing her role as a leading voice in promoting a culture of accountability and empathy. Regularly featured in prominent media outlets and contributing to platforms like Mamamia, HR Daily, and Dynamic Business, Jessica continues to inspire and guide others in fostering inclusive, respectful, and thriving environments.

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"Jess will trigger a conversation that needs to be had."
~ Scott Hansen (Director General) - Department of Primary Industries

Speaking Topics

The Upstander Economy:
Leading the Charge for a Better Future

Welcome to the Upstander Economy—a transformative era where businesses that prioritise cultural, social, environmental, and ethical integrity are set to lead. In this new age, companies face a pivotal choice: adapt and innovate to become champions of positive change, or risk falling into obscurity. This keynote will illuminate how forward-thinking businesses committed to upstanding practices will not only survive but thrive.

We will delve into the critical role of bystanding in business and the shift towards becoming an upstanding organisation. The forces driving this evolution—technological advancements, the rise of socially conscious consumers, and increasing regulatory pressures—demand that businesses embrace responsible practices. Leaders must set the standard and inspire their teams to follow suit.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the five upstanding principles—an innovative take on the traditional marketing 5 P’s: Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. These principles will guide businesses in embedding responsible practices, fostering trust, loyalty, and innovation. Companies that align with these values will enhance their brand reputation and attract top talent and customers.

Key Takeaways

Insights into the key trends propelling the Upstander Economy.
Practical strategies for integrating purpose driven practices into business models.
Understanding the crucial role of leadership in cultivating upstanding cultures.
Inspiration to adopt the five principles of the Upstander Economy to build trust, loyalty, and innovation.

Why Bystanding Poses the
Greatest Threat to Our World

Key Takeaways

Insights into Purpose-Driven Change: Understand the driving forces behind the need for upstanding behaviour in today’s society.
Social Impact Strategies: Learn actionable strategies for integrating upstanding principles to drive social and environmental change.
Leadership’s Crucial Role: Grasp the essential role of leadership in cultivating cultures of accountability and empathy.

Welcome to a powerful discussion on why bystanding poses the greatest threat to our world. Inspired by Jess Hickman’s impactful TEDx talk, this keynote addresses the critical choice we face today: remain passive in the face of wrongdoing or become active upstanders driving positive change for people and the planet. This session will illuminate how those committed to upstanding practices can foster a healthier society.

In this pivotal decade, our voices shape humanity’s unfolding story. Changemakers create solutions and ignite progress, while bystanders, in their silence, pose the greatest threat through passive complicity. Jessica Hickman, an esteemed author and leadership authority, explores the societal cost of widespread evasion of personal responsibility, emphasising that our decision to be bystanders or upstanders sets in motion either negative or positive ripple effects, profoundly shaping our societies.

Intertwining personal stories with challenges related to equity, safety, and human rights, Jessica exposes the tangible repercussions of silence and inaction. Yet, she offers hope, highlighting the power each individual holds to join a movement of ‘Upstanders’—purpose-driven change-makers bold enough to take a stand for human progress in the 21st century. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of key upstanding principles, fostering accountability, empathy, and proactive engagement, ultimately driving collective social impact.

The Upstander Leader:
How to develop a speak up culture

Across the globe, a movement of Upstanders is rising—everyday individuals who defy silence, take action, and advocate for a fairer and more equal world. These Upstanders embody the best of humanity, illuminating every corner of the planet. This keynote will reveal how forward-thinking individuals, committed to upstanding practices, will not only survive but thrive in this new era.

In workplaces, even at the highest levels of government, bullying and bad behaviour can create toxic cultures and dreadful working environments. With 35% of the workforce now from the Millennial generation—the Upstander generation—it is essential that workplaces evolve. Millennials are driving the future of business, and to attract and retain the best talent, workplaces must become safe, inclusive, and empowering.

We’ll delve into how leaders can inspire a culture of upstanding behaviour, fostering environments where everyone feels empowered to speak up and take action. This shift is driven by the increasing demand for accountability and the psychological impacts of inaction. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the five upstanding principles. These principles will guide leaders and team members in integrating responsible practices, fostering trust, loyalty, and innovation within their teams. Organisations that align with these values will enhance their reputation and attract top talent and dedicated employees.

Key Takeaways

Insights into Key Trends: Understand the trends driving the Upstander movement (such as bullying, harassment and violence).
Self-Awareness: Decode the science behind The Bystander Effect and explore The Upstander Effect for change
Upstander Cultures: Grasp the essential role of individuals in cultivating upstanding cultures.
Inspiration and Tools: Be inspired to adopt the five principles of the Upstander Leader to build trust, loyalty, and innovation.

Emcee and Fireside chats

Key Takeaways

Every event, industry panel, fireside chat or facilitation led by Jessica Hickman is backed by deep research and tailored specifically to your audience’s needs. With a blend of warmth, humour, and energy, Jessica elevates every occasion with a dynamic and engaging presence. She’s the host leaders turn to when they want their message to resonate and inspire.