In this powerful episode of Better Student Leaders, Josh sits down with Sally Calder, CEO and Co-Founder of RespectX and one of Australia’s leading voices on workplace culture, psychosocial safety, and gender-based harm. After decades spanning Parliament House, state and federal government, child protection, sexual assault services and 15 years as National Lead Partner for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at KPMG, Sally realised one truth that became the foundation of RespectX:

If you don’t know about it, you can’t stop it.

Sally breaks down what most leaders miss about the National Student Safety Code, why reporting rates in Australia have barely shifted in ten years, and why 32 residential colleges have adopted RespectX in under twelve months. She shares the data behind behaviour change, the myths that keep institutions stuck, and the simple technology shift that takes reporting willingness from 8 percent to 97 percent!

For student leaders, staff, and anyone who believes campuses can and should be safer places to live and learn, this is essential listening.

Five standout quotes from Sally in this episode:

• “Work and university should be places that enrich us and help us be better humans, more curious, kind, courageous, clever and compassionate.”
• “If you don’t know about it, you can’t stop it.”
• “Most people do not want to go through a formal investigation. They want a safe and simple way to say something early.”
• “You can’t solve a problem you are not willing to have.”
• “The problem is really complex, but the solution doesn’t have to be.”

This episode shines a bright light on the power of data, the importance of student engagement, and the kind of leadership the higher education sector needs right now.

Listen in to learn how better reporting, better conversations and better culture lead to better student leaders.