In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the Upstander Economy is emerging as a guiding light for companies committed to both financial success and meaningful societal impact. At the forefront of this movement is Jessica Hickman, a leadership coach, international speaker, educator, and author dedicated to empowering individuals and organisations to stop bystanding and instead stand up and speak out as upstanders, driving social and environmental change and human progress.
As the founder of Bullyology, Jessica helps individuals and organisations create cultural change in workplaces and communities. She provides schools, workplaces, and community groups with the tools and strategies to create thriving, respectful environments free of bullying, harassment, and violence.
Jessica has a diverse background in Human Resources across local government, construction, and council sectors. Her efforts have led to nationally recognised industry awards, including Exceptional Women in Resources and Minister for Territory Excellence in Leadership. These experiences have shaped her purpose as a voice for change, focusing on translating the Upstander Economy into actionable strategies for organisations.
Jessica's acclaimed books, "The Bullyologist: Breaking the Silence on Bullying" and "The Upstander Leader: How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture," have garnered prestigious awards, including the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) - Australian Career Book Awards 2023, UK 2023 Business Book Awards, and the Australian Business Book Awards - HR & Management. These accolades underscore her impact and relevance in the field of workplace culture and leadership.
Jessica has provided training and professional talks in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. She delivers programmes tailored to an organisation’s specific needs, positioning employers as change-makers and helping ensure workplaces are productive, legally compliant, safe, and free from toxic behaviours. In 2023, she shared her empowering message as a featured speaker for TEDxSwansea with her talk titled "Why Bystanding Poses the Greatest Threat to Our World."
Committed to raising awareness of social, cultural, and environmental change in the workplace, Jessica inspires others to stand up for these causes. Her unique combination of personal experience, passionate research, and in-demand skill as a global thought leader allows her to guide others effortlessly on their leadership success journey.
Jessica contributes to Mamamia, HR Daily, Dynamic Business, and HealthCare Channel, and is regularly featured in media such as the AFPA (Australian Federal Police Association), Lawyers Weekly, and the BBC. She also runs her own podcast, interviewing high-profile guests, further cementing her role as a leading voice in the Upstander Economy.
Talking Points
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.The Upstander Economy: Leading the Charge for a Better Future
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
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.Why Bystanding Poses the Greatest Threat to Our World
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.
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.
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.The Upstander Leader: How to develop a speak up culture
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.
The ‘UPSTAND’ Roadmap for Mental Fitness and Staying Well at Work
This keynote weaves Jessica’s personal story of resilience with the actionable UPSTAND roadmap, equipping audiences to prioritise mental fitness and build workplaces where everyone can thrive.The ‘UPSTAND’ Roadmap for Mental Fitness and Staying Well at Work
Key Takeaways:
1. Jessica’s Journey: From Burnout to Breakthrough
Hear Jessica’s inspiring story of facing burnout, collapsing under the weight of workplace pressures, and overcoming PTSD. Discover how her experience fuels her mission to build supportive, thriving workplaces.
2. A Path to Reducing Stigma
Learn actionable strategies to foster mental fitness at work, empowering teams, breaking down stigma, and creating an environment where well-being is a priority.
3. The UPSTAND Roadmap
Explore Jessica’s signature UPSTAND framework—a practical and powerful guide to improving mental well-being and cultivating a culture of safe and empowered communication.
4. Transforming Bystanders into Upstanders
Understand the impact of bystander behaviour on workplace mental health and gain tools to actively support colleagues, driving a culture of advocacy and care.
5. Leadership’s Role in Mental Well-being
Discover how leaders can model vulnerability, create psychologically safe spaces, and champion initiatives that prioritise mental health and foster long-term cultural change.
MC & Facilitation
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.
MC & Facilitation
Video
Why bystanding Poses the Greatest Threat to Our World | Jessica Hickman | TEDxSwansea
In this pivotal decade, our voices shape humanity's unfolding story. Changemakers create solutions and ignite progress, while detractors contribute to fear and prejudice. However, another group—the bystanders, in their silence, inadvertently pose the greatest threat to our world, with passive complicity and inaction. Jessica Hickman, a pioneering Workplace Culture Expert who is reshaping the narrative on workplace dynamics. As the visionary founder of Bullyology, Jessica is dedicated to cultivating a generation of Upstanders—individuals, workplaces and communities committed to fostering thriving, respectful environments by eliminating bullying, harassment, and bystander behaviour. Jessica shares invaluable tools and strategies empowering audiences to actively contribute to the creation of a positive work environment.Jess will trigger a conversation that needs to be had. ... keep reading Department of Primary Industries
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.
