Professional Bio

Abhi is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over six years of work experience within Finance and Accounting. He looks after the finance function for The Ethics Centre, both at operational and strategic level. Prior to joining us at The Ethics Centre, Abhi worked with major international logistics and travel companies. He holds an undergraduate degree in Professional Accounting from Macquarie University, plus he’s an avid cricket fan!

What inspires you about the work that you do?

It’s great to be a part of an organisation that allows a platform for all ideas, and promotes good ethics both at organisational and individual level.

Professional Bio

Cris heads The Ethics Alliance, a community of organisations across sectors that works to collaboratively shape the future of business ethics. She is also a director of The Banking & Finance Oath, a pledge of integrity and commitment that aims to increase consideration of stakeholders and decision-making accountability by financial service professionals. It is a program she helped execute, and still oversees. She holds a degree in psychology, and in another life, founded a Manhattan theatre company, casting agency, and production studio.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am inspired by the humanity that lies under the belly of business and the genuine desire to strengthen society. I am forever inspired by the people I work with who are so wholly committed to what they do. I am inspired by the impact of the work we do. Whether it is one person or a room of people, you can see and hear the impact – there is a hunger to learn and contribute to a better society.

Professional Bio

Daniel is a philosopher, writer and editor. Currently, he is undertaking research into how young people engage with ethics in their lives and how that can be improved. Prior to working at The Ethics Centre, Daniel exercised his creativity and language skills in various graphic design, editing and transcribing roles. He holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Hons) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Publishing from the University of Sydney. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I fell in love with ethical philosophy at university because it is so integral in making good decisions and understanding why others make theirs. I am inspired by the thought of reaching the upcoming generations as they are developing into adults and arming them with the critical thinking skills needed to act in line with their values. 

Daniel’s role as Youth Engagement was made possible by Third Link Investment Managers.

Professional Bio

Danielle Harvey is a curator, creative producer and director. Danielle works across live performance, talks, installation and digital spaces, creating layered programs that connect deeply with audiences. A true polymath, she is currently Head of Engagement for The Ethics Centre and Festival Director of the infamous Festival of Dangerous Ideas, was founder of BingeFest (pop and screen-culture festival) and Antidote (a festival of ideas, art and action), and co-founder of All About Women. She was the co-creator and originating director of the award winning immersive experience A Midnight Visit. Past roles include Head of Contemporary Performance at Sydney Opera House and the Festival Executive Producer of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I remember the first FODI I was involved with 10 years ago and I felt my head was going to explode! It was so energising and eye opening. Being exposed to different disciplines, opinions and deep diving into topics presented by experts is so inspiring. Being able to bring that together for others to also engage with is a real privilege.

Professional Bio

Simon Longstaff began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. After a period studying law in Sydney and teaching in Tasmania, he pursued postgraduate studies as a Member of Magdalene College, Cambridge. In 1991, Simon commenced his work as the first Executive Director of The Ethics Centre. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy.” Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

People. I am inspired by their openness and generosity in sharing their thoughts and feelings with me. I am inspired by our common frailty in the midst of uncertainty – and the fact that this need not be overwhelming. I am inspired by the opportunity to continue learning about our brilliant, troubling, contradictory, maddeningly beautiful form of being – simultaneously the most creative and destructive creature on earth; a source of wonder and dread. If I can help people to fall ‘just the right side’ of each question, then I play a small role in making a better future.

Professional Bio

Passionate about art, design, human connection and provocative conversation, Jess is an experienced marketer, content creator and graphic designer, with a history of working in events, retail, galleries, bookstores and small businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications at UTS (Hons) and a Master of Art at UNSW.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I strongly believe we should be challenged and exposed to a range of varying ideas in our world, whether they are controversial or disagreeable with our own. When our work is focused on community and ethics, it enables us to reflect on the views and morals of ourselves and others, creating more of an open dialogue to ultimately better society.

Professional Bio

During his time at the The Ethics Centre John has directed our major consulting projects, leadership, people and culture programs and product development. Drawing on 20 years as a consultant, lecturer and researcher in ethics, leadership, cultural studies, innovation and social entrepreneurship, John has worked with Australia’s largest organisations in developing and delivering solutions to bring ethics to the centre of business design, culture development and organisational decision making. As Director of Innovation, he leads the development of our tools, frameworks and programs.

Whats inspires you about the work you do?

Helping individuals and organisations make sense of complex problems, large and small. Bringing solutions that are practical, collaborative and which draw on the inherent wisdom of those who are most directly affected by the challenge.

Professional Bio

Joseph brings over 15 years of experience across content and education roles with the ASX to The Ethics Centre’s education team. In his role as Project Manager he is driving the development of new ethical literacy training programs specifically for the Financial Services industry.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

Education is one of the great ways to help shape the world we live in. In my role I have the unique privilege to create a positive impact on the lives of those who experience our programs, and also see that change ripple across the world around them.

Professional Bio

Kathleen Evesson is a senior marketing specialist with expertise in strategy development, brand management, integrated campaign execution and stakeholder relationships. She has over 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications roles across book publishing, higher education and museums. Kathleen is passionate about education, encouraging public discourse and sharing knowledge. She thrives on collaboration and telling stories that have an impact on people’s lives. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am thrilled to part of an organisation that is driving positive change for the future. I’m really interested in how to make better decisions in my relationships with others, in how I interact with the world and in my professional life. I believe that together we can find a path through the complex challenges that face us as a society. 

Professional Bio

Kristen joins the team at The Ethics Centre as Project Manager – Consulting and Leadership and is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the Consulting and Leadership, and Ethi-call Counselling teams. Underpinned by a Bachelor of Tourism Management from UTS, Kristen brings significant experience in high-level administration and project management support acquired from a diverse mix of roles in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Kristen most recently worked for a human rights social change movement. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I continue to be inspired by people who resolutely embrace ethics, determined to live and breathe ethics in all that they do. We can all make a difference. Seeing the evidence of ethics at play shines a light on that ever-elusive golden thread of ‘hope’. 

Professional Bio

Mary Anne brings over 30 years of experience to her role at The Ethics Centre. She has held leadership roles with responsibility for finance, human resources, marketing and operations in top tier legal and management consulting firms, as well as in investment banking firms in Sydney, London and New York. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and an MBA.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

The Ethics Centre is unique. It’s inspiring to work with such a committed team of people. I’m excited to be able to utilise my commercial experience to ensure that The Ethics Centre is in a sound financial position and operates efficiently.

Professional bio

Michelle is a seasoned commercial Senior Executive with expertise in Leadership, Culture, Talent and Organisational Transformation. Drawing on 30 years as a consultant, clinician, and organisational development specialist, Michelle has worked with Australia’s largest organisations in developing and delivering solutions to assess and build value-driven leaders and cultures. 

Her work has supported organisations to evolve their approach to risk management – from compliance and regulation mechanisms to explicitly assessing and developing the intangible aspects of ethics, psychology and political systems to decrease an organisation’s systemic risk. This enables organisations to minimise their intangible risks, creating competitive advantage and ensuring reputation, brand and market value. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

The most serious ethical problems we are facing are not in any particular institution, but rather the relationship between them. Information that does not take into account the full scope of inter-relationality in a system is likely to inspire misguided decision making which compounds ethically challenging and wicked problems. If change is to be made, it will be as a consequence of a shift not only in the problematised part, but in the combined conditions in which the system exists – be it a person, organisation, or society. That is the work of The Ethics Centre and why I love what I do. 

Professional Bio

Michelle has spent over 20 years developing and managing partnerships and events in both corporate and non-profit organisations across the tourism, media, health and charity sectors. She is passionate about creating sustainable partnerships and experiences that engage internal and external stakeholders to drive long-term outcomes for all involved. Her experience spans the spectrum of fundraising, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, business development, marketing, communications, talent management, end-to-end events concept creation and delivery, and brand management. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am passionate about the power of community and collaboration. I believe we are more effective when we work together to achieve a goal. I am inspired by seeing the right people and organisations come together to fund and resource projects that achieve our vision and goals.

Professional Bio

I have a professional background in journalism as an editor for mastheads including Junkee Media, Time Out Beirut, The Brag and 3D World. Prior to The Ethics Centre, I worked as content manager, editor and producer for Sydney Festival, Sydney Film Festival and The Walkley Foundation, lectured in online journalism at UTS and University of Sydney, and worked as a freelance copywriter and journalist for companies including Melbourne Arts Centre, Powerhouse Museum and Vice Media. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

It’s a real privilege to work with ethicists and thought leaders, tackling the big, juicy questions of what we should do and why we should do it. To have the whole of existence and society as potential subject matter is endlessly inspiring, plus I get to do my favourite thing – write! 

Professional Bio

Rebecca is a producer, director and theatre maker. Alongside their work with The Ethics Centre they are Artistic Associate and board member with Kings Cross Theatre.  In 2018 Rebecca was Festival Coordinator for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas as well as Associate Producer for skateboarding show, SKATE, with community arts company, Big hART. Prior to this, they were an Artist in Residence with the Barbican Centre and Rich Mix Theatre in London. Rebecca has worked on a number of independent and main stage productions in Sydney, Bolivia and London and is a graduate of Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor in Communication (Theatre/Media). 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

Creating and curating work that challenges our perspectives. I enjoy finding new methods of connecting with audiences, storytelling and finding empathy which leads to growth. It is a real privilege to work with fellow creatives and engage in complex and unique ideas.

Professional Bio

Wendy joined the Ethics Centre in early 2018 and has an extensive career working as an Executive Assistant in a variety of organisations and sectors including PWC, Bus 2000, AAP and Aussie Home Loans.  “I really enjoy what I do, and get great satisfaction from helping others to achieve success”. Coming from a broad range of industries I have had the opportunity to see the inner workings of business and being in this role allows me to reflect on what Ethics at work really means and given me a renewed lens on the business world.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I’m passionate about working with a team who has a combined purpose of making a meaningful difference in the world.