Professional Bio

Bec 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 Bec 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. Bec 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

Bernadette Bateman is a Director of Finance and Operations with over 30 years of Chartered Accounting experience, specialising in the not-for-profit sector.  During this time she has held leadership positions with responsibility for finance and operations. Bernadette has an undergraduate degree in Commerce and a Masters in Financial Analysis.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am passionate about improving the world in which we live, whether through sustainability or respect for everyone. The Ethics Centre’s purpose and vision is to benefit everyone and make the world in which we live better.  

Professional Bio

Cam is passionate about innovation, authenticity, access and promoting big ideas. Prior to their position with The Ethics Centre, Cam previously worked alongside non-profit organisations and small businesses across production, media, marketing and content. A proud alumnus of the University of Technology Sydney, Cam holds a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Media Arts and Production. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I look for any opportunity to collaborate and be creative, which is something I get to do every day in my role. The best part of my work is the opportunity to amplify the incredible work of The Ethics Centre through our marketing and content strategy.  

Professional Bio

Cecily has extensive experience in creative, impact, and community engagement producing, across Australia and the globe, having worked in Shanghai, Rotterdam, London and South Korea. Cecily was one of the senior producers for the Namatjira Project, which famously achieved the return of iconic Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira’s trust and legacy to his descendants. Most recently Cecily comes from 6 years as Executive Producer for physical theatre makers Legs On The Wall, working with festivals, presenters, artists, and funders, to premiere works, including the renowned climate-responsive spectacle work THAW for Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival and MONA FOMA in 2022. Cecily is a fellow of the Salsburg Global Seminar, Austria. She is also a qualified marriage celebrant, auctioneer, and mum.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I will never get over that Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI) really is what it says on the box. It’s truly about offering an accessible and safe play space for thinking and ideas – for all kinds of people, not just those who are highly qualified or highly resourced. A space to entangle, wrestle and wrangle with challenging, new, unbelievable, and uncomfortable ideas, all in the name of uncovering and discovering who we are, and who we will be.  

I just love that a small proudly independent organisation like The Ethics Centre has continued to reach out to communities for over 30 years, with initiatives like Ethi-Call and events like The Ethics of… . I’m inspired to be part of it.  

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 Coordinator 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

Tim is a public philosopher, speaker and writer. He has a Doctorate in philosophy from the University of New South Wales on the evolution of morality and specialises in public philosophy, ethics and critical thinking. He is an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney and the author of How We Became Human published by Pan Macmillan. He is also an experienced science writer and editor and has worked for outlets such as The Conversation and edited magazines including Cosmos and Australian Life Scientist. He is the recipient of the Australasian Association of Philosophy Media Professionals’ Award for his work on philosophy in the public sphere.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

The question “why?” is what drives me. It’s a foil for complacency, it’s an antidote to misplaced certainty, it’s the starting point of all enquiry and it’s the first step on the path to discovering wisdom. It’s by asking “why?” together that we discover what it truly means to be human. Philosophy gives us an incredibly powerful toolkit for asking “why?” and applying what we uncover to help us live better, more fulfilled and ethical lives.  

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 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

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

Rosemary specialises in relationship management with years of inspiring and influencing clients and donors to develop long-term business relationships and lasting partnerships.  She has developed engagement strategies that create loyalty and retention resulting in increased profits for the organisations where she has worked.

Rosemary’s experience spans the airline, hotel and tourism industry with her most recent role in the charity sector. For 17 years she passionately led the development and growth of the Property Industry Foundation raising funds for education and employment programs, plus building homes and centres for homeless youth – distributing $22m to thirty charity partners in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I love bringing people together and helping to create a place for open conversation and a space to stop, think and explore the ethical dimension of everyday living – where we can encourage people to live and act according to their values. I feel good to be able to share with Members that we have a free helpline that provides guidance to those facing an ethical dilemma. It’s inspirational to share the Centre’s articles, videos and papers as well as enlightening experiences such as the Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI), curated conversations and debates. 

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.