Karen Maher is a leading Australian work health and safety consultant and keynote speaker specialising in enhancing workplace culture and the reduction of psychosocial risks and hazards, such as bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
Karen presents at conferences and panels and to all levels of organisations across Australia and
internationally, including boards of directors, management teams including senior leaders, and
employees.
Her experience in this field spans over 20 years, firstly as an employment and safety lawyer in
Australia and the UK, and then as a work health and safety consultant, investigator, trainer and
keynote speaker.
Karen has worked at firms including Sparke Helmore Lawyers, Lovells LLP, Aon, the UK Treasury Solicitors Office and The Brief Group, a WHS consultancy which has now merged with Deloitte.
Karen has also acted as a legal advisor to the RailCorp NSW Workplace Conduct Unit.
Karen has worked with a diverse range of industries and clients. From government agencies (at federal, state, and local levels) such as the Australian Productivity Commission, Parliament of New South Wales, WorkSafe QLD/WorkSafe TAS and Tourism Australia, to the NRL, emergency services, tech companies, health, hospitality, legal and accounting firms, private schools, oil & gas, construction and mining.
Her experience includes working on over 300 cases from all parts of the process, including advisory; drafting allegations; coaching managers; developing strategies/processes/reviews; conducting workplace investigations/Inquiries into serious allegations involving bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and workplace fatalities; and defending cases in the courtroom.
She has seen it all!
During her time in London, Karen was entrusted to work on several cases listed on the Home Office High Profile Case List.
Karen left the law and started her own consultancy several years ago to work with organisations to ‘get ahead of the game’ focusing on the prevention of psychological harm, focusing on taking a proactive approach and great leadership.
Karen’s legal and consulting background coupled with a desire to make workplaces more respectful and safer is what inspires and continues to drive her to specialise in the field of workplace culture and safety and all that encompasses it.
Karen is the founder of SmartCulture® and the SmartCulture® solution. This practical solution explores the five critical foundations of a great workplace culture (safety, measurability, awareness, respect and team).
With Karen’s approachable manner, engaging delivery, industry expertise and compelling case stories to draw from; tens of thousands of staff and their leaders across multiple organisations have been inspired and benefited from her practical teaching methodologies, insights, strategy and systems development.
Most of all, Karen is passionate about making a difference. She is passionate about enhancing workplace cultures and eradicating sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of poor and unsafe behaviours – this fact is clear when you see her in action.
Karen presents virtually, virtually live and in-person for keynotes, panels, fireside chats or training programs/masterclasses.
Talking Points
Say 'Goodby' to Sexual Harassment and 'Hello' to Respect@Work
In 2020, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) released their final report on the landmark National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. According to the findings and subsequent statistics released in 2022, we still have a very long way to go to eliminate sexual harassment at work in Australia. This work will not be easy, but it is essential.Say 'Goodby' to Sexual Harassment and 'Hello' to Respect@Work
With so much change in this space with the new Respect@Work positive duty and the increased focus on sexual harassment as a psychosocial WHS hazard, it’s time to overhaul to our current approach from a reactive complaints-based model to the proactive preventative/response model.
This is Karen’s area of strong speciality, as a former employment and health and safety law, she currently works with a diverse range of organisations across Australia to get this done.
During this presentation, Karen will deep dive into the topic of sexual harassment, Respect@Work and the new AHRC Guidelines to Comply with the Positive Duty to provide your attendees with current and practical information and strategies to get focused and pave the way for real cultural change.
Key learnings:
• Moving beyond #MeToo, understanding the current context around sexual harassment in Australia, it is a WHS psychosocial hazard
• The key learnings and changes following the AHRC National Inquiry and what these mean in real terms for your organisation and people
• Getting proactive with practical strategies and tools to guide your people and leaders to start eliminating sexual harassment within your workplace for good. It’s all about safety and respect.
Workplace Bullying is on the Rise - Time to Put a Lid on it
Workplace bullying statistics in Australia were already concerning and now with all of the additional stressors arising from these challenging times, they are skyrocketing. The negative impacts from poor workplace behaviours are simply enormous. They impact health and safety, morale, culture, productivity and so much more.Workplace Bullying is on the Rise - Time to Put a Lid on it
In this presentation Karen will share her insight and refocus your teams and leaders on the importance of respectful behaviours at work to minimise the risk of bullying and enhance your culture.
Key learnings:
• Understanding the key risk areas right now with workplace bullying and psychological safety
• 5 key strategies to assist organisations to put a lid on workplace bullying, keep people safe and protect your workplace culture
• Why prevention and authentic leadership are key to win the game against workplace bullying.
Creating a SmartCulture - Because Good Culture is Good Business
It’s true, a great culture isn’t magic. It takes dedication, authenticity, and a plan. During this presentation Karen will share the five fundamental components of the SmartCulture® model and how each one relates to your workplace transformation and ultimate success.Creating a SmartCulture - Because Good Culture is Good Business
Key learnings:
• How the five essential pillars that add up to SmartCulture® (safety, measurable, awareness, respect & team)
• Why a Good Culture is absolutely good business
• Why authentic leadership is vital to building a great workplace culture in this new world of work.
Respectful Behaviours Program
Disrespectful behaviours in the workplace are harmful and cost Australian organisations millions each year in lost productivity, turnover, reputational damage and legal complications.Respectful Behaviours Program
With new legislative requirements reshaping the cultural landscape, creating a respectful workplace isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for organisational success.
The Rules Have Changed
The enhanced psychosocial safety obligations and Respect@Work positive duty have fundamentally changed employer responsibilities in Australia. Being proactive and focusing on prevention has become a legal requirement.
More Than Just Ticking Boxes
This program isn’t just another compliance exercise. It gives your people real skills they can use every day—spotting disrespectful behaviours early, speaking up with confidence, stepping in safely as active bystanders, and proactively contributing to a safer and more respectful workplace culture.
Multi-Level Training Approach
This program has three levels: Foundation, Leaders and Senior Leaders, so every participant receives the education and tools they need to drive this change.
Built Around Your Way of Working
We know cookie-cutter training doesn’t stick. That’s why we take the time to connect our approach to your specific values, policies and workplace dynamics. Our industry experts share real-world stories and practical solutions that resonate with your teams and address the risk areas and challenges they actually face.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Program
In response to the #MeToo movement and Respect@Work changes, organisations across Australia are making significant changes to address and prevent workplace sexual harassment. This program supports your organisation to drive real change through strong education, awareness and practical tools, paving the way for a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone.Sexual Harassment Prevention Program
The New Landscape
The Respect@Work positive duty, introduced under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), is an important step towards the proactive prevention and response to workplace sexual harassment and other relevant unlawful conduct. It's no longer about just responding to complaints—it's about preventing them proactively.
The legislative changes mean your organisation can be held accountable even without a formal complaint. This systemic shift, consistent across all Australian states and territories, demands a comprehensive and strategic response.
Going Beyond Compliance
Our Sexual Harassment Prevention Program is designed to do more than just meet your Respect@Work positive duty obligations. It equips your organisation with the knowledge and tools to build a genuinely respectful workplace where everyone can thrive.
Multi-Level Training Approach
This program has three levels: Foundation, Leaders and Senior Leaders, to make sure every participant receives the education and tools they need to drive this change.
Interactive Discussion and Organisation Aligned Tools and Resources
We go beyond the basics by aligning our framework with your organisation's values, policies and procedures. SmartCulture® programs are engaging, practical and interactive to connect with your team and inspire positive action.
Wokplace Bystander Intervention Program
Let's be honest—disrespectful behaviours in the workplace rarely happen in isolation. They often happen when others are watching, and usually continue because no one speaks up. That silence isn't just uncomfortable—it's permission.Wokplace Bystander Intervention Program
The Power of Speaking Up
Recommended by the Australian Human Rights Commission: Bystander intervention is one of the most effective ways to stop harmful behaviour before it becomes entrenched in your culture - or to reverse already entrenched norms. When even one person speaks up, it changes everything.
Your organisation now has a positive duty to prevent sexual harassment, not just address complaints after the damage is done. Bystander intervention isn't optional anymore—it's essential. The best part is, positive bystander intervention drives positive change across many types of disrespectful behaviours.
Transforming Bystanders to Changemakers
Our Workplace Bystander Intervention Program focuses on the Bystander Intervention Approach and 5Ds of Bystander Intervention to equip your team with practical, effective strategies to safely address disrespectful behaviours in the moment and afterwards.
A single intervention can re-define workplace standards and prevent months of harm. When being an active bystander becomes the norm, disrespectful behaviours are no longer tolerated—creating a safer, more respectful workplace for everyone.
Aligned to you for Real Impact
Your workplace has its own dynamics and challenges. That's why this program is aligned with your processes and tailors scenarios that your team will actually resonate with.
When your people start looking out for each other instead of looking away, that's when lasting culture change happens.
Psychological Safety for Leaders Program
Let's face it—when people don't feel safe to speak up at work, everyone loses. Your team members sit on great ideas, problems go unnoticed until they become crises, and your best talent start updating their resumes.Psychological Safety for Leaders Program
Why This Matters Now
We're seeing it across Australia: Organisations where people feel comfortable raising concerns and sharing ideas are simply outperforming those where people keep their heads down. It's not complicated—when people feel safe, they bring their best selves to work. Further, the risk of a “weak” speak-up culture is enormous: poor behaviours snowball, safety hazards remain "ticking time bombs," and the potential for harm is real.
Real Leadership, Real Results
Your leaders are the heartbeat of your culture. They're the ones who either make it safe to speak up or (unintentionally) shut it down.
The SmartCulture® Psychological Safety Program provides your leaders with important education on psychological safety and practical strategies to create environments where honest conversations happen naturally and diverse thinking is actually welcomed, not just tolerated.
The result? A workplace where speaking up becomes standard practice, not an act of courage.
Video
Karen Maher | Keynote Speaker Showreel
Thank you for your valuable perspective, Karen, the feedback has been so positive, we know all attendees got so much out of you sharing your learnings! ... keep reading Safer Together
Karen, it was our absolute pleasure to have you chat with the TA family. You were very engaging in what can be a very dry but important subject! Thank you!
Thank you Karen Maher and the entire SmartCulture Team for delivering an exceptional Workplace Bystander Training session for the team at Haslin Constructions. Drawing from her vast experience in workplace bullying and harassment prevention, Karen delivered a thought-provoking and enlightening session specifically tailored to our workplace with genuine passion and energy. We’ve received amazing feedback from participants and will definitely keep you posted on our journey, Karen!
Karen is an engaging speaker who knows how to connect with her audiences either in person or virtually. Our members gained important insights around psychological health and workplace bullying and harassment which gave them the knowledge to help improve their workplaces. I would highly recommend Karen for any speaking engagement.
Thank you, Karen, for your terrific and engaging presentation. You definitely left us with important things to think about. It was great working with you.
Communication with Karen was so thorough and efficient from the start. She took the time to understand our business in a pre-training conference and the session was tailored specifically for our workplace. Our senior managers were engaged in the session and we were very impressed with Karen’s experience and passion to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace before it’s too late. If you are looking to get your management team on-board with preventing bullying in your workplace do not look past Karen’s programs.
I’ve received such wonderful feedback on the training. Not just after the sessions but it is still something we talk about and refer to constantly. What is such a heavy and important topic you delivered it perfectly and I can’t wait to use SmartCulture again.
Karen Maher and the team from SmartCulture have expertly and professionally provided Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment Training to our entire workforce over the last 4 months (900 participants including senior executive team). Karen is an expert in this area: throughout her legal career she has been involved in bullying and harassment cases and has seen the hardship and pain caused by such behaviour. Karen has now turned her focus to prevention and, as a knowledgeable and passionate presenter, brings her previous experiences to life, delivering key messages and awareness around the importance of respect at work. Karen and the team made the implementation of this training a breeze. Karen worked with our organisation to tailor the content of the training to suit our needs, our culture and to identify links to other relevant training we had in place. I felt confident she had a good understanding of our organisation. Karen and her team were always amenable to last minute program changes and provided valuable data and report post training. It was a pleasure to work with them.
At Stedmans, we were looking to improve our workplace culture and introduce a bullying and harassment program for all of our staff. Due to the nature of our business model we needed someone who could drive this and had a solid understanding of the hospitality sector. Karen came to the table with this experience and was able to deliver an exceptional program. Not only does Karen have experience in hospitality and law, she also has a great deal of compassion and is someone I can trust implicitly to deliver an exceptional training product.
It was wonderful working with you and I have never had such positive feedback from a Bullying prevention session!
It’s been such a pleasure working with you and SmartCulture, if I ever need Workplace Bullying/ Harassment training or any other training that you offer you will be first on my list of people to call. It was one of the best training sessions I have ever attended, and so many people took valuable lessons away from it. I had the Pool Leisure Coordinator tell me that the attitude changed the next day in his team, it’s been so successful so thank you.
Karen Maher and the SmartCulture team went above and beyond to deliver our Workplace Bystander Training program. They were knowledgeable, helpfully and professional through the entire process. I could not recommend them more highly.
On behalf of the AUSTRAC Employee Experience team, we'd like to thank yourself, Karen, Jordan and the rest of the team for all your hard work and amazing delivery of this program to our employees! You delivered a great service, and we appreciated your promptness when responding to queries. The level of communication, clarity and engagement throughout the program was also greatly appreciated.
