Jessica Hickman

Biography

Jessica Hickman is a leadership coach, speaker, educator, and author. As the founder of Bullyology and The Upstand Academy, she has provided training and keynote presentations in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Her work focuses on creating cultural change in workplaces and communities.

Originally from Wales, Jessica has been working with businesses across Australia for the last decade. She has built a strong network of clients across industries, developing coaching, training, and education programs to help business leaders succeed. Jessica is the author of two books: “The Bullyologist – Breaking the Silence on Bullying” and “The Upstander Leader – How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture.”

Jessica recently took to the TEDx stage in Swansea to highlight the threat of bystander culture and unveil the power of Upstanding to save lives. Her words and work call on audiences across the world to help create and become a generation of Upstanders.

Jessica Hickman Inspiring Young Girls in Schools.

Who have you helped/who will you help?

Years ago, I was a victim of extreme workplace bullying. I hit rock bottom, but that was the beginning of my journey to becoming who I am today.

Now, I work with business leaders, schools, and employees across Australia to bring professional development and education on leading workplace cultural change.

Why is your mission important?

Workplace bullying statistics are disheartening. Research has found that nearly half of all Australian employees experience workplace bullying during their careers. Equally telling is that 40% of these victims were bullied early in their careers at a young age. Young people employed in stressful environments with limited workplace social support are at the highest risk of bullying.

If you’ve been involved in workplace bullying in any capacity (as victim, bystander, or business leader), you already know how emotionally exhausting, complex, and confusing these situations can be. Getting through them takes a unique set of skills. I know this only too well because I suffered extensive workplace bullying for being a successful female in a male-dominated industry. I ended up collapsing at work from burnout and stress.

This led me to develop my business, Bullyology, and work to educate people on the damaging effects of bullying and harassment. We focus on shining a light on toxic behaviors that hinder employee and business success.

How did you help them/how will you help them?

I deliver keynote talks, workshops, and coaching to help people thrive at work and educate them on the damaging effects of bullying, harassment, and toxic workplace cultures. I’ve been fortunate to share my message of a new vision of leadership on stages across the world and share my research into what new generations are looking for in today’s modern workforce. My work includes conducting extensive research and road-testing my unique methodologies across workplaces and industries. I’ve also written two books that educate and promote change within individuals and workplaces.

What has proven successful, and what has been the impact of your work?

My book is now in airports and all good bookstores after recognition in multiple awards in the UK and Australia. My TEDx talk on the dangers of Bystander Culture was highlighted as Number 10 in the world for most popular watched following its release! I have won numerous business awards for my thought leadership and future-focused programs.

But nothing delights me more than receiving a message from a stranger sharing the impact of my books or workshops—a conversation can save a life. It can make all the difference, and this is how I know I’m making an impact.

As Emily Dickinson wrote in a long-ago poem, “If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.”

And if these messages are anything to go by, if the success stories I see in my clients are anything to go by, if their renewed confidence in themselves and their abilities are anything to go by— I have not lived in vain.

What challenge did you encounter? What were the key lessons learned?

But my journey has not been without its challenges. I’ve found that, unfortunately, the more successful you become, the more people will try to hold you back. Tall poppy syndrome is extremely prominent across Australia, and there is a culture of cutting down others for their success. But I’ve also learned that this is representative of their insecurities and not a reflection of me or my abilities.

I’ve learned to be the change I want to see. I’ve learned to lead with heart, not to fall victim to the status quo that suggests women need to be masculine to succeed in the business world. I’ve learned to be authentic, kind, and heart-centered in my leadership approach.

What’s next?

There’s a lot more in the pipeline, and there’s so much more on the horizon. I’m living my life as a first-time mom and watching my son grow up. I’m also working with many businesses across the world, developing thriving ‘upstander’ workplace cultures. My work allows me to connect deeply with the community, and I have taken on a board position at Business Orange, become a co-founder of Central West Inspired Women, and a youth mentor for Regional Development Australia.

What advice, contacts, or resources would help you?

Through it all, I remind myself to stay grounded. I remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I remind myself of the world of difference I’ve managed to make and the world of difference that must yet be made.

And I’d like to invite every one of you to help me in my mission to make that world of difference. I have resources on Bullyology, and my TEDx talk can help you grow into the Upstander in you. My mission is to build a generation of Upstanders and to help end unnecessary human suffering. If we all become the changemakers we have the potential to be, we can achieve that. And the world will be a better place for it.