Raising the Bar: Leadership Behaviours That Create Respectful and Safe Hospitality Venues
Tue Feb 03 2026
Content warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including sexual harassment and workplace safety.
In this episode of The Michelle Pascoe Hospitality Podcast, we explore the leadership behaviours that create safer, more respectful hospitality venues — and why hope is not a strategy when it comes to workplace culture.
Michelle is joined by Karen Maher, founder of Smart Culture and a leading WHS and cultural consultant, who brings over 20 years’ experience working across hospitality, government, and private organisations.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why leadership behaviour matters more than policies
How hospitality culture has shifted — and where gaps still exist
The real impact of sexual harassment on individuals, teams, and bystanders
What strong leaders do differently to prevent unsafe behaviours
How to build a speak-up culture that people actually trust
Practical steps leaders can take to respond safely and supportively
Why “hope” is one of the most dangerous workplace strategies
This is an essential listen for hospitality leaders, middle managers, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for workplace culture and safety.
If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who leads people in hospitality, then subscribe to the podcast for more industry insights on leadership and customer experience.
Connect with Karen:
smartculture.com.aukarenmaher.com.au
Connect with Michelle:
michellepascoe.com
More
Content warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including sexual harassment and workplace safety. In this episode of The Michelle Pascoe Hospitality Podcast, we explore the leadership behaviours that create safer, more respectful hospitality venues — and why hope is not a strategy when it comes to workplace culture. Michelle is joined by Karen Maher, founder of Smart Culture and a leading WHS and cultural consultant, who brings over 20 years’ experience working across hospitality, government, and private organisations. In this episode, we discuss: Why leadership behaviour matters more than policies How hospitality culture has shifted — and where gaps still exist The real impact of sexual harassment on individuals, teams, and bystanders What strong leaders do differently to prevent unsafe behaviours How to build a speak-up culture that people actually trust Practical steps leaders can take to respond safely and supportively Why “hope” is one of the most dangerous workplace strategies This is an essential listen for hospitality leaders, middle managers, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for workplace culture and safety. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who leads people in hospitality, then subscribe to the podcast for more industry insights on leadership and customer experience. Connect with Karen: smartculture.com.aukarenmaher.com.au Connect with Michelle: michellepascoe.com