Women Who Move Nations - The Public Transport Podcast Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand

Stacey van der Putten is the Director Public Transport and Active Modes at Auckland Transport and a PTAANZ Board Director. A trailblazer in the transportation industry, Stacey delves into her journey of integrating private sector expertise into public transport with host Michelle Batsas, emphasising the significance of inclusive leadership and effective communication. Discover how Stacey’s background has equipped her to tackle challenges and innovate within her field, particularly in creating safer and more inclusive environments for women in leadership roles. This episode is packed with actionable insights on fostering customer-centric solutions and supporting women’s career growth. Tune in to hear Stacey’s strategies for blending diverse experiences to lead change.

Michelle Sheppard is a Senior Diversity and Inclusion Advisor at Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning. In her transparent and vulnerable conversation with host Michelle Batsas, Michelle details her personal and professional journey as a transgender woman in the transport industry. Reflecting on her own experiences struggling with identity and belonging, and feeling torn between men’s and women’s spaces, Michelle emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, particularly for marginalised groups, and how education and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and support can demonstrate to young people that public transport can be an industry of choice for their future careers.  Tune in for an inspiring and courageous conversation on improving leadership by bringing your true self to work.  

Kylie Gorham is a Senior
Product Manager at NEC Australia. In her interview with host Michelle Batsas,
Kylie talks about the innovative edge of public transport. Listen as they
unpack the impact of technology on operational intelligence and passenger
experience. Kylie shares her career journey and insights, including the
importance of travelling to different cities and experiencing the local
transport networks first-hand to gain perspective on potential improvements. They
discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing public safety and the
flexibility required to address evolving transport needs. Tune in to gain
insights into Kylie’s leadership philosophy and her perspective on gender
diversity in transport leadership roles.

This episode of PTAANZ’s Women Who Move Nations
podcast features Mel Barber, Managing Director at NEC New Zealand. Guest hosted by Rowan Selwood-Eyles, Public Transport Advisor at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport
Agency and PTAANZ Emerging Mobility Leader, Mel discusses her transformational leadership approach in the industry as she touches on public transport projects, community engagement, and the integration of technology like AI for enhancing public safety and accessibility. Explore insights on leadership practices, diversity in leadership roles, and the impact of mentorship. This episode provides a comprehensive look into improving public transportation in Wellington, and the broader implications of technology and leadership in the
industry.

In the third episode of Season 7 of the Women Who Move Nations podcast proudly sponsored by NEC, your host Michelle Batsas welcomes Dr Nicole Kalms, Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Monash University XYX Lab. Dr Kalms shares her ground-breaking work on gender-inclusive urban design, diving into the challenges girls, women and gender-diverse individuals face within city design. Dr Kalms also shares how her team's research is shaping safer, more navigable cities. From responsive lighting to digital safety tools, the discussion illuminates practical strategies for transforming public spaces. Discover how engaging communities and leveraging technology can create more equitable urban environments.

In this episode of Women Who Move Nations
proudly sponsored by NEC, Michelle Batsas interviews Ishra Baksh, Executive Director Strategic Insights and Transformation at Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads. Ishra and Michelle discuss the fusion of technology, diversity, and leadership in transforming transport and mobility, and Ishra shares reflections from her journey from graduate to Executive Director. The conversation also touches on the critical role of diversity and inclusion, Ishra's personal growth as a woman leader of colour, and the importance of authentic leadership styles. They explore strategies for increasing leadership diversity, the impact of transport on the cost of living, and the future of public transport in Queensland. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of transport, leadership, and the power of embracing diversity to drive positive change.