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Judy O’Brien

Head of Culture, Inclusion & Safeguarding

NZ Rugby

Judy O’Brien is a culture change professional with a diverse career in entertainment, education and advocacy. She has worked across sectors in sexual harassment prevention, is a passionate advocate for Rainbow inclusion, and currently leads the Culture, Diversity & Inclusion team at New Zealand Rugby. In this role she weaves together mahi for safeguarding & harm prevention, equity, diversity & inclusion in rugby from grassroots to governance. She led the organisation to win the Supreme Award at the 2022 NZ Rainbow Excellence Awards, secured a spot as finalist in the 2023 Diversity Awards Inclusive Workplace Category, and a finalist for the 2024 Sport NZ Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion award.

SESSIONS

DAY 2
9:20
Scenario-Based Session: Leading Through Equity Pushback

What happens when your commitment to inclusion is tested? In this interactive session, you’ll step into a leadership scenario where equity efforts are facing resistance, whether it’s subtle discomfort, overt backlash, or behind-the-scenes disengagement.


  • How to lead when inclusion efforts are questioned or politicised

  • Navigating pushback tied to intersectional identities, including race, gender and culture

  • Building support without polarising the room

  • Tools to hold steady, keep people engaged, and model inclusive leadership under pressure


Judy O’Brien, Head of Culture, Inclusion & Safeguarding, NZ Rugby

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