I moved into coaching because I kept seeing the same pattern: brilliant people struggling in systems not designed for difference, and "solutions" that addressed symptoms rather than root causes. Now I work one-on-one and with teams to create the safety and clarity needed for authentic change. My approach is trauma-informed, IFS-informed and built on the principle that you already have the wisdom you need — my job is to help you access it.
Before coaching, I spent decades navigating complexity across public service, emergency management and the community sector across Australia, the UK and Ireland. I've worked in emergency services during bushfire seasons, led community development in post-conflict Belfast, and partnered with organisations trying to embed genuine inclusion. I've led research on diversity and intersectionality at CSIRO and Our Watch, managed inclusion accreditation projects for large-scale organisations and policy design in politically complex settings.
All of that work taught me that conflict rarely stems from ill intent but from systems not designed for human difference leading to power imbalances, competing values, structural inequities, misaligned expectations and unmet needs. That work taught me how to understand and navigate power dynamics and design systems that actually serve the people using them.
Experience
Jiann’s professional experience spans intersectionality, diversity and inclusion, emergency management, and community development — unified by a commitment to human rights and social justice.
01 Intersectionality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention
As Intersectionality Lead at Our Watch, Jiann leads the development of intersectional approaches to the prevention of violence against women. This work ensures that policy frameworks and prevention strategies address the compounding effects of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination — including racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and classism — alongside gender inequality. Drawing on extensive experience in human rights and social justice, she works to ensure that the voices and experiences of those most affected are centred in prevention efforts.
02 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Research and Consulting
Jiann has driven DEI strategy within some of Australia’s most significant institutions. At CSIRO’s Data61, she embedded inclusive practices into data science and digital technology research as Senior Research Consultant. At the City of Port Phillip, she provided strategic advice on equity and community engagement. At The Salvation Army, she managed the Rainbow Tick accreditation program, ensuring LGBTIQ+ inclusive service delivery. Her approach combines rigorous research with practical, rights-based frameworks that create lasting organisational change.
03 Emergency Management and Community Safety
During Victoria’s bushfire crisis and recovery period, Jiann led youth engagement and emergency management programs at the Country Fire Authority. She integrated community development principles into emergency response, managing the Cadets program and leading projects that built community resilience. This work required navigating high-stakes, time-critical environments while maintaining a focus on inclusion and community wellbeing.
04 Community Development
With deep roots in community development spanning three countries, Jiann has worked with displaced people at the Asylum Seekers Centre (seven years), managed digital communications for Médecins Sans Frontières Australia (five years), coordinated programs across sectarian divides in West Belfast, and supported recently arrived migrants in one of Australia’s most diverse communities at Auburn City Council. Her practice is grounded in participatory methods, needs assessment, and rights-based project design.