Dr Melanie Barlow is a respected leadership and culture strategist with a deep commitment to transforming healthcare environments through courageous conversations, psychological safety, and values-based communication. With a background in clinical practice (Intensive Care Nursing), organisational leadership (Director of Simulation), higher education (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy), and organisational development, Melanie brings a unique blend of frontline insight and strategic acumen to her work with hospital executives, clinical leaders and frontline staff.  

Her work focuses on empowering individuals and teams to “check self,” “find their voice,” and “receive and action” feedback—pillars that have resonated strongly across clinical workforces. Melanie is particularly passionate about the role of the receiver in communication, advocating for leadership practices that foster trust, accountability, and cultural integrity. 

She currently is employed as Associate Professor and a national academic lead at Australian Catholic University. She also holds an adjunct Associate Professor role with Curtin University. Melanie has held such positions such as the Director of Simulation in a large health service and was previously Chair of the national healthcare simulation body, the Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare (ASSH).  Melanie has undertaken an international fellowship in simulation with the Center for Medical Simulation, Boston, USA, and completed her PhD through the School of Psychology at University of Queensland.

Melanie is also a podcaster - she started the Simulation Happy Hour podcast to build collaboration and share knowledge.