Kate Baker on what does it really mean to stay kind in an unkind world?
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, former NSW Police sergeant Kate Baker shares a leadership philosophy shaped not just by experience—but by conscious choice.
After 24 years in policing, Kate didn’t just survive the pressures of the job—she transformed them into a blueprint for leadership grounded in kindness, courage, and self-awareness. After retiring from the NSW Police she established a business called The Kind Rebellion and has just authored an amazing leadership book titled Staying Kind in an Unkind World.
🚔 Kate Baker – A Calling Sparked by Purpose
Kate Baker’s journey into policing didn’t begin with ambition—it began with impact.
Reading a newspaper story about police saving lives, she had a moment of clarity:
“There couldn’t be a more worthwhile calling.”
But her purpose went deeper.
She wanted to repair a fractured relationship between the police and the queer community—a community she was part of.
Rather than criticise from the outside, she chose a different path:
👉 Step in and create change from within
🌈 Kate Baker – Leadership Begins with Courage
Kate Baker’s early leadership influence came from community leader Kathy Pavlich—a master of partnership, clarity, and calm strength.
What stood out?
- Commitment to outcomes over ego
- Strong but non-combative communication
- The ability to unite opposing groups
This shaped Kate’s leadership lens early:
“You can work with people you disagree with—and still build something better.”
👥 Kate Baker – The Leaders Who Shape Us
Throughout her career, Kate Baker was influenced by exceptional leaders including:
- Donna Adney
- Anthony (Tony) Crandell
- Michael (Mick) Fuller
What did they all have in common?
✔ They were approachable
✔ They challenged thinking constructively
✔ They created space for growth
One lesson stood out:
“Don’t just reject an idea—ask how it could work.”
That mindset became central to Kate’s own leadership.
🔥 Kate Baker – The Power of Team Culture: King’s Cross
Kate Baker describes her time at Kings Cross as the most impactful of her career.
Not because it was easy—but because of the team.
A stand out member of her team was a Leading Senior Constable who embraced and support Kate being a new sergeant for the team.
Her name was Amy Scott, now Detective Inspector Amy Scott.
What made it different?
- Deep trust and support across all ranks
- Leaders emerging at every level
- A culture where vulnerability was accepted
“You want the people around you to succeed.”
That single belief transformed the environment.
⚠️ When Leadership Fails
Kate Baker also speaks candidly about poor leadership:
- Bullying
- Public criticism
- Fear-based control
And the impact?
👉 People shut down
👉 Teams fracture
👉 Potential is lost
Her early supervisor helped her navigate this:
Not every battle is worth fighting—but the right ones are.
💥 The Tipping Point
Every leader faces a moment of truth.
For Kate Baker, it came during a chaotic New Year’s Eve 2013/14):
- Multiple stabbings
- Public disorder
- A fatal one-punch assault – Daniel Christie
That night, she realised:
“My bucket is full.”
And instead of pushing through—she pivoted.
🔄 Reinvention Without Leaving
Rather than leaving policing, Kate transitioned into intelligence.
Why it worked:
- Aligned with her strengths
- Reduced emotional overload
- Still contributed meaningfully
This is a critical leadership lesson:
👉 You don’t always need to leave—sometimes you need to realign
💡 Leadership Insight: You Don’t Have to Like Everyone
One of the most powerful takeaways of Kate Baker’s interview:
“You don’t have to like everyone—but you must lead them with kindness.”
This challenges a common leadership trap:
🚫 Surrounding yourself with people you like
✅ Instead, choose people who are right for the role
🌱 Kate Baker – The Leadership Philosophy That Emerged
Kate’s leadership is built on:
- Kindness without weakness
- Vulnerability as strength
- Continuous relationship building
- Creating environments where people feel seen
“Nothing is won and done—leadership is daily work.”
🎯 Final Reflection
Kate Baker’s story is not just about policing.
It’s about:
- Choosing purpose over comfort
- Growth over ego
- Kindness over control
And ultimately—
👉 Becoming the kind of leader we need in the 21st Century.