Guest: Ally Kelly, Founder & CEO of MindBlank
Host: Allan Sicard, The Courage to Lead Interview Series
Ally Kelly – A founder’s first act of leadership
Fourteen years ago, a twenty-something Ally Kelly turned a bold idea into a blueprint for change. With $130,000 in seed funding and a vision to reduce mental-health crises before they happen, she registered MindBlank—an interactive-theatre charity dedicated to prevention and early intervention. Today, MindBlank’s programs have reached over 60,000 Australians and continue to grow through partnerships across schools, community organisations and workplaces.
“Imagine if we all knew what to do in a time of need.”
Why prevention matters (and why it’s hard)
Ally Kelly – “why” runs deep. As a child carer for her mum—who lived with suicidality—then later a young adult navigating PTSD and depression herself, Ally saw the gaps up close: stigma, long waitlists, and too few skills in the “meantime.” Her conclusion is clear: crisis systems alone can’t carry the load. Communities must be equipped with practical skills before problems peak.
The MindBlank difference: interactive theatre + lived experience
Instead of lectures, MindBlank uses interactive theatre to bring real stories to life. A facilitator pauses scenes at pivotal moments, asks the audience what could change, and replays with better choices. It’s learning by doing—emotionally safe, practical, and memorable.
Ally Kelly – A school scenario (early intervention in action)
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The story: A student navigating family change, social isolation, and undiagnosed depression. A well-meaning teacher “misses” the signs. Conflict at home spikes; the young person spirals.
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The reset: Students guide a do-over—how to make a friend, ask for help again if the first attempt fails, and talk to parents when emotions are high.
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The takeaway: Help-seeking is a process, not a one-time test of courage. Protective factors (connection, skills, trusted adults) can be built early.
A community and workplace lens
MindBlank co-designs programs with police, schools, community groups and employers—tackling issues like coercive control before violence escalates. In workplaces, Ally sees a common pattern: teams shoulder “accidental counselling,” staying on distressing calls for hours without a clear plan. The fix: simple policy, clear roles, and rehearsed referral paths.
Ally Kelly – The three-step micro-framework anyone can use
Spot – Share – Refer
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Spot the signs: Is someone showing up differently from their usual self?
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Share your concern: Name what you’re noticing with empathy (“I’m worried about you because…”).
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Refer: Know the next step—crisis lines, GP mental health plan, school counsellor, EAP, or a trusted adult in their network.
Ally Kelly asserts it’s not about becoming a therapist. It’s about boundaries with care: listen, then guide people to the right help—without burning out your staff, your family, or yourself.
Demystifying the GP mental health plan
Ally Kelly shares that the scariest part is often walking in the door. After that, it’s basics: a short form (think “how often have you felt…?”), a conversation, and a referral (to your preferred clinician if you have one). Yes, waitlists exist—and that’s exactly why community skills matter. They bridge the gap while support is arranged.
What leaders can practice now
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Choose prevention on purpose. Build skills before you need them.
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Write it down. Policies that describe “who does what” under stress stop accidental counselling and protect teams.
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Rehearse the handoff. Crisis numbers at hand, a shared script, and role-plays. If you can do it under pressure, you’ll do it for real.
Ally Kelly – three wisdoms for emerging leaders
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Tenacity over time: Consistency compounds—keep going.
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Stand on shoulders: Before building from scratch, learn from adjacent models or join forces.
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No one carries it alone: You don’t need every answer—know your supports and use them.
Final word
Ally Kelly’s work is a masterclass in practical compassion: take lived experience, translate it into teachable moments, and rehearse prevention until it sticks. That’s leadership.