Justine Barwick
Change Management Leader, Event Speaker, Shark Attack Survivor
Change Always Happens
It’s Our Choice How To Adapt
Working in the Community Services sector for 30 years has taught me a lot about change managment and problem solving. People need to feel safe, and to have confidence in their leaders when times are tough or when the environment is changing. I lead teams through change, and I get the best of out them – it’s what I am good at.
Turns out this experience in challenging professional situations means I’m also good at adapting to change in my personal life – a shark attack in September 2018 required me to use every trick in the book to keep calm and survive.
Find out more – visit my latest blog
I have known and worked with Justine for many years now and continue to be impressed and inspired by her commercial savvy, her ability to read a room and her capacity to cut through to what’s important.
– Lucy O’Flaherty | Chief Executive Officer
Using Calm to Survive a
Shark Attack
When a shark took a huge chunk out of my thigh in 2018, my femoral artery was severed and I was bleeding out fast.
My friends and family who were with me are the heroes of that day. Their first aid helped me to survive against all the odds. The rescue crews, the emergency doctors – they were heroes too.
But I realise that I was a hero on that day as well. I knew that the most helpful, effective thing that I could do was to stay calm and that is what I did. It’s not easy to achieve that when I saw a bite out of my thigh about the size of a full size Christmas ham, and then observed spurts of blood from my femoral artery. But I did it. And it made a huge difference to the situation.
I survived what should have killed me. My friends’ first aid, a rescue helicopter and some brave crew, and amazing surgical and medical care, amazing physiotherapists – they all play a huge part in my survival and recovery.
Justine spoke not only of her personal survival story, but also of her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected and accomplished professional. Her story of determination, growth, and rising through challenges resonated deeply with my team. It reminded us that resilience is not just about recovering from life’s unexpected events—it’s also about the steady, courageous pursuit of a meaningful career and purpose, often in the face of quiet, persistent obstacles.
– Anita Herbert | STEPS Regional Manager
At the centre of my story is me – my resilience, determination and calm approach. This helped me to survive what should have killed me and to go on to recover and thrive. I’ve learned to walk again, and even had to learn to talk again.
The surgeons rebuilt my leg, but I had to rebuild ‘me’. It’s been quite a ride, and I have learnt so much that I am just bursting to share with you.
About Justine
Justine Barwick is an accomplished CEO, COO, and motivational speaker with over 30 years of leadership experience in the community sector. With qualifications in Business, Administration, Governance, Leadership, and Management, Justine brings a unique blend of strategic insight and hands-on expertise. She is deeply committed to delivering client-focused services while ensuring business sustainability, skillfully balancing the needs of clients and the long-term success of organisations.
A true understanding of effective teamwork, Justine is passionate about empowering staff to excel in their roles, firmly believing that supported and motivated employees are the key to exceptional service. Known for her resilience, Justine thrives in the face of challenges, always preparing for any scenario. Her leadership style makes her an invaluable ally—someone you want in your corner, driving both people and businesses toward success.