Joe Saunders is a global thought leader in violence prevention and management, and heads up Australia’s leading workplace violence prevention practice, R2S Violence Prevention. In 2021, he was awarded the OSPA award for Outstanding Security Consultant of the Year for his work in creating the world’s first ISO 31000-aligned workplace violence prevention model.

He is an in demand keynote speaker due to his ability to communicate across silos – bringing together executive leadership teams, safety, security, human resources and other specialists to build a coordinated solution to the wicked problem of workplace violence.

While his practical experience is bolstered by postgraduate education in psychology, risk management and leadership, Joe credits his start in the industry to working in the private security industry. It was five years spent working as a full-time nightclub bouncer with ad hoc roles in close personal protection that first sparked a passion and curiosity for understanding and preventing violent behaviour.

You can read more about Joe’s time on the doors in his book, Neon Jungle: A Bouncer’s True Tales of Lessons, Laughs & Lacerations.

Joe has been a lifelong martial artist and combat sport enthusiast, racking up 27 state, national and international medals across five combat sports including judo, sumo, BJJ, sambo and belt-wrestling. 

He holds instructor/coaching certifications in the following systems:

• Senshido
• Krav Maga
• Judo
• Sumo
• ISR Matrix
• Defensive Tactics (PPCT, ASP, BodyCuff, Firearms, Tactical Self Defense)
• Aggressive Behaviour Management for Healthcare

Joe lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and four young daughters.