This week Nicola and Di welcome the remarkable Deborah Wallace, a woman who spent 36 years on the front line of policing in New South Wales, rising through the ranks to lead the Middle Eastern Crime Squad and the Asian Crime Squad, and taking on some of Australia’s most dangerous criminals along the way. Known for her signature style as much as her toughness, Deborah is proof that you never have to compromise who you are to do extraordinary work.
We chat to Deborah about her early days as one of just eight women training alongside over 100 men, and the wonderful advice from veteran policewoman that shaped her entire career: never compromise your femininity or your integrity. She shares the heartbreaking, goosebump-inducing story of being chosen to walk a reenactment of Anita Cobby’s final steps as a young constable, and how that case changed the trajectory of her career and led to a lifelong bond with Anita’s parents, Gary and Grace.
We talk about Deborah’s years leading Strike Force Raptor targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs, the devastating night her team faced the two things every commander fears most, and the extraordinary grace shown by the officers involved in its aftermath. We also hear about her remarkable partnership with the late Father Chris Riley, and how an unlikely alliance between a police sergeant and a priest changed the lives of gang-affected teenagers in Cabramatta.
Deborah leaves us with beautiful reflections on leadership, resilience, and why she believes the vast majority of people in the world are good. She also shares some wonderful advice for anyone facing a big career change or retirement.
We had the best time with Deborah. Her warmth, wisdom and strength are a gift. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com
Buy Deborah’s book A Woman of Force here - https://www.amazon.com.au/Woman-Force-Mark-Morri-ebook/dp/B08CB7RLCL
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Find out more about the next OTBF trip to Bhutan in October 2027 - https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/
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