Human on the Inside with The Social Expression’s Rosa Stathis
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the Founder and Director of The Social Expression, a communications and stakeholder engagement consultancy and a Board of Management Director at Baseball NSW.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does your role entail?
Rosa Stathis: I founded The Social Expression to help organisations build stronger connections with their stakeholders through clear, effective communication. Alongside that, I serve on the Board of Management at Baseball NSW, which allows me to combine my professional skills with my passion for sport and community development.
M: You’ve built a career at the intersection of communications, stakeholder engagement and community development, with roles spanning government, corporate and multicultural sectors. From advising the Prime Minister’s office on media strategy to leading major multicultural programs in NSW, you’ve consistently focused on fostering meaningful connections across diverse audiences. More recently, through your consultancy The Social Expression, you’ve been helping organisations design and deliver tailored campaigns that cut through and resonate, especially with communities that are often harder to reach.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
RS: My personal purpose has always been about building bridges between people. Whether through government policy, corporate campaigns, or grassroots community programs, I’m driven by the idea that communication should do more than inform; it should connect, empower, and include. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing people who might otherwise feel overlooked feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood.
I’m committed to ensuring diverse voices aren’t treated as a box-ticking exercise but are genuinely valued in the conversations that shape outcomes. Through The Social Expression, I help organisations engage in ways that feel authentic and build lasting relationships. Many of my clients want to connect beyond their usual networks, and the challenge is doing so in a way that builds trust and community.
I believe communication works best when clarity meets empathy, expressing your message clearly while also listening, noticing, and respecting cultural norms and expectations. That is what makes engagement meaningful rather than transactional.
I’m passionate about helping organisations recognise, celebrate, and connect with Australia’s rich diversity in ways that strengthen both communities and business outcomes.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
RS: I went straight from high school into university, graduating with a BA in Communications, majoring in Media and Cultural Studies, at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. Being part of the last intake for that course was a real privilege, and it gave me a strong grounding in media, culture, and how stories shape society, something that has been central to every role I have had since.
While most of my skills have been developed on the job, my degree provided a framework for understanding audiences, messaging, and the power of communication to drive connection and change. Over the years, I have continued to build on that foundation through leadership programs, governance training, and sector-specific learning, all of which have strengthened my ability to work at the intersection of communications, stakeholder engagement, and media relations.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
RS: I would give my 21 year old self two pieces of advice:
1. Keep knocking on doors until they open. Persistence pays off.
2. Build and nurture your network. Some opportunities may come through someone you worked with two or three roles ago, so those connections are really valuable.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?
RS: Human skills are at the heart of what I do. In communications and stakeholder engagement, it is not just about delivering a message; it is about listening, building trust, and creating genuine connection. The ability to empathise, adapt, and communicate with clarity is what makes strategies effective and relationships long-lasting.
In my industry, particularly when working with diverse communities, these skills are invaluable. Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to collaborate across different perspectives often make the difference between a campaign or initiative that resonates and one that falls flat.
Human skills help us cut through the noise and connect in ways that feel authentic and meaningful. I do not see them as soft skills; I see them as essential skills.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. What’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
RS: My superpower is connecting with people and actively listening to them. I have a genuine curiosity about others, which allows me to understand their perspectives, build trust quickly, and create spaces where people feel comfortable to share and collaborate.
This ability has been a constant thread and is central to my career, whether working with communities, advising leaders, or helping organisations engage with diverse audiences. It allows me to influence decisions, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change by bringing people together around shared goals.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
RS: One skill I have had to work on most is slowing down, even while being solutions focused. Early in my career, I was very outcome-driven and eager to move quickly, but I learned that the pace at which we work matters just as much as the solutions we deliver. Taking the time to pause, listen carefully, support others to think through ideas, and allow space for reflection often leads to stronger, more thoughtful, and sustainable outcomes. I’ve found that when you balance action with reflection, you not only achieve better results but also build trust and empower the people you work with.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work for an organisation like yours, what would it be?
RS: My advice would be to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel a little outside your comfort zone. Some of the most important steps in my career came from taking risks, trusting myself, and approaching new challenges with a mindset of learning. Equally important is building and nurturing relationships. Skills and qualifications matter, but it is the connections you make and the way you show up for people that is what often opens the most doors.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one Uni graduate to your business, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
RS: I would be looking for someone who brings genuine curiosity, initiative, and a real passion for connecting with people. Academic results show that a candidate can handle the work, but it is their human skills, the ability to listen, collaborate, and adapt, that reveal how they will shape the culture and make an impact. The ideal candidate is not just knowledgeable; they are eager to keep learning, willing to step up when it matters, and driven to make a meaningful difference in the work they do and, in the people, they work with. That combination of capability, character, and initiative is what sets someone apart.
M: In the words of American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
RS: I’m currently undertaking a Diploma of Governance through the Institute of Community Directors Australia, supported by the Australian Sports Commission. I’m one of 14 women invited to take part in the ASC 2025 Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) Program. Beyond developing skills and perspective for my role on the Board of Baseball NSW, it is an incredible opportunity to learn from and collaborate with inspiring leaders across the country. I see life as a journey rather than a destination. Each door we step through enriches us with experiences, learning, and connections that shape how we grow and contribute.
Rosa Stathis
Founder and Director of The Social Expression
As the Founder of The Social Expression, Rosa Stathis works with organisations who want to communicate and engage with Australia's continually changing diverse audiences.
With more than two decades of experience working with Australia's diverse communities, Rosa has provided advice to the highest levels of Australian government and has partnered with a broad range of stakeholders including corporate organisations, community and not-for-profit organisations and media.
With strong working relationships and a comprehensive network of contacts, together with a proven track record of delivering national and state-based programs, Rosa is a driving force helping organisations broaden their reach, understand and connect with diverse audiences to build strong networks and achieve results.
Rosa partners with a number of communication and engagement specialists with a passion for crafting meaningful connections between businesses and their audiences.
Her goal is to help organisations reach diverse communities through authentic, purposeful, data-driven strategies that resonate at the core.
Ready to develop the human skills within your organisation, team or self? Explore our menu of Maxme Products & Programs or simply download the Hodie app to get started today.
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