Hidden beneath the glossy surface of our global economy lurks a devastating reality: 40 million people trapped in modern slavery. In this eye-opening conversation, Professor Justine Nolan, Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, reveals the complex web of exploitation that permeates supply chains across industries.

Modern slavery isn't a relic of history—it's a present-day crisis hiding in plain sight. Justine expertly unpacks how today's slavery manifests through psychological coercion, deceptive recruitment, and economic vulnerability rather than physical chains. From agricultural fields to electronics factories, she traces how workers become ensnared in systems they never chose and cannot escape.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is the examination of modern slavery from multiple perspectives. We explore how profit-maximizing pressure from corporations meets desperate economic circumstances on the ground, creating perfect conditions for exploitation. Justine doesn't just identify problems—she evaluates regulatory approaches worldwide, from disclosure-focused laws in the UK and Australia to more comprehensive due diligence requirements emerging in Europe.

The most powerful insights come when discussing solutions. Beyond legal compliance, truly addressing modern slavery requires companies to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, examine how their business models might perpetuate exploitation, and embrace empathy as a business skill rather than a weakness. Justine's recommendation of "Conscience Incorporated" by Michael Posner provides listeners with a roadmap for aligning profits with principles.

Whether you're a business leader, conscious consumer, or human rights advocate, this conversation will transform how you view the products you purchase and the companies you support. Listen now to understand your connection to one of today's most urgent human rights challenges.

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