Making sure care isn't overcomplicated

Brad Kearns began his professional journey in frontline service as a Police Officer with the New South Wales Police Force, working across general duties and proactive crime response. He later undertook military leadership training at the prestigious Royal Military College Duntroon as a member of the Australian Army.

Following a successful stint in the fitness industry – where he excelled in sales leadership and progressed to state-level operations management – Brad joined Uniting NSW.ACT. Over several years, he has held a range of roles within Uniting’s Seniors Services Portfolio and the Shared Service, focused on client growth, strategic workforce planning and driving transformation across support services.

Brad is also a founder of multiple start-ups, with a focus on solving real-world problems in the care sector. His ventures include innovations in contingent labour models, in-home technology for care environments, and data-led workforce planning. His in-home technology Medinotation was awarded the Ignite Spark Innovation Grant, and Workframe, his workforce planning solution, has secured strategic partnerships with major HRIS platforms.

Known as a hands-on and values-led leader, Brad brings a deep understanding of data and technology, and a passion for introducing systemic solutions to the complex challenges facing the care sector.

Tell us about your career trajectory?

After a career in Policing, I realised my passion for leading teams in purpose-driven organisations, where I could tackle industry challenges and drive meaningful change. Over the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Uniting NSW.ACT in various roles that exposed me to the diverse functions needed to deliver exceptional outcomes for both clients and carers, particularly within Aged Care and Disability sectors. This experience has shaped my leadership style, focusing on collaboration, empathy, and efficiency. Outside of my professional roles, I’ve developed a strong interest in leveraging technology to solve care-related challenges, which has led me to explore innovations that can enhance service delivery in the sector. My career path has always been guided by a desire to make a difference, and I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can influence real change.

Tell us about find a carer?

Find a Carer is a for-purpose organisation with a strong commitment to connecting individuals with the right care services. Find a Carer operates within the Aged Care and Disability sectors, focusing on improving the lives of both clients and carers. By providing a platform that matches clients with qualified, experienced carers, Find a Carer strives to create a seamless and personalised experience for everyone involved. Our goal is to make it easier for individuals to access the care they need while ensuring carers are supported and recognised for their invaluable work. As a for-purpose organisation, our mission goes beyond simply providing services, we are committed to creating positive social impact and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live their life with dignity, independence, and support. Through innovation and a people-first approach, Find a Carer is positioned to revolutionise the care sector.

Take us through a typical day for you?

Since stepping into the CEO role at Find a Carer, I’m still in the process of defining what a typical day looks like. However, my days will consist of a balance between strategic decision-making, team leadership, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. In the mornings, I typically focus on reviewing operational progress and meeting with senior leaders to address challenges and opportunities. Throughout the day, I dedicate time to engaging with external partners, clients, and carers to ensure we remain aligned with our mission and goals. In the afternoons, I work on refining our long-term strategy and staying ahead of industry trends. My role will require a lot of adaptability, as no two days will be the same. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to shape Find a Carers direction and drive positive change within the industry. Every day presents a new opportunity to impact the lives of those we serve.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career was transitioning from a uniformed service role in Policing and the Australian Army to a position in the private sector. The shift was challenging, not just in terms of adjusting to a new environment, but also in how I could translate the skills I developed in law enforcement and military operations to new industries. I initially struggled to identify how my background in high-pressure, problem-solving roles applied to business environments. My first frontline role in a local gym tested my resilience as I navigated this shift. At times, it was mentally tough, and I had moments where I questioned my abilities. However, with time, I learned to appreciate my transferable skills such as leadership, crisis management, and strategic thinking, and how they could be used to drive results in different contexts. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance when embracing new challenges.

Any advice you’d offer to your younger self?

If I could go back in time and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to celebrate curiosity more. Early in my career, I often felt pressured to have all the answers and to quickly establish expertise in certain areas. I now realise that embracing a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity has been invaluable in shaping my career trajectory. It’s essential to ask questions, explore new ideas, and remain open to change. By fostering curiosity, you can discover new opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. This perspective has been especially important as I’ve transitioned into leadership roles, where innovation and adaptability are crucial to success. I’ve found that embracing curiosity has allowed me to remain resilient and proactive in addressing challenges, as well as to inspire and mentor others to do the same.

How do you like to unwind after work?

After a busy day, I rely on weightlifting to unwind and clear my mind. This is a passion I’ve maintained since my teenage years, and it serves as a crucial outlet for both physical and mental rejuvenation. For me, the gym is more than just a place to build strength; it’s where I go to reflect, reset, and recharge. Weightlifting allows me to disconnect from work and focus on personal goals, which is especially important after demanding days. Over the years, I’ve learned that physical exhaustion can be a great way to clear mental clutter and gain perspective. There have been times when work became overwhelming, and I compromised this time for myself, but I quickly realised that neglecting this time affected my overall well-being. It’s become clear that balancing work and personal wellness is key to staying focused, energised, and effective in my role.

What did you last, Watch, Read or Listen?

Typically, I watch my favourite Rugby League team play each week and I’ll try to follow the shorts of the weekend. As a lifelong supported of the game, I enjoy watching, reading and listening to all thing’s rugby league. In the evenings, my wife and I like to have a series that we watch. Most recently, my two picks have been “The Waterfront” and “Mobland”. Both of these are related to organised crime and something that has always fascinated my wife and I as ex-police officers.