Monty Badami

Anthropologist, Speaker, Facilitator

I help people explore what it means to be human with honesty, humour and heart. From leadership workshops to big-stage keynotes, I create space for connection, reflection and real cultural change.

Whether I’m working with executives, educators, communities or young people, my goal is always the same: to build environments where meaningful conversations can thrive.

Meet Monty: Anthropology in Action

I’m Dr Sumant Badami – but most people call me Monty. I’m an anthropologist, educator, public speaker and founder of Habitus a social enterprise dedicated to creating inclusive cultures where people can thrive.

I’ve worn many hats

TEDx Speaker

Jazz Singer

Martial Arts Instructor

Army Officer

At the heart of all my work is a fascination with what it means to be human. I’m interested in how our species evolved, how our cultures formed, and how we make meaning of the world through relationships, rituals, identity and belief systems.

An Anthropologist’s Perspective

I earned my PhD in Anthropology at Macquarie University and have spent decades working across Australia and overseas. in education, leadership development and cultural awareness. I’ve lived with the Paniya people an Indigenous group in South India and explored the effects of historical oppression on identity and belonging.

Today, My Work Is Personal

Today, my focus is closer to home. I work with leaders, organisations, not-for profits, schools, and communities across Australia to challenge harmful norms around masculinity, class, race, gender and power. I’m especially passionate about helping men and boys rewrite the scripts they’ve been handed – and creating safer, more connected spaces for everyone.

Invite Monty to Speak

Where Humanity Meets the Mic

Creating experiences where people feel like they’re part of the conversation – that’s what I do best.

I’ve spent my career facilitating conversations that matter – on stages, in lecture halls, in classrooms, communities, boardrooms, and through my service as a leader in the Army Reserves. Whether I’m working with executive teams, educators or young people, I’m always looking for ways to nurture connection, reflection and real cultural change.

When I was invited to give a TEDx talk – with only one week to prepare, as the final speaker of the day – I hesitated. I’d just come off a huge week of facilitation, and my son’s 18th was that weekend.

Realistically, I had four days. And TEDx? Not usually my thing. It’s a different format from what I usually do. I thrive in dialogue, not monologue. But creating experiences where people feel like they’re part of the conversation that’s what I do best. So I thought why not bring that same energy to the TEDx stage?

Still, I checked in with my team. I checked in with my family. And I said yes. What followed was one of the most rewarding speaking experiences I’ve ever had – not because it was easy, but because I stayed grounded in everything I believe about courage, connection and showing up with care.

That TEDx talk now sits alongside the keynotes, panels and workshops I’ve delivered across the country – each one tailored to spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and build cultures where people feel safe enough to be human. If you’re looking for a speaker who can hold space, speak from the heart and shift the energy in the room – I’d love to talk.

The Conversations I’ve Been Part Of

I’ve been invited onto dozens of podcasts to explore everything from masculinity and culture to education, leadership and what it means to be human. I bring curiosity, reflection and a healthy sense of humour to every conversation - whether we’re unpacking identity,

power and privilege, or diving into what it takes to create cultures of psychological safety. If you’re looking for a guest who can hold space for the messy, meaningful parts of being human – and speak to them with warmth and grounded insight – I’d love to be part of the conversation.

The Understanding Boys Podcast With Dr Monty Badami

Facilitate Like an Anthropologist with Dr. Monty Badami

Thinking Through a Crisis: Brigid Delaney and Dr Monty Badami

“When we feel safe enough to be human with each other, everything changes.”

Habitus is at the heart of my work

Habitus is the heart of my work – a social enterprise built around one big idea: that when we feel safe enough to be human with each other, everything changes.

Through Habitus, I design and lead experiences that help people build the kind of cultures we all want to be part of – grounded in psychological safety, cultural awareness and honest, brave conversations.

Our work spans workplaces, communities and organisations of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s leadership development, team facilitation, or large-scale cultural change, we focus on creating space for connection, accountability and growth. My background – from academia to the Army Reserves – gives me a unique lens when working with diverse teams and navigating complex dynamics with care and confidence.

This isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level strategies. It’s about working alongside people to shift culture from the inside out. Because when we learn how to listen deeply, speak openly, and reflect together, we begin to reshape what’s possible.

Learn more about Habitus

Let’s Start a Conversation

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker, a facilitator for your next leadership workshop, or someone to help your team navigate change in a more human way – I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for reaching out. My team will be in touch within the next 48 hours.

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