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Code of Conduct

Last updated: December 8, 2025

1. Core Values

Our Community is built on these fundamental values:

• Trust: We maintain confidentiality and respect private information shared within the community
• Respect: We treat all members with dignity, regardless of background, experience, or business stage
• Authenticity: We share genuine experiences and challenges, not polished success stories
• Generosity: We give freely of our time, knowledge, and support without expectation of return
• Inclusivity: We welcome diverse perspectives and foster belonging for all members

2. Expected Behavior

All members are expected to:

• Listen actively and empathetically to other members' experiences
• Share openly and honestly about their own challenges and learnings
• Offer support, insights, and connections when appropriate
• Respect confidentiality and follow the Chatham House Rule
• Be punctual and present during sessions
• Acknowledge different perspectives and approaches to business
• Focus on learning and mutual support rather than self-promotion
• Treat all members as peers, regardless of company size or success

3. Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are not tolerated:

• Harassment: Including verbal, physical, or written harassment of any kind
• Discrimination: Based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under Australian law
• Breaches of Confidentiality: Sharing specific details, names, or identifying information from sessions
• Aggressive Sales or Recruitment: Using the Community primarily for business development
• Disruptive Behavior: Dominating conversations, interrupting, or dismissing others' experiences
• Misrepresentation: Providing false information about yourself, your role, or your company
• Recording Without Consent: Audio or video recording of any session without explicit permission
• Pressure or Coercion: Pressuring members into business deals, partnerships, or investments

4. Confidentiality: The Chatham House Rule

All sessions operate under the Chatham House Rule:

This means:

• You can share what you learned, but not who said it
• You can discuss insights and ideas, but not attribute them to specific individuals or companies
• What is shared in the room stays in the room in terms of attribution

5. Networking and Connections

While we encourage meaningful connections:

• Follow-up connections should be mutually desired and respectful
• Commercial discussions should be secondary to peer support
• No member should feel pressured to engage in business relationships
• If offering services or partnerships, ensure it's genuinely valuable and not exploitative

6. Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive community that:

• Values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences
• Actively works against unconscious bias and discrimination
• Creates space for underrepresented voices in the startup ecosystem
• Recognizes that there are many valid paths to building successful companies

7. Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct:

• Contact the organizers immediately at conduct@strategicfounders.com
• Provide details of the incident, including date, time, and people involved
• All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly
• No retaliation will be tolerated against anyone who reports a concern in good faith

8. Consequences of Violations

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in:

• Warning: A formal warning with explanation of the violation
• Temporary Suspension: Exclusion from events for a specified period
• Permanent Removal: Revocation of membership for serious or repeated violations

The severity of consequences will depend on the nature and frequency of violations.

9. Creating a Safe Space

We believe vulnerability and authenticity are strengths. To maintain a safe space:

• Assume positive intent in others' contributions
• Hold space for difficult conversations about failure, stress, and challenges
• Avoid unsolicited advice unless explicitly requested
• Recognize that everyone's journey is different
• Support members who are facing difficult times

10. Compliance with Australian Law

All members must comply with:

• The Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• The Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• The Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• The Age Discrimination Act 2004
• Australian Consumer Law and fair trading regulations

11. Continuous Improvement

This Code of Conduct is a living document. We welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement from all members to ensure our Community remains safe, supportive, and valuable.

12. Acknowledgment

By participating in Strategic Founders, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Contact

For questions about this Code of Conduct or to report concerns:

Email: conduct@strategicfounders.com
Privacy & General Inquiries: hello@strategicfounders.com

This Code of Conduct is designed to comply with Australian anti-discrimination and workplace laws, adapted for a community setting.