More about Paul Mead
Leader, Coach, Business Owner, Dad, Husband
Hi, I’m Paul,
I have had a life of service. I have been a military officer, a teacher, coach, and now have a business with my wife that is purpose driven to increase the diversity in the STEM workforce, called She Maps.
I have taken all of this experience and created a framework called the Art of Business Leadership. I use this to guide my business goals and to help other leaders. I know the frustration that being a leader and business owner brings, the low lows, the late nights, and the frustration of building teams. But I have also been fortunate to have had others invest their time and energy into me, to help me achieve some great success along the way.
I know the thing that kills teams faster than anything is a toxic culture and bad attitudes. My focus is on building Authentic Leaders who can create high performing teams.
I help leaders dispose of ticking A-bombs in their teams.
We have also got a son, who we homeschool, just to add a bit more pressure to the mix!
But what makes it easier, is that we have built a great team around us, who are empowered to make decisions and are invested in our brand. This makes owning a business more enjoyable and sustainable, meaning that we have a bit more freedom as a family.
Here is a bit of my story to how I have got here…
I was bought up in a small town in NZ called Gisborne and left to join the Army once I finished school to go see the world! And that is what I did! Leading soldiers in Vanuatu on a construction project, Lebanon doing bomb disposal, Afghanistan leading an engineering team and finally posted to Darwin to support NZ’s efforts in Timor Leste.
My 11 years in the NZ Army taught me strategy, leadership and about taking action. The Army also gave me a sense of purpose! I thought this was the way the world worked, but I soon learnt I was naïve after leaving the military.
Upon leaving, I worked for two very poor leaders in succession. They destroyed the culture, their staff and the business. The purpose of each business was lost and the staff were far from engaged. I left both, saying not again! After the second time, I knew what I was going to do.
Refinding my Purpose
Since starting out on my own in 2013, I have helped business owners and leaders increase their performance, and reach their true potential to become successful. The goal has always been to build teams of engaged staff with sustainable and profitable businesses. I have also found my own purpose again, no longer content to just have a J.O.B, but I am truly engaged in something that I am passionate about.
Leadership Excellence
In 2016 I was recognised for my commitment to leadership excellence and was the National Winner of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (then AIM) Emerging Leader of the Year.
In 2019 I became a Chartered Manager with the Institute of Managers and Leaders. Recognised by Royal Charter, it is the highest status that can be achieved by a manager or leader internationally.
Sport and Recreation Industry Transformation
One of my other passions is the sport and recreation industry and you will also see me working with National Sporting Organisations. Our national sporting bodies are going through a huge transformation as the sport and leisure market becomes more competitive, and funding guidelines from Sport Australia changes. Much of my Art of Business Leadership framework aligns across this industry too.
Making an Impact
A project that I am proud of is Diamonds in the Rough. This is a program that uses baseball to empower girls to make positive changes. It connects emerging Australian Emerald players (female national team) with young Indonesian girls, challenging gender norms and raises awareness of domestic violence. I have been the strategic advisor since the start, and this connects with my strong interest in Indonesia.
We were also a finalist in the 2017 Australia Indonesia Awards for the program.
Links to Indonesia
I am a CAUSINDY alumni since 2015 and was part of the 2019 Alumni conference. I believe that as our closest Asian neighbour with a population 10x the size of Australia, and with a burgeoning economy, we need to have strong links for the benefit of our economy and to support the developmental aims of Indonesia.
That's me!
So that is my story, to date anyway! Now living in Cairns, we enjoy the freedom that living in the tropics gives us. A great lifestyle, close to Asia, but still connected to the rest of Australia.
If you want help to build a better performing team and to increase your leadership potential then get in touch. I am always open to helping other leaders map out their journey for a successful future.
© 2019 Paul Mead