Our next guest on The Courage to Lead Interview Series is Mark Coyne, the former CEO and current Executive Director of Employees Mutuals Limited (EML). Mark’s journey from professional footballer to business leader
Leadership in Sports and Business:
Mark’s first true experience of leadership came from his time as a professional footballer with the St. George Dragons. He learned the importance of doing the basics right and the courage to lead from the front.
Overcoming Adversity:
Mark Coyne shared a powerful story about being dropped from his team and how he turned that setback into a comeback through hard work and accountability.
Transitioning Careers:
Moving from sports to business wasn’t easy, but Mark Coyne’s dedication to mastering the basics and his willingness to learn from others helped him succeed.
Building a Great Workplace:
EML was recognised as one of the top ten workplaces in Great Places to Work Australia. Mark Coyne emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and connected to a common purpose.
Connecting with Your Team:
Mark Coyne believes in the power of personal connections. He makes it a point to understand his team members’ motivations and challenges, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
Resilience and Hard Work:
Success, according to Mark Coyne, comes when hard work meets opportunity. He encourages aspiring leaders to be prepared for when opportunities arise and to embrace challenges as growth opportunities.
Introverted Leader:
Despite his public roles, Mark Coyne considers himself an introvert. He shared how he overcame his discomfort with public speaking through thorough preparation and practice.
Family and Work Balance:
Mark’s approach to leadership includes recognising the importance of employees’ lives outside of work. He organises family events to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere, which in turn fosters loyalty and engagement.
Mentorship:
Mark Coyne is a strong advocate for mentorship. He believes in seeking advice from multiple mentors and adapting their strengths to fit one’s own style.
Perhaps the best quote in the whole interview is this one:
“There is more to a person that the one that turns up to work everyday. It’s really important that we can be inclusive of partners and kids as well.”
Listen to the whole interview here: