A Life Well Lived – Lessons from Bob Herring
Some people lead without ever calling themselves leaders
When most people think about leadership, they picture CEOs, politicians, sporting champions or military commanders. Yet some of the most influential leaders never hold high-profile positions. They simply live lives that inspire the people around them. That perfectly describes Bob Herring.
At 82 years of age, Bob still swims most mornings in the waters off Manly Beach patrolled by Manly Surf Lifesaving Club. He has spent more than eight decades connected to the ocean, more than sixty years married to his wife Judy, and a lifetime serving his community through rugby, Surf Life Saving and mentoring young people.
Bob doesn’t tell dramatic stories about success. He tells stories about life. And perhaps that’s exactly what makes this conversation on The Courage to Lead Interview Series so special.
Growing up in a very different Manly
Bob Herring was born during the Second World War and grew up on Sydney’s Eastern Hill, when Manly was a close-knit community where everybody knew one another. His childhood wasn’t built around money or possessions. It was built around freedom. The harbour, the ocean, North Head and the local beaches became his playground. Days were spent surfing, swimming, fishing and playing rugby with lifelong friends. Those experiences shaped the values that would guide the rest of his life.
Learning leadership through service
Bob Herring never set out to become a leader. Instead, leadership found him. As a teenager he became Board and Ski Captain at Manly Surf Life Saving Club before later serving as President of one of Australia’s most respected surf clubs. He also captained Manly Rugby Union and spent years coaching and encouraging younger generations. When asked why surf clubs seem to produce so many leaders, Bob’s answer was remarkably simple.
“It was the camaraderie.”
The club wasn’t just about competition. It was about belonging. Older members invested in younger members. Standards mattered. People were expected to contribute. Respect was earned. Those lessons stayed with Bob for the rest of his life.
Success isn’t measured by titles
One of the most striking aspects of Bob Herring’s story is how little he talks about achievements. Instead, he speaks proudly about watching young people grow into capable adults. He speaks about helping others. He speaks about giving back. Under his leadership, Manly Surf Life Saving Club celebrated Australian Championship success, but when Bob reflects on those years, he talks less about trophies and more about seeing young people develop confidence and character.
Perhaps that’s the greatest measure of leadership. Not what we achieve ourselves. But who we help become successful.
A partnership built over sixty years
Bob Herring and his wife, Judy first met when they were just eleven years old. More than sixty years later, they are still together. When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Bob smiled before answering with characteristic humility.
“She’s the boss.”
Behind the humour sits something deeper. Mutual respect. Patience. Support. And gratitude. When Bob describes Judy as “my rock,” you immediately understand how important relationships have been throughout his life.
Family, community and belonging
Bob Herring and Judy Herring raised two children who have each built meaningful lives of their own. Their son Trent has become one of Australia’s leading Ironman coaches, while their daughter Hirani works supporting young people in education as a teachers aid.
For those who don’t know, Bob’s daughter, Hirani, has chosen a career built around helping children succeed. Working as a teacher’s aide in a New South Wales primary school, she provides the patient, one-on-one support that can make all the difference in a child’s day. Whether assisting students with reading, writing and mathematics, helping children with additional learning needs, encouraging confidence in the classroom, or simply offering reassurance when a child is feeling overwhelmed, her role is about far more than assisting a teacher.
Teacher’s aides often become the calm, trusted adult who notices when a child is struggling, celebrates their small victories, and quietly helps them believe in themselves. They work alongside classroom teachers to create an inclusive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to participate, grow and experience success. It is a role built on compassion, patience and encouragement—qualities that help shape not only better students, but more confident young people. If that does not sound like a younger more improved version of Bob Herring, I don’t know what does.
Their five grandchildren continue the family’s tradition of sport, community and service. Listening to Bob Herring speak, it becomes obvious that leadership isn’t something he taught through lectures. It was demonstrated every day through consistency.
Health really is wealth
One phrase appeared several times throughout our conversation. “Your health is your wealth.”
Bob Herring has never smoked. He has never drunk alcohol. Even after requiring a pacemaker following a heart condition, he returned to swimming without fear and continues to enjoy the ocean almost every day. His philosophy is refreshingly uncomplicated. Look after your health. Stay active. Keep moving. Stay connected with friends. Find joy in ordinary routines. Those simple habits have become the foundation of an extraordinary life.
Three lessons from Bob Herring
As our conversation came to a close, I asked Bob what advice he would offer anyone wanting to live a fulfilling life. His answer was beautifully simple.
Your health is your wealth.
Be kind to each other.
Do the right thing.
Simple words. Powerful wisdom.
Final reflections
One of the great privileges of hosting The Courage to Lead Interview Series is meeting people whose stories might otherwise never be recorded. Bob Herring may never describe himself as a leader. He would probably say he has simply lived a good life. Yet after spending time with him, I came away believing that leadership isn’t always about positions or titles.
Sometimes leadership is measured by the friendships we keep, the family we nurture, the communities we strengthen and the example we quietly set every day. Bob Herring’s story is a reminder that making a difference doesn’t require fame. It simply requires showing up, caring for others and living a life built on kindness, integrity and contribution. Perhaps that is the greatest legacy any of us can hope to leave.
A small note before you press play…
Bob Herring doesn’t own a smartphone or a computer.
So, unlike almost every other guest on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, there was only one place this conversation could happen—his much-loved Manly Surf Life Saving Club, a place that has been at the heart of his life for more than 80 years. We sat together overlooking the beach, recording our conversation using nothing more than an iPhone voice recorder. You’ll hear the sounds of the surf club around us—people catching up, coffee cups, footsteps and the everyday rhythm of a place Bob has called his second home for most of his life.
The audio isn’t our usual studio quality, but we decided not to change a thing. Those sounds are part of Bob’s story. They remind us that this conversation wasn’t recorded in a studio. It was recorded exactly where it belonged—with a remarkable man, sharing a remarkable life, in the place that helped shape him.