Leadership Conversations From the Heart: Emeritus Professor Gary Martin CEO of AimWA

Leadership Conversations From the Heart is a special podcast series within The Upside Podcast, created as part of the Men's Health Project 2026. Through authentic conversations with leaders from across Australia, this series explores the human side of leadership — beyond titles, success and achievement. Together, we unpack vulnerability, resilience, mental health, wellbeing, purpose and what it truly means to lead from the heart. In this episode, we're joined by Professor Gary Martin, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Management WA, Emeritus Professor, and one of Australia's most respected voices on leadership, workplace culture and social trends. Drawing on decades of experience across academia, executive leadership and public commentary, Gary shares his perspective on authentic leadership, workplace culture, psychological safety and the courage required to have honest conversations. Together, we explore the difference between creating comfortable workplaces and creating respectful workplaces, why accountability and psychological safety can coexist, and how strong cultures are built through trust, openness and truth-telling rather than avoidance. We also discuss the unseen pressures leaders carry, the importance of vulnerability, and why silence should never be mistaken for alignment. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about being liked or avoiding difficult conversations — it's about creating environments where people feel respected enough to speak honestly, challenged enough to grow, and supported enough to thrive. Happiness Co Foundation Making happiness attainable https://happinesscofoundation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happinessco_foundation/ https://www.facebook.com/happinesscofoundation/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-co-foundation/