Getting to know Garry Ringwood, Chair LV
What made you join the Council of LV?
I had a strong association with Leadership Victoria when I was at Amcor (where Garry held the role of Executive Director). Amcor had been a long term sponsor of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, as Leadership Victoria was known then, so I was very much aware of what the organisation was about. Over the years, subsequent to my leaving Amcor, I maintained a loose connection. An opportunity became available on the Council and I was only too pleased to join.
What do you value most about the role?
Seeing the parts of our community that someone from my background wouldn’t normally come across. When you have a life leading business or academia it’s very easy to spend most of your time in that sphere. I learnt a long time ago that getting involved in organisations that are outside of your comfort zone, outside of your normal environment, is invaluable. I also really enjoy meeting not only the program participants each year but getting involved with our sponsors and our partners.
There is a lot of change going on at LV at the moment, how would you describe this change?
We’re giving new life to the organisation. It’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but evolutionary at a fast pace. It really was a special event when Leadership Victoria was formed 20 years ago, the fact that it survived infancy, adolescence, and is now into adulthood is a credit to everyone that has been involved. There is nothing more difficult than starting something new and seeing it flourish. Now we’re building upon that terrific foundation and setting up for the next 20 years.
What makes a good leader?
Ask ten people what leadership is and you’ll receive ten different answers. In the sense that most of us use the word, a good leader is someone who can rally people to a common cause. It’s about character. It’s about being effective, but also about using the influence that comes with leadership to bring about positive change. It’s that ability to pull at the heartstrings of the masses out there and getting them to come this way.
Leadership is usually attributed to heads of business and government leaders, can you tell us about an ‘every day’ leader whom you admire?
You certainly don’t have to be in government or the head of a business to demonstrate leadership skills. An example of an outstanding leader is Chris Bantick, an English teacher at my son’s school. Three or four years ago Chris saw some talent and interest in writing from my 16-year-old son, Tim. Chris has nurtured, encouraged and given his time to Tim even after he no longer taught him at school. That’s a person whose leadership skills are outstanding, because he’s changed someone in a positive way.
Please don’t interpret this as a political statement, but the way Petro Georgiou conducted himself in parliament is another example of strong leadership. His ability to stand firm over the long haul shows great strength of character.
Tell us about the leadership roles you occupy outside of LV.
My business partner, Chris, and I own EIM, or Executive Interim Management. The business has been in Australia since 1991; we provide senior executives to organisations that are going through a lot of change and who don’t have the internal resources to deal with that change.
I’m on a school Council, which I enjoy very much and also had 10 years on the Council of RMIT. I’m on the advisory board of Serco Asia Pacific, who provide facilities and services that governments generally provide. I really enjoy the diversity those roles bring.
What’s the best piece of advice you could offer any leader?
Listen and be humble. They’re the two best pieces of advice for any leader. If you look back through history you’ll find hubris often brings a leader down. The President of an organisation is surrounded by people telling them they’re doing everything right and there comes a time when they start believing it. They believe they’re right and have all the solutions. If you care to look back over the years through BRW’s Business Person of the Year and ask ‘where are they now?’ Very few have survived. The ability to listen and the ability to be humble are the two core pieces of advice for any leader.
How does Garry Ringwood unwind?
Not very well. I play golf. Badly, but I enjoy it. It’s an escape for three or four hours. I’ve got a good circle of friends and we have dinners and lunches together and enjoy each others’ company. And I read. I don’t read as many books as I’d like to be reading, I keep buying them though, I keep saying, ‘one day, one day.’
