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May 6, 2016

 

I interview people because I am fascinated by what makes them tick. Why do they do the things that they do. What makes them happy, sad, frustrated. In many ways it’s a lazy way for me to learn. Instead of reading a book or watching a video on a subject I like to get first hand experience and I thoroughly enjoy the subjective nature of that experience. So it was with interest that I interviewed Professor Andrew MacLeod. Firstly he flew in from Melbourne so I was to a degree flattered and then when he got chatting I discovered a hugely accomplished man. Reading his accomplishments is daunting but the man himself is delightful, erudite and engaging.


Professor Andrew MacLeod has extensive experience in multicultural and multi-religious settings. He has faced strategic, large-scale and diverse challenges, successfully resolving them through negotiation and leadership. He is a leading thinker in ‘Shared Value’ understanding risks and opportunities that exist between communities and corporations particularly in fragile states. 

MacLeod has led or served in multinational humanitarian teams in conflict and natural disaster settings as diverse as Rwanda, Pakistan and Bosnia, negotiating with the varied religious and cultural stakeholders. Additionally has led business engagement with commercial, political and community stakeholders in economies including Mongolia, Peru and Australia. 

Professor MacLeod is a visiting Professor at Kings College London and an Affiliate Senior Associate to the Center for Strategic International Studies in Washington DC. In the business world he is a Non Executive Director of New York based Cornerstone Capital, a Senior Adviser to Homestrings plc in London and Chair of the Advisory Board at Gravitas Capital. 

When at the UN MacLeod’s work included Chief of Operations for the 2005 South Asian Earthquake relief and reconstruction operation, spending 2 ½ years between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. MacLeod ensured smooth integration between foreign aid operations in areas under Pakistan military and non-military control including the negotiations with military and non-state armed groups. 

For the International Committee of the Red Cross MacLeod undertook similar roles in Rwanda and former Yugoslavia during the 1990’s. He has applied his learning in these contexts as part of the Kings College Humanitarian Futures project and the World Economic Forum’s Future of Civil Society project. 

In business he has been GM Community, Communications and External Relations for Rio Tinto (Copper), was an advisor to the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board, raised capital for Gane Energy Australia, was the interim Managing Director of Good Super in Australia and led strategic urban based thinking while CEO of Committee for Melbourne. 

He assists numerous charities including The Big Issue (Australia) and Swags for the Homeless. He maintains a Commission as an Australian Army Officer (reserve). 

MacLeod is the author of ‘A Life Half Lived’ published by New Holland Press. He is a sought after speaker on the speaking circuit and an experienced and competent commentator in the electronic and print media. 

Andrew received the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal by Australia for work in the Balkans and was awarded a second time for work in Rwanda. He received the Australian Defence Medal for service as an officer in the Australian Infantry. He was awarded the Silver Medal for Humanity from the Montenegrin Red Cross and was recognised by the Australian Government for his work in East Timor. MacLeod received the 2014 University of Tasmania Foundation distinguished Graduate Award, the 2013 Young Britons Foundation Global Leadership for Freedom Award and the 2008 Australian Davos Connection Leadership Award. 

Macleod holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from Tasmania University, a Master of Laws from Southampton University, a Graduate Diploma in International Law from Melbourne University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.