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.