Leading with purpose amid economic instability

Volatility tends to come in waves, but there have been exponentially more troughs than peaks in recent years. Leadership performance firm Maximus International believes now is the time for a new breed of visionary leaders with a bold purpose.

Global economic projections reveal that growth will remain subdued for the next two years amid perpetual economic uncertainty. As Australian companies grapple with mass disruption, many are navigating ways to integrate AI practices, at breakneck speed because shareholders are concerned about its impact on profitable growth and longevity. 

That’s according to Vanessa Gavan, who founded Maximus International, a firm that’s worked with some of the biggest corporate names over the past two decades – including Suncorp, AMP, Westpac, Bupa, Wesfarmers, Foxtel, BHP, Macquarie Bank and Salesforce.  

The leadership development and coaching firm confirms that Australian productivity has suffered, evidenced by the nation’s fall from one of the most resilient economies in the world to now lag behind many other developed economies. 

Gavan says: “Debt is weighing heavily on even our largest corporations.  

With stagnant wage growth, tightened spending, and an increasingly competitive market. Many leaders are feeling operational constraints, with a need to transform significantly. 

“What’s clear is the urgent need for visionary leaders who lead with bold purpose, clarity, and conviction. We need corporate innovators who don’t just run companies but who build value, drive change and spark progress.” 

As leadership transformation experts, Maximus International addresses these declines in growth and performance head-on, alongside drops in workforce well-being, confidence and motivation.  

It has an overarching attitude that “change takes courage”. 

“With large parts of our workforce unsatisfied, and company performance often lagging below expectations, it’s time for a radical overhaul of leadership, in both mindset and outcomes,” Gavan says. 

“If we don’t correct the path our nation is on, we will further erode our global competitiveness, resilience and the life satisfaction of our citizens. I can’t imagine raising our next generations in a world where work no longer fulfils us. 

“We all work at such pace that it’s easy to skim the surface each day. However, to lead today, one must be ambidextrous – able to navigate constant disruption with clarity, authority, customer obsession and authenticity. 

“We need more value makers who can lead with meaning and purpose, whilst delivering value, to leave a company better than they found it.” 

Gavan is calling for Australian companies to build a bold new vision towards a better future for leaders, businesses and our economy. “We need to fast-track our best and brightest leaders onto a pathway that amplifies their ability to lead with resilience, to challenge limits and empower others for the nation’s economic salvation.” 

A value maker’s toolkit 

• Overcome productivity challenges by positioning leadership as the catalyst for change. 

• Embrace leadership’s dual mandate, to deliver exceptional performance while driving positive impact. 

• Align the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief People Officer to power a unified, strategic agenda. 

• Build resilience that fortifies your leadership amidst uncertainty. 

• Lead with purpose and become a force of value that ignites transformation at scale. 

Learn more at maximus.com.au