FELLOW Q&A

...with NICK MARVIN FAIM By Chloe Vellinga

Born in Madras, India, Nick Marvin FAIM around us to backfill our weaknesses. moved to Australia in 1987, before What motivates you every day? calling home in 2004. A devoted Born and raised in a third-world country family man, Mr Marvin has been and in very modest circumstances, the married for 20 years and he and his opportunities Australia has provided me are wife Leigh have six children, four girls beyond anything I could have imagined. I and two boys. Originally forming a need little motivation to make the most of every day. More recently, the ability to career in management consulting make a positive contribution to society over a decade, Mr Marvin chose to through the unique opportunities that a join the executive sporting organisation provides makes every team in 2006, first as Chief Executive sunrise a gift. Officer and now serving as the club’s What traits do you believe all leaders Nick Marvin FAIM. Managing Director. Mr Marvin talks need and why? Image: The West Australian. to Leader about the lessons he has Leaders need to first care for the human learned over the years at Western person. To truly appreciate that each person Australia’s only National has a certain set of needs that must be The opportunity to change lives, including League club. considered. Not as groups or segments but my own. To learn and to share learnings What is the most important lesson you as unique individuals – the sanctity of life. from the rookie player, the intern, the upset have learned in your career to date? Secondly, to communicate in an authentic customer, the special needs child in a school way. To find the best way to be understood or the prisoner who is genuinely trying to The environment is changing at an but more importantly to truly understand. make amends and prepare for a new life ever-increasing pace and it is critical for To listen not just to what is said, but what after he has paid his debts. organisations to adapt in order to survive is not being said. Finally, to pay attention to What do you feel makes a strong and succeed. the changing environment. You can’t do this leader in the sporting industry? What do you consider to be your from behind a desk. One must get out and greatest achievement in your time at experience or learn from others’ experiences The importance of encouraging young – customers and non-customers. invincible men and women in the prime of the Perth Wildcats? What has been the biggest problem their youth and athletic ability to consider To establish its mission and strategic you have faced as a leader and how the privilege and power they have to direction. Prior to my commencement, the transform society, to consider their legacy did you overcome this? organisation was focused on the singular and their future after the final whistle has pursuit of on-court success – to this end we My greatest challenge has been the lack been blown. had won four championships in 24 seasons. of support for women’s sport, in particular How do you maintain a good work-life Since 2009, when we reset our mission to the , which we acquired a balance? “inspire and entertain through excellence”, little over a year ago. It was important we turned our attention to changing lives to me that we would not sell out and To achieve a good work-life balance I try to using the currency of being sporting role objectify our female athletes, that they spend quantity time at home and quality models. Since that defining moment, would be strong, powerful women. Whilst time at work. every employee (players and non-players) attendances have been acceptable, what We need to understand that we are was recruited based on a certain set of has been unacceptable is the lack of replaceable at work but never at home. core values, far more extensive than just corporate support – less than five per cent sporting prowess. Unsurprisingly, we have in comparison to the Wildcats. Which leader do you most admire? won three championships in the ensuing It’s not for want of trying. It is a sad seven years, without losing money. For me it would be Mother Teresa. indictment on corporations and the stark How has your involvement with the reality of gender bias. And no, we have not She started a global social movement with Perth Wildcats helped you to develop yet overcome this problem, however, given almost no money, purely just passion and a vision. as a leader? the opportunity I intend to make it my mission to do so. Do you have a favourite inspirational I’ve learned the importance of getting to quote or motto? know each other in the organisation well What do you find to be the most enough so we can work to maximise our rewarding aspect of business If you cannot do great things, do little individual strengths and rely on those leadership? things with great love.

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