Martin Monro (BA(Psych) ’89) has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian and international construction sectors. The former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Watpac Limited is a graduate of the London Business School’s Accelerated Development Programme, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building.
While no longer working in an executive capacity, he now combines a number of non-executive director positions with running sheep on his property in country Victoria, having, as he describes it, a “real country adventure.”
Martin’s career trajectory is an inspiring blend of business and leadership that began with a decision to pursue psychology at Flinders University. His path showcases how a foundation in human behaviour can lead to an expansive career in management, industrial relations and executive roles.
A Desire to Understand Human Behaviour
Martin had two key factors pushing him towards Flinders: the opportunity to pursue a double major in psychology and the appeal of studying at a young, dynamic university.
“It was the only place I could do a double major in psychology, so it was a deliberate, front-footed decision,” he recalls.
This decision set the stage for a comprehensive education in psychology, which shaped his understanding of human dynamics. While clinical psychology wasn’t the goal for him, Martin found himself drawn to the organisational aspect of psychology early on.
“I was always interested in the organisational components of psychology before I even knew exactly what it was,” he explains. This early curiosity would later define his career.
Applying Psychology in the Workplace
“A psychology degree is an excellent foundation,” he says, noting how the analytical skills and the understanding of human behaviour gave him an advantage in various roles. His studies, particularly those focused on organisational dynamics, became increasingly relevant as his career unfolded.
“In the second half of my degree, I was pivoting more towards organisational psychology,” Martin explains. This shift in focus allowed him to connect the theory he learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, especially in the workplace. “From the beginning of my career I became quite engaged in using psychology in the workplace. It was a wonderful grounding for working life, and it has served me very well.”
An Expansive Career
Martin’s career after university took off quickly. He began working as an industrial relations officer for a South Australian-based national construction company, Baulderstone Hornibrook. While there, he commenced postgraduate studies in labour law and later transferred to a post-graduate qualification in Human Resource Management. Though he had no prior knowledge of the construction industry, Martin found industrial relations compelling, describing it as a mix of psychology, politics, and organisational dynamics. His initial role at Baulderstone Hornibrook eventually led to a nearly two-decade-long career there across all states of Australia and spanning several countries.
After several years in industrial relations, Martin was ready to pivot into general management. After a year of additional study and training the Managing Director of Baulderstone promoted Martin into a general management role alongside Baulderstone’s parent company, Bilfinger.
“I also spent time studying at the London Business School, was seconded to operations in Europe and the USA, and later spent three years running one of the Group’s businesses in Indonesia,” Martin recalls.
“The time in Indonesia was intense , marked by political unrest and the Asian financial crisis, but also one that accelerated my professional education.” This experience in Indonesia laid the foundation for his transition into general management and executive roles.
A Perfect Mix to Lead
Martin’s passion for leadership, particularly its human elements, has been a consistent theme throughout his career. “I’ve always enjoyed the people side of things,” he says.
“I get my energy from interaction with others.” His love for working with people, along with his ability to guide individuals and teams toward success, has been a driving force in his career.
In the latter stages of his career, his non-executive career evolved, and Martin has found a new passion in mentoring CEOs.
“What has re-emerged in the last few years is the mentoring component of working with CEOs,” he explains. Whether they are new to the role or navigating a changing business environment, Martin enjoys helping them succeed. His psychology background has become especially valuable in this mentoring role.
“No matter what role I was in, the psychology component never really disappeared,” he says. “In recent years I’ve found myself tapping back into it far more often.”
A Legacy of Positive Influence
Martin is proud of the impact he’s had on others.
“I would like to think that more people than not would say I was a positive influence on them,” he says. He also hopes his legacy is one of leaving places better than he found them.
Today, Martin retains his connection to the business world in non-executive director roles while balancing life on a 400-acre farm in country Victoria. “I still feel very much connected to the business world through a mixture of ASX-listed and private non-executive director roles” he says, “and running a farm with 500 breeding ewes offers a wonderful country contrast to the business world. And my wife finally has the horses she’s always wanted!”
Martin’s journey offers valuable lessons in blending passion with expertise and the importance of adaptability in building a long, fulfilling career. His story serves as a reminder that a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour can open doors to diverse opportunities in the business world.