Gemma Martin’s Post

Two years ago today, I joined UNSW as Chief People Officer. Looking back, I don’t think I could have predicted just how much the role would challenge me, or how much I would learn along the way. We’ve navigated significant organisational change, heightened scrutiny, complex industrial and regulatory issues, and some genuinely difficult decisions. There have been many moments where there wasn’t an obvious right answer, but a responsibility to make the best decision with the information we had, and to keep moving forward. One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most is the privilege of working in higher education. Every improvement we make in People & Culture helps create the conditions for brilliant researchers to make discoveries, educators to shape future generations, and professional staff to do their best work. That makes our work so much more meaningful. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from the past two years is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the conditions for other people to succeed. It’s also taught me the importance of being prepared to tackle difficult problems, to say “we got this wrong” when we need to, to listen, to take accountability and to stay the course. Our work is often slow and uncomfortable, but it’s also where trust is built. To the incredible UNSW People & Culture team, thank you. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years, particularly because so much of the work has been about building stronger foundations for the future. Many of the most important changes take time, and while we’re not finished, we’re heading in the right direction. There is still so much opportunity ahead to simplify the way we work, strengthen capability, continue building trust, and create an environment where our people can do their best work. Two years in, I feel just as energised by the opportunity as I did on day one. I’m looking forward to what’s next.