Margit Mansfield

“I love to get people moving in a common direction. It is incredibly rewarding, for the individual and organisation, when it happens and the energy and creativity start to flow. Away from work, I have a passion for wildlife and the environment, and a love of dance.”

What is a little-known fact about you?

My guilty pleasure is watching a DC or Marvel series on Netflix. It’s my way of tapping into my playful, imaginative side.

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

No one single source. I love reading, nature, I enjoy theatre, dance and art. And I especially love talking with smart people – thought leaders who look at the world a little bit differently. I actively seek out disruptors who question the status quo.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The African bush. I left Namibia over 20 years ago to forge a life in Australia, but I still go back to feed my soul. The smells and sounds of the bush, the night sky, the dunes, the wildlife, the ocean – a little dose every now and again is all I need to recharge.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

Before my dad passed away, he told me not to procrastinate. It’s not something I have mastered but it is something I think about often – given we are here for only a brief period.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Being curious. I have always been curious, and I am driven by a strong desire to constantly learn and grow and expand my knowledge about human behaviour, culture and leadership.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Working with an organisation to lift the capability of their senior leadership team. It’s taken years for the team to build trust, to look within and challenge one another and the organisation. We have moved the group from delivering presentations to talking about the shadows they cast as leaders, and the impacts they have on others. It’s been tough but incredibly rewarding. We continue to push the envelope – because that’s what we do.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

Professionally, it was when I realised that you can’t make people ready for change. Sounds obvious, but it was not evident to me early in my career. At Keogh we say trying to make someone change is like pushing on a door that says pull. I realised that I had been doing that for too long. Now I help create environments that help people choose to change. A subtle but important difference.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

When I see people or teams have those ah-ha moments. Those flashes of insight that help them move in a positive direction.