Martin Haese Part 2: Working Hard To Increase Emotional Intelligence & Advocate For Businesses During Challenging Times

S1E2
19:57
April 18th 2023

Martin Haese The best is yet to come Part 2

Martin Haese: “Working Hard To Increase Emotional Intelligence & Advocate For Businesses During Challenging Times"

In part 2 of Martin Haese’s The best is yet to Come, Martin talks about his experience as mayor and how he worked with many mayors around South Australia. He speaks about how it was a privilege to be Lord Mayor, and how he made a difference to lead the CITY of Adelaide. Martin explains that he felt he had done all he wanted to achieve and it was time for a new chapter.

In the conversation, Martin reflects on his time in office and his decision to not run again. He explains that while the public saw a successful council with infrastructure in place and 750 staff, privately he was dealing with family members who were very ill and working 80-90 hours a week. He notes that being Lord Mayor is not a 9-5 role, and to do it justice one must be dedicated and willing to put in the hours.

Martin speaks about what it was like to be the Lord Mayor of a major city and the expectations that came with the role. He explain that it was an incredibly demanding job, often requiring him to be on all the time, working late into the night to make sure everything was prepared for the next day.

Martin explain that he would usually start their day at 7:30 am and finish it at 11:00 pm. He explains that while he gave his all to the role, sometimes it is best to move on and choose something else when you are at your peak. Martin then elaborates on what they did after leaving the role as Lord Mayor of Adelaide.

Martin was also a former Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in South Australia (Business SA). He took on the role with the intention of going back into business, and he was transparent with the board about this. When COVID hit, the business community was in crisis and they looked to the organisation for leadership.

Martin and his team worked hard to provide advocacy, industrial relations, and other services to many thousands of businesses across South Australia. He also inherited a structure that was not as purposeful as other chambers of commerce, so he worked hard to make changes to increase membership and provide value to those members. He worked closely with the then treasurer, Rob Lucas, to advocate for the business community and make sure their needs were met.

thelaughterproject.com.au

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