In this special International Men’s Day episode, Work with Purpose host David Pembroke, Founder and CEO of contentgroup, brings together two senior public sector leaders to explore what male role modelling looks like in practice, not in theory.

Deputy Secretary David Mackay (Regions, Cities and Territories, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts) and Michael Pohl (National Manager for Smart Centres across Regional NSW and the ACT at Services Australia) share candid reflections on leadership, identity, caregiving, cultural background, and the real pressures of balancing demanding roles with busy family lives.

Listeners will hear lived experience, practical behaviours, First Nations perspectives, and personal stories that illuminate the difference male leaders can make in shaping respectful, healthy public sector workplaces.

Key Tips

1. People remember how leaders make them feel: small moments of validation or dismissal shape workplace culture more powerfully than formal feedback
2. Lead with questions, not answers: curiosity and humility help unlock team insight, build trust, and create stronger decisions
3. Normalise shared caregiving: taking parental leave and protecting family time strengthens leaders and helps shift outdated gender norms
4. Be honest about the chaos: vulnerability creates psychological safety and helps teams feel understood and supported

Show Notes

• Coro Canberra (David Mackay’s choir)
• Hartley Cycle Challenge (Michael’s charity ride)

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