Dr Siobhan Martin is a global champion of diversity and inclusion, whose leadership is transforming the experiences of workers and communities around the globe. Named one of the world’s most influential HR Practitioners and top 10 global LGBT executives, Dr Martin has combined a PhD in Forensic Psychology from Monash University, with decades of global experience in human resource management, to establish best practice in People and Culture leadership that creates safe and inclusive workplaces and communities. Dr Martin sets an inspiring example of authentic leadership, through the sharing of her own story. Raised in poverty in rural Australia by her immigrant mother, a lone parent of 4, Dr Martin has overcome significant obstacles to succeed in a global career. A queer single mother herself, she is a survivor of domestic violence, and has turned her lived experience into the inspiration for her life’s work; determined to create companies and communities where others who have faced marginalisation, discrimination or hardship can have a voice at the leadership table, can feel supported and encouraged to thrive.
As Global Leader for Culture, Leadership & Talent at Dutch asset management company, Aegon, Dr Martin has shaped the company’s people strategy, nurturing and supporting more than 1,200 employees through major organisational restructures and the challenges of the global pandemic. She has introduced programs and policies to drive equity for women and underrepresented groups within the company, resulting in more than 30% of senior leadership positions being held by women and a culture that celebrates and elevates diverse voices right across the company. She has also established a global inclusive leadership program, formed industry partnerships with the UK government designed to accelerate change for black, Asian and minority ethnic employees, and driven significant investment in broader community partnerships and programs.
Dr Martin has a track record of extending her impact well beyond the corporate environment, taking on community board and advisory roles with organisations such as The Hunger Project, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Stonewall, and the global Professional Women’s Network. As a board member of the oldest church in the city of London – All Hallows by the Tower founded in 675 – Dr Martin has been instrumental in driving cultural change and elevating the voices of women and LGBTQIA+ leaders within one of the world’s most historically male-dominated institutions.
Dr Martin is also a Fellow of Monash University and is the former UK Chair of the university’s Global Leaders Network. In all of these roles, she embraces the opportunity to drive cultural transformation and bring forward the voices and ideas of those who have been historically underserved and underrepresented.
Listen to the full interview with Siobhan Martin on our #BornGlobal podcast. Available on your favourite podcast platforms or here on our website.
See Dr Martin’s response here to being named the Awardee of the Inspiring Corporate Leader Award for 2022.
