GRACIOUS LEADERSHIP

J.P. Morgan Asset Management head of wholesale Australia and New Zealand Mark Carlile has always put respect for others front and centre, and it's carried him a long way. Matthew Wai writes.

- Matthew Wai

Growing up on a farm in a family of seven, Mark Carlile's upbringing wasn't what you'd call easygoing. From a very young age, he began accumulating skills and experiences many will never know.

“I love building things; I've planted more trees than people would imagine, built and fixed fences, drenched cattle and have handled horses all our lives," Carlile recalls.

“I think getting your hands dirty and building something gives you a sense of accomplishment.”

In addition to being exceptionally hands-on on the farm, Carlile was working hard during his school years, a drive instilled in him by his grandparents.

“I've had really strong mentors, particularly my parents and grandparents, and one thing that they built into all of us was the importance of hard work and integrity,” he says.

“I think that’s instilled in me and it’s carried me through life, and that’s where a lot of my work ethic came in at an early age... treat people with respect plus have strong integrity and it will follow you for the rest of your life.”

It’s also one of his grandparents that he credits with bestowing the best investment — and general - advice he’s ever received.

“My grandfather said, ‘Mark, always leave something for the next person.’ That was about not being greedy," he says.

Having been lucky to have such strong, steady guidance throughout his life, Carlile is passionate about ensuring that he too is mentoring and guiding those around him.

“I am a big believer in diversity of thought... [and] I encourage people... to create a culture where you have that [open dialogue] but also remain respectful. I think that’s a culture we drive here [at J.P. Morgan Asset Management].”

Carlile often tells others that being at the “right” organisation can often be more significant than the role on offer.