It’s been a long time since I’ve undertaken some formal education and stepping away from the day-to-day challenges of family and work life to focus on learning was refreshing.
Originally from the UK, Michael Stokoe's career has been truly international; spanning over 30 years across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. With a solid foundation in geography and logistics management, he has worked for the transport arm of the NSW government in Sydney for the past decade, serving as Director of Urban Freight.
Reflecting on his career, Michael recognises his current role as a defining moment. Unlike his previous commercially driven positions, his work is centred on aligning the interests of numerous companies to achieve the best outcomes for the city. The opportunity to contribute to the public good not only brought a deeply rewarding sense of purpose, but also provided Michael with the opportunity to be innovative and develop world’s best-practice approaches.
Navigating Influence and Purpose in Public Service
“I’m prepared to be bold, but I’m operating in a conservative environment.” Michael shares insightfully, highlighting a key challenge; influencing outcomes from a position that is not always seen as central to the government’s primary functions, which mainly focus on operating public transport and development of infrastructure. While freight fulfils our human demands for goods and services it often seems forgotten in planning, Michael strives to influence strategic decisions without being in the spotlight.
"It’s about thinking tactfully and strategically," Michael explains. "I have to demonstrate that my teams objectives align with the broader goals of government when it might not be obvious to people. It’s a lot about subtle influence, showing how our work contributes to the overall success and liveability of the city and its strategic direction. I find ways to ensure our initiatives are recognised and supported."
Currently leading a team of three, Michael is hands-on with his work, leveraging a matrix structure to deliver various streams of projects. With fluctuating headcounts in recent years, he has found the need to be resourceful about how he secures the support needed for his initiatives.
Exploring New Leadership Horizons
As a highly skilled subject matter expert (SME), Michael's passion for his work and deep industry knowledge have earned him a strong reputation. However, he acknowledges that his expertise is more specialised rather than generalist management. “I can talk passionately about what I do, which helps in influencing and convincing people,” he shared. “But a current challenge, and a reason for pursuing further education, is whether I want to step into a more general management role. Do I want to give up what I’m passionate about, or is there a way to progress my career while still focusing on the types of work I love doing?”
This balancing act between his strategic vision and operational involvement has further highlighted his desire to stay connected to the work that drives him. “Moving to General Management would mean increasing the objectivity and having less attachment over the streams of work I would lead. It’s a challenging personal step when there's the strategic belief in the work I currently undertake,” he reflects.
Where’s the fun in doing something you’re not passionate about? It’s about making a real impact and driving outcomes, but to do this you have to successfully lead people. You can't do it alone.
As he pondered this potential transition, Michael considered seeking a learning opportunity at a top European business management school. It seemed almost fate to discover that INSEAD’s Leading Teams programme perfectly fit his Europe travel plans.
The INSEAD Experience
Michael describes his experience at INSEAD as intense but fulfilling. “The mix of content, the expertise of the presenters, and the dynamic atmosphere made it a standout experience. Working with a diverse cohort—people who were strangers on day one but good friends by the end—was a highlight,” he shared, noting that the collective experience and insights from working through challenges with his peers provided him with fresh perspectives on leadership.
The programme’s blend of theoretical learning, simulations, and coaching provided a well-rounded experience. Something that had stood out from his experience was how the tasks were designed to push participants out of their comfort zones almost to the point of failure in order to allow for substantial learning through failure and perseverance.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve undertaken formal education and stepping away from the day-to-day challenges of family and work life to focus on learning was refreshing.” Importantly, the programme was self-funded, separate from any company support. This personal investment was a significant motivator for Michael, driving him to fully commit to and engage with the learning process.
Family and Apiaries outside Office
As he balances professional life with personal responsibilities, Michael shares about the challenges of parenthood, particularly with his eldest daughter. As she navigates her teenage years and prepares for high school final exams and university, he finds himself sharing advice and life lessons, hoping that one day she will appreciate his guidance.
Nursing an old injury that keeps him from sports, Michael’s personal interests include beekeeping, which he describes with enthusiasm: “I have a couple of hives and produce honey that I either sell at a local market or give to friends. Tending the hives and understanding the bees' inherent behaviours is both relaxing and interesting.”
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