From his humble beginnings as the grandson of Greek immigrants in Darwin, today’s guests’ path has been marked by relentless determination, exceptional talent, and a visionary mindset.
In today's episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Andrew N. Liveris AO, a towering figure in global business and leadership.
Andrew's early years, spent in Darwin and later Brisbane, laid the foundation for his stellar academic achievements, including earning first-class honours in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland and being awarded the University Medal. His journey then took a significant turn when he joined Dow in Melbourne, a company he once protested against at university as a long-haired non-conforming uni student. His career at Dow would eventually see him rise to the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Throughout his tenure at Dow, Andrew's focus on innovation and investment in high-value markets transformed the company from a cyclical chemical manufacturer into a science-driven powerhouse. His strategic leadership was evident in landmark achievements, such as the acquisition of Rohm & Haas during economic uncertainty and the monumental $130 billion merger of Dow and DuPont, leading to the creation of three separate entities.
Andrew's book, "Leadership Through Disruption: A Changemaker’s Guide to Twenty-First Century Leadership," encapsulates his philosophy with key lessons on leadership, crisis management, and self-disruption. His ability to navigate complex international business environments, exemplified by his work various global advisory and board roles, further underscores his exceptional leadership capabilities, along with his many charitable contributions.
Hello and welcome back to The Business Of. I’m Will, and I’m Charlie. On today's podcast, Andrew shares his journey from Darwin to global business leadership.
He discusses his transformative vision for Dow and the strategic moves that redefined the company.
He provides insights into his leadership philosophy and international business engagements.
And finally, he talks about his philanthropic endeavours and the lessons he has for the next generation of leaders.
We hope you enjoy.