Team Spotlight – Heath McPherson

In our Team Spotlight Series, we’re showcasing the talented individuals behind Ascentium Australia. Today, we’re featuring Heath McPherson, Head of People.

Sports-mad (by his own admission), Ascentium Australia ’s Head Of People, Heath McPherson Joined in February of this year. His eye-opening experience across private enterprise, education, and non-profits has given him a unique perspective and infectious passion.

So, where did your story with Ascentium begin?

I’ve been friends with Mark Wellings (Ascentium Australia Partner – Tax & Advisory) for a long time. We play soccer together and have both worked in the city for years. We’d often grab lunch or coffee and talk professionally. I was at a point where I didn’t want to be a principal at my previous company and was considering consulting. Mark gave me some advice on structuring a business.

Early last year, Mark mentioned Ascentium Australia was growing and needed an HR role due to the Rothsay acquisition. He asked if I’d be interested, but I was hesitant about working in professional services – I was previously in the not-for-profit sector. However, I thought I could at least help them find the right person.

I met with Saeed and Sameer, and we discussed their vision of being people-centric and their core values. The more I talked with them, the more I was genuinely convinced by their leadership. Eventually, I decided this was an amazing opportunity.

I didn’t realise you and Mark had such a long friendship.

Yeah, we’ve known each other for a while. We’re both centre midfielders when we play soccer.

I didn’t know you were a big soccer player either!

Yeah, I’ve played since I was seven. I started with rugby league in Brisbane but switched to soccer when we moved to a small country town in New South Wales. I haven’t missed a season since. Zinedine Zidane (or Zizou) is probably my soccer style guide when it comes to proportions!

Ever thought about setting up an Ascentium Australia football team?

It’s crossed my mind. They run lunchtime programs at the domain. I’m on the social wellness committee, so I’d be all in for getting a sporting crew going.

So you mentioned that you have a passion for not-for-profits. What drives that passion?

I think it stems from my dad being a Presbyterian minister. Growing up in the church, I was taught to love your neighbour and support others. I am still in the church, and my faith is my north star. After working in large organisations for years, I wanted to use my skills to professionalise the not-for-profit space. I spent time in education, but I realised that being aligned with your leader is just as important as the product you’re working on.

What have you learnt about yourself during your time at not for profits?

Not for profits, and the education sector in general, are high value aligned workplaces. Teachers see their work as a vocation, not just a job, something which they find tremendous purpose in. This creates a strong purpose driven workplace, which yields high committment and performance because of the belief in the product and their impact on the world. When things go wrong in purpose driven workplaces, that can cause significant hurt as there is an identity attachment to work.

For a role in HR where part of your role is fostering healthy relationships, an extremely important skill and practice is to learn exactly what you need spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially – to be at your peak, and to keep your cup full so you are in a position to help those around you.

That’s why I ensure I get outdoors with my kids, play soccer with my friends and go to church. Working with leaders I love and am aligned to is a key part of the equation.

What are your thoughts on Ascentium Australia ’s vision? Is it realistic to be the most people-centric?

My personal vision aligns with the firm’s vision, which is definitely centred around people centricity. Every business claims that people are their most important asset, and I believe our firm genuinely cares about its people. Sometimes, this means not engaging with potentially lucrative clients if they don’t align well with our people.

It’s crucial for us to be clear on who we are, what we stand for, and what we need to be successful in the marketplace. Personally, I’m not much of a visionary, but I subscribe to it. My focus is on being present, building great relationships, and helping those around me.

So what would you be doing if you weren’t in HR?

If I weren’t in HR, I’d pursue my dream job in sports. I love sports – when I’m watching, I’m always a sentence or two in front of the commentators, and my wife then tells me I have a problem. I’ve told her that if I ever get a role with the Jets, we’re moving to New York.

I actually don’t think HR and coaching are that different. Coaching leaders and helping people be at their best is something I’m passionate about.

That reminds me of Phil Jackson, who coached the Bulls and later the Lakers, focusing on team dynamics and mindfulness. Are you a fan of his approach?

Absolutely. I remember watching the Bulls’ championships on Netflix, and Jackson was a real people’s coach. He assembled the team around personalities to get the best out of them. Coaching is fascinating, especially figuring out how to coach people who have everything financially.

Speaking of coaching and teamwork, have you seen the Netflix documentary on Metallica? They had a psychologist to help them manage conflict.

Yes, “Some Kind of Monster.” It’s a case study on what happens when you don’t grow up and manage conflict. I’m a big music fan, too. If I weren’t in HR or sports, I’d be in music. I’m a massive fan of bands like Radiohead, Blink-182, Weezer, and Pearl Jam. My wife works in music, which feeds my passion.

What does your wife do in the music space?

She’s the general manager of events for several theatres and comedy clubs. So, we get great access to music events.

That’s awesome. So to finish up: we usually ask if you had one million dollars what would you do, but given the cost of living being where it’s at, we’re upgrading this number to $10m. So how would you spend it? And you can’t invest in property or anything boring!

I’d probably send my parents overseas since they’ve never travelled. I’d love for them to see the world, mum loves Europe and dad would go along to see the world with her.

Beyond that I’d like to invest in something philanthropic, helping friends start their own businesses or charities.

Or you’d do a Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and buy a sports team?

Yes! I’d find a Wrexham and turn their fortunes around!