Tom Gorman: Non-Executive Director Worley Parsons Ltd. and Orora Ltd

Non-Executive Director Worley Parsons Ltd. and Orora Ltd., former Global CEO Brambles Ltd and President & CEO Ford Australia, Tom Gorman, drops into the pod to discuss his illustrious 30+ year career and what he considers to be the top factors that help to achieve success as an executive in Australia today.

Born and raised in the USA, Gorman reflects on the personal connection he has always felt to Australia and the nexus between the two countries, as well as the key qualities he has developed and advocated for since his first job at 15: professionalism, commitment and passion. 

Joining the Ford headquarters in Melbourne early in his career, Gorman progressed to become the President and CEO of Ford Australia, which for him, was a dream come true. Throughout his time at Ford, he embraced every challenge, believing it’s all part of the experience. He advises others to do the same – always striving to gain exposure to different ways of doing things and to never stop learning.

With ongoing technological development forming one of today’s greatest business challenges, Gorman underscores the importance of building the right team to keep pace with these changes and the need to maintain diversity of thought, founded on a willingness to accept feedback and actively question the norms. Gorman embodied this philosophy when he made the move to Brambles after 20 years at Ford, which gave him the opportunity to continue his personal and professional growth.