Gus McLachlan is a highly accomplished leader with a 37-year career in the Australian Army, culminating in the rank of Major General followed by a successful transition to the private sector. A graduate of the Royal Military College – Duntroon and the University of NSW, Gus holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program and the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.
In his military career, Gus commanded operational teams across a range of challenging environments, including Afghanistan and Iraq. He served in international roles in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States. His senior leadership included responsibility for 35,000 personnel in Army Land Forces Command and overseeing the modernization of Australia’s defence capabilities, with a focus on cyber security, drones, and command systems. For his service he was awarded the US Legion of Merit and was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
Since retiring from the military, Gus has transitioned successfully to the private sector, holding senior roles in people, strategy, and business improvement with Boral, Australia’s largest construction materials company. He now advises defence and technology companies on strategy and leadership, with directorships spanning cybersecurity, AI, and aerospace innovation.
As inaugural Chair of the AI and Cyber Futures Institute at Charles Sturt University, Adjunct Professor at Monash University and Senior Adviser to The University of Sydney, Gus helps develop Australian sovereign innovation. He continues to maintain deep expertise in leadership, technology, and geopolitical strategy. He is frequently called upon to comment in the media on global security issues, leadership challenges, and the future of technology.
Talking Points
Leadership in the Modern Era
- Leadership in a Disrupted Environment: From military battlefields to boardrooms, learn how to lead with resilience and agility in uncertain times. Gain insights into decision-making with incomplete information and executing plans amidst chaos.Leadership in the Modern Era
- Leadership in a Crisis – Lessons from War and Peace: Discover how to build high-performing teams through realistic training and trust. Learn the art of “leading yourself” and creating executive teams grounded in ethics and a shared vision.
- Leadership in a Digital Age – Beyond Command and Control: With a deep understanding of remote leadership, Gus explores how technology complements traditional leadership methods to inspire and manage distributed teams.
- Confident Humility – A Modern General’s View on Leadership: From the frontline to the boardroom, Gus shares lessons on trust, ethics, and adaptability that every leader can apply.
The Geopolitical Landscape – Understanding Creates Opportunity!
How Putin, the Middle East, China and Trump will affect Australia’s standing in the world.The Geopolitical Landscape – Understanding Creates Opportunity!
In a rapidly changing global environment, awareness and preparation are critical.
Gus helps audiences understand how geopolitical shifts impact businesses and communities, offering strategies to:
- Navigate global disruptions, including supply chain issues, inflation, and social cohesion breakdowns.
- Leverage geopolitical insights to identify opportunities amidst uncertainty.
- Build resilient organizations ready to adapt and thrive in a connected yet volatile world.
