Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue
Professional Overview
Georgie Harman was appointed as the CEO of Beyond Blue in May 2014. She is known for her decisive and personable leadership style and has a track record of delivering complex reforms in service innovation, suicide prevention, and digital solutions.
Leadership and Achievements
Throughout her tenure at Beyond Blue, Harman has driven substantial growth and diversification within the organization. Her leadership has fostered significant advancements in service innovation, digital solutions, and substantial reforms in mental health policy and service delivery. Under her leadership, the organization has played a crucial role in influencing policy and system reforms to support enhanced mental health services and suicide prevention strategies.
Experience and Contributions
Before Beyond Blue:
- Deputy CEO at National Mental Health Commission: Provided independent advice to the government on mental health reforms.
- Commonwealth Department of Health (2006-2012): Held national responsibility for mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, cancer, and chronic disease policy programs.
- Led the development of a comprehensive government mental health budget package.
- Spearheaded the world-first legislation on plain packaging of tobacco products.
- Directed national reforms to increase organ and tissue donation rates.
- Contributed to the HIV/AIDS sector in Australia and the UK.
Professional Engagement and Public Speaking
Harman is active on LinkedIn, where she frequently shares insights and updates related to mental health, wellbeing, and organizational developments. Notable posts include:
- Tribute to Julia Gillard, AC: Acknowledging her nine years of service on the Beyond Blue Board.
- Collaboration Events: Advocacy efforts detailed in various sessions like the Beyond Blue webinar with Scott Pape and Megan Barrow.
- Milestone Celebrations: Celebrated her 10-year anniversary with Beyond Blue, an indicator of her long-term commitment and influence.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Various posts on the importance of mental health for young people, early intervention, and the significance of coordinated action for suicide prevention.
Education and Background
Harman’s interdisciplinary approach melds corporate leadership with a strong community focus. Her educational background from the UK and experience growing up in diverse environments such as Singapore and the UK have contributed to her nuanced understanding of both public health and community dynamics.
Key Public Statements and Opinions
- Mental Health and Economic Productivity: Harman underscores the critical intersection of mental health and economic productivity. She emphasized that the cost of inaction on mental health issues is far greater than proactive investment.
- Support for Young People: Advocates for significant support structures for children and adolescents, noting that half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14.
- Workplace Mental Health: Stresses the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces and supports mental health training across all sectors, not just within HR departments.
Personal Insights and Mental Health
Harman is candid about the personal demands of her role and emphasizes self-care, resilience, and maintaining mental wellness as fundamental to her ability to lead effectively. She shares that personal experience with depression has informed her approach to mental health and underscores the importance of physical exercise and strong personal networks in managing stress and maintaining wellbeing.
Organizational Influence and Vision
Beyond Blue, under Harman's leadership, has seen significant transformations:
- Increased focus on early intervention and prevention of mental health conditions.
- Strategic use of digital platforms to expand reach and improve service delivery.
- Strong advocacy for policies that integrate mental health support into various sectors, including education and workplace environments.
Harman’s leadership at Beyond Blue exemplifies a balanced approach of community empathy paired with strategic business acumen, driving impactful reforms and innovation in mental health support services.
