As the CEO of Australia’s largest and most valuable Bank, and the ASX’s largest listed company, I have been fascinated by CBA’s leadership.
Matt Comyn was recently interviewed for the AFR, and shared his approach to work. What can we learn from his illustrious career?
Building a resilient, rewarding, and long-lasting career in a world where traditional long-term employment is becoming less common requires adaptability, leadership, and self-improvement strategies.
Drawing from the insights of Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, here are key career takeaways and actionable advice for boosting employability and career satisfaction over the long term:
1. Embrace Challenging Opportunities
Matt Comyn’s career trajectory underscores the importance of stepping into difficult roles. During the aftermath of the global financial crisis, he volunteered to lead the remediation process for the Storm Financial disaster, a role fraught with complexity and public scrutiny. Despite the daunting challenges, the experience became pivotal for his professional growth. It exposed him to high-level decision-making, legal processes, and parliamentary engagement for the first time, preparing him for future leadership roles.
Takeaway: Seek out challenges that stretch your abilities. While risky or uncomfortable, they provide invaluable learning experiences, demonstrate resilience, and distinguish you in a competitive job market.
2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Comyn highlights the importance of embracing opportunities you might initially resist. Early in his career, he was advised to take on a big technology project—something he didn’t want to do but ultimately found transformative. Reflecting on such experiences, Comyn emphasises constructive self-reflection and committing to forward progress rather than dwelling on regrets.
Takeaway: Stay open to unexpected roles or projects. Life often presents opportunities disguised as challenges. By saying yes, you build diverse skills, enhance adaptability, and position yourself for future opportunities.
3. Prioritise Lifelong Learning
Comyn acknowledges the importance of continuous learning not just for career growth but also for personal fulfilment. Whether it is managing teams effectively or public speaking, he emphasises the value of embracing new skills. He also aspires to learn a second language—a way to explore personal connections while expanding intellectual pursuits.
Takeaway: Invest in learning both professionally and personally. Staying curious and acquiring new skills keeps your knowledge relevant in a fast-evolving job market. This ranges from technical skills to soft skills like communication and collaboration.
4. Develop Leadership by Solving Hard Issues
Effective leaders step up to tackle difficult situations rather than avoiding them. Comyn points out that successful leaders are those who “move toward hard issues” instead of leaving them to others. His career showcases this leadership style, from addressing the fallout of financial crises to engaging directly with affected customers and stakeholders.
Takeaway: Distinguish yourself by being proactive. Demonstrating initiative to resolve complex problems showcases your leadership potential and builds credibility, which are crucial for long-term employability in any field.
5. Optimise for Productivity and Deep Work
Comyn prioritises focused “deep work” sessions to tackle meaningful tasks and avoid distractions like excessive email correspondence. He follows strategies from productivity expert Cal Newport, reserving blocks of time for intense cognitive tasks. Moreover, he limits email usage—sending fewer than five emails daily—and prefers face-to-face collaboration for problem-solving.
Takeaway: Master time management and focus on impactful work. Avoid busy work, and instead, allocate time to high-value tasks that contribute meaningfully to your career or organisation.
6. Focus on Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Resilience and clarity under pressure are key attributes Comyn credits to good sleep, consistent exercise, and a balanced approach to stress. By monitoring his health routines and maintaining proportionality in stress management, he has built habits that support sustained top performance.
Takeaway: Maintain health as a priority. Your long-term career success relies on sustained physical and mental fitness. Balanced sleeping, eating, and exercise routines improve not only productivity but also decision-making and stress management.
7. Sharpen Communication and Public Speaking Skills
Comyn admits that public speaking was once nerve-racking but has since become an important part of his role. He highlights the power of connecting with audiences by eliciting emotions through clear and intentional communication. Preparing well and embracing challenges help improve this essential leadership skill over time.
Takeaway: Enhance your communication skills. In a job market increasingly reliant on collaboration and leadership, clear and effective communication can set you apart and enable you to inspire and engage others.
8. Adapt to the Changing Employment Landscape
With traditional long-term employment becoming less common, building employability rather than relying on job security has become critical. Comyn approaches career-building with adaptability, emphasising qualities like initiative, resilience, and willingness to learn from failures. His journey reflects how modern professionals must focus on creating value continuously to remain relevant.
Takeaway: Foster employability by staying adaptable. Build a career that is resilient to change by continually refining your expertise and embracing innovation. This approach ensures you’re prepared for transitions or disruptions in your field.
9. Create Meaningful Work-Life Balance
Comyn’s ideal break involves disconnecting from his phone, spending time with his family, and investing in personal growth, such as learning a language. By prioritising moments of disconnection and intentional rest, he sustains his motivation and ensures longevity in his work.
Takeaway: Balance professional ambitions with personal priorities. A fulfilling career requires time to recharge and reconnect with family, hobbies, and personal growth activities. This balance enhances both productivity and satisfaction.
My Closing Thoughts
Long term employment is a thing of the past. Employability is everything today. Employability hinges on a willingness to embrace challenges, self-reflect, adapt, and remain curious. Drawing from Matt Comyn’s example, professionals can prepare for long-term success by focusing on resilience, lifelong learning, and purposeful leadership.
While long-term employment may no longer be guaranteed, with the right habits and mindset, long-term career satisfaction and relevance remain firmly within reach.
**** Pic source: CBA boss Matt Comyn. Louie Douvis
