Leadership in a Changing World

Requires a Bold New Approach.

I help leaders adapt, innovate, and build a resilient future.

Professor Martin Bean CBE Professional Photo

Professor Martin Bean CBE

A Leader in Navigating Change

Martin’s journey is driven by a deep belief that the world needs leaders who embrace change, not resist it.

Having worked across education, government, and the corporate world, he understands the challenges leaders face and the opportunities that come from navigating them with confidence.

✔ Co-Author of Toolkit for Turbulence
A practical guide for leaders navigating disruption.

✔ Former Vice-Chancellor & CEO, UK Open University and RMIT University
Led two of the world’s most innovative universities.

✔ Former General Manager, Microsoft
Global leader of the Education Products Group.

Martin Bean is a trusted thought leader dedicated to shaping the future of leadership, education, and work. As the co-author of Toolkit for Turbulence, Martin provides leaders with essential tools and strategies to navigate change, seize opportunities, and build resilient teams. As CEO of The Bean Centre, he forges partnerships with innovative experts, cutting-edge technology companies, and visionary executives to help create a future that works.

Currently a Professor at the University of New South Wales, Martin's expertise focuses on the evolving landscapes of work, leadership, and lifelong learning. He shares his insights as a Group Chair and mentor at Mentor List, connecting with Australia's brightest executive minds.

Martin's contributions to leadership and education have been widely recognised. He has received prestigious honours, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London and the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to higher education.

In 2012, Martin launched FutureLearn, the UK’s first provider of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and was appointed as one of the UK Prime Minister’s Business Ambassadors in 2014 representing the education sector.

Martin has also represented the Australian Government on the Commonwealth of Learning and was appointed as one of three Business Champions to support the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Partnership in 2021.

Rethinking Leadership for an Uncertain Future.

Leadership is at a crossroads.

In an era of rapid change, traditional playbooks no longer work, leaders must adapt, innovate, and build resilience to thrive in uncertainty.

Martin founded The Bean Centre to help leaders, educators, and organisations develop the mindsets, strategies, and tools they need to navigate change with confidence.

At The Bean Centre, we don’t just talk about transformation, we enable it.

At The Bean Centre, we drive transformation through practical experience, executive insight, and collaboration with global innovators.

Whether guiding institutions, advising leaders, or reimagining workforce development,

our mission remains the same.

✔ Turn disruption into opportunity.

✔ Build leaders who thrive in change.

✔ Shape the future of work and learning.

Four Guiding Principles Shape Martin’s Leadership Philosophy.

  • Align

    Create Clarity & Purpose

    “Many organisations wrestle with inertia. They recognise the need for change but struggle without a clear, shared vision to guide them forward.

    The first step toward meaningful progress is alignment—ensuring every leader, team, and stakeholder not only understands the ‘why’ behind the work but is fully committed to moving in the same direction.”

    How Martin Puts This Into Action:

    ✔ Helps organisations define their mission and purpose in changing environments.

    ✔ Builds trust and alignment among leadership teams so decisions aren’t made in silos.

    ✔ Ensures vision clarity so teams move forward together, not apart.

  • Collaborate

    Breaking Down Silos & Building Strong Teams

    “The best leaders don’t dictate; they empower. Collaboration isn’t just about working together, it’s about co-creating solutions where everyone has a voice and contributes to the success of the mission.”

    How Martin Puts This Into Action:

    ✔ Works with executives to improve cross-functional communication and teamwork.

    ✔ Encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and adaptive thinking to build stronger, more engaged teams.

    ✔ Helps leaders develop the skills to coach, mentor, and empower their people.

  • Learn

    Staying Adaptable & Future-Focused

    “The world is changing fast, and the moment leaders think they have it all figured out, they’ve already fallen behind. Learning is no longer an event, it’s a continuous process of evolution, adaptation, and curiosity.”

    How Martin Puts This Into Action:

    ✔ Teaches leaders how to build cultures of continuous learning and innovation.

    ✔ Advises companies on future-proofing their workforce by focusing on skills development.

    ✔ Emphasises mindset shifts—seeing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.

  • Lead With Impact

    Turning Strategy into Action

    “Leadership isn’t about having the right answers, it’s about asking the right questions and taking decisive action. The best leaders make decisions that create lasting impact, not just short-term wins.”

    How Martin Puts This Into Action:

    ✔ Helps leaders translate strategic vision into real-world execution.

    ✔ Focuses on measurable success—ensuring initiatives create tangible impact.

    ✔ Guides executives through high-stakes decisions and complex transformations.

Real Impact. Global Reach.

From leading global universities to advising Fortune 500 companies, Martin has helped organisations and leaders navigate change, seize opportunities, and drive transformation.

  • Transforming Higher Education at Scale

    As Vice-Chancellor of RMIT University, Martin led one of the world’s most innovative institutions, driving digital learning, global partnerships, lifelong learning and student success.

    Impact: Launched RMIT Online to reach learners across borders and lifetimes—at scale and with quality. Led the charge on micro-credentials, equipping students with 21st-century human skills to thrive in a fast-changing world.

  • Shaping the Future of Work with Fortune 500 Leaders

    Martin collaborated with Fortune 500 leaders to future-proof leadership, upskill teams, and build resilient organisations.

    Impact: Collaborated with Salesforce, Apple, Instructure, and other leading technology organisations to drive student success and embrace workforce transformation.

  • Revolutionising Online Learning with FutureLearn

    As co-founder of FutureLearn, Martin helped launch the UK’s first MOOC platform, making high-quality education globally accessible.

    Impact: FutureLearn became a global leader in open-access online learning, delivering an exceptional student experience while empowering millions worldwide to unlock their potential and thrive in the digital age.

  • Influencing Policy for Workforce & Education Reform

    Martin advises governments on workforce policy, skills development, and digital transformation.

    Impact: Shaped national education and workforce development strategies across the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the European Union—driving innovation, skills growth, and future-ready learning on a global scale.

From the Boardroom to the Classroom,

Leadership starts with you.

Great leadership isn’t about going it alone. Whether you’re navigating change, transforming education, or future-proofing your organisation, let’s talk about how to get there - together.

We are here to guide your next step.

Schedule a conversation to better understand and explore your challenges.

Join Martin’s leadership network for insights & updates.