In a world where connectivity is at an all-time high, loneliness has paradoxically become an epidemic, affecting 1 in 3 Australians.
Among the most affected are the country’s business leaders – those at the top of large corporations, surrounded by people and yet so isolated. For these C-suites, the effects of isolation are beyond just emotional – it holds financial and operational burdens, leading to declines in productivity and well-being.
Acknowledging the severity of this issue is Martin Blake, Ex-KPMG Chairman for 7 years, who is now leading the change to overcome Australia’s silent epidemic – loneliness.
Martin’s journey from the corporate world to loneliness advocate began with his personal experience. During his years as the face of KPMG, he witnessed firsthand how success and career achievements don’t always protect people from feeling isolated – in fact, it can often heighten the fact. Despite climbing the corporate ladder, being surrounded by colleagues and immersed in positions of power, Blake found himself experiencing professional loneliness, a reality that many senior executives face but rarely talk about.
Understanding that loneliness extends far beyond the boardroom, affecting 54% of Australians, Blake knew he had to act. His solution? The launch of Groundswell Foundation, a non-profit organisation established to address the growing issue of loneliness and its impact on mental health in Australia. Through community engagement, policy advocacy, and awareness campaigns, the Foundation aims to address loneliness at its roots, encouraging early intervention and prevention. They believe in Thinking Big, Starting Small and Scaling Fast to shape a better future for the next generation of people tackling loneliness in Australia and the rest of the world.
“Even in positions of power, isolation can be profound,” says Blake. Groundswell Foundation is not just about addressing loneliness in marginalised communities but also about shining a light on the often-overlooked loneliness at the top. Blake’s hope is to inspire other leaders – public and private – to confront this issue within their organisations.
The change begins with us. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation and share your own experiences with loneliness. Fostering a safe environment allows others to feel comfortable with opening up and breaking the silence on this epidemic.
Blake’s cause has found a powerful ally in the Hon. Rose Jackson MP, Minister of Mental Health. Together, they have launched a groundbreaking Parliamentary Inquiry into the effects of loneliness in Australia. “Loneliness is more than just an emotional experience; it has profound impacts on our mental and physical health,” says Blake. “This inquiry will help us better understand the issue and develop practical solutions to decrease loneliness across Australia.” The inquiry marks an important step toward addressing the issue on a national scale, with hopes of influencing Government policy and raising public awareness on the issue.
The Groundswell Foundation is gaining momentum, recently bringing its inaugural Gala Ball back to Sydney this October. The event raises awareness and develops ground-breaking new initiatives to tackle loneliness and better connect local communities. Blake’s post-KPMG life is driven by a new mission: ensuring that no Australian – whether a CEO or a community member – feels alone.
Through the Groundswell Foundation, Martin Blake is inviting Australians to join the movement and help shift the narrative around loneliness across the nation. Groundswell Foundation seeks to not only support those in vulnerable communities but also inspire corporate leaders to take this issue seriously and lead by example in combating loneliness.
This story was originally published on The Carousel.
