Ahead of our much awaited THRIVE Immersion trip to Benin this October, we profile the talented Miles Protter, who is going to be facilitating this trip.
Raised in Canada, Miles pursued graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge which was then followed by a 15 year career in investment banking based in London. After a midlife epiphany, he followed a new vocation in leadership development, eventually moving to Australia with his family to run a consulting firm. Now, he and his wife are mentors and consultants based in Perth. Miles is actively involved in men’s well-being, serving on the board of Men’s Sheds of Western Australia.
1. What inspired you to support The Hunger Project Australia?
Having studied economic development at uni and as a banker who advised governments of several middle income nations, I knew there was something missing from the top down, charity led model of development pushed by Western agencies and NGOs. Encountering THP for the first time in 1988, I saw a new approach coming from a completely different paradigm. They really did believe hungry people were the only ones who could solve their problems. All they needed was encouragement, a sound strategy, and leadership development. And that is what THP has done for the past 40+ years. I’ve been a supporter ever since!
2. What’s one transformative moment you’ve witnessed during your last Immersion trip to Malawi in 2023?
We visited a community group that was struggling to complete all the objectives to be fully self reliant. I felt obliged to give some kind of inspiring speech, saying in front of the group we believed in them and were committed to fund the remaining expenses. Then a man who’d just come in from the fields stood up and said, “You Australians must keep doing this work not just for us but because it also gives you life.” I have rarely felt so known.
3. What’s one thing participants can expect to take away from our upcoming trip in Benin?
You will meet someone whose dignity, courage, intelligence and commitment penetrates to your soul. Returning to Australia, you will see new ways to lead that you never considered before, and put them into action. Work will not be the same.
4. When you’re not facilitating Thrive trips, what do you love to do in your free time?
My wife and I love to experience the beauty of our world, seeing the people we love, so we travel a lot! We love to hang out with our daughter and her husband in Melbourne, and explore the amazing nature of Western Australia. We love Perth’s cultural life. I enjoy cycling, hiking, and playing in the ocean, kite surfing and surfing. And I’m writing a book, which is a lot harder than I thought it would be!
5. What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your own leadership journey?
I always thought I was being paid to know lots of stuff and tell people what to do. Gradually I’ve discovered that leadership is about:
1) empowering other people to be great leaders,
2) being crystal clear about what is important, especially when some leaders today are turning away from their values in pursuit of power.
If you have been inspired by Miles and want to embark on a THRIVE Immersion experience that is sure to change your life, check out our immersions page.