Hoppers Crossing resident Martin Probst is a best-selling author, a certified learning facilitator and is involved in several community business organisations. He chats with Alesha Capone.
Tell me a bit about yourself…
My wife Gerda and I moved to Wyndham in 2004. Since then, we have had two wonderful kids, Nadja and Oliver. In 2012, I started my own business journey as sole trader which has grown into a successful company, with the amazing support of Gerda. PROfound Leadership is all about human-centred leadership and I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to over the years share our strategies, from facilitating local one-on-one coaching sessions to keynotes on big international stages. In 2019, I received the Learning Professional of the Year award at the Australian Learning Impact Awards, and last year PROfound Leadership was placed among the top 10 leadership development training/coaching companies in the Asian-Pacific region. However, as a beautiful mind once said: ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’, and that really resonates with me on a personal level. So, being of service to my family and our wonderful community is very important to me. The ongoing facilitation of The Future Leaders of the West (FLOW) programs, an amazing initiative of the Committee for Wyndham to build strong leaders within our community, is one of my greatest privileges. The programs cover leadership topics that never in our lifetime have been more important than now. That’s why I am also actively involved as a board member of the Wyndham BizNet and as member of the Werribee Business and Tourism Association.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I’m a people person, so spending time with other human beings and having some great solution-based conversations to get the best out of them and make their life a bit easier gives me a lot of motivation and joy.
You have also written several books and audiobooks?
Yes, I have, and the latest one, ‘I did it!’, became a number-one international bestselling book. A great example of collaboration, containing stories and tips from 16 successful entrepreneurs around the world. I think the book was so well received as the stories are raw, honest and include real, personal life experiences and wisdoms that resonate with the readers.
How did you feel when ‘I did it!’ became an Amazon bestseller?
That certainly put a smile on my face.
What was the inspiration behind your first book?
I spoke about writing a book for a long time, but never did it until I had the epiphany that I could either have excuses or I could have results, but I couldn’t have both. As you can see, this led to a conscious and life-changing decision.
What do you like about Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham?
Being part of a greater community. With kids playing sports, basketball, dancing and tennis, it’s nice to go out and know your neighbours and have coffee. Having a local network and collaboration is really big for us. That’s why we also support local businesses as much as we can.
How much has the area changed since you first moved here?
It has changed enormously. I remember when we first moved here, there were lots of paddocks and horses. Now the population has grown massively.
Do you have a favourite local place to get coffee?
Our favourite coffee shop is @7 cafe in Tarneit, at Wyndham Village. Amazing staff, great coffee and food, as well as wonderful customer service.
