Mentorloop Industry Advisory Council

Michael Werle

Director of HR Consulting Australia

Areas of Expertise

  • Leadership Development
  • Employee Experience Design
  • Diversity Equity and Inclusion
  • People Strategy Development
  • Organizational Culture
  • Remuneration and Benefits
  • Change Management

Connect with Michael

www.hrconsultingmelbourne.com.au

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More About Michael

Michael Werle is an accomplished senior human resources executive with over 25 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors. He is currently a Director at HR Consulting Australia.

His career has traversed industries including tourism, hospitality, telecommunications, emergency services, construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Known for his commercially focused and people-oriented approach, Michael has developed and implemented innovative HR programs that have achieved national recognition for excellence.

As a strategic leader, Michael thrives on shaping organisational culture and driving sustainable change. He has successfully led complex initiatives, from designing multi-year workforce strategies to implementing advanced learning and development programs and business systems, ensuring measurable improvements in employee engagement and business performance. His adaptive leadership style and pragmatic mindset have enabled him to navigate complex organisations, aligning HR strategies with overarching corporate goals.

Michael has a technical trade background and holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialisation in Human Resources from Swinburne University. His credentials are complemented by certifications in behavioral and emotional intelligence analysis, which further enhance his ability to influence and inspire diverse teams.

He has also contributed significantly to the professional community, serving as the immediate past National President and former Non-Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Training and Development, former Non-Executive Director Australasian Corrosion Association and a former Executive Committee member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Network.

In addition to his executive career, Michael is passionate about fostering inclusive, engaging, and safe workplaces. He has been instrumental in implementing diversity and inclusion programs, mentoring others, and building partnerships that elevating organisational engagement and capability.

He maintains and enhances his professional practice through memberships and networking and has recently taken up a Divisional Council role with the Australian Institute of Training and Development and membership of the Philippines Society for Talent Development.

Michael in the Loop

This chat with HR leaders and Mentorloop Industry Advisory Council members Lainie Tayler and Michael Werle explored the EX touchpoints that matter most, linking them to measurable business outcomes, and how to inspire leaders to act, not just approve budgets.

Access the Webinar

With the help of our Mentorloop Industry Advisory Council, we get into all things EX: What really is Employee Experience (EX)? Why is it so vital to every workplace? And what can HR or People & Culture professionals do to improve it in their organizations?

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Michael's Mentoring Story

Making a difference can happen when we least expect it, in moments that might seem insignificant or ordinary. We may never realise or appreciate the impact of our words or actions until much later. Mentors might just inspire us to push further than we would on our own.
I view mentoring as a relationship of trust. How do you build trust? By establishing rapport, if you have trust and rapport, you can have a well-intended conversation. In that space you listen, ask questions, and challenge assumptions and that might just mean holding up a mirror. A successful mentoring relationship is built on trust, authenticity, empathy, and mutual respect. In my role, I often get the opportunity to listen, share insights and help others work on achieving their goals, navigating challenges, and considering options and opportunities.
Lived experience is so valuable and I am fortunate to be in a position where I can share my perspective, stories and what I’ve learnt from things that have gone well and not so well. Digital literacy, innovation and working with an aging and diverse broader community continue to drive workplace change. The value of an exchange between junior and senior employees in a reverse mentoring relationship is clear, strategically important and promotes intergenerational collaboration and understanding.
Ultimately, mentoring is an enabler, helping others see what they’re capable of and empowering them to achieve their goals. It’s a relationship that can be deeply rewarding. In those mentoring moments, I am reminded that leadership is not just about leading self and others, it is also about leaning in and listening, connecting and sharing.

More from Michael

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