96. BOB HERRING

This week on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard sits down with one of Manly's quiet legends.

At 82 years of age, Bob Herring still swims almost every day in the waters he has called home since childhood. A lifelong surfer, surf lifesaver, rugby player, coach, mentor and former President of Manly Surf Life Saving Club, Bob reflects on a lifetime built around community rather than status.

From growing up on Sydney's Northern Beaches during the Second World War, to helping shape generations of young lifesavers, to spending over 60 years alongside his wife Judy, Bob shares simple lessons that have guided his life:

"Your health is your wealth."

"Be kind."

"Do the right thing."

In a world obsessed with success, Bob reminds us that a rich life is measured by relationships, contribution and contentment. Sometimes the greatest leaders are the ones who never set out to lead at all.

A small note before you press play...

Bob Herring doesn't own a smartphone or a computer.

So, unlike almost every other guest on The Courage to Lead Interview Series, there was only one place this conversation could happen—his much-loved Manly Surf Life Saving Club, a place that has been at the heart of his life for more than 80 years.

We sat together overlooking the beach, recording our conversation using nothing more than an iPhone voice recorder.

You'll hear the sounds of the surf club around us—people catching up, coffee cups, footsteps and the everyday rhythm of a place Bob has called his second home for most of his life.

The audio isn't our usual studio quality, but we decided not to change a thing.

Those sounds are part of Bob's story.

They remind us that this conversation wasn't recorded in a studio. It was recorded exactly where it belonged—with a remarkable man, sharing a remarkable life, in the place that helped shape him.

3 words that sum up Bob:

 

Health • Kindness • Community

 

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