Meet & Greet: Martin Leach, Editor (Ponsonby News) & Publisher at Alchemy Media

Publisher and myGwork member, mentor and country ambassador Martin Leach offers insights into running a publishing company, and provides a glimpse into both his work and home life in one of New Zealand’s largest cities.

For the past three decades Martin has worked in publishing and events both in London and Auckland. He launched four business-related magazines in London during the earlier part of his career at Martin Leach Publishing, including Human Resources Magazine, Enterprise, HR World and Workstyle.

Many of his former staff attribute the success of those magazines to a highly diverse team, which included several people from the LGBTQ+ community, from different ethnicities and nationalities, and people from different generations and socio-economic backgrounds, alongside his empathetic leadership style – something many leaders aspire to today.

When he sold up and returned to New Zealand, he bought a local, lifestyle magazine called Ponsonby News, for the Ponsonby community in Auckland, which he continues to run today with his partner Jay. Here he shares some insights into his career journey, work ethic and leadership style.

myGwork: Can you tell us about your company and publication?

Martin: My publication Ponsonby News is a monthly news magazine which is usually 100 pages (approximately) each month. The magazine was launched back in 1989 and it’s been going ever since. I purchased the business off John Elliott in July 2004. He and I have become very close friends; he’s 83 and still continues to write for us. He was once a Tory MP but these days he’s very GREEN. Our locals love getting their monthly Ponsonby News fix. We also have a large readership around the world, who are people that know the Ponsonby area. Along with our print publication we also have a large online following on our social media channels and website.

myGwork: Have you always wanted to be a boss and why?

Martin: I’ve been my own boss since 1985, I could never imagine working for someone else. I know where I’m going, and I like to make my own decisions.

myGwork: How would you describe your leadership style?

Martin: My style is to be friendly, direct and ask what I know to be the right questions. When I met the social philosopher Charles Handy in Tuscany during the 90s, he told me that my magazines were the best in the UK. He then said "mind you, you don’t believe it!” He then said “The world belongs to the dissatisfied. Keep feeling dissatisfied and you will always be successful."

myGwork: What attributes do you look for when promoting/hiring employees leaders in your company?

Martin: We have contractors who work with us for two weeks of each month. They are paid for the hours they work. We all work from home, so we rarely see each other unless we use FaceTime or Zoom. Back in London I always recruited people who were smarter than me. Out of 30 employees I was the only one who didn’t go to University. I like to see my team networking. It’s been a successful strategy for me. I get a real kick seeing old colleagues starting businesses, being their own bosses or working in top management roles. One example is Xenia, who worked with us for five years until she left and has been Production Director at Condenast ever since.

myGwork: How do you successfully motivate your employees?

Martin: I motivate my contractors by being available when they need me. Most of them appreciate a word of thanks when we have success. We also go out for lunch every now and again.

myGwork: How important is LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace to you?

Martin: Two of our team are gay, including me and my partner Jay. When I left New Zealand to go to London aged 18, homosexuality was illegal. When I returned 30 years later so much had changed. By 1986, it was no longer taboo and everyone was happy.

myGwork: What was the last book you read? Any interesting take-aways?

Martin: I have just finished two books. The death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave. The second is Defying Gravity - Jordan’s Story, by Cathi Unsworth. I’ve always been a big Nick Cave fan - I’ve seen him live in London and here in Auckland. His book is not just a wonderful read, it’s also a breath-taking one. Cave writes novels like he does lyrics with stokes of blood, sulphur and lightning. He strikes at the mind and heart and is able to bring readers to their knees. I couldn’t put it down.

I started reading Defying Gravity - Jordan’s Story, after hearing that Jordan had passed away recently at the young age of 64. I got to recognise her when she worked in the punk store which Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren started in the 70s. She would often ask the members of The Sex Pistols to help serve in the shop. Jordan helped create punk rock. With her white beehive and Mondrian make-up, Jordan’s iconic look helped shape a generation on the Kings Road. I enjoyed hearing all of her history.

myGwork: What's your all-time favorite movie/show?

Martin: I watch way too much television. Currently I’ve been enjoying the BBC series “The Bidding Room”. I love the excitement of a good auction. I’ve watched 30 episodes so far!

myGwork: What's your most favorite holiday destination to date?

Martin: When I lived in London we would have short breaks to Italy…a country we love. But since I’ve been in Auckland we’ve been going to Bali. It’s a 10-hour direct flight with Emirates and we always stay at the Maya resort in Ubud. When I think about a holiday I always want to go back there. The management always gives us the same suite. (They have 100!). Being in the jungle and walking through the paddy fields is incredible. We go out to a different restaurant every night we are there. There are so many vegan restaurants to tempt us.

myGwork: How do you do to unwind? Which drink/cocktail helps you unwind most?

Martin: We no longer drink alcohol, but if we do get tempted we enjoy a beer or a glass of bubbles. We unwind by relaxing at home, and we go out two or three times a week for dinner.

You can find more about Martin and connect with him here.

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