This public servant founded a $4b company. He never wanted to be an entrepreneur

Being the CEO of his own company was never on Pinnacle chief Ian Macoun’s agenda. “I was a public servant.”

Ian Macoun’s dream in his 20s was to run Queensland Treasury. Then his life took a different turn. Louie Douvis

Sally PattenBOSS editor

May 2, 2025 – 5.00am

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In the executive coaching universe, the adage, “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good” is often wheeled out.

Progress over perfection. Good is usually enough. Perfectionism can kill creativity. And so it goes.

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Sally PattenBOSS editorSally Patten edits BOSS, and writes about workplace issues. She was the financial services editor and personal finance editor of the AFR, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. She edited business news for The Times of London.