David Gonski, chancellor of the University of New South Wales, sees his leadership strength as an ability to bring people together. But he notes that different people have different leadership skills and different qualities are needed at different times. Although his career has taken him to the pinnacle of business and to key roles for government and cultural organisations, Gonski has never lost sight of the need for personal modesty and respect for others. Or, as it emerges in this conversation with Australian School of Business dean Geoffrey Garrett: the best way to be a good leader is to be a good person.