Matt Evans – Facilities Maintenance Manager - NPI
Growing Through Experience
Matt Evans didn’t join Sodexo because he was chasing the next promotion. He joined because he needed a new start, one where work-life balance wasn’t just a buzzword but something you could actually feel in your day-to-day life.
“Before I started at Sodexo, I was working in high-end landscape construction. I loved the work, but the hours, the pressure, the constant demands; it was wearing me down mentally and physically,” Matt shares. “I had a young son at home, and I wasn’t there in the way I wanted to be. I realised if I didn’t make a change, I’d miss moments I could never get back. That hit me hard. I knew I had to change something before it was too late.”
One day, after a particularly rough week, Matt opened Seek and saw an opening at Sodexo as a Grounds Maintenance Planner. “It was a brand-new role, and I thought, this could be my reset. I applied, and in early 2019, I was on-site and ready to start fresh. At the time, I had no idea this decision would transform not just my career path but my whole outlook on leadership, life, and wellbeing.”
In my early leadership days, I thought being the first in, last out, and pushing myself harder than everyone else made me a good leader. But I didn’t realise I was burning myself out and, worse, I was setting that same unrealistic standard for my team. I wasn’t creating space for them to be at their best.
Matt quickly progressed at Sodexo, from Grounds Planner to Grounds Manager, and eventually into broader leadership roles supporting the IFMS (Rio Tinto Iron Ore) contract. Today, he oversees facilities maintenance for Sodexo’s NPI (Non-Process Infrastructure) portfolio for Rio Tinto Iron Ore mine sites. But Matt says his biggest growth didn’t come from job titles or promotions; it came from changing the way he led people.
A turning point came when he was encouraged to speak with a psychologist. “That conversation changed everything. I realised I’d been carrying stress and unresolved emotions for years. I thought I was just ‘getting on with it’ like you’re supposed to, but really, it was affecting how I led, how I listened, and even how I connected with my team. That first session taught me that looking after my mental health wasn’t just good for me, it was essential for my leadership.”
He understands FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) life comes with its own pressures. “Being away from family, the long swings, the high-intensity work; it all adds up. That’s why I make it a priority to check in, not just when I think something’s wrong, but regularly, so people know they have support before they reach breaking point.”
Matt is proud of the ways Sodexo has embedded mental health support into everyday operations. “PeopleSense is Sodexo’s Employee Assistance Program Provider, and we’ve got resources on site, but just as importantly, we’ve got leaders who bring wellbeing into everyday conversations. It’s not a one-off message; it’s part of how we work.”
A Leadership Style Rooted in Real Life
Matt’s leadership style is grounded in empathy, shaped by both personal and professional experiences. He speaks openly about losing two close friends to mental health struggles. “When you’ve lived through that loss, you see the warning signs differently. You understand how important it is to make sure no one feels they have to handle things alone. I carry that with me in every conversation I have.”
Now a father of two, including a newborn daughter, Matt feels that awareness even more deeply. “Having a daughter was a reminder of how quickly time moves. Everyday counts, and I don’t want to waste it being distracted or unavailable, whether that’s at home or at work. I want to be present for my family and my team.”
Advice to Leaders: Lead with Heart, Always
One of Matt’s proudest leadership moments is when team members feel comfortable enough to share what they’re going through.
“If someone comes to you and says they’re struggling, it means they see you as safe, and that is one of the greatest responsibilities you can be given as a leader. It’s your job to listen without judgment, to support without hesitation, and to follow through on what they need. That trust is a gift, never take it for granted.”
Final Message: People First
“At the end of the day, our work is about people. Prioritising mental health isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about unlocking potential. When people are mentally well, they show up as their best selves. And when leaders make that a priority, everyone wins.”
Matt Evans is proof that with the right support, the right environment, and the courage to lead with compassion, the impact can be felt far beyond the workplace; touching lives, strengthening communities, and building a culture where people truly come first.