This handwritten phrase was found among the papers of industrialist Essington Lewis after his death in 1961. It captured the mindset shared by many Australian executives of his era.

Lewis was one of mining giant BHP’s mid-century “company men”: a salaried manager who learned the business from the ground up, and gradually progressed through the ranks.

Men like Lewis built their identity around work. In return, their loyalty and skills were rewarded with status, promotion and the proverbial gold watch.

Corporate leadership has changed dramatically over recent decades. Women now lead major companies. Lifetime employment at a single company has become rarer.

However, my new research suggests the image of the “company man” has proven resilient even as the workforce has become more gender-balanced.

Many of the qualities still associated with leadership – ambition, toughness, emotional restraint and devotion to work – were forged in mid-century companies.

This history helps shine a light on why, despite decades of progress, the ideal of the “company man” often still decides who gets ahead.

Out of the ashes of war

In Australia and across much of the West, the company man emerged during a period of economic change. In the early 20th century, many of Australia’s largest firms were controlled by founders and family members.

Owners often ran the business........

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