1. We value your contribution to CT Management Group; what drew you to becoming a consultant?
I made a decision to look for something more flexible and it seemed like a good opportunity to see if I could use what I’ve learnt to benefit a new network of clients.
2. What is your specialist area, and why are you interested in that field?
I’ve spent a lot of time working in open space planning and operations but have also had senior roles in community services. Above all, I’d like to think I’ve developed a skillset that allows me to “talk shop” with just about all service areas within Local Government.
3. What has been your career highlight to date?
It’s a long time ago, but my first four jobs out of university were in Indonesia, Darwin, Indonesia and The Philippines. As a young man, the opportunity to work among different cultures and lifestyles changed me and set me up for all that has followed.
4. What was the last thing you read – was it a report, novel or newspaper?
Not going to lie, beyond reading The Guardian, I do far more listening to podcasts that I do reading. This morning it was the Ezra Kelin Show and the Bill Simmons podcast.
5. How do you relax- is it music, meditation, or something else?
If it is not an oxymoron, it is exercising – running/athletics in particular. I’m approaching 50 years in the sport and I still get a kick out of training and competing.
6. When you are away from work, what do you like doing?
Travelling – and planning our next trip.
My wife and I made a choice years ago to make the most of every opportunity and we’ve had some great experiences as a family. We now get a kick out of watching our young adult children setting off on their own journeys – our youngest is currently with his best friend cycling from Rome to Beijing!
7. Are you a sportsperson or a spectator, and what’s sport?
Both. When my body allows, I’m often at the athletics track or in the gym. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I have a few more decathlons left in me.
I’m now playing a bit of golf with my wife, which is great. She took up the game a couple of years back and I’ve gone back to it after many years off…
8. Is there something you’d like to tell us about yourself that you think would surprise us?
I’ve won a couple of World Masters decathlon titles and was runner up in another and I’ve set a handful of Australian age-group records along the way.
9. In a world with so many leaders and achievers – is there one person that gives you inspiration, why?
It might sound odd, but I don’t really do “inspiration”.