When you're not at work, what do you get up to?
Being a dad, husband, brother, son, growing stuff in the garden, and going to Bunnings. Might sound kinda lame to some, but I really enjoy all those things. I don't really get much 'me time' at the moment, but I'm ok with that for now. Nothing's permanent, change is inevitable – and I have a feeling the next opportunity or adventure (outside of work) is just around the corner.
What change would you like to see in the world, and why?
Power, governance and decision making should be more distributed, localised, and less concentrated in the hands of the few… and we need to stop destroying the planet.
What were you doing before working at TACSI?
I was working as a market research consultant in London. I ran international projects, largely in emerging markets, for big corporations. A lot of the 'craft' of the work we do at TACSI is much more similar to this than people might initially realise – although the contexts are obviously very different (as are many other aspects).
Who inspires you, and why?
My mum – she's never stopped learning. She sticks it to the system at every opportunity and preaches that breaking the law at least once a day keeps you young.
Looking back at your career, what’s been the highlight?
A couple of instances where we've genuinely been able to influence. Getting the voice of people we've been working alongside into state and/or federal policy that really affects their lives. This is in spite of all the usual barriers that make this difficult at the best of times.
Oh, and I once hand-drew a diagram that ended up on millions of washing powder packets in Argentina.
What are you reading, watching or listening to at the moment?
A range of current affairs and public policy podcasts. A few investing finance and economics podcasts too. Handmaid's Tale, The Crown, Emily in Paris (I can genuinely blame Nicole, my wife, for that one). Fun fact: apparently Emily is Phil Collins' daughter (IRL).
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?
A violinist. A lot of my younger years were spent in various kinds of orchestras and ensembles. Yes, I went to band camp.
What's a book, film or resource that you would recommend to someone interested in social impact?
The book we've written on the Future of Home (but I'm biased).
What's something on your bucket list?
I used to do a lot of rock climbing and have always wanted to summit the Matterhorn (Swiss Alps). It's just a perfect-looking peak. It's probably not a feasible goal for me any more, but I still haven't quite been able to let go of it yet.