The hot seat

What was your first job?

My first job was bartending, on the side while studying, where I learnt some great interpersonal skills and also how to work efficiently. I also did an internship in investment banking in Brussels, which was an extremely fast-paced environment with numbers flying around constantly. I think both of these jobs complemented each other and made a great learning ground for launching my own business, where you need to have great interpersonal skills and, of course, be good at numbers.

What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?

The best money advice was from my dad, who kept repeating to me that “whatever you invest your money in, make sure you understand it inside out”. For example, before you buy into anything you need to understand the business, the people running it, the market and the competitors.

What’s the best investment decision you’ve ever made?

I think it’s crucial to invest in yourself and your learning curve. I invested in a great education, as well as leadership training programs. This has allowed me to grow as a leader, which has made me better at my job.

What is the worst investment decision you’ve ever made?

I’ve actually been saved from catastrophe and haven’t experienced any bad investments as yet, so I’ve been lucky. But in saying that, being in the technology industry I’ve seen plenty of people getting burnt by investing without knowing and understanding what they were investing in. What is your favourite thing to splurge on? I spoil my family a lot by buying them presents and gifts, but in terms of spoiling myself I head down to my favourite brunch spot in Bondi for a breakfast catch up with friends. I love shakshuka and a great smoothie, and when the bill finally comes out it hurts.

If you had $10,000 where would you invest it?

I would put it back into my own company. It’s a business that I know inside out and that I also know is great as it’s helping people who love pets.

What would you do if you only had $50 left in your bank account?

I would first of all be careful to only spend it on the basic necessities such as food. And then I would look for a job where you can get in fast but that still pays the highest amount per hour, such as bartending. I would then make a plan to ultimately get the lifestyle I want.

Do you intend to leave an inheritance?

Yes, I would like to help my family in any way I can. This is very important to me.

What do you think needs to happen to help start-ups grow in Australia?

I think that Australia at the moment is doing a great job in terms of incentives for early stage start-ups. The tax breaks for investing in innovative start-ups are helpful. This focus is, however, very recent – since the Turnbull government took charge – and I think it’s important that it remains long-term regardless of which party is ruling. In terms of the ecosystems for start-ups there’s plenty of support and mentoring such as the sharing economy’s Sharing Hub. At the moment there are meet-ups every week in Sydney and people are loving it. Finish this sentence: money makes … ... life easier but happiness really comes from having great people around you and being exactly where you want to be mentally.