Former pilot has skin in the game
FIRST JOB – AND WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I worked on the ski-tube at Perisher Valley. The job involved acting as a translator between the guys digging the tunnel and the Japanese owners. I don’t speak Japanese so that was difficult. But my skiing improved. Most of my career I was a pilot in the RAAF. Now I am proud to be managing MooGoo – a company that makes amazing skincare products here in Australia.
BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
“What do you think … it’s going to sell itself? You need a brochure!” That came from my first stockist. Really it was about the need to communicate. Nothing sells itself.
WHAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT?
I am glad I didn’t know much when I started. If I did I probably would never have had the courage to have a go. So enjoy the ignorance but learn from mistakes.
YOUR GOLDEN RULE IN BUSINESS?
Work is not just work. For many people it gives some purpose and structure and meaning to life, along with family. So for everyone that works at MooGoo, they need to feel what they do is appreciated and respected. They are the company, not the products.
A LONG LUNCH – A WASTE OF TIME OR ESSENTIAL? EXPLAIN
Usually a waste of time as we are busy. But time away from work such as the gym, running or flying is very important. It enables me to gain perspective on the business and see things I cannot see when I am immersed in it. It also depends on the person. For an introvert a long lunch may be exhausting, but for an extrovert it may help.
WHO IS ON YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE’S SPEED DIAL?
The coffee lady.
IF YOU HAD $1 MILLION SPARE, WHAT INDUSTRY WOULD YOU BE INVESTING IN NOW?
MooGoo Skincare. I’ve been hearing great things about it. Invest now before it’s too late!
WHAT SHOULD GOLD COAST PRIMARY STUDENTS BE STUDYING?
Learn a bit of everything so you have lots of options, because life is very unpredictable. In primary school I was going to be an astronaut, not have a skincare company. Especially learn about your own strengths and weaknesses and be able to laugh at yourself. Don’t worry too much because life will be different later.
YOUR BIGGEST FRUSTRATION DOING BUSINESS ON THE GOLD COAST? AND HOW TO FIX IT?
No frustrations. It is the perfect place to do business. There are lots of healthy, positive people around who need jobs. Far better lifestyle than a capital city. I love it!