Adrian Przelozny is the Founder & CEO of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I’m the CEO and co-founder of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.
Prior to Independent Reserve, my background has always been in tech. After graduating from University, I started my career as a programmer and progressed to be a tech lead and enterprise solutions architect.
Back in 2012 the other co-founder of Independent Reserve, Adam Tepper introduced me to Bitcoin. After learning about Bitcoin and the principles behind it, I became extremely excited by the opportunities it presented. Fast forward to seven years later, and Independent Reserve is one of the largest and most trusted exchanges in Australia.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
In a nutshell: Exercise, emails, meetings, fun, repeat.
In my work life, emails and meetings dominate the day. Last week I spent my days interviewing people via Skype in Singapore as part of our expansion overseas. It was quickly followed up by a three day trip to Singapore to meet the shortlisted candidates.
During those three days we also had back-to-back meetings with local regulators, lawyers, accountants, potential partners and other individuals.
However it’s not always serious in the office! We take the time to have some fun as well. We have a crokinole board (a Canadian board game that’s proved to be good fun, especially with a couple of beers in the afternoon), Frisbee, darts, business card throwing, etc. There’s regular laughs in the office.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Yes, the role allows for flexibility and remote working. While I take advantage of remote working from time to time and communication is fluid via Slack and email, I prefer to come into the office.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
For me, a work-life balance is about making sure that the ‘life’ part of the balance isn’t neglected.
It starts with not staying in the office longer than necessary. I have a talented team and great processes. What that means is, I don’t have to micromanage or work longer hours than necessary.
As for what my life looks like outside of the office; I love to exercise. I play squash, go mountain bike riding, snorkelling, etc. Outside of that, I regularly catch-up with friends and family.
5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?
Regular exercise and thinking win/win.
6) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Figure out my priorities for the day or week, and make that my focus.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Richard Brandson. For a guy who’s undoubtedly extremely busy and pushing 70, he’s looking great, packs a lot into life and always looks to be enjoying himself.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Laugh regularly.
If you’d like to have a conversation with us about how you balance the grind, get in touch with us!
