Carl Gough is the founder & CEO of Meetmagic, a B2B platform designed to create a positive social impact by connecting blue-chip corporate decision-makers with the technology, start-up and innovation market.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I fumbled my way through a sales career by knocking on doors as a 26-year-old when I landed in Sydney. Cable TV was just starting, and I was the cable guy being chased down the street in Mt Druitt.
With no skills or formal qualifications, having a corporate job made me feel like I won the lottery. From where I came from it meant that I had already made it. Having a job and earning a salary was a luxury but I understood it was a path to what was to emerge.
I am now the founder of the world’s most generous ‘Soonicorn’, a global SaaS company, called Meetmagic.
We’re the world’s first B2B platform designed to create a positive social impact by connecting blue-chip corporate decision-makers with the technology, start-up and innovation market. We turn a business meeting into funds for a charity, chosen by the executive. Combining business and philanthropy in a handshake.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Coincidentally, I have an 18-year-old dog and an 18-year-old- daughter, both of which keep me up at night but keep me honest and humble at the same time.
My day usually starts at 5.30am with a workout in my lounge room. I take my dog for his morning ablutions and then my day begins.
Most days are filled with physical or virtual meetings with lots of laughter, ending typically with me cooking something delicious.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Absolutely, by design. The whole point of meetmagic was for me to spend as much time as possible with my loved ones living as true as possible to my values.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
When you find purpose and you do what you love, the things that matter get done. It’s paddling downstream, they are not separate.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
COVID has dictated that, but it gave me an appreciation of the things that are important in life. Having a healthy mind has become a prerequisite in this new world as does living life without fear.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
A very defining book is The 50th Law by Rob Greene & 50 Cent, The Atlantic Philanthropies by Chuck Feeney and the reason I want my last cheque to bounce. I often listen to Joe Dispenza and Abraham Hicks to keep my thoughts in check.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
I am simple. Home-made Yorkshire puddings, pork pies, French candles, and flowers. Meanwhile, I am also seduced by technology and find myself wanting to support new and innovative ideas.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
My Queen.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
If you don’t enjoy it, simply don’t do it. Why would you want to spend your day doing something you don’t like?
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