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Balancing the Grind with Clive van Deventer, CEO of SleepHive

Clive van Deventer is the CEO of SleepHive, an Australian company providing quality adjustable beds, mattresses and riser chairs that help alleviate pain aggravated by poor sleep.

He is a regular participant in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raising over $144,000, and he continues to support the St Vincent de Paul Society helping Australians in need.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

Prior to joining SleepHive as CEO, I worked as CEO of Bartercard Australia, one of the world’s largest trade exchange companies.

Before that I held executive and sales positions at multiple companies around the globe, including Buyuo Pty Ltd, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, Club Leisure Group, and before relocating to Australia from South Africa in 2005, I owned Mueller Sports Medicine South Africa.

Despite forgoing a traditional university experience after school, in 2013 I went back to school and graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from the Australian Institute of Business, and also completed a marketing diploma and various university courses in leadership.

As now CEO of SleepHive, an Australia-based company that specialises in therapeutic beds and chairs, our clients range from elite athletes to senior citizens. Since 2004, the company has focused on innovative technology, which has resulted in thousands of Australians suffering less from their aches, pains, and ailments.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

I start my morning with a run at around 6am. Before heading into the office I enjoy reading up on news and also handle important emails to get a head start on the day, then on my way in I use the drive time to make a call or two.

When arriving at the office around 8am I enjoy taking the time to walk around and say hello to each team member, this gives me a feel for how each of them are doing. I then start any important matters that need my review and prepare for meetings that are arranged for the day.

I do my best to leave the office by 6pm most evenings to ensure I am home to spend time with family.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine? 

Yes it does however being onsite and present for my team is super important to me. I have an open-door policy and any member of my team is always welcome to pop in and share what’s on their mind or workshop any challenges.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

Work-life balance is important, not just for me but for my staff. I encourage the team to take time during a work week to make time for important family events like birthdays or children’s school events.

During the week I do my best to not contact any staff after work hours and do whatever I can to not contact any staff on the weekends. I try to be home by 6-630pm in the evening to enjoy dinner with my family.

5)  In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life? 

No, no major changes. Managing the business during a global crisis was enough of a change or challenge!

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

None off the top of my head, spending time with family and friends or renovating our family home is how I spend most of my time outside the office.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

Nike Running App, Apple News App that includes world and sports updates, or the Kayo Sports App.

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

Whilst I’ve read a lot of biographies, I honestly don’t try and copy anyone else’s life, I tend to only want to live my life because that’s the only one I have. I tend to focus on my own direction.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

I believe that as you get older and more mature you have a responsibility to try and mentor and coach whoever you can.

I’ve been fortunate with 3 children to have young people around me. I love encouraging everybody to have aspirations, I see everyone as equal regardless of their positions in a company.

You have to look at the good and positive in any situation, you have to have people around you who you like and respect. I truly work to provide a place to support people to earn a living and support their families. 

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About Author

Hey there! I'm Hao, the Editor-in-Chief at Balance the Grind. We’re on a mission to showcase healthy work-life balance through interesting stories from people all over the world, in different careers and lifestyles.