Balancing the Grind with Davie Fogarty, Founder & CEO of Davie Group

Davie Fogarty is the founder & CEO of Davie Group, a company he founded in 2018 which sells 10 consumer brands, including The Oodie, Calming Blankets and Pupnaps.

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

By way of background, I started off growth-hacking Instagram accounts after I finished high school. From there, I discovered my interest in marketing and social media.

Before I started Davie Group and launched the 10 successful brands I own today, including The Oodie and Calming Blankets, I had a few failed business ideas – selling headphones, iPhone cases, gym clothing and a Vietnamese roll shop in Adelaide.

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

I wake up at 4am and I try to meditate and work out in the morning to have some ‘me time’ before the day gets started.

Then I have meetings throughout the day with our team, investors and contractors to ensure everything is running smoothly across the company and address any concerns they might have.

Lately, I’ve had quite a few podcasts and interviews as well which has been great to add some variety to my day. A couple of times a week I also film content for my YouTube channel, where I’m sharing advice and tips on how to create a successful brand.

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

Thankfully, it does. Our entire team is able to work remotely when required, which made it easier for us during the pandemic.

It also works in my favour when I want to travel because I can be anywhere in the world (or anywhere in Australia until the borders reopen) and still be able to keep in touch with my team and work as normal.

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

I choose to work a lot because I enjoy it and, for me, it’s a lifestyle. In saying that, it’s important to constantly reflect on whether it’s actually bringing happiness or whether you’re doing it for external vanity reasons.

I do still try to switch off at least one day a week and when I travel, I take time away from my laptop and phone to unwind and enjoy it.

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

I’ve started meditating, which has improved my sleep as well as helping me stay calm and centred through some of the more stressful times.

I also deleted social media apps from my phone, which is a bit ironic, but I found myself getting distracted by them, which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to.

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

My favourite books are The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, Ready Fire Aim by Michael Masterson, Good to Great by James C. Collins and Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini.

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

Definitely my AirPods and UberEats!

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

I really admire Naval Ravikantso and would love to hear his insights.

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

I think it’s really important to always be checking in with yourself and making sure that you’re enjoying what you’re doing, and you’re happy with the level of work you’re putting in.

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