Balancing the Grind with Grant Williams, Founder of Viveberry

Grant Williams is the Founder of Viveberry, a performance coffee brand boosted with coffee berry.

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

For 8 years I was in the construction industry, working for our family building business called Williams group. I was mainly a foreman/project manager which actually involved a lot of personal growth for me. I used to be a little shy, but managing a jobsite taught me how to stand up for what I believed whilst being respectful and kind to everyone.

I never lacked the motivation to work hard, but I didn’t belong in the building industry. I wanted to start my own business; I think because I wanted a new challenge. I jumped into the deep end and whilst it’s sometimes overwhelming, I’m really enjoying it.

I am the sole founder of Viveberry. I now realise how much I have benefited from my past career. Building complex houses can seem really overwhelming at the start, but the solution is to turn up every day and solve the problems right in front of you. 

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

My average day looks probably the complete opposite to most. My partner and I have been travelling Australia in our car for the past year. Our car is our home/office/everything.

We wake up early, make a coffee and either go for a surf, to the gym or for a run. We are very active people. If it’s sunny we will have a swim in the ocean after. I love working hard on the business, but I try to be as productive as possible for as little time as I need.

Here is a recent work day:

• 6am- woke up naturally after 8 hours of sleep
• 6-7- made coffee and enjoyed the peace of a quiet morning
• 7-8 made a reel for Viveberry Instagram. 
• 8-10- self-care. Stretched, workout and then smoothie.
• 10- jumped in the pool quickly before a business call.
• 12-2- surfed
• 2-5- ate oysters for $1 each with friends. 
• 5-6- did a little planning for business etc.
• 6-9- went rock climbing at an indoor gym. 

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

Absolutely. I think flexibility is so important. Honestly, I built my whole business around it. That’s one thing about the construction industry, I was tied to the jobsite from 6.30am-4pm every day.

I love being able to listen to my body and move slower when I feel flat, and really knuckle down when I feel great. Being a surfer, when the conditions are good, I want to be surfing. If I miss those days in the water, I won’t be as fulfilled as a person and that will show in the quality of work.

I have learnt that there isn’t much in terms of ‘work’ that can’t wait a few hours or days. That’s why if the opportunity pops up to do something that’s going to make you happy, I think you should do it, and promise yourself to get the work done later. 

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

To me work-life balance is about making sure you have clear goals for both your work and also your life, and spend adequate time (no more or no less) working on both. I think if people aren’t fulfilled as a person, they won’t be doing good work, so it’s counterproductive forcing people to work.

I’m not scared to put myself, my partner or family first over the business. I am also blessed with a beautiful and supportive partner who understands that sometimes I have to prioritise the business, for that I am so grateful. 

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

I made a decision to prioritise sleep. When I go to bed, I set an alarm for no sooner than 8.5 hours later. That means if I go to bed early, I wake up early. It also means if I get to bed late, I sleep in. I decided that nothing is worth not waking up and feeling my absolute best for. 

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

Deep by James Nestor is one of my favourites. it takes you on a mind-blowing journey of what humans know about everything under the ocean. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins inspired me to run over 10 marathons and truly learn my capabilities. I have been listening to The Inspired Unemployed podcasts lately and they are so good. Whilst being funny, they make themselves really vulnerable, really helping to tackle mental health especially for men.

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

The one thing I literally can’t go without is a good drink bottle. If you haven’t already got one, go and buy yourself a good bottle that you are excited to drink out of.

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

Kelly Slater. He seems to be constantly doing so many things. I would love to know his morning routine and how he manages so many different tasks whilst keeping himself so healthy. 

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

I think achieving a good balance is about making the most of the small gaps. Whether it’s the 10 minutes before work, at lunch or before bed to do something for yourself, for your family, partner or for work. If you make the most of all those little moments, the result is huge. Every moment of this life is a gift, and it would be a real shame to get complacent. Drink another coffee and squeeze every drop out.

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