Luc Wiesman is the Founder & Publisher of DMARGE, the leading men’s news publisher in Australia.

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​​Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?

My career has been one of left-hand turns that eventually led me to start DMARGE. I spent most of my career as a strategist at Leo Brunett and VMLYR with an earlier stint as a web designer. Both helped set me up for what I’m doing now and have been incredibly beneficial to the success of DMARGE. 

Currently, I’m the Founder and Publisher of the Australian men’s publication, DMARGE. It started as a hobby back in 2012, before becoming a full-time job two short years later. 

Today we have 10 staff in Sydney and millions of monthly readers who visit DMARGE for the latest news on travel, entertainment, well-being and sport. Our clients include IWC, Audi, TAG Heuer, Sony plus many more. 

The business has allowed me to travel the world and have some incredible experiences. Most recently I was in Dubai for a private Beyonce concert and the launch of Atlantis The Royal. Despite the headaches running your own business has, there are quite a few perks too. 

We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?

I’m up at 5:30-6 most mornings. Not because I want to but it’s all the sleep I can get at the moment. If there’s surf I’ll head to the beach, if not, I’ll be in the local gym. 

Don’t have any social media, so I’ll read my Google news feed and send any story ideas to the team to cover that day. This is all before 8am usually. If there’s time I’ll meditate using the Calm app for 10 minutes. 

We have a bordoodle, Misha, so she needs a run every morning before I take her into the office. 

Mornings are the most important time of the day for me. It sets me up, so I like to squeeze as much in as possible. Which leaves my afternoons free to work on the less sexy parts of DMARGE, proposals, etc.  

Evenings are spent either working or watching some rubbish on Netflix. It’s better than scrolling on social media for hours, but not by much. 

Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?

I’m not one to talk about work life balance. I’m 75% work and 25% balance at the best of times.

Exercise and meditation are good places to start. My exercise is my non-negotiable part of the day, meditation not so much but I’m trying. 

Committing to the balance is really important, otherwise, you’ll burn yourself out and become a miserable turd to live with. 

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Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?

For the past couple of years I’ve taken myself off the grid for a few days to give my brain a break from technology and work. Things like Unyoked or more hardcore retreats are surprisingly good ways to break workaholism and bad habits. 

We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?

I’m currently reading a book called Unscripted, which is about Sumner Redman, the late owner of Paramount and CBS. Highly recommend if you’re into Succession or the media business. 

Last year I took myself off to do The Hoffman Process. It was pivotal for changing my relationship with work, booze and all my vices. Can highly recommend this for other business owners or people looking to make a change in their life. 

Just downloaded a habit app – My big focus for 2023 is to reach out to more friends more often. It’s now a daily habit to connect with a mate, even if it’s just a quick message.

Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

Being a business owner is lonely work, so find a girlfriend or partner that loves your ambition and drive. It makes life easier and you’ll appreciate it when shit gets real. 

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