Mukti is the founder of Mukt Organics, an Australian skincare company that offers 100% natural, plant-based eco-cosmetics, free from harmful chemicals.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I have a background in complementary medicine and beauty therapy. I have mostly been self-employed throughout my career. Mukti Organics was launched in 2000 so my primary role for the last 21 years has been as founder and managing director of my company.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
At the moment it is a little hectic as we are currently building customised premises and relocating our HQ from Sunshine Coast to Northern NSW – Mullumbimby. Several times a week I am on site to see progress and assist with crucial decisions.
As I live in Northern NSW, I am still travelling interstate regularly to oversee the day-to-day operations of the business. We currently don’t have a General Manager, so I am filling that role as well. The move will mean recruitment, so that is also currently in play.
We do everything in house from manufacturing to fulfilment and nothing is outsourced so there are multiple facets to the business. We are also incorporating new ERP software and overhauling the website so it’s crazy right now.
Most days are early starts with coffee in bed followed by a quick scroll through social media comms then emails. I then walk the dogs on the nearby beach or head off for an exercise class.
Then it’s meetings, phone calls, emails and the running of the business. Most overarching decisions fall to me, so my phone doesn’t stop all day. By 5pm, I am done so that is my strict cut off. Phone and computer are turned off for the day.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I can virtually work from anywhere as long as I have a phone and laptop. Although I am mostly looking forward to having our new premises completed and my team close by. I find that it is more cohesive and beneficial for general output and stability.
My experience has been that you need to spend time with employees to really support them in their roles. That is difficult to do remotely. Sometimes you just need to sit with someone and listen to them and that means carving out time as those face-to-face conversations are invaluable.
It’s impossible to read cues and the intricacies of a conversation over Zoom and really fully immerse yourself in someone else’s reality or the situation at hand.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
A good night’s sleep is a priority. Without that, I find it impossible to function effectively. I go to bed early at 8.30pm and wake up at 5 am. I also meditate daily so that I don’t lose my shit. I am a much better person and better equipped to stop and breathe rather than react that way.
Beach walks or bush walks are also paramount in keeping me grounded and happy. I don’t drink during the week and only occasionally at social events. Friends are also important and having deeper meaningful and supportive conversations. I also love just hanging out at home with my partner and dogs and reading, playing with my hand pan, gardening or reading. Simplicity is key.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
Eliminated toxic people. It has saved me a lot of time and energy.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
I like to listen to self-help podcasts or beauty related podcasts. I listen to Aubrey Marcus, Kyle Kingsbury, Living 4D with Paul Chek, Rich Roll, Tim Ferriss, Glow Journal and Gritty Pretty.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
I used to use an OURA ring, but I became a bit obsessive about my sleep, so I have since ditched it. I like the Insight Timer for mixing up meditations, 1 Giant Mind, Brain.fm for concentrated working and focus, Wim Hof breathing, for grounding and resetting.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Prioritise family, especially if you have young children. You will never be able to reclaim those precious moments.
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