Balancing the Grind with Patryc Lampasi, Showroom & Sales Manager at Harbour Outdoor

Patryc Lampasi is well-known in the Australian design industry, having worked with some of Australia’s most premium furniture and lifestyle brands over the last decade.

Now, managing showroom and sales at Australian outdoor furniture company, Harbour Outdoor, he specialises in working closely with retail and trade customers to specify premium furniture for luxurious homes, offices and hospitality applications.

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

I’ve been involved in retail management for 19 years, initially as a sales consultant which quickly transitioned into management. My focus over the period has been in the interiors sector managing and supporting teams of designers and in-store consultants.

I’m currently engaged in all aspects of the business, from operational management, merchandising, store planning, product inventory and overseeing sales for Australia.

Prior to working in retail, my career background extended to the fields of alternative health and social work.

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

A recent day involved coordinating inbound shipping containers, preparing client orders for outbound deliveries and liaising with interior designers and architects re: specification solutions and order placement. 

I often have video calls with the production team overseas, to finalise drawings for custom orders, as well as daily face-to-face client interaction during the day and other colleagues within the business structure.

Additionally, I have also provided support to professionals and homeowners looking to create a space of wellbeing using our sustainable, organic collections – it’s always amazing to see how designing a space with complementary furnishings can bring about a sense of calm and productivity.

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

Whilst work-life balance is an individual approach for everyone, a good starting point is understanding your expectations and weighing in on your personal values. This has served me well, and has proven to be more sustainable over the long term.

A non-negotiable for me is not “eating on the run.” There’s a whole day ahead to achieve what needs to be achieved, so I set up my day with an uncompromised block of time (usually an hour) where I’m intentional with my time and honour my needs before the demands of work.

The flipside is that my work is focused and efficient, because the cornerstone of my day is founded on self value.

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

I started a morning walk at 6am. The stillness I experience before the day starts is profound.

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

I recently listened to an interesting talk about Breaking Up with Perfectionism – WorkLife with Adam Grant.

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

 Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem, of YSG Studio

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

UNPLUG. I’m a strong advocate of removing those AirPods and unplugging them. Instead tune into your natural environment. The equilibrium you’ll create from this one simple but deliberate act will astound you.

Our society is hard wired to connect to so many electronic devices, so allowing yourself space facilitates the balance needed to impact overall wellness and establish healthy boundaries and ultimately, gives more attention to the people you spend your time with.

Make sure the space you create for yourself – be it at home or work – is your sanctuary. A disorganised, chaotic space will disrupt your headspace. 

Finally – be ok to ask for help from co-workers. The benefits of being part of a solution fosters relationships for all involved.

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