Balancing the Grind with Philip Clump, Chief Operating Officer AU at Splend

Philip Clump is the Chief Operating Officer AU at Splend, a company that provides eco-friendly and affordable cars to on-demand drivers

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

I have worked for two of Australia’s largest fleet management organisations where I was fortunate enough to gain broad experience across new business development, relationship management, vehicle lifecycle management and novated leasing. 

Today, I am the Chief Operating Officer of Splend Australia. My role encompasses the responsibilities for acquiring new customers, customer experience and service as well as the acquisition and management of our vehicle fleet.

I enjoy using my experience to be part of Splend pioneering vehicle subscription, transitioning rideshare to be a zero-emissions industry and helping our customers with car ownership whilst earning an income. 

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

Mornings and evenings are chaotic trying to manage a young family.

My wife and I are woken up by our daughter at 5 o’clock. She is better than any alarm clock. We share pick up and drop off duties for our son and daughter.

I try to get as many Kung Fu/Tai Chi lessons and practice as possible a week. It’s great for fitness and for the mind. I also try to aim for 10,000 steps a day.

My workday is a lot more organised. Mondays are structured around reviewing the previous week’s results, team meetings and leadership meetings. On Tuesdays I tend to have supplier and external meetings. Wednesdays I meet with all my direct reports; Thursdays and Fridays have more of a strategic focus and planning for the coming week.

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

It allows for flexible working. I aim to be in the office at least three days a week. I am someone that does enjoy spending time with my colleagues. I think it is important for Splend as many of our team members are new and we are still developing as a team. 

On days when I work from home, I am more involved in helping herd the kids.

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

It means spending time with my family, keeping fit and driving the growth of Splend. You cannot achieve balance day in day out. It is the total outcome that matters most. 

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

Most people’s routines were disrupted in 2020! I have focused on trying to get back into the routine and habits I value and retaining new elements I enjoy.

In 2020 I went on walks every day. As I began spending more time back in the office, I realised I was allowing this routine to slip. It dawned on me that I had been using the time in which I would normally commute to walk.

So, I sold my car and started walking half an hour to the train station. A win for the environment and my health. There were other wins too. My parents live in the UK, so I call them each day as I walk, and I get through emails on the train. 

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

My favourite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and my favourite podcast is We Study Billionaires.

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

My iPhone and Garmin Forerunner 945.

I love the Trello App. The ability to synchronise it across my phone and any computer is my go-to way of staying organised both professionally and personally. 

My favourite mobility apps are Waze and Uber. 

Communication apps like Facetime and WhatsApp are a real treasure for me. My family lives in the UK and I went to an international school in France, so I have friends living all around the world. These apps allow me to stay in touch and not lose contact. 

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

Difficult choice between two: 

Sir Richard Branson – Stays active and healthy, connected to his family, campaigns for causes he believes in whilst running a multinational conglomerate with one of the most recognisable brands in the world. 

Sir David Attenborough – he loves his field of work so much that technically he has never worked a day in his life. He has just done what he loves. Quite amazing.

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

There is a lot of information swirling around with an equal amount of pressure to absorb as much of it as possible. I find it important to spend time with your own thoughts and ideas so you can let them develop and flourish. At the end of the day, they are what will differentiate you. 

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