Simon Hadfield is a Leadership Consultant at Hourigan International, a global talent business that specialises in the placement of creative leaders.

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

I started with a creative agency in Sydney before spending 5 years in the UK including a stint with Saatchi & Saatchi London.

On returning to Sydney I continued down the agency route until 2016 when I joined Hourigan International as a Leadership Consultant working closely with creative & media agencies as well as placement of senior marketers in corporates.

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

With COVID-19 it has obviously been different. Currently a normal day involves speaking with candidates who are either looking for a role or talent who we are pursuing for a live, retained position.

In addition it is important to continue momentum with businesses and industry leaders we have relationships with so as to continue to feed the new business pipe.

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

Under normal circumstances we work from our offices on Jones Bay Wharf, there is certainly some flex however we are generally office based. I’m lucky that I only live a 7minute ride away.

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

As you get slightly older, balance is more and more important. I’m more than happy to log on early and late from home to allow for a little bit of daily flex. I’m lucky that I live a 7 minute ride form the office.

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

I try to get to gym, however that varies. Eating well, drinking less and trying be active is important. I’m lucky that I have a great partner, she tries to keep me on the straight and narrow!

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

I listen to Stuff You Should Know when I can, greats topics delivered in a fun easily digestible manner. I try to read when I can. I recently watched the remake of High Fidelity with Zoe Kravitz which was great and am half way through Ozark.

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

Music is very important in my life in whatever form it is delivered. Nothing else critical apart from the everyday ones we all utilise.

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

The key is to love what you do then it doesn’t feel like work. Based on that I think possibly Mike Cannon-Brookes or Scott Farquhar.

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

Stop and smell the roses. Career is important but not as important as life. Make time for the partner and family moments, be there for your kids milestones as you can’t turn back the clock.

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