Stuart Engledow is a Project Manager at Storepro, a company specialising in the design, build and maintenance of commercial space.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I am a Project manager for Storepro; an Australian-born global retail consultancy specialising in not only the construction of bricks and mortar stores, but the full retail life cycle from leasing through to strategy and ongoing maintenance.
My role is pretty varied, and project management also extends to physical site management, and joinery production management too.
I have worked with Storepro for just over 8 years now, and came to the business from an in-store, retail background. Having this on-the-ground experience has helped me to always view the work that we do through a client, and consumer, lens.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Each day in my role is different to the next. For example, this morning I was assisting with a joinery install on site from 6am, after lunch I had a multi-project scheduling and design detail review with an architect, followed by a weekly project update for a new site in Sydney. My day ended with a one-on-one coaching session with a colleague, on ways to improve team communications on site.
Once home I try to spend as much time with my two year old daughter as possible. Tonight we went for a little walk up the street for dinner, bathtime and a few books before bed.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
This is solely reliant on what sort of project I am working on. If I’m managing projects that are mostly interstate or overseas, then remote work isn’t an issue. If the projects are local, and I am taking on more of a site management role, then I need to be closer to the action and remote working isn’t as easy – or practical!
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
A work-life balance to me means being able to spend time at home with my wife and baby, but it also means being able to spend more time on me – typically running.
Having a clear head enables me to effectively manage my projects, to get them over the line on time. Reaching deadlines efficiently, together with doing a great job, has a huge impact on personal stress levels which also contributes to a great work-life balance.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
Yes. About 12 months ago I started doing Max Shank’s 5 Minute Flow every morning, before I touch my phone.
It’s a pretty simple and easy movement pattern that helps wake up your body, joints and muscles. I find that taking the 5 min for myself first is also pretty grounding for the mind, and helps to set up a great day.
I’ve also joined a running group once a week which I have found gives me a great sense of community, as well as a good workout.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend
Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People is a fantastic guide to effectively, pleasantly and sincerely working with people.
The Huberman Lab Podcast is also an amazing podcast for science based tips and tools for increasing productivity at work. It includes minor hacks including how to set up your desk or work space, and how to improve sleep just to name a few.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
AirPods, they’re just the best.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Jack Johnson, the man appears to have done so much while being so relaxed would be great to get some insights.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
In my personal experience, a dedicated focus on your physical wellbeing has a direct impact on mental wellness and a healthy mind. This in turn results in success in other important areas of your life, such as family and of course, work.
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