73 Questions (UPDATED)

I did a summer school unit many years ago called “Introduction to Human Resource Management”.  I had absolutely no idea what it was about.  I ended up being the top-student in the class and went onto do post graduate studies.  That was 25 years ago and I’m still doing it.  Its a career that can take you all over the world and is a responsibility in contemporary organisations that I take most seriously. Such a privilege.

Flying as long-haul international cabin crew.  It was always my dream to fly and to take care of people as they make their journeys in the sky. In many ways, HR has a lot of similarities particularly in regard to internal customer service as well as safety.

Do a handful of things exceptionally well rather than trying to be everything to every internal customer.  This will best ensure that your HR service adds significant value to the business. And Remember the golden rule of HR 101: ‘right people in the right roles’.

I drink both – but I do start my day with a home-made Nespresso. I love Starbucks coffee too and my order is a grande size americano, made in a venti size cup, 3/4 full and with a splash of milk. I drink TWG earl grey, Silver Moon (SQ exclusive) and 1837.

Definitely red – generally a Syrah. Very keen to try the Shaw and Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz as well as the Torbreck RunRig (Barossa Valley). 

Always sparkling. If I won the lottery, I would treat myself to the PJ 2004 Belle Epoque.  Otherwise, you can’t beat No10 Brut Cuvee Chardonnay Pinot Noir at Dan’s.  It is less than $10 but could quite easily pass as French.  Be warned though: it can be very difficult to find as it is extremely popular!

Los Angeles – I have always loved the city of angels, ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you this. I also love Singapore which has a very special place in the heart of me and my family (who live there). I might be a regular fixture on SQ 217 too 🙂

Cap-Ferrat in the French Riviera and yes, the Grand Hotel (FS) too.

I am coeliac so I have to maintain a very strict gluten-free diet. Even one contaminated crumb and I will be very ill very quickly.

I love vacuuming and I like to think that nobody can vacuum a room like I can. I have a ‘Henry’ and want a ‘Hetty’ too.

I’ve always been a swimmer and do my laps at least 3 times per week. In between that, I try to get to the gym for strengthening exercises as well.  I am a treadmill runner too.  

Just soap and water (Ba ha ha ha…).

My parents – though they live over the otherside of the country so it’s logistically difficult for us to do that as often as I’d like to be able to.

India – there is so much more that I want to see and explore there especially in Rajasthan. I’m also keen to return to Mexico too!

I’ve always loved Port Douglas in FNQ. I much enjoy short trips to Tasmania too as well as Queenstown (NZ). Locally, its always a pleasure staying at Cape Shanck (RACV) and MACq01 (HBA).

‘They should look like sisters and not twins’…..if you know you know.

I much prefer cooler weather and just love the wintertime. That said though, I once visited the east coast of Canada in February and my understanding of real cold weather was changed forever!

Yes – that is true (more than 25 years ago now). I am pleased to see that they use more gender inclusive language these days (School Captain). It was a very early leadership experience that I am still immensely grateful for decades later.

Sure! In fact, my guilty pleasure is watching YouTube home-cooks. My favourite is the legendary Ina Garten – she is a joy to watch and cook along with. Any of my friends will tell you I am always sharing new recipes that I have made on the group WhatsApp. I have included a few happy snaps of my recent recipe re-creations 🙂 I have new ones coming here shortly so stay tuned if you are interested!

Collecting model airplanes, swimming, reading, running and wine tasting 🙂

I was crew at McDonalds when I was 14 + 9 months. I later worked at both Myer (WA) and later at David Jones Bondi Junction selling Jeans. My first HR job was in a major teaching Hospital where I starting learning my craft in an Area Health Service.

I loved Inventing Anna and thoroughly enjoyed both Uncoupled and Partner Track too. To be completely honest, I also don’t mind a bit of Selling the OC and I might have binged watched the new series of Below Deck Australia on a long flight.

Definitely carpet though I don’t mind floorboards in hallways and high traffic areas. A Realtor recently told me that floorboards photograph better too if you are profiling a property.

Always 2 doubles (and 2 sinks too if at all possible). If you travel a lot, you know what I mean!

 As long as its Eu de parfum….I have never liked subtle scents.

Not yet – though I am increasingly keen to get a doggie. Close friends of mine have the most beautiful greyhound, others have a cavoodle and my neighbours have a chocolate brown labrador. I could quite easily have any of these breeds!

I eat a lot of fish though I am not quite a pescatarian. I have the most incredible new seafood retailer at my local market (big shout out to my friend Walt!)

My Reebok Pump shoes. I always wanted a pair back in the 80s but my folks wouldn’t let me have them! So many years later I finally bought a pair – they are so cool. I have also cottoned on to the ON trend too and find the Cloudmonster 2 great for running (special thanks to JC my podiatrist for the recommendation).

I suffered a nasty neck injury some years ago that shook me to the core. It made me appreciate and value being able to do simple day to day things that we take for granted. I’m immensely grateful for all the fine health care professionals that helped me recover.

It is unlikely that you’ll ever find me camping or at outdoor music festival (but never say never!)

I do AG1 each morning. I take Magnesium before bed too and try to practice mindfulness exercises before sleep.

My Dad.

Yes I do – “DT”. Everyone who knows me calls me this. I am not really a “Dave” but I do get a bit too (just don’t let my mother hear it).

Red.

Green.

Seychelles.

Rimowa (checked-in) and samsonite (Carry on).

I like arum lilies. Simple, beautiful and shapely.   

I have always loved bright yellow marigolds and each year I like to have planter boxes of them on my balcony.

Not too long ago, I purchased a water flosser.

Kiwi followed very closely by watermelon.

Definitely a bath (and if need be, shower over bath but never shower only).  

Definitely not minimalism. Perhaps somewhere in between.

I am going to see the Devil Wears Prada 2 (like everyone else…)

On a Sunday afternoon I love to go to my local cinema and watch a film whilst enjoying a nice glass of wine (Double Feature). Sometimes, I’ll treat myself to the platinum experience too and stretch out in a nice recliner to enjoy the show.

Homelessness.

Soup of any kind.

My friends and I have an initiative called ‘postcode dining’. We set up a group WhatsApp chat and each month or so, we do a Friday or Saturday night dinner in someone else’s post code. It is a great way to try lots of different eateries in our respective locales. Plus we get to catch up and compare notes too which always involves a lot of laughs.

I like a 500gram rib-eye well done. Highly recommend the Meat and Wine Co for that.

‘Pivot’. I think we have all heard this word much to much – particularly in recent years. Same comments apply re: “Ahmaazing” too.

Gin and Tonic made with Tanqueray No 10.

‘True love can not be found where it truly does not exist nor can it be hidden where it truly does‘ (William Shakespeare).

Oh there are a handful and it depends on where I am!  Top of the list would be Nautilus (QLD), Windy Point (SA), Chez Piere (WA), Frank (TAS) and Otto (NSW). I also love Thai food at my local – the Golden Triangle (VIC). I celebrated a belated milestone birthday not so long ago at Aloft (HBA) which was absolutely exceptional.

Attention to detail.

“People don’t buy what you do they buy why you do it” (Simon Sinek).

Either a Ford Raptor or a RAM. Wouldn’t mind a VW Amarok either.

I think that the Newport Coast in California is very beautiful. Stay at the Pendry next to Fashion Island and enjoy sunset walks in Laguna and Crystal Cove.

I’m not much of a sweet tooth but I would probably say anything made with pistachio – such as panna cotta, pavlova, ice cream or even dark chocolate.

JOMO (but things might be changing…)

Yes it is true, I have a unique ability to impersonate accents with British and NZ being my most believable. I can actually do several versions of the British one.

I am circa 183cm tall (slightly higher if I have my orthotics on lol) 

You cannot be everyone’s’ friend all of the time. When you are an HR leader, you on occasion may need to intervene in someone’s decision making; tell a staff member something they may not want to hear or may even have to conclude someone’s employment. It is a tough profession though remains a great privilege as well as big responsibility. There is nothing else I would rather be doing now.

Catherine Tate in character as Derek.

EconomyX for the additional leg room or business (points + pay).

Heavily starched bed sheets (Crisp as cardboard…really, its true – my longtime dry-cleaner Mr Bancroft will confirm!)

We are all experts in our own lives, and: strive to ‘matter’ to others during the journey through life.

A copy of Ben Crowe’s new book – I even managed to pick up a signed copy at a local bookstore in 3144.

Sprite Zero (only ever in a can…tastes better in a can).

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant…have used it daily for over 20+ years now.

I am planning to (finally) visit the In and Out Burger near LAX.  I simply can not believe that I have not been to the park there and taken a picture. When I have done so, you will see it right here.

Being a self-confessed AV Geek, I like the Crowne Plaza (Singapore Changi Airport) and one day hope to stay at both the Fairmont YVR and the TWA Hotel at JFK. I have also been a regular visitor to the Hilton LAX over the years.

Peace, quiet and sitting outside in the crisp air (preferably soaking in warm water) sipping a cup of homemade Nespresso. Simplicity = Pure bliss 🙂

Taking a nap in the late afternoon over the weekend – a real treat indeed 🙂