I invited you on because…
This is the name of Dean Lloyd’s Youtube series/podcast where he has a chat with people on a range of topics. I’ve been lucky to know Dean for a few years (thanks for the intro Omar!) and we always have fun chats.
When Dean invited me, I was up for it and curious to hear what he was keen to chat about for this. His answer… “I would like to talk about your employment history and what got you into the work you are currently doing. First job – first pay check – transition progression into the work you do”.
So that’s what we got into. It didn’t go quite as far back as a twinkle in Dad’s eye. But close. We started with my life growing up as a brickie from when I was about two… and we covered a few threads over the past 40-odd years. A lot in 30 minutes.
More Reflections
Some of that might raise more questions than answers… I’ve written quite a few reflection pieces over the years where I got deep on a bunch of these threads. So if you’re curious, some rabbit holes for you.
We mostly covered my backstory and I didn’t go into any real detail on what I do now. What do you do? is my attempt at a concise outline. Dynamic4 2024 Strategy will give you more framing… and Celebrating 2023 Wins will give you a better idea of how I spend my days.
I listed a bunch of other jobs I’ve had in Formative Jobs Reflection with what they taught me.
I wrote Ben Pecotich: Digital Brickie in 2011 as a way to translate growing up as a brickie into the type of work I’ve done over the past 30 years. My Bridge Intro Story has similar themes and was for a talk I gave at the Sydney Opera House where I was asked to intro myself using a single image… it’s full of accurate metaphor.
Reflecting on 30 Years is a reflection on my first 30 years of work after leaving school.
Reflecting on 30 Years – The Pivot is a reflection on my first 30 years working in financial services. In 2018 I went into more detail in Reflecting on 25 Years. Part 1: The Westpac Years (1993-1998) and Reflecting on 25 Years. Part 2: The AMP Years (1998-2001).
I started Dynamic4 in 2001 and during our 20th year, I reflected on a bunch of the lessons I’ve learnt. As part of that series, I outlined in the abridged (it’s still long!) Dynamic4 origin story in Dynamic & Adaptable. Dynamic4: The 20th Year.
In Reflecting on 30 Years of My Startup Life I reflected on the 20+ startups I’ve co-founded since 1994, including my first one Gangster Snowboards and Dynamic4 Fitness which I mentioned in the interview.
There’s many other reflection posts and interviews I’ve done over the years where I’ve shared various parts of these stories.
What I’ve Learnt
I learnt how to learn and work hard from a very young age. I fed my curiosity. I took risks.
Most importantly I built empathy with people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences – so I can have a sensible conversation with most people and can ask insightful questions that get into deep detail for their context… which builds a sense of shared experience that goes beyond the surface.
I learnt to share what I know and can do early in my life. How to coach, guide, and support people. How to lead by working alongside rather than from a position of authority.
I learnt to see the whole across a broad range of contexts and see patterns. This allows me to find inspiration and possibilities from seemingly unrelated things.
I’ve failed over and over, learnt, and built the ability to rapidly adapt. I have confidence through practice that I can face challenges and thrive in changing contexts. I learnt to see and anticipate trends.
I learnt to love learning in an applied way… about everything I can… and I still do that everyday.
There’s also been endless fun and I’m extremely grateful to have met and learnt from so many awesome people on my journey so far. A non-linear career designing, building, delivering, and leading strategic change… by bringing together strategy, design, regenerative innovation, tech, wellbeing, and purpose.
A life in progress 😃
