lifeoutside the lines

I was recently asked who were the people and what were the books that could highly recommend.

Here they are:

1. My Dad. My dad joined the RAN when he was 15 as an apprentice shipwright and after retiring at 35, he, my Mum, and I embarked on a 7 year expedition to circumnavigate the world. I was 14 when we returned to Australia and I had visited 46 countries. I could not imagine life without him, or that experience.

2. Paul Dunn. The first man to teach me the power of a clear pitch. After years of asking me to refine what I was up to in the world, I finally nailed it. His contact list opened and things took off. Paul is a passionate and inspiring social entrepreneur. @pauldunn

3. Daniel Priestley. One of my best friends and business partners. In 2001 Dan inspired me to join his startup Triumphant Events. He is one of the most creative and insightful entrepreneurs I know. @danielpriestley

4. Mike Harris. The second man to teach me how to pitch. As the creator of 3 billion pound brands, he is a genius at helping others craft their perfect pitch.

5. Vac Ubl. Long time friend and no BS business coach. He introduced me to some of the most powerful mental models that help me make faster, clearer decisions.

6. Ian Elliot. Ian Elliot was the past chairman and ceo of George Patterson, Australias largest Ad Agency. What he doesn’t know about influencing decision makers isn’t worth knowing.

7. Cathy Burke. Cathy is a tour de flow, and the CEO of the hunger project Australia. Her ability to inspire and connect people to their own bigger picture, while helping create powerful partnerships that transform under developed communities around the world is inspiring.

8. Dr. John Demartini. The most intelligent practical philosophers I have ever met. His model for understanding the true nature of ‘things’ is exquisite and a daily reference point in my life.

9. S.N Goenka. He is a household teacher for Vipassana meditation and he introduced me to the science of meditation and the true nature of life, without which my life would be decidedly less fulfilling.

10. My Mum. After finding her passion at 55 as a Kinesiologist, I have seen her come alive with a vigor and enthusiasm that would make a teenager feel inadequate. She is a testament to never giving up on the search for the thing that lights you up. Love you mum.

Below are just some of the books that have shaped the way I think about business, life, and playing a bigger game. I highly recommend reading them all. Enjoy!

Cheers,