Favourite gadget: Griffiths spokeshave, a traditional English furniture finishing tool. This was the first of an ever-expanding collection of fine furniture tools that I use to give a unique and authentic finish to my tables and antique restorations. First aspirational item: A John Coburn painting that hangs on our old sandstone wall. The colours and vibrancy bring a sense of fun and a splash of vivid colour. It's a very modern piece but still seems at home among 17th century furniture. It's timeless.
Next on the wishlist: 10 days in the week or three arms, so that I can spend more time in the workshop, at the farm, tending our vineyard or more time to travel for design inspiration! Where The Art Is
Art, whether displayed in a foyer, reception area, boardroom or office, speaks volumes about the culture of the business. “The power of art in a business space is underestimated,” says artist Wendy Hope. “An exciting, colourful work can excite the viewer into a frenzy of creativity; a quiet more traditional piece may have a calming effect, creating a relaxed vibe. The choice of artwork may even suggest personality traits of the executive who selected the piece for their office.”
Hope’s own experiences with art in business situations have proved prescient in the past. “When I visit a doctor or corporate business I always look at the artwork they have chosen for their surrounds and have a private critique about what kind of place it is. Although I hate to judge based on appearance, I am always surprised at how accurate it can be!”
Its subjective nature is also a stimulant, she says. “Art in an office or executive home can be the catalyst for great ideas, for stimulating thoughtfulness and emotion, having a very inspirational effect.” Don’t forget that art can also be a good investment if you do your research properly, or you may just want to start your own private collection of pieces you like.
From Good to Grape
A toast to your successful business! Are you celebrating with a top drop? For the wine connoisseur, collecting bottles for your own cellar is as much a labour of love as it is a pleasure to drink. A hobby can be a great way to network, spilling into bon vivant entertaining.
Or, you can take it one step further and buy your own vineyard (or brewery, if you’re a beer-lover). Apart from a bottle of your best making a great gift for staff or clients, winemaking comes with its own rewards. What better feeling than nursing grapes from the vine into a bottle with your name on the label? Almost like birthing your business again.
Race to the Top
Let’s face it, you wouldn’t be where you are if you didn’t have at least a little bit of a competitive streak. Care for a little wager? Maybe buying your own racehorse will do the trick. You don’t need to outlay millions on a horse to see good returns. In addition to options such as co-ownership, sometimes it just takes some research to rein in a good buy. Businesses like Magic Millions (www.magicmillions.com.au) can help you with your purchase, which might make a good investment down the track.
Or, maybe you’re looking to upgrade your sponsorship of your local under-seven soccer team. Have you thought about sponsoring something bigger? Have you dared to think about buying your own sports team or club? Long time rugby league supporter Russell Crowe (part-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs) and soccer fan Anthony LaPaglia (shareholder of Sydney FC) are just two actors who are also high profile sports team owners in Australia. If you want to do more than barrack at a match, enquire at your favourite team’s headquarters.
Living it up
Spend your first million, your next million, or your 200th million on living it up in style—and why not bring 100 friends with you for the party? Hilton Sydney has put together a Million Dollar Package, perfect for that milestone celebration. It starts with a first class arrival to the hotel in your Bentley Continental GTC convertible, dressed in tailored clothing by Henry Bucks, a coiffure by Joh Bailey, skincare by Payot—and don’t forget the huge, 12-carat Bunda diamond.
You and a partner will live in a master suite for two nights with your own Hilton host before heading to a full degustation dinner with 100 of your closest associates at Luke Mangan’s glass brasserie. Hey, if it’s good enough for Richard Branson...
The after party will take you to the Zeta Bar, set aside for your exclusive use, and when you’ve exhausted the view, your 100 guests can retire to their rooms, set aside on three executive floors of the hotel, all under your name. Breakfast and room service included, of course.
Escape the Daily Grind
You’ve laboured long and hard on your business, but you might just be teetering on the edge of burnout. Take your mind off the stresses of running a business by reigniting a sense of excitement with a stint of adventure travel. Whether it’s crossing borders on the Trans-Siberian railway, or working up a sweat in the Malaysian jungle, the novel sights and sounds of different areas of the world can be a refreshing and inspiring direction for you and your business.
Thrillseekers might find death-defying activities reinvigorating, from careering down the ‘Death Road’ in Bolivia on two wheels, to taking on the world’s highest bungee jump in South Africa, or swimming with sharks in Tahiti.
But if you don’t need close shaves to remind you of all you hold dear, even exploring France by bicycle or breathing crisp air on a Bhutanese mountain trek can remind you of why it’s good to get out of the office once in a while.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
No longer just the realm of hyperactive, partying youth or golden oldies on their last big trip, cruising for the executive set has come to the fore. Cruise lines now cater for travellers who just want to relax and leave everything behind. Most cruise fares include everything—from accommodation, food, entertainment and activities—except alcoholic drinks. The price you pay depends on the kind of berth you want. If you’re intensely private, perhaps a spacious room with a porthole would suit, or if you’re more likely to spend the entire time on a deck chair in the company of a good book, the room probably won’t matter too much.
Entertainment ranges from variety shows to cabaret, while activities could indicate a boule tournament or a water polo match. Cruise ships will also stop at a port of call for enough time to allow a short excursion to regain your land legs and explore new towns.
For relaxation, cruising may just be better than a massage.
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